Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Back Alley

    4.1 (466 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Back Alley Photos

    BACK ALLEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Back Alley

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Gelin Cara T.

    When told that we had to go to a bowling alley in Bishop for a good steak, of course, we were hesitant. But it's not bad at all! Food - Pretty decent! You wouldn't think that a bowling alley, of all places would have this good of food, but this place does! Their top sirloin was cooked perfectly to my perfection, but my partner's steak was a bit overcooked. The sides, especially the veggies, did seem lackluster, but still okay. Service - Very nice waitress. She checked in an appropriate amount of times and was very friendly. No complaints! Ambiance - It's a small-town bowling alley. Don't expect luxury, but it's also not grimey. We came in on a Friday night so we saw the typical groups you'd see: group of teenagers coming in to celebrate a birthday, elderly locals enjoying their meals, couples who seemed like on a date, families having a fun time. Great spot and a place in Bishop to check out at least once.

    Front door

    The Back Alley Bowling and Steakhouse is truly a quirky little gem in Bishop, California. We travel through this area a couple of times a year, and we always make a point to stop here for dinner--it's that good. This visit was no exception. We started with the wedge salad topped with delicious blue cheese and all the fixings. Their version adds a raspberry vinaigrette, which I was skeptical about at first but turned out to be the perfect touch--refreshing and flavorful. Of course, we couldn't skip the ribeye steak. It was cooked to perfection, seasoned just right, and paired with a classic baked potato that rounded out the plate beautifully. I also ordered a cup of their corn chowder--oh my gosh, it was outstanding! Rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness. The service was every bit as impressive as the food. Our waitress Wendy was friendly and attentive, and the bussing staff had impeccable timing, always keeping our water glasses full & are empties whisked away. This place is always a treat and truly a must-stop if you're ever in the Bishop area. Thank you once again to the Back Alley crew for another wonderful dinner--it never disappoints!

    Alina N.

    Like others we were doubtful about having the "best steak in Bishop" at a bowling alley but we were here for a night and decided to give it a chance. It didn't disappoint. Started the night with a round of bowling and just beat the dinner crowd on a Saturday night and got a table right away for dinner. Solid rib eye!

    Organic Ketchup - no corn syrup- all restaurants need to serve this!
    Maria R.

    We had to try this restaurant and glad we did! Ordered the wedge salad with a salmon add-on, and had the Blue cheese bacon burger wrapped in lettuce (no bun for me!) and onion rings. Everything was cooked to perfection- the portion of salmon was large and not over cooked, the wedge salad was classic, the burger was so tasty, and the onion rings were crisp and not limp or greasy. Thank you to whoever orders the ketchup - it was organic with no high fructose corn syrup, really appreciate this! Place was crowded by 6:00 on Friday. Wait staff were friendly and attentive. Next time, I'm ordering a steak, table next to us did and said the sirloin was very good. Also, there is a full bar and beers on tap. Prices were very reasonable. Big Kudos to the people who own and run this restaurant!

    Dinner menu
    Thomas T.

    Dayum. NEVER EAT HERE! Talk about small town low level slow snail service. Like omg. We sat for 15 minutes and nobody greeted us at our table or even brought water. What kind of whack place is this. No sense of urgency or hospitality from the staff. Didn't get to try the food because nobody came to take our order. Place looks filthy. Not clean. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise we didn't eat here! Avoid this place! We ended up going to Aaron Schat's Roadhouse down the street and it was amazing! Best steaks. If you want great steak go to Aaron Schat's Roadhouse. Do not come to this place run by a bunch of rookie amateurs.

    Half the ribeye with onion rings
    Ted R.

    Well their back and good as ever. Went here and we had a delicious dinner. My wife and a I split the rib eye steak cooked rare + with two sides. My wife had the baked potato which she said was fantastic so that means excellent. I had the onion rings. No split plate fee and very reasonable price. Would be double in SoCal. We brought a bottle of our favorite wine and corkage was very reasonable. Melanie was our server and did a fantastic job. We will be back when in the area.

    Chili burger and sweet potato fries
    Penny W.

    Driving up to Reno, time for lunch. I know for a fact that some of the best tasting food can be at the local bowling alley. I wasn't disappointed one bit! Good portions, yummy and yummy!

    Dinner menu
    Karen S.

    During our road trip I found this restaurant on Yelp. It had good reviews so we decided to try it. Glad we did! The staff were wonderful including the young man who seated us. Portions were large and included a salad. BTW - the restaurant is in the same building as a bowling alley!

    Ribeye meal
    Bruce B.

    Friendly service at this bowling alley restaurant. My steak was cooked to perfection however very thin ribeye. This seems to be the popular place in town. The bar has great view of bowlers having a great time.

