Some people discover romance in Paris. We discovered ours in Cranbrook… on a bathroom poster.
We’d just finished dinner at Fire Hall Kitchen & Tap when I wandered off for a quick “dad break” (you know, the kind where you stare at the wall for 30 seconds and remember what silence feels like). On the way back, I spotted a poster that basically yelled: BOWLING + LARGE PIZZA DATE NIGHT.
That’s how our very normal, very responsible family trip accidentally turned into a Wednesday night date at Encore Brewing—Cranbrook’s brewery-meets-bowling-alley-meets-arcade, and the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve hacked adulthood.
We hadn’t bowled in about 15 years, and we had a baby—still ridiculously fun.
If you’re visiting Cranbrook (or live nearby and need a midweek morale boost), here’s everything you need to know about Encore’s Wednesday Date Night—plus our honest take on whether the $35 deal is actually worth it.
The short verdict
Yes. If you want a low-effort, high-fun night out, Encore’s Wednesday Date Night is one of the best value date ideas in Cranbrook—especially when you treat bowling as the playful bonus and the pizza as the main event.
The only time it feels “meh” is if you’re expecting an hour-long bowling session like a traditional lane rental. Encore’s standard lane pricing is by the hour, while Date Night is sold as “one game for two,” so set expectations accordingly.
Worth-it scorecard
| Category | Our take | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Value | 10/10 | Large pizza alone can run up to $31; adding bowling makes it feel like a deal-night win. |
| Fun factor | 10/10 | Bowling + arcade energy = instant “we’re 19 again” vibes (but with better snacks). |
| Food | 8.5/10 | Sourdough Brooklyn-style pizza with a legit menu—plus other shareables if you’re starving. |
| Family-friendliness | 9/10 (early) | Minors welcome until 9pm; stroller-friendly access + high chairs. |
| Rainy-day backup | 10/10 | It’s indoors, it’s active, and it prevents “we watched Netflix in the hotel again” syndrome. |
What is Encore’s Wednesday Date Night?
Encore Brewing runs a weekly special marketed as:
- 1 large pizza
- 1 game of bowling for two
- $35
- Every Wednesday
- Walk-ins are welcome, or you can reserve a lane online.
One funny detail: the same Encore page includes a promo image that shows $55, while the text says $35. The Cranbrook tourism listing also states $35, so we’d treat $35 as the intended price—but it’s worth confirming when you arrive (or by checking the most recent listing). Anywho, we paid $35 on our trip. But best to confirm before going.
Encore Brewing at a glance
| Quick info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1400 4 St N, Cranbrook, BC (V1C 3L5) |
| Hours | Tue–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri–Sat 11:30am–12am; Sun 11:30am–10pm; Mon closed |
| Family policy | Minors welcome until 9pm (with an adult) |
| What it is | Craft brewery + full kitchen + bowling + arcade + oversized games (Connect Four, Jenga, Tetris) |
| Bowling setup | 8 lanes; lane rental is $40/hour (2–6 people); shoes $5/pair |
| Arcade | Token arcade with cabinets like Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, Big Buck Hunter, Tokyo Drift; games range $0.25–$2 |
| Fun extra | It’s in a restored bowling-alley space with retro charm (originally from the 1960s). |
Our date night story (the “how did we end up bowling?” edition)
Let’s be clear: bowling was not on our Cranbrook bingo card.
We were planning a family-focused trip—nature, parks, maybe a museum, maybe a “let’s pretend we’re rested” coffee. Then this Wednesday Date Night deal appeared in my life like a beautifully laminated permission slip to have fun.
We showed up with the energy of two parents who normally put on pajamas at 8:15pm and celebrate the wildest part of their evening: finishing a cup of tea while it’s still hot.
And then we stepped into Encore and immediately felt the mood shift. It’s bright, busy, playful. You’ve got people bowling. People eating. People doing that thing where they laugh way louder than normal because they finally got out of the house.
The competitive problem
There’s a moment in every couple’s bowling date where you discover who you really married.
Audrey approached the lane with the vibe of a golden retriever: happy to be here, thrilled by any pin that falls down.
I on the other hand said, out loud, with gusto: “I came here to win.”
Audrey tried gripping the ball like she was about to throw a shot put in the Olympics. Then she got a gentle reminder that bowling is not about brute force—it’s about rhythm. You cup the ball. You don’t death-grip it. Your arm swings. Your brain stops screaming.
Also, the bumpers of adulthood are very real: if you throw it too hard, your shoulder reminds you of your age.
Pizza arrives mid-game (and chaos improves)
We ordered the Classic Pepperoni—just to keep things simple.
