Arcade games, bocce, food, drink, and fun for all abound at the ultra-chill Franklin Alley Social Club in Rensselaer County.
“Another day in paradise” is on display beside plastic flamingos, decorative life preservers, and artificial palm trees at this cruse ship themed amusement hall and bar in Troy, NY.
At the Franklin Alley Social Club, it’s paradise all-year round.
After about a year of renovations, owners Heidi and Frank Sicari opened FASC at the end of Dec., which is located in the same building as the Takk House, a wedding and event venue the couple also owns.
“Our grand opening was insane and we’ve had a great first month or so,” says Heidi Sicari. “The feeling you get when you see all of your hard work and space alive with so many happy people is indescribable.”
Franklin Alley, which was a former Troy Knights of Columbus bowling alley in the 1920s, features vintage coin-operated arcade games, a bar highlighting various tropical drinks, and full sized regulation indoor shuffleboard and bocce ball courts.
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This one-of-a-kind venue fits in well with the Capital District’s artistic and historic atmosphere.
“Troy is a wonderful city full of open-minded people. The energy in this city is untouchable,” she also mentions as to why Troy is the perfect place for Franklin Alley Social Club.
After the couple was informed by industry professionals that it wouldn’t be possible to restore the bowling alley, which was their original plan, they decided to re-use as many elements of the old alley in their new vision for the space.
The shuffleboard courts themselves are repurposed Brunswick Bowling lanes, while other lanes are used as tables, booths and a bar top, and old ball returns have found new life as railings around the establishment.
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Original bowling balls and signage are on display as well.
“Everyone seems to be loving the vibes, the games, the atmosphere, and the lightheartedness of it all,” she adds.
Every Bocce and shuffleboard rental, which is $10 per person for an hour, comes with a free lesson for anyone who’s not familiar with the classic games. Up to four people can play shuffleboard at one time and up to eight for bocce ball.
Franklin Alley Social Club will soon be open on Tuesday nights exclusively for leagues. They plan to have eight teams for shuffleboard and eight teams for bocce ball, with the winning team receiving a trophy at the end of the season.
They also feature promotions and events including trivia and pretzel night on Wednesdays, arcade tournaments, and limbo contests.
Most of the menu is made up of hot dogs, including their half-pound or “social” hotdog, and tater tots – both available with a variety of toppings. Along with cocktails, the bar features a variety craft beers and Boylan sodas.
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Brunch is also available for “Sunday Funday” with a menu that includes tater tot waffles and spicy Bloody Mary cocktails.
Online ordering is now available through their website.
FASC offers a membership program, which provides members with discounts on leagues, merchandise, and a free “magical gold pineapple” birthday drink. Franklin Alley also hosts private events and parties in their VIP lounge.
While shuffleboard is a fun Saturday afternoon activity for families, after 8 p.m. it transitions into a 21 and up establishment.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re five years old or 80, you are going to have a good time,” adds Sicari. “The nice thing about Franklin Alley is that there really is something for everyone.”
The Franklin Alley Social Club is open on Wednesday from 5-11 p.m., Thursday from 5 p.m.-12 a.m., Friday from 4-2 a.m., Saturday from 2 p.m.-2 a.m., and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
50 Franklin St, Troy, NY 12180; 518.326.1972; www.franklinalleysocialclub.com