The Palace Social In Bellaire TX | A Bowling Alley With a Little More!
- HTownPicksTeam
- Jun 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 19
Overall Rating Overall Platforms 4.4 Stars (Updated July 2025)
Is The Palace Social Worth It?
At HTownPicks, we’ve analyzed the booking process, pricing, and hundreds of public reviews to create this definitive guide. The consensus is that The Palace Social is a unique, high-end entertainment hub. It is best known for its polished atmosphere and gourmet casual dining with the a arcade feel.
Quick Snapshot!
Hours: | Mon-Thu: 3:00PM - 10:00PM Fri: 3:00PM - 12:00AM Sat: 11:00AM - 12:00AM Sun: 11:00AM - 10:00PM |
|---|---|
Activity Type | Bowling alley + arcade + VR + simulators + restaurant/bar |
Price Point | $$$ (Expect $100–$140 for dinner for two, $48–$60/hr for bowling) |
Best For | Group events, birthday parties, date nights |
Skill Level | Beginner-friendly; lanes aren’t regulation |
Reservations | Dining: recommended; Bowling: Walk-in & waitlist only. |
Happy Hour Info | Specials: Tues (arcade), Thurs (burgers), kids eat free on Tuesdays. |
The Need-to-Knows
Address:
Parking Tips:
Free, ample private lot shared with Southside Commons businesses.
Accessible parking available; public transit stop just across the street.
No matter when you visit, expect a warm and lively atmosphere waiting to greet you.
How Much Does The Palace Social Cost? (July 2025)
Bowling rates are fixed by the hour; dining and games are charged on their Purchase card.
Activity Pricing
Activity | Price | Booking Notes |
|---|---|---|
Bowling | Monday - Thursday = $48/hr Friday - Sunday = $60/hr | Up to 6 People per lane (Walk-in) |
Shoe & Sock Rental | Socks = $4.00 Shoes = $5.25) | REQUIRED TO BOWL |
Omni VR Arena | $12 Per Person | Walk-In |
Dark Ride Theater | $10 Per person. Thursdays Only $25 Unlimited Rides. | Walk-In |
Multi-sport Simulators | $25 per 30 minutes | Walk-In |
Shuffleboard & Foosball | Monday - Thursday = $15/hr Friday - Sunday = $20/hr | Walk-In |
Arcade/Games | $0.50 - $2.00 Per Play | Reloadable Game Card |
The Booking Process
Dining: Reserve via OpenTable (highly recommended for Fri/Sat).
Bowling/Games: Walk-in only; place name on waitlist; expect 30–60+ min waits on prime nights
Private Events: Available for group functions via venue inquiry
Menu & Drinks Highlights
Starters & Shareables
Dish | Price $$$ | What's In It? |
|---|---|---|
Crab Cakes | $19.00 | Pan-seared Maryland crab topped with remoulade. Elegant and rich. |
Palace Nachos | $16.00 | Hearty platter loaded with cheese, peppers, and jalapeños. |
Fried Calamari | $15.00 | Crispy rings served with zesty aioli. |
Ten-Pin Taquitos | $16.00 | Crunchy taquitos stuffed with chicken, queso, and spices. |
Burgers & Flatbreads
Dish | Price $$$ | What's In It? |
|---|---|---|
610 Burger | $18.00 | Half-pound beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato. (Classic) |
Palace Burger | $18.00 - $20.00 | Elevated version with house sauces and gourmet toppings. |
Shrimp Po’ Boy | $20.00 | Crispy shrimp, lettuce, remoulade on toasted roll. (New Orleans Vibe) |
Vegan Burger | $18.00 | Plant-based patty, vegan cheese, arugula, vegan sauce. (Complete) |
Bluebell (Flatbread) | $15.00 - $16.00 | Speck, cheese, arugula. Savory, slightly smoky, deluxe flatbread. |
Cheese & Caprese (Flatbread) | $15.00 - $16.00 | California mozzarella, tomato, basil on crisp flatbread. (Vegetarian-friendly) |
Cocktails, Drinks & Wines!