And then the pizza arrived while we were still bowling, which is the best kind of chaos. Suddenly your date is:
- Bowl a frame
- Sprint back
- Eat a slice
- Laugh at your score
- Pretend you’re not competitive
- Repeat
It was glorious. It was silly. It was exactly the kind of midweek fun that makes you say, “Wait… why don’t we do this more often?”
Is the $35 deal actually worth it?
Here’s the simplest way to think about it:
If you were going to eat a large pizza anyway, the bowling is basically a bargain ‘almost free’ add-on.
Encore’s large pizzas are 14 inches, and the menu shows large pies priced from $21 up to $31, depending on what you pick.
So if you pick something in the $24–$31 range, and you get bowling included for $35 total, the deal feels pretty strong.
Add free shoe rentals (normally $5 a pair) and you’re off to the races.
The “worth it” decision matrix
| If you’re… | Date Night ($35) | Better alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Here for a casual, fun dinner + activity | Perfect. Pizza + a game = easy win. | None needed |
| Desperate for an hour+ of bowling time | Might feel short if “one game” is your whole plan. | Book a lane by the hour ($40/hr) |
| Trying to keep things budget-friendly | Strong, especially if you skip extra drinks. (I grabbed pint though “of course”) | Pizza + walk outside (weather-dependent) |
| Parents who need a “we escaped” night | Yes, early evening is ideal. | Do Tuesday Free-Play (more family-oriented) |
| A double date / small group (4–6) | Date Night is for two; still good, but lane rental might scale better. | Split $40/hr lane + order pizzas |
How bowling works at Encore (without pretending we’re pros)
Encore has 8 bowling lanes and runs a reservation system, but you can also show up and see what’s available. We just winged it.
Standard pricing is:
- $40 per hour per lane
- Lane is designed for 2–6 people
- $5 per pair for shoe rental
Five-pin vs “regular” bowling
Encore provides fantastic five-pin bowling, which is very Canadian and very fun—smaller balls, different scoring, and way more beginner-friendly than you’d expect.
If you haven’t bowled in forever (hi, yes, same), five-pin is a gentle re-entry into sporty activities where no one gets hurt and the biggest injury is to your pride.
Our bowling survival tips
- Warm up with a “practice throw” so your first ball isn’t a dramatic flop directly into the gutter.
- Aim for consistency, not power. Your shoulder will thank you tomorrow.
- Decide early whether this is a “cute date” or an “Olympic trial.” If you disagree, it becomes a documentary about relationship resilience.
- If you’re with kids, take turns bowling while the other supervises snacks and tiny chaos.
Pizza at Encore: what to order (and how not to overthink it)
Encore’s pizza is described as sourdough Brooklyn-style, made with Italian flour and brewer’s yeast, with a stone-baked crunch. Small is 10 inches, large is 14 inches, and there’s a $5 add-on for a small gluten-free crust.
The Encore pizza lineup (large prices)
Here are some of the large pizzas and pricing from the menu:
| Pizza | “Date night vibe” | Large price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Pepperoni | Safe, classic, no drama | $24 |
| Hawaiian | Sweet/salty, forever controversial | $24 |
| Kevin McCallister | Cheesier, kid-friendly | $21 |
| The Honker | Meat + mushrooms, crowd-pleaser | $27 |
| The Meat Sweats | Exactly what it sounds like | $29 |
| The Cranny Club | Ranch sauce + chicken + bacon | $29 |
| The Italian Job | Prosciutto + pistachio + honey | $30 |
| The Mama Mia | Meatballs + pesto drizzle | $28 |
| The Gus Fring | Blue cheese + spicy chicken | $27 |
| The Dumpster Fire | “Everything” energy | $31 |
| Vague Healthy Vibes | Pesto + veg + feta | $28 |
| The Green Goblin | Pickles + bacon + chipotle drizzle | $26 |
Pizza picker matrix
| Your mood | Pick this | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| “We just want comfort food” | Classic Pepperoni or The Honker | Classic flavours, easy sharing |
| “We’re feeling fancy but still casual” | The Italian Job | Sweet/salty, feels like a treat |
| “We hiked today; feed us immediately” | Meat Sweats or Dumpster Fire | Big protein energy |
| “We want something a little lighter” | Vague Healthy Vibes | Still satisfying, less heavy |
| “We enjoy chaos” | Green Goblin | Pickles + chipotle drizzle = memorable |
The arcade and games: the secret sauce for a great date
Even if you only come for bowling and pizza, Encore is built like a playground for grown-ups.
Their games list includes arcade cabinets like Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, Big Buck Hunter, and Tokyo Drift Racer, and they sell tokens at the check-in desk. The posted range is $0.25 to $2 per game depending on the machine.
This matters because it turns your night into a flexible “choose your adventure” situation:
- Bowl a bit
- Eat a bit
- Play a bit
- Repeat until you feel young again or your babysitter texts “where are you?”
