[Photos: Patricia Chang]
Equal parts beer garden, bowling alley, and arcade, Jack London Square's massive new Plank, opening today, sprawls over 50,000 square feet on the waterfront. The space at 98 Broadway boasts 18 bowling lanes (six of them isolated in a special 21+ area called "The Boardroom"), around 60 arcade games, and plenty of TVs and projectors showing sports. Outside, there are three 60-foot bocce courts, surrounding plenty of patio seating, including fire pits and cornhole. The Boardroom also boasts pool tables, a bar, and its own deck with a bay view.
Owned by national developer Trifecta Management Group (which has a large portfolio of arcades and bowling alleys, including a place in Texas with the absolutely incredible name of Shenaniganz), Plank boasts a full food menu from Jason Moniz (Flora, Tres), with bites like burgers, pizzas, queso fundido, and even ramen; the draft beer list is 42 taps strong. There's even live entertainment, including karaoke on Thursdays and a live band on Saturdays. The whole shebang is intended to be a lure for private parties and corporate events; the space can accommodate up to 1,000 people. Hours are Sunday-Thursday, 11 am-12 pm, and Friday-Saturday, 11 am-1 am.