    Grilled cheese with yummy fries!

    See all

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Hugh K.
    1
    655
    4

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Penny W.
    53
    59
    24

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rich M.
    6
    38
    11

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of David D.
    57
    153
    72

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan S.
    31
    17
    0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cheryl K.
    6
    122
    90

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 46
    Thanks 0
    Love this 40
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ken R.
    1
    45
    21

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 12

    Back Alley Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Back Alley

    Whats cost? Do you serve lobster?

    Yes lobster tail 12/14 oz

    Are the steaks grass fed?

    USDA choice black angus

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Back Alley

    I was tipped off to this hidden gem and thought to myself, no way could a bowling alley serve good grub.

    Mentioned in 130 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Wanaaha Casino - Lounge Happy Hour Menu Only available in the Bar

    Wanaaha Casino

    3.4(119 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    If embarrassment, manipulation, and blatant disrespect were casino games, Wahaana Casino would be…read morepaying out jackpots all night. I sat down expecting a normal blackjack experience. What I got instead was a dealer who treated my losses like a personal comedy special. Every hand I lost was met with smirks, chuckles, and full-on laughter -- not subtle, not professional, but the kind of laugh you give when you want someone to feel stupid. Nothing says "hospitality" like being mocked while losing money. It gets worse. This same dealer actively pressured me to bet more, repeatedly pushing me to raise my wager like he was my financial advisor with a personal vendetta. "Come on, one more hand," "Double it," "You'll win it back" -- constant, uncomfortable, predatory commentary. I didn't come to be hustled by the person running the table. And then the cherry on top: He announced it was the "last shoe" -- only for me to later find out there were THIRTY MINUTES left before the table actually closed. Thirty. Minutes. The only explanation? He wanted to go home early and didn't care who he misled to do it. Lying to players to speed up your shift is next-level unprofessional. But wait -- there's more. * Cards were slapped down aggressively like the dealer was mad at me for losing * Zero table etiquette -- rules changed depending on his mood * Eye-rolling when I asked basic questions * A vibe so hostile it felt like I was inconveniencing the staff by existing * Management nowhere to be found, as if this behavior is completely normal here Casinos are supposed to be fun, exciting, and at the very least neutral. This felt like psychological warfare with chips involved. I've played blackjack in plenty of casinos. I've lost money before -- that's part of the game. What I've never experienced is being laughed at, pressured, lied to, and rushed out by a dealer who clearly had zero respect for players or the integrity of the table. Do yourself a favor: take your money, your time, and your dignity literally anywhere else. Wahaana Casino doesn't deserve any of the three.

    Seriously I've never gone to so many different machines and not won anything. Just wow. I got 2…read morebonuses, and it was embarrassing how much it gave for a payout. Oh well, I hope others do better. This was the royal spanking On a positive note, loved the tri tip sandwich at the TukaNovie restaurant, and we loved our server. I'd give our meal and service a 5*s

    Photos
    Wanaaha Casino
    Wanaaha Casino
    Wanaaha Casino

    See all

    Shelter Distilling - Spicy Tuna Hand-roll

    Shelter Distilling

    4.1(645 reviews)
    37.8 mi
    $$

    Went for a quick bite after a day skiing. The drinks were really good and the food delicious. I had…read morethe steak sandwich and my buddy had the pizza. Both were delicious. Service was quick and servers very pleasant. I highly recommend this place.

    This is our second visit to Shelter Distilling in the last year. We just stopped in for an…read moreappetizer and drink. We typically like sitting at the bar but bar seats were full so we opted for a table rather than wait. There are both high top and low top seating available as well as bar seating against the windows and fermentation silos. There is also seating outdoors if weather permits. The tables use a bar code scanning system to order food and drinks, then a person will deliver the food. I'm okay with this but I can see why some people would be frustrated with this process. For the appetizer we ordered the POBLANO ARTICHOKE DIP - $16 Artichoke, Poblano Chile, Corn, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Parmesan, Garlic, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese. Warmed and served with Pita bread or chips. We elected for the tortilla chips. This is a tasty appetizer and the perfect size for two people. For drinks we ordered two different hot cocktails served almost like a hot tea. Mulling it over - $17 Glass Creek Vodka, Mulled Spice Juice, Lemon. This was quite good and had a little bit of sweetness. The second was The Hot Toddy. $17. American Single Malt Whiskey, Lemon, Honey, Ginger. This tasted a little stronger and no sweetness. Do I think the drinks are a little expensive , yes. But sadly that is what you come across in a ski village. Personally I was a little shocked at how many families with young children were at the distillery but I've noticed that in almost every bar or brewery in Mammoth. Another good but different experience at Shelter Distilling.