Encore also highlights oversized classics like Connect Four, Jenga, and Tetris, which is basically the perfect post-pizza activity when you want to keep talking but still do something with your hands.
We just bowled but if we had we more time…
Planning your Encore date night (logistics that actually matter)
Best time to go
If you’re doing Date Night as a couple, aim for a normal dinner window and then bowl after. If you’re a parent, earlier is smoother—Encore is family friendly until 9pm, so you can get the fun without turning bedtime into a hostage negotiation.
Reserve vs walk-in
Encore explicitly says you can walk in or reserve a lane online. If you’re going during peak time or you hate waiting (hi, yes), reserve. We went early and had no issues getting a lane.
Parking and getting there
Encore is in central Cranbrook at 1400 4 St N, so it’s an easy drive from most hotels and short-stay accommodation in town.
Accessibility and family setup
Encore’s own “About” page calls out stroller-friendly access and high chairs, which we appreciate because traveling with a baby is basically moving house, emotionally and physically. We took Aurelia in her stroller and had zero issues.
How much will you actually spend? (realistic budgets)
Date Night is $35 for the bundle, but real life includes shoes, drinks, and the inevitable “one more thing” snack.
Here are three realistic spend levels for two adults:
| Spend style | What you do | Rough total |
|---|---|---|
| Thrifty | Date Night + water + shoes | $35 |
| Standard | Date Night + 2–4 drinks | ~$50–$80 depending on what you drink |
| “We deserve this” | Date Night + drinks + an arcade spree | $80–$120+ (but heck you’ll have stories) |
(If you’re building a trip budget, this is one of those nights where you can keep it affordable—or accidentally turn it into a celebration. Both are valid.)
Who this date night is perfect for
Encore’s own positioning is basically “everyone,” and honestly… they’re not wrong. They explicitly call out families, locals, sports teams, seniors, groups, and dog parents (patio season).
Here’s how that translates in real life.
Couples who want a date that isn’t just “sit and talk”
If you’ve done enough restaurant dates to last a lifetime, bowling adds movement and momentum. You can talk, laugh, and also have something to do with your hands, which is a gift if you’re even slightly awkward (we see you).
Parents who want a date that still works with family travel
Encore being family-friendly until 9pm means you can actually go with a baby or kids (early), and it won’t feel like you’re “that family” ruining the vibe—because the whole place is designed for multi-generational fun.
Travelers stuck in bad weather
Cranbrook can deliver stunning outdoor days… and also the kind of weather that makes you stare at your hotel room wall and ask, “So… what now?” Encore is a reliable indoor plan that still feels like you did something.
Groups, teams, and double dates
Lane rentals are split across 2–6 people, and Encore’s about page literally mentions groups walking in with big numbers. Translation: it’s built for chaos—in a good way.
Pro-level “keep it romantic” tips (without being cringe)
- Make bowling the middle act, not the entire night. Eat first, bowl after. It keeps your energy up and reduces competitive rage.
- Pick a pizza you’ll both enjoy (or go half-and-half if available).
- Agree on the vibe: playful date vs serious competition. If you don’t, you’ll discover new sides of yourselves.
- If you’re traveling, treat this as your “reward night” after hiking, museum-ing, or doing responsible adult things.
If Wednesday doesn’t work: other fun nights at Encore
Sometimes travel plans laugh at your calendar. If you can’t make Date Night Wednesday, Encore runs other “built-in fun” themes that are worth knowing about:
- Free-play Tuesdays: Encore advertises that all arcade games are free on Tuesdays (but they also warn it’s a limited-time thing—so treat it like a seasonal bonus, not a forever promise).
- Trivia Thursdays: Their events listings have promoted weekly trivia nights with a $5 entry and a winner-takes-all pot. (We love trivia because it’s the only competition where our bowling score can’t hurt us.)
- Live music and special events: Encore regularly hosts live music and ticketed nights, so if you’re in Cranbrook for a weekend, it’s worth checking what’s on.
If you’re building a “one-night only” plan, the move is easy: book (or walk in), eat something shareable, and then let the games do the rest.
Encore vs other Cranbrook date-night ideas
Cranbrook is sneaky-good for date nights, but the vibe you want matters. Here’s how we’d pick:
| Date-night vibe | Go with | Why it wins |
|---|---|---|
| “We want an activity built in” | Encore Date Night | Pizza + bowling = conversation + laughs + something to do |
| “We want cozy and quiet” | A restaurant-only night | Best when you want long conversation without scoreboards |
| “We want low-cost and simple” | Pizza + a scenic stroll | Great on warm evenings; less great when it’s freezing or raining |
| “We want a ‘treat ourselves’ night” | Encore + drinks + arcade | You can keep adding fun until you decide you’re 22 again |
The “Worth It?” bottom line
Encore’s Wednesday Date Night works because it’s simple:
- A real dinner (a big pizza)
- A built-in activity (bowling)
- A place designed for fun (games, energy, community vibe)
- A price that feels like a little win in the middle of the week
For us, it was one of those travel moments you remember because it was unplanned, unpretentious, and genuinely joyful. No candles. No roses. Just laughs, plenty of gutter-balls, a few strikes, and two adults pretending they’re not in bed by 9.
