Until recently, Bathurst Bowlerama—site of kids’ parties and seniors’ leagues—has been the only option for downtowners looking to play a few frames. That is, until now. The much-anticipated Ballroom is now open in the old Montana’s space at John and Richmond. It’s billing itself as “Toronto’s newest interactive entertainment centre,” and with 20,000 square feet of space, nine lanes, two floors, 52 big-screen TVs and seven 12-by-six-foot projection screens, the claims appear to be justified.
The Ballroom isn’t like the bowleramas of our childhood. There are no machines dispensing candy for a quarter, no cosmic bowling and, thankfully, fewer groups of screeching kids. “It’s a little more sophisticated than your average bowling place,” says Thanos Tripi, one of the five partners (the others are Andreas Antoniou, Paul Donato, Warren Needler and Matty Tsoumaris).
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- 145 John Street
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- 145 John Street
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- 145 John Street
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- 145 John Street
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- 145 John Street
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- 145 John Street
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- 145 John Street
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- 145 John Street
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- 145 John Street
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- 145 John Street
The space is awash in design quirks, like the bowling pin light fixtures, barrel side tables and a mosaic wall. The partners have also teamed up with chef Tawfik Shehata, formerly of Vertical, to offer comfort food staples with a foodie twist (the organic, free-range chicken wings, for example, are grilled, not fried). Having opened ahead of schedule to deal with a heavy demand over the holidays, The Ballroom is serving a limited menu, which will expand over the next few weeks. The full menu will be in effect at the beginning of February. The Ballroom also has 16 brews on tap to quench thirst and provide excuses for gutter balls.
Perhaps the only things that didn’t get an update are the shoes. As Tripi explains, “They’re not old, they’re brand new, but they’ve got that classic retro style that everyone recognizes. In fact, people have already been stealing them.”
Bowling $25 per half hour before 5 p.m., $37.50 per half hour after 5 p.m. Shoe rental $5.
The Ballroom, 145 John St. (at Richmond St. W.), 416-597-2695, theballroom.ca.
9 lanes? I was hoping for more, Can you reserve lanes?
January 5, 2011 at 2:31 pm | by CulinerdWAIT A SEC>>>>
Bowling $25 per half hour before 5 p.m., $37.50 per half hour after 5 p.m. Shoe rental $5.
That $70.00 an our??? And they still add shoes on to that…
I give this one year…..Tops
January 5, 2011 at 2:48 pm | by KateIt is very expensive.
Here are the details:
January 5, 2011 at 2:59 pm | by AndrewLanes will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lanes can fit up to 8 bowlers and will be billed by the hour — $50 (inc. taxes) before 5PM and $75 (inc. taxes) after 5PM with food and beverages ordered a la carte to your lane! There are two bars and ample lounge space downstairs. Upstairs is a full restaurant/sports bar and home to our small arcade and ping pong tables.
open daily 11am to 2am
WOW I can get an xbox and that new movement thing and bowl at home on my 61″ and be happy. I will go for drinks and food. No set price if a couple just wants to go bowl? I can see this being okay for 8ppl but even then you are likely to just get one game with 8ppl.
January 5, 2011 at 3:23 pm | by CulinerdI thought the idea was amazing when I first read about this but now…
This place looks awesome. Welcome addition to the downtown scene.
January 5, 2011 at 4:06 pm | by Tony1. This isn’t even a real bowling alley. It’s a bar with two bowling lanes in it. Nothing different than Vinny’s back in the day. Except Vinny’s had video games and the like.
2. That’s pretty insanely expensive to bowl on a tiny bowling lane.
3. Bathurst Bowlerama is not the only bowling alley. And it’s kinda ghetto for sure. But if you got 5 minutes north (god for bid, right hipsters?) there is a much larger bowling alley with a bar, cosmic, etc.. . NOT TO MENTION there are two other bowling alleys in the city. Not downtown, but still within transit accessibility.
January 5, 2011 at 4:17 pm | by MelissaFurther to my comment. The lanes regardless of size, 75.00 to bowl for an hour is beyond ridiculous. Another crap place downtown that’ll close in a year.
January 5, 2011 at 4:21 pm | by MelissaWOW. So when did this become the penny pinchers anonymous forum! This facility is in DOWNTOWN TORONTO … they need to keep the lights on.
Place looks great … food will no doubt be top shelf.
If you want to bowl for $5 an hour I’m sure there are some great crap holes in Hamilton or Oshawa … enjoy the drive!
January 5, 2011 at 4:23 pm | by BlakeRNot sure where you bowl. We had a party there for 15 people – 2 lanes. We all had so much fun. I think its a great idea for Downtown Toronto. Not sure where you bowl if you call this place Ghetto?
January 5, 2011 at 4:25 pm | by DavidMelissa must have got a lump of coal in her stocking …
January 5, 2011 at 4:28 pm | by BlakeRBefore I could even finish writing my comment back to you Melissa you posted another comment. I know exactly where you shop. McDonalds!
January 5, 2011 at 4:28 pm | by DavidNot gonna make any friends with those kinda outbursts …
January 5, 2011 at 4:29 pm | by BlakeRwhat kind of dingbat buys a 61″ TV but can’t afford $25 to bowl for a half hour … sounds like you may have over indulged on your idiot box
January 5, 2011 at 4:42 pm | by BigMannyLooks like the ballroom bosses have their staff fake commenting here rather than taking care of guests. This concept is great, the execution is horrible. I’ll never bring Ty Pennington here. Shout out to Vaughan Mills!
January 5, 2011 at 11:33 pm | by Janette EwenIts not the 61″ matters to the point of anything Sir, Its the fact the are called bowling alley its over priced. So if they opened a bowling alley have more lanes maybe drop the price. Yes its in Toronto, So push the food that will be served the ambiance the drinks and what not.
January 6, 2011 at 9:11 am | by CulinerdMy 61″ maybe an idiot box but its more then you have and trust me I know how to indulge and love spending my money, so please hold personal comments to yourself. I know your ego may of been hurt but its a friendly blog and unfortunately we are entitled to opinions and comments.
On the other hand the place is gorgeous and will be by this weekend with friends to have a drink and check it out. It will be a good article for my blog. Turkey Turkey