Bowling alleys are inherently uncool places. Be it the
middle-aged, bald male inhabitants, the poor beverage selection
(beer, light beer or Miller’s), the crumbling decor or the
perpetual smell of feet, bowling alleys are places to go when
people don’t want to be seen. That concept is about to change, with
the opening of Pin-Up Bowl, the latest idea from developer Joe
Edwards.

Located about a half a block away from The Pageant in The Loop,
Pin-Up Bowl mixes the style and selection of a martini bar, with
the entertainment value of a bowling alley. Edwards said the vision
of Pin-Up is art deco, something “exciting, innocent, yet sexy.”
From the retro ’50s sign to the cushy cushions and sharp lines, it
appears he has nailed it to a tee.

Almost two bars in one, the front features all the bright neon
and flat-screen televisions that are needed for a good martini bar.
Beer is available, but most of the clientele prefer to choose from
the extensive cocktail and martini menu. Ranging from the unique
(Dutch Harvest–Van Gogh Apple Vodka, peach schnapps and a splash
of cranberry juice) to stylized favorites (Emerald Martini–Bombay
Dry Gin, dry vermouth and a splash of green chartreuse), there is a
cocktail for everybody. However, this kind of quality and selection
doesn’t come cheap; most cocktails are $7-8, with simple martinis
starting at $5. This is a place meant for drinking, not for getting
drunk.

Along with cocktails, Pin-Up also offers various sandwiches and
appetizers for $4-6, as well as pizza for $9.95. For bowling, a
game costs $5 on the weekend nights on a per game basis, though
reserving lanes at $40 per lane per hour (not including shoes) is
suggested on the weekend, but are usually booked weeks in advance.
Edwards said the best time to come in for a quick game is in the
afternoons, when the crowds aren’t as big.

Edwards said that reception has been exceptional since the
establishment opened in mid December.

“People really seem to enjoy it. Nelly has been here a few times
and currently holds the high score [at the bowling alley], at 257,”
Edwards said. He said he hopes that a lot of the bands that come to
The Pageant will come there after soundcheck to hang out, as well
as after the show.

Edwards said he came up with the idea a few years ago.

“I’m always looking for something to bring to The Loop,” Edwards
said. Along with Pin-Up Bowl, Edwards also owns and operates other
Loop favorites such as Blueberry Hill and The Pageant. Edwards said
he sees The Loop as an important bridge between the city of St.
Louis and St. Louis County.

“It is wonderful reclaiming the urban feel and bringing the
vitality of The Loop all the way to the Wabash Station loop.”
Wabash Station, near the present Delmar Metrolink stop, was once a
trolley stop where the trolleys would loop around from heading
westbound out of the city to go back into the city. It was this
station that gives the area its name.

Pin-Up Bowl is open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 1:30
a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30
a.m., and is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Edwards said the hours will change in mid-February, when their
liquor license will allow them to stay open until 3 a.m. Call (314)
727-5555 to book a lane.