The guy behind me in line to get into Lucky Strike Lanes’ new Bellevue location was chatting loudly on his cell phone. “Dude, you gotta get down here. It’s a real scene.” There wasn’t a touch of irony in his voice, which made our eyes roll and our gag reflexes act up. And then we felt guilty because he was right. It would be a misnomer to dub the 23,000-square-foot space a bowling alley. It’s more of an L.A.-in-the-Pacific-Northwest experience that happens to involve bowling—maybe. I mean, there’s also the food (bite-sized mac and cheese balls, blue cheese chips, mozzarella s’mores—the lactose-intolerant need not apply), the drinks (the Dude’s White Russian, of course), the pool tables, and the ultra-chic loungy vibe that I swear gave me a self-importance contact high. So, cynical Seattleites: take a hefty grain of salt with you when you head across the water. But do go. It’s a real scene. Lucky Strike Lanes, Lincoln Square, 700 Bellevue Way N.E., Suite 250, 425-453-5137, www.bowlluckystrike.com. JEN HARPER

Tue., Jan. 29, 2008