Ah, Michigan. The weather is about as unpredictable as a newborn baby’s sleep patterns, and often our carefully laid outdoor plans get cancelled with crappy conditions roll in.

Never fear, metro Detroit has a veritable host of indoor sporting venues that vary from lumberjack-style entertainment to vintage arcade gaming. The best part? You can also enjoy an adult beverage at each and everyone of these places.

 

Fowling Warehouse 3901 Christopher St., Hamtramck; fowlingwarehouse.com; 313-264-1288 This Hamtramck hotspot combines two of America’s favorite sports — bowling and football — into one casual group party game. Whether you’re looking to walk in and start throwing or want to book a large party, Fowling Warehouse has lanes available to try out this new indoor sporting trend. The Gamer’s Gallery, a second floor footpool venue, also recently opened at the warehouse. Never heard of footpool? It’s a game that combines billiards and soccer and it’s been gaining steam around the world. MT file photo
Pop+Offworld 128 Cadillac Sq., Detroit; 313-961-9249 Located in a renovated space above Checker Bar, this space is a partnership between Offworld Arcade and Pop, a pop-up venue that hosts art shows, culinary events, and more. Now, a beautiful marriage of drinks, live entertainment, pizza, and arcade games exists for guests to enjoy seven days a week. More than a dozen different types of New York-style pizzas – “Pizza you would make if you were 17 and stoned,” according to their website – are on the menu, available in slices or whole pies. Photo via MT file
The Hub Stadium 2550 Takata Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-364-4000 Metro Detroit’s newest “Home for Urban Bombowling” opened in late 2016 at the site of the old Big Buck Brewery in Auburn Hills. High ceilings and plenty of room for gaming make this location a great place to throw around the ol’ pigskin in the comfort of an indoor facility. The venue boasts 16 fowling alley lanes, plus ping pong and axe throwing, making it an ideal spot for a large group outing. There’s also banquet menu, so pizza parties and build-your-own taco bars are an option. Photo via The Hub Stadium
Cadieux Cafe 4300 Cadieux Rd., Detroit; 313-882-8560 This Belgian-themed spot in a former speakeasy is home to mussels, feather bowling and plenty of dank Belgian beer. Proud to be the only home of feather bowling in the United States, Cadieux Cafe has preserved an old Belgian game – similar to horseshoes and Bocce – for Detroiters to enjoy. Bring your friends here to play, drink Belgian brew and dine on traditional Belgian favorites like steamed mussels and Belgian rabbit. Photo via MT file
CJ Barrymore’s Family Entertainment Center 21750 Hall Rd., Charter Twp of Clinton; 586-469-2800 This Macomb County mecca of all things entertainment houses plenty of indoor activities for those days when the weather outside really is frightful. Bowling, bumper cars, an arcade, laser tag, and miniature bowling are all here and under one roof. Bring your clubs and hit the golf dome to keep your swing in shape year-round. Photo via Trip Advisor
Dave & Buster’s 45511 Park Ave. Suite D, Utica; 586-930-1515 19375 Victor Pkwy., Livonia; 734-452-4600 Let’s just call Dave & Buster’s what it really is: Chuck E. Cheese’s for adults. With their famous appetizers — including their unbeatable beer-batter onion rings — and a plethora of drinks to choose from, there’s no reason to ever leave. Convert your hard-earned cash into tokens while enjoying a wide range of arcade games — throw it back old school with a round or two of skee-ball and Pac-Man or venture into an apocalyptic future with Zombie Snatcher. Come in on Wednesdays for their half off deal from open to close. Photo via Dave & Buster’s
Detroit Axe 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-291-565 If you fancy yourself a strong thrower, try Detroit Axe for lumberjack-inspired fun. Opening after 5 p.m., this is a great spot to schedule an afterwork get-together for everyone to blow off some steam and smash wood together. Walk-ins are available at $20 for up to six people — a cheap destination for an evening out with your pals when the weather isn’t cooperating. Photo via Detroit Axe Facebook
DK Beercade 36470 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Charter Township; 586-463-8258 Located inside of Terry’s Terrace, this is a cozy room to kick back with friends with a drink in one hand and a joystick in the other. This beercade’s walls are lined with vintage arcade games, all listed on their website — check to see if your favorites are on their list! Photo via
Lucky Strike 44320 12 Mile Rd. H-160, Novi; 248-374-3420 Unrelated to those cigarettes they smoke in old war movies, this upscale alley offers bowling with a sophisticated edge. It’s decked out in Hollywood-themed decor Dance and drink on the weekends when DJs come in to spice it up. Photo from Lucky Strike
One Eyed Betty’s 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale; 248-808-6633 If you’re in the mood for pinball, One-Eyed Betty’s is the place to go. Located in downtown Ferndale, you’re within walking distance of the shopping district and entertainment venues like the Magic Bag and The Loving Touch. Pop over to this restaurant and bar for a burger, a glass of whiskey and a game of pinball before a show. Photo via MT file
Punch Bowl Social 1331 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-749-9738 Conveniently located between Greektown and Downtown, Punch Bowl Social combines newer craft cocktails with old-school bar games. This bar houses everything from billiards to bowling and shuffleboard to the original Simpsons arcade game, so come ready to compete for bragging rights — or just to relax over a friendly game. If you’re looking for an early start, try Punch Bowl Social on Saturday and Sundays for their mouth-watering brunch menu. Photo via MT file
Ready Player One 407 E. Fort St., Detroit; 313-395-3300 The barcade trend has reached Detroit in the form of Ready Player One, which opened in late 2017. When the temperatures are down, bring your friends here to lift their spirits with comfort food, video game-inspired cocktails, and more than 40 classic arcade and pinball game machines. Guests may find their skill in games like Rampage, Ms. Pac-Man, and NBA Jam rising after a few drinks. Photo via Ready Player One

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