Downtown Greensboro Bars Combine Bowling and Arcades

Downtown Greensboro offers two venues that pair food and drinks with interactive entertainment. Boxcar Bar + Arcade and Bourbon Bowl operate in the same area, providing residents with indoor options for weekend evenings. Both establishments focus on activities beyond traditional bar service.

Boxcar is one of four locations in North Carolina. The business describes itself as a barcade where patrons drink, play, and socialize. The interior features colorful murals and flashing lights from arcade machines. Games available include pinball, skee-ball, foosball, Pac-Man, Guitar Hero, and Mario Kart. Boxcar hosts daily specials and themed nights, including trivia and karaoke events.

The food menu at Boxcar includes artisan pizzas, soft pretzels, and other snacks. The kitchen prepares components in-house using fresh ingredients and no preservatives. Recommended items include Classic Cheese and Pepperoni slices. Boxcar’s website states the goal is to provide the ultimate drinking and gaming experience.

Bourbon Bowl is located a few yards from Boxcar. The venue features Greensboro’s longest bar alongside six full-service bowling lanes. Lane rates range from $30 to $45 depending on the day and time. The space includes an outdoor seating area and a large water fountain. Inside, the décor is industrial-style with warm lighting.

Bourbon Bowl serves craft foods designed for sit-down dining. The menu includes elevated versions of typical bar fare. Recommended dishes include Caribbean Pasta and entrees featuring brisket. The service staff covers both the dining area and the bowling lanes. Plush seating is available for those watching games or waiting for a turn.

Both venues are positioned as destinations for groups seeking more than a standard bar night. Boxcar appeals to those interested in nostalgic arcade games, while Bourbon Bowl targets visitors who enjoy bowling lanes with a bar atmosphere. The proximity of the two locations allows residents to choose between gaming or bowling without traveling far.

Boxcar suggests checking their calendar for specific events before visiting. Bourbon Bowl encourages newcomers to reserve a lane and order appetizers. Both businesses aim to provide a memorable experience for locals looking for indoor activities during cooler weather. The options range from casual gaming to structured bowling sessions with food service.

The presence of these two establishments adds variety to the downtown dining scene. Boxcar focuses on the barcade model with a wide selection of games. Bourbon Bowl combines a long bar with dedicated bowling infrastructure. Residents can select a venue based on their preference for arcade games or bowling lanes, with both options located within walking distance of each other.