'I am, like, so bowling'

Today's Chronicle has more on Lucky Strike, the upscale "bowling lounge" that recently signed on as a tenant in the proposed Houston Pavilions complex downtown. Houstonist has long been a fan of Palace Lanes, so we were interested to hear how Lucky Strike will stack up:

Unlike tenpin alleys of the past, Lucky Strike allows people to sip martinis on elegant modern couches. In fact, Lucky Strike calls itself a bowling lounge, not a bowling alley.

Each site — there are 13 locations nationally — features a DJ and chic furnishings. Above each set of pins are floor-to-ceiling video screens flashing a collage of modern art.

There's also going to be a cafe with a menu designed by celebrity caterer Mary Micucci. Martinis? Designer food? It beats PBR and nachos. Sometimes.

Lucky Strike began three years ago in Hollywood and has targeted urban locations across the country. The Lucky Strike at Denver Pavilions (Houston Pavilions' sister development) thrives, with hours-long waits for lanes on weekends. Pavilions developer William Denton called Lucky Strike a "magnet for professionals ... a place where law and accounting firms battle it out after hours." Too bad it's not already open: Houstonist would love to see the Sean Berkowitz-Jeff Skilling post-trial grudge match. Ah well.

Oh, one other thing: Lucky Strike isn't cheap. Before 5 p.m. weekdays, games are $4.95; after 5, they go up to $5.95. On Fridays and Saturdays, games at $6.95 after 9 p.m. Palace Lanes only charges $3.95 per game, no matter when you go. Of course, they don't have ancho citrus chicken skewers.