It’s finally here, folks!
After three years of waiting, enticing banners posted on the outside of the building, and finally the appearance of signage on the facade last month, Walnut Creek’s super luxe new bowling and bocce bar is finally open.
Pinstripes, the Chicago-based dining and entertainment company, has officially opened its newest location in Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza as of November 15, offering residents a blend of upscale dining, bowling, and bocce.
The two-story, 25,000-square-foot venue opened on November 15 and is the company’s second Bay Area location, following its San Mateo venue, and its 18th location nationwide.
What to Expect
Pinstripes combines Italian-American cuisine with entertainment in a spacious, modern setting. The venue features eight bowling lanes, two indoor bocce courts, and outdoor patios, creating a space designed for both casual outings and upscale events.
Guests can dine indoors or on the patios, which are equipped with TVs for watching major sporting events. The private event spaces are perfect for hosting parties, corporate gatherings, and celebrations, accommodating groups ranging from 20 to 1,500 people.
The venue also strives to be an integral part of the community by hosting events for local schools, sports teams, and social groups. Plans include hosting everything from line dancing to senior mixers, making it a versatile destination for all ages.
Dining Highlights
Pinstripes’ bistro features a chef-driven menu of Italian-American classics made from scratch. Highlights include:
- Hand-stretched pizzas and flatbreads like the Legendary Lobster Pizza topped with Maine lobster, shrimp, cheddar, mozzarella, and scallions.
- Signature sandwiches like the Famous Prime Rib Dip, served with horseradish cream and au jus on a pretzel bun, or the Spicy Chicken Sandwich featuring jalapeño slaw, housemade Calabrese sauce, and pickles on a brioche bun.
- Chef’s entrées such as Chicken Parmesan, served with fettuccine and rosemary cream sauce, or the Filet Mignon Trio, which includes three filet medallions topped with peppercorn and gorgonzola and served alongside crispy Brussels sprouts, truffle potatoes, and bordelaise sauce.
The menu also offers an array of pastas, soups, salads, and desserts, including a Celebration Sundae layered with vanilla ice cream, salted pretzels, and chocolate sauce. Guests can pair their meals with selections from a curated wine list, craft beers, or handcrafted cocktails like the Margarita Italiano or Bourbon Refresh.
On weekends, Pinstripes offers a Pintastic Weekend Brunch Buffet from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy a waffle station, made-to-order omelets, a carving station with prime rib and maple-glazed ham, and even unique brunch options like Chicken and Goat Cheese Pasta. Bottomless mimosas with mix-and-match juices are also available.
Entertainment and Events
For those seeking fun beyond the dining table, Pinstripes offers a range of activities. Bowling lanes and bocce courts are available for casual play or competitive matches, making it a family-friendly destination or a great spot for date nights and gatherings with friends. Reservations are recommended for both bowling and bocce, especially during peak times.
Private event spaces make Pinstripes a standout choice for hosting everything from corporate meetings to weddings and birthday parties. The venue aims to host over 1,000 private events in its first year.
Visiting Pinstripes
Pinstripes Walnut Creek is located at 1115 Broadway Plaza. Hours of operation are:
- Monday: 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the venue is open for both lunch and dinner.
Pricing and Local Reactions
Menu prices range from $7 for small plates to $33 for more indulgent entrées like the Filet Mignon Trio. Specialty cocktails range from $16 to $17, and happy hour offers more affordable drink options. Local residents have praised the venue for its versatile offerings, though some early reviews noted the atmosphere resembles a mix between a hotel restaurant and an upscale lounge.
Job Opportunities and Community Impact
With the opening of its Walnut Creek location, Pinstripes has created approximately 150 new jobs. The venue also emphasizes its commitment to the local community by partnering with schools, clubs, and organizations for events and gatherings.
For more information or reservations, visit Pinstripes.com.
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