Around Town

‘Punch Bowl Social’ Coming to Arlington in 2018

(Updated on 12/6/16) Punch Bowl Social, a combination bar, restaurant, bowling alley and arcade targeted at the young professional set, is coming to Arlington.

The expanding chain, which has existing locations in Denver, Austin, Detroit, Portland, Cleveland and elsewhere, says on its website that it’s planning to open in Arlington in 2018. A D.C. location is also planned.

“Punch Bowl Social has eliminated having to choose between respectable food and beverage, and a great social experience,” says the Facebook page of one of the existing locations. “PBS brings ‘old school’ entertainment, culinary refinement and a modern beverage program under one roof.”

Founded by Robert Thompson, who previously operated Buffalo Billiards locations in Austin and Nashville, Punch Bowl Social offers a range of beers and cocktails — including, yes, cocktails served in communal punch bowls. PBS describes its dining and beverage offerings as “food for foodies, PBR tallboys, and craft beverages.”

Entertainment options include bowling, karaoke, shuffleboard, billiards, ping pong, fussball, billiards and vintage arcade games.

There’s no word yet as to where in Arlington Punch Bowl Social will be opening. “We don’t have any specific details to share,” a publicist told ARLnow.com.

Based on size, opportunity, timing and Metro accessibility, possible locations include the renovated Ballston Quarter mall, which will be reopening in 2018; a number of new and existing buildings in Rosslyn; and the still-developing and increasingly Millennial-oriented Crystal City and Pentagon City area.

Photos via Facebook