Philadelphia - June 15, 2006

Super Bowl

Lucky Strike Lanes Bowling Lounge

Potbellies, back hair, New Jersey.

Just a few things that come to mind when one thinks of bowling. Oh, and that scene from Kingpin, when Bill Murray’s comb-over is flyin’ all wild as he runs down the lane.

Well, you’d better readjust your perceptions, because bowling just got all classed up. No more beer-swilling dirty old men and no more rival high school gangs smoking reefer in the parking lot — not, at least, at Lucky Strike, the famed L.A. bowling lounge making its Philly debut.

With two stories, 24 lanes, six pool tables, a sports bar, and the city’s largest roof deck (come fall), the place is downright swanky. And forget about corn dogs; Lucky Strike’s bistro menu includes grilled tomato, basil and mozzarella sandwiches, and a turkey club with applewood-smoked bacon, avocado, and a fried egg.

We doubt you’ll miss the lanes of yore one bit.

Unless, that is, you have a thing for comb-overs.

Lucky Strike Lanes, 1336 Chestnut Street (215-545-2471 or bowlluckystrike.com).