Frequently Asked Questions About Encore Brewing’s Cranbrook Date Night Deal (Bowling + Pizza, Pricing, Reservations, Kids)
Is Encore’s Date Night deal really $35?
Yes. Encore advertises Wednesday Date Night as $35 for a large pizza and one game of bowling for two. It’s still smart to double-check the most current promo when you go, because specials can change.
What exactly is included in the Date Night deal?
A large pizza and “one game for two.” The listing doesn’t spell out every detail, so ask at check-in if you want certainty.
Are bowling shoes included?
It was free for us. Encore lists shoe rental as $5 per pair in standard bowling pricing, but we didn’t pay for ours.
Do you need to reserve a lane?
Nope. Walk-ins are welcome, but Encore also suggests reserving online—especially if you want a guaranteed lane at peak time.
How many bowling lanes does Encore have?
Encore lists eight bowling lanes.
Is Encore family-friendly?
Yes. Minors are welcome until 9pm, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.
What time does Encore close?
Typical hours posted are Tue–Thu 11:30am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–12am, and Sun 11:30am–10pm (Monday closed).
What size is the large pizza?
Large is 14 inches; small is 10 inches.
What’s the best pizza to order for Date Night?
Classic Pepperoni. That’s what we went with. It’s a safe bet, but if you want something more “special occasion,” The Italian Job or The Dumpster Fire make the night feel a little extra.
Does Encore have gluten-free pizza?
Yes-ish. The menu lists a $5 add-on for a small gluten-free crust.
Does Encore have arcade games?
Yes. They list multiple arcade cabinets and token pricing that ranges from $0.25 to $2 per game.
Is Encore actually a brewery or more of a family entertainment place?
Both. Encore positions itself as a venue that combines house beer, food, bowling, arcade games, and community events in one spot.
Is it a good rainy-day activity in Cranbrook?
Absolutely. It’s one of those “weather-proof” plans where you can still feel like you did something fun and local.
Where is Encore Brewing in Cranbrook?
It’s at 1400 4 St N in Cranbrook.
Further Reading, Sources & Resources (Encore Brewing Date Night in Cranbrook)
If you like to double-check hours, promos, and menus before you show up, here are some resources to check out. These links are especially handy because Encore’s specials and event details can change seasonally, and third-party listings sometimes update at different speeds.
Official Encore Brewing pages (best for the most current details)
https://www.encorebrewing.ca/weds-date-night
The official Date Night Wednesdays page outlining what’s included (large pizza + bowling for two) and how to reserve or walk in.
https://www.encorebrewing.ca/bowling-games
Encore’s bowling page with lane pricing, shoe rental cost, lane capacity, and arcade/token details—useful for comparing Date Night value vs regular rates.
https://www.encorebrewing.ca/pizza-1
Full pizza menu details including sizes (small vs large), crust style info, and the lineup of specialty pizzas—great for planning what to order.
https://www.encorebrewing.ca/about
Encore’s “about” page with the big-picture concept (brewery + bowling + arcade), plus family-friendly notes (like minors policy) and general venue vibe.
https://www.encorebrewing.ca/menu-1
Encore’s broader food-and-drink menu hub—helpful if you want to add wings, snacks, or something beyond pizza.
https://www.encorebrewing.ca/free-play-tuesdays
Promo page for Free-Play Tuesdays (arcade games), which can be an awesome alternative night out if Wednesday doesn’t fit your schedule—worth checking for current status.
https://www.encorebrewing.ca/events
Encore’s events calendar for live music, trivia, ticketed nights, and seasonal happenings—great for turning a simple date night into a full night out.
Cranbrook Tourism (local listings that are traveler-friendly)
https://cranbrooktourism.com/events/date-night-wednesday–encore-6487
Cranbrook Tourism’s Date Night listing—a nice cross-reference for pricing, timing, and how the local tourism site describes the promo.
https://cranbrooktourism.com/dining/restaurants/encore-brewing-co
Cranbrook Tourism’s restaurant listing for Encore—useful for traveler context (location, quick venue summary) and as a second source for basics.
Notes on accuracy
Third-party listings may lag: Tourism sites are excellent for traveler context but can occasionally update slower than Encore’s own website, especially for weekly specials and event schedules.
Promos and pricing can change: Date Night and Free-Play promotions are the most likely details to shift, so we recommend checking Encore’s official pages close to your visit.
