Punch Bowl Social is Denver’s newest bowling-drinking-hipster-emporium, located on on the corner of Broadway and First inside what seems to be a renovated warehouse, complete with high exposed ceilings, low hanging chandeliers and ambient space.
This gigantic restaurant/bar/gamestop has multiple sections in which patrons can eat, drink and be merry. With a decidedly relaxed vibe, PBS attracts the hip, the after-work crowd, big-kid birthday parties (multiple “30!” b-day balloons) and bachelorette parties. A classier and less depressing version of Dave & Buster’s, PBS is able to capture the fun and easy-going nature of arcade entertainment with the added bonus of the adult remedy of alcohol and gourmet meals such as cast-iron burgers, Korean sticky-ribs and chicken and waffles.
The servers are sure to pay attention, following their patrons from bowling alley to table to shuffle board and back again. The food and drinks are, as one might guess, on the pricier side. Daily Happy Hour lasts every day from 2-6 p.m., and features a variety of small plates for under $7 as well as wells and special punches for $6 per glass.
While PBS is hopping at night, the more cost-effective option for the wallet is during the weekday before 6 p.m., when the working masses start flooding in with a deep-seeded need for alcohol and distraction. During the weekday before 5 p.m., walk-in bowling costs $4 per person/hour with $3.50 shoe rental. They charge by the hour, so if your team is quick on the draw, they can get in a good game or two during the time. During the weekend, the prices slip up to $8 a person per hour.
Open 7-2 a.m., PBS makes a seamless transition from morning diner to afternoon coffee shop to after-work happy hour and finally to late-night debauchery. With outdoor seating and multiple clusters of tables and mod furniture, including an entire room decked out in renovated mountain lodge get-up, PBS has multiple avenues for relaxation, entertainment and gastronomic satisfaction.
Near the Alameda light- rail station, PBS is conveniently located on Broadway within walking distance of The Hornet, The Mayan Theater and every manner of desirable thrift store. Thus, it makes sense that Punch Bowl would attract the well-dressed and well-versed masses of Denver’s most hip.
The daytime music, however, suggested a more diverse appeal; a mix of ‘80s classics, radio hits and Macklemore on repeat, it seems PBS is trying to attract more than just your sweater-vest, skinny-jeaned boyfriend.
While it’s hard to find fault with PBS, the overall atmosphere and the drink/food choices can be a bit overwhelming. The waiter brought a large stack of menus, all different, to the table and had to ask the bartender about specials multiple times.
PBS may have bit off more than it can chew with choices, making the pure ordering of a drink something of a frustrating spectacle. The punch special of the day was a spicy tequila punch with jalapeno, which was a bit much, but the Lavender Sour was like licking a plate of potpourri. The deviled eggs and fries were delicious and served in stainless steel bowls.
Like a theme park for adults, Punch Bowl Social is sure to become a Denver staple. Just be sure to plan ahead, bring knee-high argyle socks, a fat wallet and an adventurous palate, you won’t be disappointed.