Drink | Price $$$ | Description |
|---|---|---|
Draft Beer | $8.00 - $9.00 | Rotating local and national brews. |
Wine by the Glass | $14.00 - $19.00 | Options from crisp whites to rich reds. |
Wine Bottles | $40.00 - $175 | Full selections up to premium labels. (Like Caymus). |
Barrel‑Aged Old Fashioned | $18.00 (Glass) $24.00 (On Tap) | Heaven’s Door whiskey, bitters, orange peel, and turbinado syrup. Aged 30 days for a deeper flavor. |
HTownPicks Recommended Food & Drinks
Must Try Mains & Desserts
Dish | Price $$$ | What's In It? |
|---|---|---|
Fish & Chips | $24.00 | Golden fried fish with crispy fries and house slaw. |
Fried Shrimp Platter | $24.00 | Jumbo shrimp with sides |
Braised Short Ribs | $32.00 | Tender ribs with garlic mash & glazed carrots (Hearty & Rich) |
16 oz Ribeye | $42.00 | Tender & Juicy steak, Grilled & Made per Order. |
Cookies & Brownies | $6.00 - $7.00 | Rich, chocolatey, served warm or chilled. |
Must Try Cocktails
Cocktail | Price $$$ | Description |
|---|---|---|
Palace Margarita | $12.00 (16oz) $50.00 (Pitcher) | Reposado tequila blended with fresh lime and Triple Sec. Smooth, crowd-pleasing, and a weekend favorite. (Available Frozen) |
Espresso Martini | $18.00 | Brown sugar bourbon meets RumChata and rich espresso for that perfect brunch‑style drink. |
Ranch Water | $13.00 | Crisp Hornitos tequila, Valencia liqueur, lime & pineapple juice, served chilled with a Tajín rim. |
What Is the Experience Actually Like?
A Hands-On, Social Playground
From the moment we walked in, The Palace Social feels like a curated entertainment mash-up: shiny bowling lanes, glowing arcade machines, and futuristic VR booths. All humming under warm, mood lighting.
Loud, Lively, and a Bit of Chaos
Expect a lively, energetic soundtrack of collision noises: bowling pins crashing, arcade bleeps, delighted squeals, and upbeat background music. Multiple reviewers noted it’s “clean” and “very good for adults and kids”. But not exactly quiet or intimate, so it’s better for group fun than a quiet romantic dinner.
Food, Drink, and Atmosphere / The Reviews)
Public feedback about food and service is mainly positive. On TripAdvisor, one reviewer praised how “The food was fabulous. The service was great…Rebekah was awesome every step of the way”. Another Yelp review said it was “very pleasantly surprised”. That said, voices are pointing out issues like expensive pricing or inconsistent service. Still, most agree that the elevated menu and polished aesthetic set it apart from standard family entertainment centers.
Frequently Asked Questions For Palace Social
Q: Do I need to book a Reservation for The Palace Social in advance?
A: No. All of The Activities are Walk-Up only, But you can reserve a table for the dinning room via Opentable. (Recommended for Weekendeds)
Q: Does The Palace Social have any Specials?
A: The Palace Social features 3 specals throughout the week. Half-Price arcade games & Kids eat free on Tuesdays. Then the Burger & Beer thrusday special which is a $25.00 combo.
Q: Is it good for a large groups?
A: Absolutely. It’s designed for parties, team events, and large gatherings.
Q: Does the Palace Social have a Dress Code?
A: No dress code, Casual is perfectly fine. Bowling Shoe rental($5.25)would be required if planning to bowl.
Q: Is the Palace Social for toddlers or small children?
A: Sadly no. It is a lot better suited for older kids and teens. The atmosphere is high-energy and loud, and no dedicated toddler play areas exist. Children under 15 require adult supervision (age 25+).
Q: Is there a time limit per activity?
A: Yes, all activities at the Palace Social have time limits. Bowling is Pay by the Hour, & Simulators/VR's are for 30-Minutes or Pay Per Play.
