By Jessica Newman
You can’t miss Punch Bowl Social at the Domain, Austin as neon red lights announce you’ve arrived at the place where one can drink punch, bowl, and social-ize. Punch Bowl Social stands out from the crowd of bar and game get-ups for its attention to the details: gastro diner food for the hungry and a full menu for daily goers, hand selected beverages and mixed drinks, and an atmosphere that puts you in the right state of mind.
Punch Bowl Social (PBS) is a place for food and fun – First and foremost, the food and drink. You don’t have to show up to bowl or shoot pool – At PBS you can go for darn good food, too. The Austin location has a full menu serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and a weekend brunch. Breakfast is served until 3 pm for the souls who were up the night before gaming. Tear into Monkey Bread French Toast or stick to savory with the Smoked Brisket Hash. One of my favorties is the Waffle With Bing Cherry Thyme Compote, which is delicious as it sounds with it’s sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for a fall morning.
Drink “From The Juicer” with Punch Bowl’s freshly made juices. Need a pick me up? Stick to PBS’s version of a Mimosa with blood orange, cranberry and grapefruit, or stray and try the Corpse Reviver #2 with gin, curacao, lillet blanc and lemon. Mixologist Patrick Williams creates for all the locations and is the beverage director for Austin.
Moving into the nighttime crowd’s scene, opt for gastro pub hearty meals while you throw back local brew. Both classics made with not-so-classic additions and the distinctly original dishes won’t let you down. Chicken & Waffles is made with panko breaded breasts and a chipotle pecan sorghum syrup while the mascarpone Mac N’ Cheese welcomes the addition of peas, kale, and mushrooms. For something different, nosh on Quinoa Stuffed Relleno or a late night Mexican-inspired meal of adobo marinated Calabacita. If you think sandwiches are for the plain and boring, you’ll have a change of heart after simply hearing about the Nicoise craft sandwich: sesame seared tuna, white anchovies, loads of vegetables and greens, olives, basil, the works, and a red wine dressing – served with fries and bacon.
Each PBS location will offer slightly different drinks to cater to the region. At a place dubbed “Punch,” you must get either a single, 4, or 8 person serving of punch. My favorite is the Bat Bridge Bowl Punch with white hat rum, coconut chai tea, lime juice, simple syrup, orange peel, and mint. PBS puts their own mix on “Old School” drinks while their “New School” menu is made for Austinites who like to venture. Not only are the alcoholic beverages enticing but also the sodas, fizzes and shakes deserve a taste.
Finally, let the games begin. Punch Bowl at the Domain has 4 bowling alleys, billiards, darts, pool, fuse ball, and shuffleboard. As for electronics, rent out a private karaoke room by the hour, conveniently located by the Holiday Lounge area with windows that allow for people watching from the inside. Or, head to PBS to watch a game one of several flat screen TVs surrounding the bar. Nestled in the back you’ll even find a few classic arcade machines like Pac-Man!
With the exciting combination of outstanding food, fun and games, PBS will certainly keep you content with for hours making for a great way to spend any day or night.