Bryant Lake Bowl050

Bryant Lake Bowl (BLB) - in all its retro-cool glory - is many things to many people, and all of them are dependably good. Whether patrons come to dine, bowl, or attend a performance in the theater, the atmosphere and offerings are likely to please.

The fresh and healthful restaurant menu features a lot of organic ingredients, and emphasizes salads, seafood, and Mexican and Asian dishes. Kids are likely to prefer the breakfasts, served daily until 3pm, including French toast, eggs, and pancakes.

There is no children's menu, but the kitchen is open to special requests. High chairs are available; narrow spacing between tables makes it prudent to fold strollers. Natural light pours into the casual dining room, and the ambient noise level is loud enough that parents don't need to worry about kids' chattering disturbing other diners.

The old-fashioned low-tech ten-lane bowling alley behind the restaurant has lightweight balls and kid-sized shoes for little hands and feet. Call before heading over on weekday mornings to make sure the lanes are available, as they're sometimes closed for cleaning and maintenance.

Most of the affordable theater offerings are for adults, but the shows for kids are a good value, too. About once a month BLB hosts a one-hour children's cabaret; purchase tickets ($7/adults; $5/children) at the door. Patrons can order from the restaurant menu during shows and dine at tables inside the theater - for Martha's Improv & Kiddie Cabaret, a special kids menu is offered.

Birthday parties: Reserve two to four weeks in advance for bowling parties of up to 30 people, but note that no parties can be "officially" scheduled from Fri 5pm to Sun 5pm. During that period, parents can take their chances and hope for open lanes - it's risky, but Sunday mornings particularly are slow times in the alley, even though the restaurant is busy.