Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill in Connecticut offer a unique family experience with a bowling alley, restaurant, and bar — all underwater.
With the holiday season in full swing, it can be almost impossible to find a moment of peace and quiet. Adult time is officially out of the window and although there's nothing more you want in the world than to go bowling, a momentary lapse in judgment had you promise the kids that you'd take them to the aquarium and now you're stuck. Or are you? What if I told you there is one way you could become your kids' favorite person AND show those bowling pins who's boss?
What you need, my friend is this mystical place in Connecticut called Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill where you can enjoy a game of bowling underwater while the little ones gape astoundingly at the sharks and sea turtles swimming above their heads. Located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, this too good to be true establishment features a restaurant, bar, and a 12-lane bowling alley — all underwater. It is basically a manmade paradise for the parents of aspiring mermaids/mermen or marine biologists.
Jaws looks hungry at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill. pic.twitter.com/UjNRfIimIS
— FOX13 Memphis (@FOX13Memphis) April 28, 2015
As per a report by TimeOut, the kitschy undersea decor at Uncle Buck's essentially oozes charm with themed lighting, backdrops, custom bowling balls — octopus, mermaid, camouflage themed — as well as wooden lanes with faux sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and other saltwater critters. This is the easiest, closest, and to be frank, most realistic option to experiencing Aquaman's kingdom; if Atlantis had bowling alleys, bars, and restaurants, that is.
Burgers, pizza and sunken ships? Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill is the perfect place for an adventure! pic.twitter.com/mzJFrEMdj1
— Big Cypress Lodge (@BigCypressLodge) February 20, 2019
If I were you, I'd lose no time in planning a trip down to Bridgeport with the kids packed in the car. As for all the establishment's timings and pricing, from Monday to Friday, Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill offer you the opportunity to bowl between 11 am and 5 pm at $25/hour per lane. Those going after 5 pm on days between Sunday and Thursday will be charged $30/hr per lane. It gets slightly pricier at $35/hr per lane for those visiting between Friday at 5pm to Sunday until 5 pm. Bear in mind that the prices are subject to change, so we'd suggest you ring up in advance to confirm.
Escape into an underwater oasis filled with mermaids and sunken ships when you dine at Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill! pic.twitter.com/5PjPPkGWWS
— Big Cypress Lodge (@BigCypressLodge) September 26, 2018
While this fantabulous establishment is advertised as a one-of-a-kind family hangout, even heading out here with a bunch of your friends just for the underwater bowling experience is sure to be a day well spent. However, not more than eight people are allowed in a single lane at a given time, so plan accordingly. You will also have to shell out $4.25 per pair of shoes rented and $3.50 per pair of socks. If you're more into billiards than bowling, you'll be pleased to know that Uncle Buck's offers both. There really is something here for everyone, so enjoy it!
Shoot a round of pool and enjoy a bite to eat at Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill. pic.twitter.com/VjjFbfUFf3
— Big Cypress Lodge (@BigCypressLodge) February 10, 2019
"Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill feature a truly unique atmosphere and design geared for family fun and dining. Casual family dining is available in the Grill where you can select from a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and burgers. Private dining is available and is the perfect spot for a private lunch or dinner, seminar or even a fun birthday party. An island-themed bar area offers visitors the experience of feeling like they are underwater exploring the skeletal remains of a sunken ship. Looking up, visitors can see the battered, barnacle and coral-encrusted wooden hull, an old rusted iron chain and the iron rail around the bow," states the establishment's website.
Bring the family together this week with an underwater themed round of bowling at Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill! pic.twitter.com/doH0K1oaVF
— Big Cypress Lodge (@BigCypressLodge) November 21, 2018
The description continues, "A host of exotic fish swim in and around the wreck while Dorado and Sharks, suspended from the ceiling, appear to swim overhead. The bar features a huge saltwater aquarium with scores of beautiful, tropical fish. It is elevated to provide views of the bowling action while serving up your favorite refreshment... Many full lanes of bowling offer a unique underwater ocean experience! Custom bowling balls that bear the likeness of octopus, mermaids, camouflage and more! 'Dock' wooden lanes feature underwater scenery of sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and other saltwater species! Handpainted murals and fish hanging from the ceiling bring everything together for a deep-sea dive like no other. You have to see it to believe it!"
Summer doesn't have to end when you can surround yourself in an underwater Ocean Adventure at Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill. pic.twitter.com/HVweeiJIhv
— Big Cypress Lodge (@BigCypressLodge) September 14, 2018