Barrel Through.

With Its New Bowling Alley, Park Lane’s Pulled Off What Ellum and Greenville Couldn’t.

In early 2010, Dallas was teased by a Pegasus News report that announced the impending arrival of a new music venue-cum-bowling alley-cum-bar set to open in Deep Ellum.

For unknown reasons, that alley never opened. Still, there was more promise on the bowling alley front on the immediate horizon.

In 2011, another group announced plans to open a similar concept on Lower Greenville in the old Lucky’s spot next to Good Records. But, after a bout and an eventual lawsuit filed with the city over specific use permits and zoning permissions, that venture too has yet to come to fruition.

So, it stands to reason, Dallasites could’ve rightfully balked at the news that a third attempt at this same concept was set to give things the old college try. Last night, however, those doubters were proven wrong as Bowl & Barrel, a new venture from a couple of former Southern Methodist University fraternity brothers, officially opened its doors at The Shops at Park Lane.

And, to their credit, the twosome behind the alley, Kyle Noonan (a former Pappadeaux’s regional manager) and Josh Sepkowitz (a former investment banker), does seem to “get it.” Says Noonan in a press release announcing the opening earlier this week: “Dallas has been lacking a great bowling alley for quite a while. Josh and I are thrilled to bring Bowl & Barrel to the city and hope everyone from families to young professionals will enjoy it.”

Along with bowling, the alley will also feature a pub-influenced menu of appetizer, sandwich and full-plate fare, plus a drinks menu that features everything from craft cocktails and bottles of wine to local beers and even some wines on tap.

Sound promising, to be sure. But, considering the troubles faced by and failings of the others who’ve attempted to open similar entities in the past, maybe the promise of Bowl & Barrel isn’t all that important.

Far more impressive is the fact that it’s opened at all.

Photo of Noonan and Sepkowitz via Bowl and Barrel’s website.