Dutch Lanes Bowling and Lunch Room Ephrata, PA – Right Up My Alley!

I never planned on eating dinner in a bowling alley, but when I saw the vintage looking signage outside of 222 Dutch Lanes on Oregon Pike in Ephrata PA, I knew I had to check it out, despite the impending torrential rainstorm.

As I walked up to the door, the Retro Roadphone rang and it was RRHusband at his gig up the road. He was calling to inform me that he had been given a meal already and that I'd probably have to fend for myself en route to said gig. No big deal, I'm flexible like that.

As I entered I noticed that the place was brimming with bowlers and I was pleased enough to find that the interior of this bowling alley had not been "cosmic-bowl-ifed" and retained some retro charm. I say retro, because I can't bear the thought of a pong-like score keeping computer being vintage, just yet!

(And yes, even though the place was teeming with teams,
I did manage to get a photo without people in it, obviously my forte!)

While I was pleased to see that the interior still had that retro bowling look and feel and I knew it would make a good fit on the Retro Roadmap,  it never occurred to me to spend more than a few moments at the bowling alley. I mean I may be an odd duck(pin) but really, who bowls alone?! Somebody should write a book about that ;-)

As I looked closer however I saw that their snack bar/ lunch counter had a wonderful looking vintage counter and grill setup. Why not give it a whirl, I thought? Can't be any worse than the Sonic next door. And I could not resist the charm of the well kept swivel stools and green window awnings used indoors (as seen in this photo from their website).

I admit I did feel a bit out of place when I sat at the counter and ordered my burger, but the young bucks tending to the food were friendly and polite.  The girls next to me (ogling said bucks) were too engrossed in their ice creams and awkward flirting to give this old gal much more than a sideways glance. I busied myself with taking surreptitious photos, absorbing the Friday night bowling scene and feigning interest in my cell phone screen.

(surreptitious cell phone photo)

As I swiveled in my seat I could see that the alleys were packed with Friday night bowlers and there were plenty of booths just past the counter that are hopefully filled during lunch, and even breakfast time. Most folks here seem to want their food brought to their alley, which makes sense.

I watched as the grill"man" took care with the burgers and various local delicacies such as Dutch Steak (?) and I just have to I just have to wonder what a cold salad sandwich consists of. My burger arrived promptly and it hit the spot (definitely better than Sonic would've) on this overcast and chilly Friday night. Knowing my time here was limited, I paid my tab promptly, tipped heavily and snapped a few more surreptitious photos on my way out.

(222 Dutch Lanes Bowling Alley circa 1955)

(What is it with bowline alleys and restroom signs? I sense a photo op!)

On the way out I noticed that they had a vintage looking mini golf course just next to the bowling lanes. I would've snapped some photos of the mini golf  course, but the wind was blowing hard, skies getting dark and all the buds were blowing off the flowering trees- a storm was approaching indeed!

I snapped one last photo before the rain began pelting down, but  I knew that RRH and I would have to make a proper return here, for bowling, mini golf, better photos and to figure out what a Dutch steak sandwich is!

222 Dutch Lanes Bowling and Miniature Golf