Garage — Restaurant in Seattle

What can I say? I like the Garage. Its a fun place to hang out and grab some beers with a little bowling or pool tossed in. Lots of pool tables but you will find yourself on a waiting list on a busy night/time. Of course there is bowling available too, and this rarity is going to cost you some time on an even longer wait list (3 open pool tables while there was a 2.5 hour wait on bowling at about 6pm on a Sat). Tables are in good shape - but they are big so if you are used to the coin-op tables then you better bring your driver 'cause the corner-to-corner shots seem an awful long ways away...

The lanes are in good shape as well. Not all warped and f-ed up. I've never seen them oil the lanes but its obvious they are taken care of. Bowling shoes are in good shape and quality enough to be ripped off by any of the local hipsters I'm sure. Food is darn good for a bowling alley for sure - and was sort of what you would expect to find in Seattle - style wise at least. Flavors you like to have in your food but aren't really expecting to be there - mostly because you're in a bowling alley.

The staff is really good. I can only speak about my visits of course, but I have never had a problem finding a server and last weekend he was usually by at least twice as often as needed. And that guy who got a bit spun and needed some chill time on a bar stool leaning on that little shelf on the wall while we shot pool... yeah he was with us, and we really appreciate you being cool with him chilling out while we shot pool. Server kept waters full.

Like I said - I have fun...

I'm conflicted about this rating... I haven't played pool here in a while, this is just for the bowling side. Sometimes we come and service stops by to take orders, today they did not. Understand that I come here to bowl and that experience is not great. One of my shoes was killing my feet, but my big problem is the projectors above the pins. It's one thing to be showing tv or music videos by the score screens but above the pins? Whose stupid idea was that?! It's very distracting especially if you have adhd and adds nothing to the experience. This is why I'm giving 2 stars because this was a choice that wasn't thought through and I'm sure is part of why this place is so expensive. I'm also not sure about the pin management system which uses cables attached to the tops of the pins. I'm sure it's because it jams less than traditional equipment but I'm not convinced it doesn't affect how the pins fall (or don't). It's cool they have an arcade area but why would you get a dance dance revolution like game and put it under a very loud speaker that's playing music not related to the game? You really really can't hear it. Look, there is still a lot to like about this place but a few poor choices can ruin the experience for people and I really think they could create a better experience with less... maybe invest in shoes that don't...

I like this place, but our first visit was ruined by the female manager on duty.

Reason 1: ID check

As a visitor to the United States for family purposes, despite not intending to order any food or drinks, I was informed by the manager that i had to show physical ID, not a digital photo for entry. In respect of the store's policy, I returned home to get my passport. However, upon returning, the same manager allowed other customers to enter by showing ID photos from their devices, creating a sense of differential treatment, which was very unpleasant.

Reason 2: multiple members of my party were treated poorly by the manager.

One of our friends went to the counter to confirm the availability for bowling, but this staff seemed unwilling to assist. Despite there being vacant lanes, the response was consistently that they had a lot of customers and weren't sure if they could accommodate us. It took multiple inquiries before we were finally able to go bowling.

I hope there is improved training for this employee; because I saw some comments from others who experienced horrible service by this female manager and unwilling to arrange...