Napa’s best kept secret is that some of the best tacos, and healthy drink pours, are hiding out at our local bowling alley Napa Bowling Center. Michelin rated Lane 33 Cafe, owned and operated by Chef Alex Soto and located in the same building, continues to serve the kind of all-American food (pizza, burgers, fries) that have been typical bowler eats for decades. The magic comes from a second menu featuring made-from-scratch Mexican dishes that are irresistible, and yours for the eating at Happy Hour Prices.
You can find all of your usual dishes such as burritos and tostadas, but it’s the tacos that has Happy Hour Napa saying, “is it Tuesday yet?”. You have a choice of nine tacos, one taco per order, all priced between $3.75 and $4.50. Yes, you read that right. We recommend 3-4 tacos to get the full experience.
Some of our favorites include Dorados De Papa (potato taco), which has a thick and crispy shell with a potato-based center that simply has to be tasted to be believed. The pastor taco features a pineapple pairing (aioli and pickled) that is the perfect compliment to the marinated pork. For a taste of 1970’s California get the crispy bell taco. With it’s flavorful ground beef, and shredded cheese and lettuce it’s the much tastier version of that Taco Bell classic.
But what about the drinks you say? Just step right through the door leading from Lane 33 into the Napa Bowl Lounge. Owned by the Bowling Center, the Napa Bowl Lounge takes you right back to an era when it’s always the same time of day at a bar – party time. The dark interior includes a massive juke box, pool tables, pinball, and plenty of seats for the lively crowd that pops in most evenings. It’s always Happy Hour at the Napa Bowl Lounge with $4.75 well drinks, or splurge on a top shelf for $8.00, but their official happy hour is 4pm-6pm. Please note: this is not the spot for wine, but there’s a nice variety of beer on draft including Lost Coast Hazy IPA.
The Michelin Guide has announced that Lane 33 will be included in the fall 2022 edition so get your tacos now before there is a line out the door. Oh, and if you are looking for some friendly competition, top off your tacos with a few rounds of bowling. It’s through the door at the back of the cafe.
One Response
Good article.