Downtown Bellevue to get bowling alley

Downtown Bellevue is getting its first bowling alley in 15 years, a modern version designed for the city's still-fledgling nightlife.

Lucky Strike Lanes, a 16-lane "bowling lounge," will open on the second floor of Lincoln Square by the end of the year. It will reside one floor below Parlor Billiards, which attracts a hip young crowd, and provide downtown's new residents with their first taste of strikes, spares and gutter balls.

The Southern California-based Lucky Strike caters primarily to 20- and 30-somethings, with 13 other locations including Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago.

The lease on the alley was announced Monday by Lucky Strike and Kemper Development, which owns Lincoln Square.

Downtown Bellevue hasn't had a bowling alley since Belle Lanes, which opened on 106th Avenue Northeast in 1957, closed in 1992. It was remodeled a few months later as a Barnes & Noble bookstore.

Lucky Strike will be far from a traditional bowling alley. It will cover about 24,000 square feet, with two bars and large video screens that display artwork and film clips. The décor will have a retro lounge theme.

Lucky Strike will be limited to patrons 21 and older after 9 p.m., and a bouncer will enforce a strict dress code. No construction boots or "excessively baggy" clothing allowed.

But during the day the alley will be open to a general audience, including families, children's parties and corporate events.

Bellevue offers a growing population, a heavy corporate presence and an upscale clientele, said Lucky Strike spokeswoman Jen Perrymore. "It's just a great location and a great area."

Ashley Bach: 206-464-2567 or abach@seattletimes.com