1933 Group Revives Highland Park Bowl, a Prohibition-Era Bowling Alley

Fiona Chandra

There was once a bowling alley on Figueroa that dated back to the Prohibition era. Highland Park Bowl was first opened in 1927 and eventually became a music venue and renamed Mr. T’s Bowl. When the owner of Mr. T’s Bowl passed away, 1933 Group took over the venue. With a penchant for preserving and revitalizing iconic venues around L.A. like The Idle Hour, 1933 Group transformed Highland Park Bowl beyond its former glory.

After the renovation, Highland Park Bowl is now a stunning eight-lane bowling alley featuring wooden floors, leather couches, a horseshoe bar and chandeliers made out of pinsetters. The bowling pin rack is uncovered, giving the alley a steampunk feel. 1933 Group is intent on preservation so they’ve maintained or reused the original materials and it’s no surprise that the vintage bowling equipment and other details invoke a roaring ‘20s feel.

Since this is a nightlife venue from 1933 Group, Highland Park Bowl is not your standard bowling alley. There’s a rotating selection of brews and a full menu of craft cocktails, which of course, has to include a nod to The Big Lebowski. Dude Abides is a variation of the White Russian made with Tito’s Vodka, house-made Civil Coffee liqueur, horchata cream and cinnamon tincture (a dairy-free version is also available). If patrons fancy something more sophisticated the classic Old Fashioned and Moscow Mule are available on draft.

There’s a full menu from Chef Richie Lopez with Neapolitan pizzas made in their wood-fired oven boasting ingredients like Di Stefano mozzarella, prosciutto cotto and local produce along with other classic dishes like calamari, meatballs and burgers.

Over the next year, 1933 Group will continue to launch other concepts within the Highland Park Bowl venue including Mr. T’s Room, which will occupy the former record store space and a microbrewery.

The price for a lane ranges between $40-60 an hour and each lane holds up to six people. Highland Park Bowl will be open from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. on Mondays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Highland Park Bowl opens to the public on Friday, April 29. You can find more information using this link.