+1 760-873-5777
Back Alley Bowl & Grill in Bishop, California, is a delightful fusion of hearty dining and entertainment, where the unexpected pairing of a bustling bowling alley and a quality grill come together to create a uniquely inviting atmosphere. Located at 649 N Main St, this gem proves that you don’t have to sacrifice ambiance for great food – here, the lively energy of the lanes blends seamlessly with relaxed, friendly service, making it an ideal spot for both families and casual diners alike.
The cuisine leans into classic American comfort with a distinct emphasis on expertly prepared steaks that have become the talk of the town. Diners consistently rave about the Ribeye and Top Sirloin, both praised for their perfect seasoning, juicy tenderness, and cook to order precision. The Ribeye, in particular, is a crowd favorite, served alongside vibrant seasonal vegetables and crisp salads that balance the richness of the meat. Complementing the main courses are crave-worthy sides such as golden, perfectly crisp onion rings and delectably seasoned curly fries that add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
What truly elevates Back Alley Bowl & Grill’s menu is its attention to detail and comfort. From a side of fluffy biscuits drizzled with savory gravy to eggs cooked just right and savory sausage links, the offerings extend beyond steak to satisfy every palate. A highlight for many is the custom cakes sourced from Vons, adding a sweet finish that’s perfect for celebrations or a casual indulgence. Pair the meal with a second ice-cold brew – commonly a refreshing Coors Light – to toast to an enjoyable evening.
Walking into Back Alley Bowl & Grill, you’ll immediately notice the friendly, welcoming vibe. The restaurant wraps around the bowling lanes, meaning patrons can enjoy thrilling strikes and spares while savoring their meals, contributing to a lively backdrop without overwhelming noise. Customers like Richard Philbin Jr. appreciate sitting snugly away from the clatter, allowing them to focus on the delicious food and warm service. Meanwhile, the musical backdrop of classic rock keeps the mood upbeat and inviting.
What stands out from guest testimonials is the surprisingly high quality of the food in a setting many wouldn’t expect. Visitors approach with skepticism at first – after all, a bowling alley isn’t usually the first place one thinks of for a great steak – but leave genuinely impressed. The staff’s efficient and friendly service enhances the overall experience, making it easy to relax and indulge.
Whether you’re in Bishop looking for a casual dinner with a bit of local charm or hoping to enjoy a gaming night coupled with hearty American fare, Back Alley Bowl & Grill offers an authentic, memorable outing. Its unique balance of delicious steakhouse classics and a fun, family-oriented environment makes it a true standout in the local dining scene.
The food here was a nice surprise. I’m staying at the Wayfinder next door so it’s a short walk. I read reviews before heading over, people complained about the noisy bowling alley. I want early in the evening so it wasn’t too bad. I didn’t even notice the bowling from where I sat in the restaurant. I had the Ribeye with seasonal vegetables and a salad. The steak was cooked and salted perfectly. It was tender and flavorful. The service was excellent. Jenah was my waitress, she was attentive and the food came quickly. If you’re looking to have a steak be sure to check the dinner service times. I waited till after 4pm so I could have the steak. I come to Bishop a few times a month and will definitely come back to Back Alley.
When told that we had to go to a bowling alley in Bishop for a good steak, of course, we were hesitant. But it's not bad at all! Food - Pretty decent! You wouldn't think that a bowling alley, of all places would have this good of food, but this place does! Their top sirloin was cooked perfectly to my perfection, but my partner's steak was a bit overcooked. The sides, especially the veggies, did seem lackluster, but still okay. Service - Very nice waitress. She checked in an appropriate amount of times and was very friendly. No complaints! Ambiance - It's a small-town bowling alley. Don't expect luxury, but it's also not grimey. We came in on a Friday night so we saw the typical groups you'd see: group of teenagers coming in to celebrate a birthday, elderly locals enjoying their meals, couples who seemed like on a date, families having a fun time. Great spot and a place in Bishop to check out at least once.
This place had a great feeling to it. Friendly locals and incredible food. The bar and our table were connected to the bowling lanes themselves. We enjoyed the excellent music (GNR) and watching the kids have a great time while we had some drinks. The prime rib was cooked perfectly. The curly fry things were beyond tasty, and the beer was ice cold. This just replaced the Roadhouse as our new stop when we come through town.
Word of mouth got us to Back Alley Bowl & Grill in Bishop, and for good reason. I’ve had pizza in a bowling alley before, but never steak. The aesthetics of having steak in a bowling alley was rather different and surprisingly fun. We were there on a day when not much was going on except for at the lanes. The food was very good. Our steaks were cooked perfectly. I had the 12 oz. Ribeye with mixed veggies, and she had the 10 oz. Flat Iron with mushrooms and baked potato. Service was quite good even if not very attentive. Now you have word of mouth to get you in here. Very much recommended.
Rib eye steak was very good. Perfectly cooked and good, tender, big quality meat! Efficient and friendly service. Good onion rings, too!
It’s a bowling alley and the food was really good. I know what you’re thinking. A bowling alley has good food it actually does.
This place is great! Our server Wendi was very nice, quick and made good recommendations. The food was delicious, we would come back again.