The Ark Bowl & BBQ

- 42366 NY-28, Arkville, NY 12406

Nestled in the picturesque Catskill Mountains of New York, The Ark Bowl & BBQ in Arkville is a destination that transcends the traditional bowling alley concept. It is a vibrant fusion of nostalgia, culinary excellence, and live entertainment. Resurrected from a semi-defunct state, this establishment has been reestablished as a 1960s-period vintage, eight-lane bowling alley that preserves the classic, retro aesthetic—complete with manual or paper scoring, encouraging a slower, more social pace. The atmosphere is warm, eclectic, and instantly welcoming, characterized by visually appealing decor crafted partially from salvaged bowling lanes and local antiques.

More than just a place to bowl, The Ark Bowl & BBQ has earned a reputation for its truly amazing food program, which centers around house-smoked, hearty barbecue. This commitment to high-quality cuisine, combined with a full-service bar serving local craft beers and expertly mixed cocktails, positions it as a true culinary and social hub in the Catskills. Patrons, including those from the New York City region and local communities, consistently rave about the high standard of the food and drinks, often noting that the chef and bartender are "genuinely masters of their crafts." All three elements—bowling, dining, and drinking—come together to create an energy that feels "very good," making it a beloved gem worth returning to again and again.

The Ark Bowl & BBQ is perfectly situated at 42366 NY-28, Arkville, NY 12406, USA. Its location on Route 28 makes it easily accessible for visitors traveling through the Catskills region, including those visiting nearby attractions like Belleayre Mountain.

The venue is dedicated to providing an inclusive and convenient experience for all New York guests:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, offering a smooth entry into the facility.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, with designated spaces available.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom and accessible seating, ensuring comfort for all patrons.
• Parking is made easy with both a free parking lot and free street parking.
• The crowd is noted to be LGBTQ+ friendly and operates as a Transgender safespace, fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.
• Amenities include a Gender-neutral restroom.
• The option to pay using Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments is available.

The facility's conscious effort to be both physically and socially accessible enhances its appeal as a community gathering space in the New York mountains.

The Ark Bowl & BBQ offers a diverse, multi-functional set of services that distinguish it as a premier entertainment and dining complex.

• Vintage 8-Lane Bowling: Featuring restored lanes from the 1960s era, promoting a classic, fun, and laid-back bowling experience. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times.
• Award-Worthy Barbecue Restaurant: The two-story kitchen features a massive smoker, serving house-smoked BBQ favorites such as pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, alongside classic burgers, crispy wings, and other eclectic menu items like Nashville fried chicken sandwiches.
• Full-Service Bar and Cocktails: Known for its "killer drinks" and a selection of local New York craft beers, as well as mainstream favorites. The bartenders are often praised for being "masters of their craft."
• Live Music Venue: A dedicated space and stage host a varied schedule of touring bands, musicians, vocalists, and comedians, often featuring genres like Chicago Blues, New Orleans Jazz, and Folk/Americana.
• Event Venue Rental: The venue is available to be rented for parties, weddings, corporate functions, and private gatherings, with the ability to cater events both onsite (up to 130 people) and offsite (up to 200 people).
• Community Social Hub: Hosts league bowling and other social activities, reinforcing its role as a key meeting place in the Arkville and Margaretville area.
• Outdoor Seating: Offering spacious indoor seating as well as outdoor seating and a wrap-around porch with Adirondack chairs, perfect for enjoying the pleasant Catskills weather.
• Flexible Dining: While the in-house BBQ is a major draw, the policy of allowing Outside food allowed ensures maximum dining flexibility for patrons.

The unique blend of retro charm, culinary mastery, and vibrant entertainment are the core highlights that make The Ark Bowl & BBQ a beloved New York destination.

• The Vintage Vibe: The reestablished 1960s aesthetic, with old bowling lanes repurposed into tables and bar tops, creates an authentic, nostalgic atmosphere that is often described as being "plucked out of time."
• "Amazing" and "Incredible" Food: Customer reviews consistently call the food "AMAZING," with a polish that sets it apart from typical bowling alley fare. The focus on slow-smoked BBQ from a massive smoker is a significant culinary draw.
• Masters of Craft: The staff, particularly the chef and bartender, are frequently lauded as "total pros" who are genuinely masters of their respective crafts, ensuring high quality across the dining and cocktail experience.
• Inclusive and Friendly Crowd: The venue's designation as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, combined with its welcoming staff, ensures a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable experience for all patrons.
• Dynamic Entertainment Schedule: The presence of a live music bar hosting various touring acts gives the venue an energetic, dynamic feel, offering more than just bowling and dining.
• Value and Affordability: Patrons note the "Extremely reasonable prices" for the high quality of food and drinks, making it an excellent value proposition for entertainment in the Catskills.
• Rapid Food Service: Despite the multi-hat wearing staff and busy atmosphere, the kitchen is capable of sending food out "incredibly quick," surprising and satisfying hungry patrons.

To make a reservation for bowling or dining, inquire about the live music schedule, or book a private event, please contact The Ark Bowl & BBQ:

Address: 42366 NY-28, Arkville, NY 12406, USA

Phone: (845) 586-2695

Mobile Phone: +1 845-586-2695

It is highly recommended to call ahead to confirm open hours, check the live music lineup, and secure a bowling lane reservation, particularly on weekends.

For residents and visitors of New York seeking an authentic, high-quality leisure experience in the Catskills, The Ark Bowl & BBQ is definitively worth choosing. It is a rare "true gem" that successfully combines three individually compelling reasons to visit: **classic, retro bowling, incredible house-smoked BBQ, and a dedicated live music venue.** You don't have to choose between a fun activity, a great meal, or a lively social scene—The Ark provides all three in a single, perfectly curated atmosphere.

The unparalleled dedication to culinary excellence, highlighted by the talented chef and the amazing food, sets it apart from any typical bowling alley. Furthermore, the commitment to creating an inclusive, friendly, and authentic retro vibe ensures that every guest, from the casual bowler to the dedicated foodie, feels immediately at home. The Ark Bowl & BBQ is more than a destination; it's a vibrant social experiment and a labor of love that delivers exceptional value, making it a must-visit cornerstone of the Catskills entertainment landscape.

The Ark Bowl & BBQ

42366 NY-28, Arkville, NY 12406, USA