A Cool New Trend

This snazzy new Florida restaurant and bowling alley scores big.

I have a secret.

I love bowling. It's the one sport where no matter how many times my ball lands in the gutter, I can still laugh about it with my friends. I've hidden this guilty pleasure inside because bowling hasn't always been seen as the coolest activity. Ho-hum alleys offer little but stale snacks and stinky shoes.

Thankfully, not all bowling joints are created equal. Tampa recently welcomed Splitsville and Sally's Alley-a trendy bowling alley/restaurant that makes this sport look cooler than Danny Zuko in the movie Grease.

Cooler Than Ever

A mammoth red-and-white bowling pin stands at the front of Splitsville, letting me know I've arrived. Inside, 12 bowling lanes are split into clusters of 4 lanes with bars, billiards tables, and lounge areas in between.

Operating by the motto "It's not your Daddy's bowling alley," Splitsville feels hip with ruby red walls and modern George Nelson lighting. Young staff members, clad in vintage bowling shirts, are always ready for a good time.

Snazzy Noshing

Just as Splitsville bucks the overall stale image of the game, it also brings new life to alley fare. Sushi rolls offer something for the sophisticated and daring palate. When I want something to snack on while I strike out, I look to the menu for quesadillas. Rather than a hamburger, Splitsville serves Gourmet Sliders, such as mini cheeseburgers ($9) or turkey sandwiches ($8). And, by all means, go ahead and sip a martini or a glass of Merlot while you play.

Sally's Alley

If you prefer to eat in a sit-down restaurant without players shouting "your turn," look to Sally's Alley, Splitsville's more sophisticated sidekick. This enjoyable spot has ditched the actual lanes but kept the theme.

While the filet mignon ($22), steak scampi ($22), and chicken piccata ($14) always do well here, owner Guy Revelle says the Mahi Mahi With Voodoo Shrimp ($19) is also favorite. I'm a fan of the mini-size desserts, such as hot chocolate cake or a banana split, for $3 each.

Sally's Alley takes reservations; Splitsville, however, does not, and the delay for a lane can take hours. This place is such a blast, though, you won't want to split. JENNIFER MCKENZIE FRAZIER

Splitsville and Sally's Alley: 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602; (813) 514-2695 or www.splitsville lanes.com. Bowling: $5 per person, per game; $6 Friday-Saturday after 6 p.m. Adult shoe rentals run $3.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2005
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