After the League of Liberal Libations grabbed two open spots during the Rolling Thunder Bowling Experience laser and music thingy at Tower Lanes Saturday night and strapped on our snazzy rental shoes, we placed a friendly little wager: The losing team must buy the next round. And even with a 49-point spread to make up for my ball-handling deficiencies, my team quickly lost. I suck at bowling, but I’m a champ at drinking. And ambling into Tower Lane’s lounge, I knew I’d found the perfect place to forget my last gutter ball. I asked our friendly barkeep for some liquid courage, and she promptly produced a tray of Midori Kamikaze shots made with Midori, vodka, Triple Sec and sweet-and-sour mix. After downing this strong, bright-green concoction, I was on fire — and immediately bowled a spare and a strike to reached my highest score ever: 88. Although they tout themselves as a family-friendly with the arcade and miniature golf, their night owl food and drink specials strike my fancy. Cheap cocktails and goodhearted ribbing make a night roll as smoothly as my bright-blue ball heading straight for the gutter. 

[Tower Inn & Lanes, 6323 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.564.8853]