Shelbie Harris
News Editor
It’s safe to assume whether you’re a senior residing on the fringe of graduation, or an incoming freshman with four more years of school looming overhead, one things for certain: College can be stressful.
The first week of classes can take its toll on any student, from the overachievers who were prepared the first week of winter break, to those still scrambling to enroll in certain classes or purchase those dreaded textbooks.
Many outlets are available for students to de-stress and get away from the books for a night, and Pocatello is no stranger to offering a multitude of diverse opportunities to let loose.
One such establishment is Tough Guy Bowling Lanes, a bowling alley located at 403 East Lewis Street.
Within walking distance from the ISU campus, Tough Guy has been in Pocatello since the ‘50s, offering 24 high-quality lanes with easy automatic scoring for family, friends and league bowling.
The lane per hour price is just over $16, and less than $4 a lane by game per person, with shoes less than $3.
“My family has owned Tough Guy for about the last 15 years,” said Assistant Manager David Luras. “Little by little we started making everything better. We remodeled the bar, added some TV’s and everybody seems to like it.”
Though the bowling alley opens daily at 11 a.m., except for Sundays which they open at 9 a.m., the bar, known to locals as the Kingpin Lounge, is open during the winter from 3 to 11 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 3 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday and Friday, 12 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and 12 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Tough Guy’s busiest night of the week is without a doubt Wednesdays, according to Luras.
This is dollar-bowling night, where bowlers pay only $1.25 for shoes and $1.25 for each game they play.
“In terms of how many people come through the door, and bar sales, Wednesdays are definitely the busiest,” Luras said. “It’s a really good night to come out and have some fun.”
Wing Wednesdays are also a contributor to the busiest night of the week, as the purchase of 12 wings gets you a free pint and 24 wings brings a free pitcher of beer.
Thunder Alley happens on Friday and Saturday nights with a psychedelic combination of lights, fog machines and loud music; for $20 per lane per hour, or $4 per game per person you could test your bowling skills while also getting your groove on. Interactive games and prizes are provided.
Those interested in testing out their karaoke skills should stop in on any Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. as well as during all NFL football games.
Happy hour specials include $5.75 pitchers, $1.75 pints and $9 domestic buckets of five beers.
Additionally, the Kingpin lounge offers the NFL Sunday Ticket with six, fifty-two inch HD TV’s.
The lounge offers a variety of spirits and Jell-O shots as well as six taps including domestic beers, Angry Orchard Hard Apple Cider, Blue Moon and Samuel Adams.
“The changes we’ve made have brought everything up to date, added color, and like I said before everyone really seems to enjoy coming in for a good time,” Luras said.
Other than the ISU bowling alley located in the Pond Student Union building, which does not serve alcohol, Tough Guy is the only bowling alley in town.
In addition to offering a full bar lounge area, at the other end of the building is where the grub can be found. A wide variety of fried and grilled food ranging from pizzas, hamburgers, mozzarella sticks, hot wings and other assorted bar style foods are available.
Tough Guy Lanes has something to offer for everyone, so don’t strike out. If you have any time to spare this semester or if you find yourself in the gutter it might be time to join the Tough Guy family.
“We’re all about getting people in here who like to have fun, and at the same time be responsible,” Luras said. “Come on down, we welcome everyone of all ages.”
