When Pinewood Social opened in 2013, by Ben and Max Goldberg, it was super fun, super hip and a cool space where you could work, eat, drink and ….bowl. And it’s still all of that. But under the new ownership of Sorelle Hospitality since 2023.
We visited recently for dinner and bowling–something we hadn’t ever done–and had a blast. The booths at Pinewood are ample and comfy, allowing 6 of us to have dinner and talk super easily. Lighting is just right, music not too loud. To this day it’s still one of the best buildings with the best vibe.
Housed in an early 20th-century trolley barn, which celebrates Nashville’s history, it’s industrial and chic. Exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and original structural details create a strong sense of place, while warm lighting, greenery, and comfortable furniture make the space feel welcoming and vibrant. As good for working as it is cocktails or dinner. Something hard to find in Nashville.
The cocktails are terrific and the dinner menu of burgers, salads and pasta, has something for everyone. We started with the Fried Broccoli with a sunflower seed aioli and the the White Bean Hummus with artichoke, kabocha squash, sesame chile crunch, sourdough naan from Dozen. Both vegan options that suited the crowd and our vegan in the group. Then the carnivores delved into the 36-hour short rib with smashed red potatoes, garlic chard, buttermilk beef jus, turmeric pickles and a Bistro Burger with bourbon bacon jam, gorgonzola, garlic aioli, molasses onions, and arugula. While our stomachs said otherwise, our sweet tooth got the best of us as we all dove into the Skillet Cookie with ice cream and caramel sauce and the Banana Pudding. Both were fire.
Now in much need of movement, we headed to the intimate alleys a few hundred feet away to give the lanes a spin. First thing to know is that they don’t wax the lanes. So if you are a real bowler, looking for serious games, Pinewood is not your jam. (As a high school bowler back in the day, this was a bit disappointing to me, but I quickly adapted). So, no bowling shoes required. As a result, the lane next to us was a group of women bowling in heels. Next to them, was someone in a party dress. Garrett, our waiter kept the beers coming. What is old-fashioned is the scoring. Pinewood has the original hardware that came from the lanes (that were imported from Cincinnati) so no new fangled hi tech scoring here. That we loved.
Pinewood has kept its original cool vibe, and very much a locals spot. It’s a bit hard to find, with new construction and a new high rise, practically in its front yard, but it’s worth the trip downtown to spend an evening. Or as a spot to post up and work during the day. Word has it a new location is coming in 2026 on the west side. But that won’t include a bowling alley, so best make your way to the original location.
Pinewood Social
33 Peabody Street,
Nashville, TN 37210
