by Ilana Gensler
Bowling a Strike with Food and Fun at The Barn Bowl & Bistro
The bowling industry is in the midst of a booming re-invention, and The Barn Bowl & Bistro, located on Uncas Avenue in Oak Bluffs, has embraced this trend. Seeing as bowling is one of the largest participatory sports in America, General Manager Michael Sawyer places less of a focus on just the bowling aspect. Mr. Sawyer directs his attention toward creating a family entertainment center that injects a “Vineyard vibe.” The key, he explains, stems from a balance between “bringing great bowling to the table” while “establishing a prominent menu that caters to affordable family pricing.”
As you push open the front door of the barn-like building, the inviting and warm interior design will grab your attention. The use of colors will embrace you, such as the glowing blue horseshoe-shaped bar and the purple couches; reminiscent of the Vineyard’s official color. According to Mr. Sawyer, all of the aesthetics have been selected to symbolize aspects of the island to color our bowling and dining experience with a “Vineyard twist.”
Sawyer proudly points out that the unique masking units at the end of every lane are two-sided and reverse on a weekly basis. On one side are a giant rendering of artist Dana Gaine’s take on The Gay Head cliffs. On the other side are her re-creation of the neighboring towns of the island and their harbors. These designs convey a unique Vineyard environment and have long been familiar to all, as they have been displayed in the past on postcards, posters and a myriad of island artwork.
“Our mission is to exceed the expectations people apply toward an average trip to the bowling alley,” Sawyer notes. In order to do so, that means paying thorough attention to both environment and bistro. “If we’re preparing a hamburger, pizza or fries we are going to do it exceptionally well so that it’s memorable,” begins Sawyer. But the menu goes far beyond basic finger food. The Barn Bowl & Bistro makes it a point to “utilize the abundance of local seafood and produce available on the island.”
The Bistro’s diverse list of appetizers offers options for a crowd with varied cravings. For those of you leaning toward a healthy option, there’s the Ahi Tuna. This light repast offers tuna prepared with a faint crunch infused with sesame pickled cucumber, onions and carrots, which rest beside a dense spoonful of Wasabi. Or perhaps the Barcelona salad, which invites you to utilize a fluffy baguette as a shovel for scooping a tower of fresh mozzarella cheese and juicy tomatoes into a pile, to later dunk them in acidic balsamic dressing. Some of you may have a deeper hunger, however, in which case the Mahi Fish Tacos are the meal for you, as they incorporate the perfect crunchy chipotle coleslaw encased beneath a light fish fillet, topped with shredded cheese.
Although The Barn Bowl & Bistro takes great pride in their kitchen, Sawyer explains they’re more concerned with promoting their values, which make an “affordable and family oriented” establishment possible. “We strive to give community members a sense of priority by honoring their ‘Island Card,’” Sawyer notes. For a rate of roughly $100, the ‘Island Card’ enables The Barn Bowl & Bistro to charge local rates but facilitate a 10% to 20% discount.
Over the course of seven weeks, the demand for more lanes has been voiced, and Sawyer is eager to look into that project, he announces. “The Barn will do what it takes to accommodate the year-round bowling community,” he assures. Building additional lanes is only one facet for development,” seeing as Sawyer has a vision for the future. “Ultimately, our upper level space will invite customers to gather for events, functions, private parties and more. The lower level invites visitors to enjoy craft beers on tap and tasty fresh ingredients,” Sawyer adds. The Barn’s bowling environment is enhanced by bowling ramps for young children and those who are disabled, and their staff consists of bowling professionals and instructors.
Whether you’re stopping by for the periodical Two-For-One Appetizer deal or some good ole bowling, The Barn Bowl & Bistro is the place to be.
