One of my favorite ways to kick off the weekend is, of course, pouring a big glass of wine or cocktail and unwinding with a few of my close friends. While I definitely have enjoyed plenty of crazy party nights, my new normal is to go out to a low key bar or fun restaurant sometimes for the drinks, but always for the atmosphere. My husband use to make fun of me for picking places for the vibe over the actual food/drinks. Anyone else like that?
I recently was struggling to find a place to gather a few friends for my husbands birthday party. He is a very straightforward type of guy. Likes sports, fixing up our house, cooking, and his friends. He’s not super into the “fancy” places that I enjoy. He says it’s “my thing” and he respects it, but prefers a backyard BBQ to a french inspired brunch. Hey, who can blame him?
Anyway – you guys. I found THE. PERFECT. PLACE. to please both types of people. The nice atmosphere and the laid back. and it’s right here in Atlanta. It’s the Painted Duck (@paintedduckatl on instagram).
If you live in Atlanta and haven’t been yet, I’m actually shocked. Okay, no. I’m not shocked, because I just went for the first time last weekend. I’m just feeling a little dramatic today. But what I am telling you is that if you like games, good food, great drinks, and a little friendly competition, this place is definitely right up your alley.
Keep scrolling for some quick snaps from the venue:
Being an interior lover, my initial reaction when walking into the venue was that I was very excited to see a great mix of masculine, but trendy decor. I know, it may seem very odd for that to be someone’s initial reaction over say anything else, but hey. I love decor. I love creativity. and I love architecture. and this place killed it. Shout out to their interior designer! The atmosphere is there.
The best part is that they had so many different areas where you could gather with friends and play games or sit and eat/drink. There was even a large space under the biggest chandelier I’ve ever seen for a live band to play. Mind. Blown.
The bowling (what they’re known for) is different than the typical bowling alley. It’s “duck pin” style bowling; which I quickly found out is MUCH different than regular bowling. I can’t tell if it’s harder (I’m also a horrible bowler), but it’s definitely different. It’s a smaller heavy ball that you can hold in the palm of your hand. You use this small heavy ball to knock over these shorter/fatter pins.
It’s pretty funny to see people try it for the first time. Not being sure how hard to throw it or how to get the ball to round out. It’s definitely entertaining.
Side note: when you get your first strike of the night, they give you a free alcoholic slushy that tastes very similar to an Orange Julius. It. Is. GOOD.
Outside of bowling, there are tons of other games that you can play – like shooting basket ball hoops and a few others that I have no idea what they’re called. They were fun though!
I just have to give a quick shout out to the chef as well. Their food is ridiculous. They have options for both a full meal or a bunch of appetizers. My favs being the loaded tots and the pork sliders.
Their bar is also fully stocked. They have really delicious craft cocktails, a large beer selection, and also pretty good wine (v important for me).
So anyway, you may be seeing me hanging out here every weekend now because any place that can entertain and make the boys happy while the girls can drink cocktails in the corner is my kinda place. #AmIRight?
I also styled my outfit around the night’s event (could you guess). I paired a laid back band tee with some wide legged trousers and mules. It was super comfortable, but still a little dressed up. So, in my opinion, it was the perfect combination for a fun game night.
Tee | Madeworn from ChanElizabeth
Pants | Zara (sold out)
Bag | Jessica Buurman (use wist10 for 10% off)
xo
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