Punch Bowl Social thrives in newly renovated Flats of Cleveland

Opened in June as the fifth restaurant in its chain, Punch Bowl Social quickly became a downtown hot spot. Mixing timeless styles with a modern vibe, the Punch Bowl experience hopes to thrive in the newly renovated Flats of Cleveland.

Punch Bowl Social sits in a 27,000 square foot complex, with the Cuyahoga River as a backdrop. Despite a strong emphasis on the menu, modern takes classic diner dishes, a variety of other elements make Punch Bowl Social stand out. Three floors, three bars, a rooftop deck, private karaoke rooms, various lounging areas, and games ranging from bowling and shuffleboard to retro video games make it truly unique. Due to its old school styles, progressive twists, and authentic menu with a plethora of choices, almost everyone can appreciate a different aspect of the experience.

While dining at Punch Bowl Social, a couple friends and I ordered dishes from different aspects of the menu and shared with each other to get a better feel for the overall taste. My personal favorite was the Chicken ‘N Waffles ($16), a classic diner dish served with a modern take. The crunch of the chicken and the heat of the jalapeno syrup contrasted with the light waffles and made the dish stand out above the others. After also tasting The KnockOff Burger ($12) and the Cook’s Salad ($12), I noticed an overarching theme pairing smoky and fresh tastes, a refreshing balance.

After our meal, we enjoyed bowling, some of the retro video games, and were able to get a glimpse of the sunset over the water from the rooftop deck. Punch Bowl Social stays true to its themes throughout the experience. From grand schemes to miniscule details, the high level of commitment to customer experience is apparent, creating a vibe perfect for maximum entertainment.

The brand new restaurant exceeds expectations with its delicious meals, fantastic games, and appealing social culture. However, since games are charged separately, it could become quite expensive. Bowling costs around $13 for shoes and a lane, sufficient coins for video games will cost about $5 per person, and private karaoke is additional cost as well. Despite the pricey total of everything at Punch Bowl Social, planning specific aspects you want to do beforehand will assure an affordable, entertaining experience.

Having a vast variety of things to do and experience within the same restaurant make Punch Bowl Social unique. Although it can become a bit pricey, it stays true to its themes and provides maximum quality entertainment, making it more than worth the trip.