There is a new entertainment spot in the West Valley that truly has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a family fun day, date night or a night out with friends, this place has it covered.

I headed over to Uptown Alley for a media event on opening weekend, accompanied by my friends Gina and Justin. My family usually is in tow for such events, but Mylan had prom and Solvay was home working on my Mother’s Day masterpiece.

When we entered the building we didn’t know where to go first. There is the Red Embers Bar & Grill, followed by a stage with live entertainment, 40 bowling lanes, an arcade area, two-story laser tag, lounge areas and The Approach — a club for ages 21 & up with 10 private  bowling lanes, billiards, exclusive bar, dance floor, comfy seating and more.

The Library was reserved for our event, so we headed over there. It is a large area with modular couches, a fireplace and big-screen televisions. It was across from a small stage area, so when the band began, we had a great spot.

 

Our next stop was to the bowling alley. We got assigned the first lane and the hi-tech scoring system made it really easy to set up. There was black-light bowling going and 15-foot projection televisions that make you feel like you are part of what is on the screen. The best part is couches and tables to hang out at instead of those funky swivel chairs bolted to tables that is the standard in bowling alley furniture. While waiting for my turn to bowl I noticed a unique feature that had caught my eye when I first walked in. Instead of using solid walls to separate the restaurant from the rest of the areas, they use these “bubble” walls. There was something very relaxing about these walls, despite all of the sensory stimulation that was around us!

 

After two games of bowling (and huge losses by both Gina and me to Justin) we headed over to the arcade area. With more than 80 games to choose from we wandered around before Justin and I played a doubles round of what could possibly be the world’s largest Connect 4 game! Gina and I played some traditional Skeeball and then she went off to try her luck at the claw machine. One her first try she was able to retrieve a MP3 player! So Justin and I spent the rest of our game card monies trying to win one too. It didn’t work for us. Better luck next time!

 

We opted out of the laser tag because of the 20-minute wait, but it’s on my list for the next time I return. I was thinking it would be a great place for Solvay’s summer birthday. They have a party room you can reserve and party packages with options for bowling, games and food. I think Uptown Alley will be seeing a lot of me this summer!

Uptown Alley is located at 13525 N. Litchfield Rd. in Surprise. Hours are 10am-midnight Sunday through Thursday and 10am-1pm Friday and Saturday. 623-975-PLAY (7529) or uptownalleysurprise.com.

 

◀ Cold taco salad || Sour cream and coconut frosting ▶