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arts entertainmentThings to Do

Downtown Dallas has a new spot to go bowling and play ping-pong, but it's pricey

There are reasons beyond an overnight stay to visit the Statler Hotel in downtown Dallas.

Originally opened in 1956 and closed in 2001, the historic hotel made a comeback last year sporting a $230 million renovation and plans for six new bars and restaurants in the building. The latest spot, Scout, opened on Feb. 19. And let's start by saying it's not your average hotel bar.

The 12,000-square-foot space is a hub for entertainment, featuring four bowling lanes and tables for foosball, ping-pong and pool. Its theme tries to incorporate the spirit of the outdoors -- think Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts -- within the confines of the hotel. For example, cocktails are listed under the menu section "Let's get campfire drunk." (Underage drinking is not permitted even if you're a real Scout.)

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Before you play, grab a local pint from one of 20 taps behind the bar or snag a house libation, such as Silver Fox, a mix of rosemary-infused gin, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, lime and soda. Some drinks, like the Pack Leader (tequila, Cointreau, lime agave and hibiscus ice), are also served by the pitcher.

Scout's food menu is a mix of bar bites and trendy American dishes, including a beet and goat cheese salad ($9) and a bacon-wrapped, chorizo-stuffed dates appetizer ($10). Other items include a burger with piquillo pepper aioli and cream cheese ($14), barbecue shrimp and grits ($25), andouille sausage and chicken gumbo with white rice ($14), and honey-glazed lamb ribs ($16).

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The kitchen also offers family-sized platters of fajitas ($75), fried chicken ($75) and fish tacos ($90) designed for groups of four to six people.

Even if the vibe isn't feel very hotel-like, the prices are.

The cost for a one hour of bowling, for example, is $40 per lane. Want to play ping-pong? That'll set you back $10-$20 per hour depending on the time of day. Same for billiards.

Suffice it to say Scout won't be a bowling alley or pool hall where leagues go to play weekly, but it promises to be a lively space with plenty to do if you're craving some friendly competition.

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Take a virtual tour of Scout:

Scout is the third concept to open at the Statler Hotel behind speakeasy Bourbon and Banter and upscale diner Overeasy. Still to come are a ramen shop called R&B, a rooftop swimming pool and bar called Waterproof, and a Pan-Asian restaurant called Fine China.

The concepts were designed by Dallas-based firm Epic F&B, a partnership between two other locally-based companies, Turn the Tables Hospitality and Plan B Group, Inc. The former is owned by Chris Zielke and Christopher Jeffers, who are also behind Dallas restaurants Bolsa, Smoke, Chicken Scratch and The Theodore, among others. Plan B is a design firm that worked on Velvet Taco and Pie Tap Pizza Workshop and Bar.

Scout is located inside the Statler Hotel at 1914 Commerce St. in Dallas. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.