Booze and a bowl, no prescription required
When Highland Park Bowl opened its doors in 1927, Prohibition was in full swing. But much like today’s marijuana laws, back then a person could receive a prescription that allowed imbibing as a treatment for various ailments. Highland Park Bowl conveniently leased office space to doctors on the second floor who were known for prescribing medicinal whiskey. Patients would march downstairs, doctor’s note in hand, to the pharmacy on the first floor to pick up their “medication.” And bowl! Because there’s nothing like bowling and booze to help heal back pain and all that afflicts you.
Highland Park Bowl set them up and knocked them down until 1966, when Joseph “T” Teresa took over and attempted to modernize the facility by adding drop ceilings and covering the original 1930s mural on the back wall. He also changed the name to Mr. T’s Bowl. Over the years, Mr. T’s morphed into a live music venue popular with the punk scene of the late 1990s and aughts, while continuing to serve a local boozy clientele. Mr. T passed away in 2005.
Info
Address 5621 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90042, +1 323.257.BOWL, www.highlandparkbowl.com, highlandparkbowl@1933group.com | Public Transport Gold Line to Highland Park Station, then a .2-mile walk | Getting there Paid lots and metered street parking | Hours Mon–Fri 5pm–2am, Sat & Sun 10am–2am. Prices vary by day and time; check website for details. | Tip Civil Coffee (5629 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90042) makes a fine cup of joe and offers delectable small plates like avocado toasts with shitake mushroom “bacon.”
Today, the nearly 90-year-old eight-lane alley has been lovingly restored with a thoughtful remodel that harkens back to its origins. Replacing the original BYOB Prohibition ethos are two horseshoe bars under repurposed pin-setting chandeliers and an artisan cocktail menu. Old team name plaques like “The Slow Starters” and other Highland Park Bowl memorabilia line the shelves and walls. Original wooden seating was moved from the lanes to the bar mezzanine and the settee area has been appointed with comfortable leather club sofas.
The former pharmacy area and the front room facing Figueroa Street function as a restaurant serving up rustic pizzas and, in a nod to Mr. T’s heyday, a live music venue. All ages are welcome to bowl until 8pm. After that, Highland Park Bowl is open to 21 and older only. Raise a glass. Have a bowl.
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