94 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 Best Bougie Bowling CHÂM PANG LANES 903 N. Second St. 602-922-2235 champanglanes.com Have you ever had fried chicken and Champagne together? It sounds like an odd combination, but at Châm Pang Lanes off Roosevelt Row, it works. Now, pair the chicken and bubbly with bowling and an upscale, vintage ambiance and you’ve got yourself an evening to remember. The downtown hotspot has a small number of lanes, plus fun vibes, Instagram-worthy decor, DJs, a circular bar, pool tables, a satisfying drink list and snacks like sushi and nachos. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate a few frames into your fancy night out in downtown Phoenix, Châm Pang Lanes is the place to go. Best Roller Skating GREAT SKATE 10054 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale 623-842-1181 unitedskates.com/great-skate We predict, after Ken and Barbie’s neon- clad jaunt by the beach this summer, that rollerblading may be making a comeback. But whether your wheels are all in a row or two by two, you’ll definitely want to head to Great Skate Glendale next time you want to strap on some skates. There’s something on the schedule virtually every night including public skating sessions, lessons for kids and adults, and themed skate events like “Hocus Pocus” and All You Can Eat Pizza Night. The grownups can enjoy the occasional adults-only skate night, too. The decor is classic skate rink craziness, the food and drinks are decent, and the vibes are fun and nostalgic. What more can you ask for? Best Ice Skating AZ ICE ARCADIA 3853 E. Thomas Road 602-957-9966 azicearcadia.com Formerly Arcadia Ice, AZ Ice Arcadia has been given a modest facelift and maintains the smoothest ice rink in the desert. A variety of action keeps the Zamboni drivers busy, from figure skating and figure skating lessons to hockey (adult and youth) and public skating. The latter is a big draw for its affordability ($5 to $10; free for kids 3 and younger). Socks and gloves are required and available for sale should you forget them. Adults’ favorite thing about this rink has long been the Ice House Tavern, which overlooks the ice and serves drinks and food from a full kitchen. Best Pool Hall BULLSHOOTERS 3337 W. Peoria Ave. 602-441-2447 bullshooters-az.com You don’t have to be a billiards pro to recognize that BullShooters is the best spot in the Valley for stick ’n’ sip action. The sizable North Phoenix pool hall and sports bar boasts the largest lineup of tables locally — 44 to be exact — each wobble- free and topped by blue felt with nary a snag or stain. The cues are also straight as an arrow (so chalk up any shooting snafus to your lack of skills). There’s often a wait for a table on weekend nights, but with 13 electronic dart machines, off-track betting, a full food and drink menu with 30 beers on tap, frequent drink specials, and nightly karaoke sessions in the lounge, there’s always something to do until a spot opens up. Better yet, stop by during the weekday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. happy hour for $6 games, or wait until 10 p.m. when they’re a buck cheaper. Just don’t scratch when it’s your turn to break. Best Place to Watch the Sunset DOBBINS LOOKOUT 10919 S. Central Ave. phoenix.gov/parks/trails/loca- tions/south-mountain The view from Dobbins Lookout in the South Mountain Preserve is always beautiful, sure. But it’s at night that you can witness the true glory of this popular scenic spot. From this vantage, the full expanse of Phoenix and its surrounding sprawl is set, panoramic, before you, glis- tening. The barren desert extends out into the horizon. If you’re driving, make sure to get to South Mountain before sunset as the entry gates close at 7 p.m. (and if not, there are various not- too-strenuous treks up to Dobbins). Once at the lookout, settle yourself on a cobblestone bench or boulder at the top and watch Phoenix, as the sunlight fades, disintegrate into an expanse of lights. The city comes alive at night, both up close and from 2,300 feet up.