HTownPicks Final Thoughts | The Palace Social
The Palace Social stands out in Houston’s entertainment scene by offering a polished atmosphere, diverse activity mix, and chef-driven menu. All under one roof. For event seekers, it’s a nearly flawless venue. But “luxury entertainment” carries a price tag. Casual guests may find value only if they capitalize on specials. (Half‑Price Arcade Tuesdays, Burger Thursdays, Kids Eat Free Tuesdays)
Who It’s Best For
Event planners: take note. Easy one-stop coordination with high-caliber execution
Families with kids: huge menu and play variety; bring your appetite and patience for wait times
Groups and date nights: premium environment, solid cocktails, and something for everyone
Who Might Be Disappointed:
Budget-minded diners: expect sticker shock
Serious league bowlers: lanes are “not regulation” and gear isn’t top tier.
Tried The Palace Social using our guide? Tag @HTownPicks on Instagram and tell us if you conquered the bowling & burger combo!
Where to Eat & Drink Nearby The Palace Social
After your session, give these nearby spots a try:
Brunch, Coffee Shops, & Restaurants
Bellaire Coffee Shop (4.5 Star Google Rating - 530+ reviews)
Cuisine: Classic American diner breakfast/brunch
Hours: Monday–Saturday 6:00AM – 2:00PM. Sunday 7:00AM – 1:00PM.
There’s old-school diner charm and a sense of community in every mug of coffee here. Locals line up for fluffy pancakes, perfectly crisp bacon, and the kind of bottomless coffee that fuels serious weekend plans. Don’t expect fancy.
Dandelion Cafe Bellaire (4.4 Star Google Rating - 1,250+ Reviews)
Cuisine: Café-style brunch & lunch
Hours: Monday - Saturday 7:00AM - 4:00PM. Sunday 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Bright, bustling, and always brunch-ready, Dandelion Café is a local favorite for avocado toast, creative omelets, and great vegan options. The sunny dining room is perfect for gathering with friends after a Palace Social outing, and the homemade pastries practically dare you not to grab one for the road.
Blood Bros. BBQ (4.4 Star Google Rating - 1,083+ Reviews?)
Cuisine: Asian‑inspired Texas barbecue
Lunch Hours: Wednesday & Sunday 11:00AM - 3:00PM. Thursday - Saturday 11:00AM - 3:00PM.
Dinner Hours: Thursday - Saturday 6:00PM - 9:00PM.
This is where Houston barbecue goes off-script, but in the best way. Blood Bros. BBQ blends Texas tradition with Asian flavors. You’ll find classics like brisket alongside gochujang-glazed ribs and brisket fried rice. The vibe is laid-back, lines move quick, and the flavor is always bold.
Activities & Parks!
Bayland Park (4.4 Star Google Rating - 1,837+ Reviews)
Address: 6400 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074
Hours: Daily, 7:00AM - 10:00PM.
Features: 2 Playgrounds, Skatepark, Sport fields, picnic pavilions, trails. (Dog Friendly)
Bayland Park offers a refreshing contrast to the indoor energy of The Palace Social. After a high-octane evening of bowling, arcade battles, or VR, the wide-open spaces and tennis courts of Bayland invite you to unwind. Whether you're cooling off with the family, letting kids run free, or walking your dog under shaded oaks. It’s the perfect way to balance that polished, lively indoor experience with some calm, outdoor charm.
Evelyn's Park (4.7 Star Google Rating - 1,630+ Reviews)
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 5:00AM - 11:00PM. Friday & Saturday 5:00AM - 12:00AM.
Features: Playground, Splash pad, Event Pavilion, Natural Trails & Paved Paths.
Evelyn’s Park is the perfect companion to your The Palace Social adventure, & only a 4-minute drive away. After the indoor buzz of bowling, VR, and arcade play, this lush, thoughtfully designed space offers a serene cooldown for all ages. Parents can unwind at shaded benches near the splash pad or chat over coffee from the on-site café, while kids explore the trails, creative playground.