Kegs and Keglings

Zodos is party central!

There’s something ineffably happy and exuberant about a bowling alley when it’s done right, and Zodo’s certainly is. With 24 lanes and retro colors of orange, blue, and yellow, it’s a place the Big Lebowski would surely approve of. It’s basically a party here, with a photo booth, old-fashioned arcade games, a full bar, and a grill that serves everything from crispy tots to shrimp tacos to gourmet pizza. Even on a weekday afternoon, the lanes are rolling with happy bowlers and families setting up for birthday parties with balloons and cupcakes.

But where Zodo’s really shines is corporate events. Because who doesn’t want to enjoy a frosty beverage, listen to good music, and send a glistening bowling ball gliding down the lane, blasting those pins? As co-owner Steve Davis, a former professional bowler, says, “We’re here to have fun. By the time people leave, they say ‘That was really a lot of fun, I haven’t done that in so long.’” Zodo’s does everything from small parties to fundraisers and corporate events that rent out the entire place. “Depending on the size, the time of day, we customize events,” Davis says. “Bowling takes the edge off people. It’s a great opportunity for people to get to know other people at work they may not know well.”

What’s the secret to the enduring appeal of bowling? Davis’s take is this: “Everyone can compete. At the level of the recreational bowler, everyone’s pretty much equal, and they have a lot of fun. The other day we had a group with four lanes, and every time someone got a strike, everyone was cheering and yell- ing. They get into it. It’s a very social activity. Have a few beers and it’s even more fun.” Glow bowling and different kinds of games are available for corporate events, and some companies arrange for trophies for participants or retro bowling shirts.

“We will offer you about everything we can,” Davis says. “Our party platters are great. I think the mini tacos are fabulous.” He also raves about the veggie platter and the fruit platter. “Ameri- can fare,” Davis says. “A lot of it is finger food. Not many things you need a fork for!” Oh, by the way, they have one of the better burgers in the County, even if you just want to watch and eat. -- by Angela Borda

Zodo’s – Bowling & Beyond, 5925 Calle Real, Goleta . For more info on private and corporate bowling parties call 805-967-0128 www .zodos . com