It was a hard loss to see Lakewood Theater in Dallas shutter back in 2015. In addition to screening movies, the historical venue – an official Dallas landmark opened in 1938 – staged live performances not excluding bands and burlesque. When it comes to honoring the former venue’s legacy, Bowlski’s has spared no expense.
Recently opened, Bowlski’s Lakewood Theater is a live concert venue, candy counter, pool lounge, arcade, bar, and bowling alley. When it came to renovating the historical venue, Bowlski’s owners salvaged what they could of their predecessor.
“We want to retain all the history in here,” said Craig Spivey, one half of the husband-and-wife owner team, told Dallas News prior to opening. “It would be a shame to cover all this up.”
Vestiges of the old theater can be seen throughout Bowlski’s including the front mural of iconic characters of time past, the stairway handrails, piano-shared mirrored ceiling, and stage – albeit revamped.
“We had to keep the stage,” said co-owner Jennifer Spivey. “It seems everyone in Dallas has seen a show on that stage. My dad’s band used to play here.”
Now, the venue regularly hosts live musicians ranging from DJs, to country artists and singer-songwriters, bands, and more.
Bowlski’s also houses Double Dave’s restaurant, a fast-casual eatery that features eclectic pizza options ranging from Nashville Chicken to Thanksgiving and Street Taco pizzas, as well as innumerable finger foods.
As for its bowling alley, visitors can take a spin at one of the venue’s 10 steampunk lanes. If bowling doesn’t abide, visitors can try their hand at the venue’s arcade bar, golf simulator suites, or aforementioned billiards.
Bowlski’s Lakewood Theater is now open at 1825 Abrams Pkwy, Suite 1.