Palace Social, the combination gaming and dining venue at 4191 Bellaire that built upon the legacy of the old Palace Bowling Lanes, has unveiled its second location at 5950 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. The appeal of the venue is that grown-ups and kids alike will find fun, age-appropriate games to enjoy, and also get the type of food and drink they can enjoy, too. Director of marketing Joanna Hughes says remodeling of the former iT’Z Family Food and Fun space will continue over the coming year. 

Chef Jonald Veneracion’s food menu is more pared-down at this location than in Houston, as the space is set up for counter service. Entrée options land into one of three categories: salads, burgers and pizzas in 14” and 18” sizes. An example of each are the Palace Chopped Salad with mixed greens, smoked bacon, boiled egg, roasted/pulled chicken, avocado, toasted almonds, tomatoes, red onion and bleu cheese; Pasadena Patty Melt, a burger patty topped with grilled onions and pepper jack cheese on Texas toast; and Caprese Pizza with tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and balsamic vinegar reduction. 

There’s a separate menu for kids’ meal classics, such as chicken tenders or hot dogs with fries and a 10” cheese pizza. For the adults, starters include Boudin Egg Rolls with remoulade and Plancha Quesadilla with either chicken or beef and Oaxaca/Monterey Jack cheese blend seared between flour tortillas, then topped with pico de gallo, grilled avocado and lime crema. Housemade salsa comes alongside.

For ending a meal, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, there’s a good selection of desserts which include Red Velvet Skillet Cookie (available a la mode for an extra $3), churros and hummingbird cake. 

While the older kids are off virtually tagging things, adults can unwind over a list of specialty cocktails that include the Chipotle Pineapple Daiquiri made with fresh pineapple, a hint of chipotle, silver rum and lime juice, and Anejo Old Fashioned with tequila, orange marmalade and mezcal. 

Games range from old-school classics to the tech-driven. Those seeking something familiar that also requires some physical prowess might gravitate to the bowling lanes or pool tables, while those who want a little more flash can try laser tag, the laser maze or arcade games. Entertain the kids (and perhaps ensure they go to sleep on time for a change) with Monkey Jump (a type of mini-trampoline) and bumper cars. There are plans that Palace Social Pasadena will get the same, highly entertaining Dark Ride virtual reality experience as the Houston location. 

As is the case at the Houston venue, Palace Social Pasadena offers a variety of specials through the week. Mondays and Thursdays are Service Industry Nights, which feature drink specials such as $3 Montucky Cold Snacks, $5 premium well drinks, $5 wines and $8 specialty cocktails. Kids 10 and under eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée and Wednesdays offer half-off bowling and shoe rentals. 

The hours of both locations of Palace Social are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. 

Phaedra Cook

Phaedra Cook has written about Houston’s restaurant and bar scene since 2010. She was a regular contributor to My Table magazine (now closed) and was the lead restaurant critic for the Houston Press for two years, eventually being promoted to food editor. Cook founded Houston Food Finder in November 2016 and has been its editor and publisher ever since.