If you’re tired of visiting outdated, smoke-filled bowling alleys that haven’t been updated since the ‘80s, you’ll love the chic, retro style of Philadelphia’s North Bowl. This hip and upscale bowling alley is just as fun and relaxed as the older options, but it features 21,000 square feet of lounge spaces, bowling lanes, and dining areas that you just won’t find at your typical bowling alley.

In the downstairs level of the bi-level building, you’ll find the colorful bowling lanes, a dining area, and a sleek bar. If all of that bowling makes you hungry, you can grab gourmet food items like braised beef wonton tacos and crunchy Asian ramen noodle salads. You can even order food laneside! Upstairs, North Bowl has four more private bowling lanes, pool tables, arcade games, and a cocktail lounge.

If you’re really serious about bowling, North Bowl hosts bowling leagues for various skill levels where you can engage in a little friendly competition.

North Bowl
909 N. Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-BOWL
www.northbowlphilly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/north-bowl-philadelphia

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr ceasedesist

The menu at Vernick Food and Drink may not be massive, but accolades from the likes of Zagat, Bon Appetit, and Food & Wine speak to the strength of the carefully curated list of dishes. Vernick Food and Drink makes it easy to piece together a meal from tapas, starting with ingredients "on toast" such as Maryland crab, broccoli and bacon jam, or the popular beef tartare with fresh horseradish.

You can also dive into your meal with a few plates from the raw menu, such as Island Creek oysters in a ginger-citrus dressing, tuna poke with sweet soy sauce, or sea urchin with a side of scrambled eggs. Then there are a few veggie-based apps, as well as a list of bonafide small plates that includes everything from veal sweetbreads to grilled heart of romaine with figs and aged cheddar. But if you're feeling extra hungry, opt for a full-sized entree such as grilled black sea bass or lamb rack and belly.

Vernick Food and Drink
2031 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 639-6644
www.vernickphilly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vernick-food-and-drink-philadelphia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr frankieleon

You don’t have to be celebrating a special occasion to treat yourself to something truly special, and Vernick Food & Drink is just the place to go when you want to really indulge. While a meal doesn’t come particularly cheap at his Philadelphia favorite eatery, some say it's worth every penny to experience the taste of the skilled chef’s premium quality ingredients and creative yet classic combinations.

Dishes like whole Bronzino baked in a wood oven, Ahi tuna poke, and black pepper octopus with sweet potato and persimmon are just a few of the delicious offerings, and to get the full experience, you’ll certainly want to pair them with a glass of wine or a decadent dessert cocktail.

Choose a table inside the airy, light filled dining room and observe the chefs working in the open kitchen before your meal arrives. On warm days, the second floor patio is also a great spot for a relaxing lunch.

Vernick Food & Drink
2031 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 639-6644
www.vernickphilly.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr larryjh1234