    Photos
    Shelter Distilling - Nice design!

    Nice design!

    Shelter Distilling - Beet salad

    Beet salad

    Shelter Distilling - Sweet potato tacos

    See all

    Sweet potato tacos

    Mammoth Tavern - Bourbon mule

    Mammoth Tavern

    4.0(617 reviews)
    36.4 mi
    $$

    We walked in around 4:30 on a Sunday and got seated right away. We typically try to get to this…read morerestaurant early since they don't take reservations. The restaurant feels like a fun locals log cabin. We love coming here because it's easy with kids, the food is delicious and they have great craft cocktails. We are never disappointed here. Such a great local spot! Kids ordered Chicken Tenders and Mac & Cheese with Shirley Temples. I had the French Onion Soup + Poke Bowl and Camomile Sour. My husband ordered the shepherds pie and it was absolutely delicious.

    Came up during thanksgiving weekend with a car packed with groceries thinking that everything would…read moreeither be crowded or not worth visiting. Decided to still try out a couple of new spots to give Mammoth a chance and was pleasantly surprised by Mammoth Tavern. Stopped in on a Saturday night and were told that the wait would be about 30 to 40 minutes but were seated in about 10! I highly recommend waiting in their waiting area or downstairs for your table as they will come to find to if something opens up quicker. Everything we ordered was tasty. We were very hesitant to try the Asian sticky ribs but it actually ended up being really good. I can't remember what the vegetable dish (4th pic) was called but it was also very good if you got a bite with everything in it. It had sweet potato, beet, candied walnuts and pomegranate seeds! We also ordered some drinks. The curry drink (forgot the name) was surprisingly good despite the odd list of ingredients that went in. Their local black cherry soda was also very nice. Service is great and very helpful when it came to recommendations. The space is small and doesn't allow dogs which was a bummer but still a spot I would come back to try more of their seasonal items!

    Photos
    Mammoth Tavern - Interior

    Interior

    Mammoth Tavern - Bourbon mule

    Bourbon mule

    Mammoth Tavern - Cocktail

    See all

    Cocktail

    The Lakefront Restaurant

    The Lakefront Restaurant

    4.1(415 reviews)
    37.7 mi
    $$$$

    Came here with my girlfriend during our Mammoth trip and honestly this was the standout meal of the…read morewhole weekend. We tried to snag a late New Year's Eve reservation and struck out, but the staff was super accommodating and fit us in on a following night. Very glad they did. The space itself is small, cozy, and intimate in the best way. It feels warm and inviting, especially after a long day in the cold, and sets the tone for a relaxed, linger-over-wine kind of dinner. The food was excellent across the board. We ordered elk, cod, and scallops and the scallops were the clear mic drop. Perfectly cooked, rich, and memorable. Our server recommended a bottle of wine that paired beautifully with everything and felt like someone actually listened instead of just pointing at the most expensive option. Service all around was warm, attentive, and unpretentious, which is not always a given in resort towns. Dessert was sorbet, simple but refreshing, and my girlfriend ordered a port she really enjoyed. After dinner we took the rest of the wine, grabbed a seat by the fireplace, and played chess, which felt like the most civilized way possible to end a night in the snow. Logistics wise, getting here can be a little annoying, especially if you are staying up at Mammoth Mountain Inn. You will want to call a taxi and plan ahead. That said, the extra effort was completely worth it. This is easily one of the best restaurants in Mammoth and the kind of place that makes you forget about the drive once the first plate hits the table.

    We've visited several times over the years, and this place truly holds a special place in our…read morehearts. This was our first time staying for the weekend at the lodge, and we were genuinely excited about the experience. On our second night we decided to have a special dinner at the Lakefront Restaurant, which we had been looking forward to. Unfortunately, the meal was very disappointing--especially given the price point. Our starter salad was mostly iceberg lettuce, the lamb starter was undercooked, and while the scallops were very good, $8 per scallop felt excessive. The beef Wellington, which we were particularly excited about, was bland and the pastry was doughy. For a dinner that totaled over $300 for two people, we expected a much higher level of quality and creativity. Compared to our previous visits, the food felt like it had gone noticeably downhill. It's genuinely sad to write this because we've always loved coming here. Sadly, this experience left us feeling disappointed enough that we likely won't return.

    Photos
    The Lakefront Restaurant
    The Lakefront Restaurant
    The Lakefront Restaurant

    See all

    Tom's Place Cafe

    Tom's Place Cafe

    3.5(291 reviews)
    20.4 mi
    $$

    I have been to Tom's Place too many times to count. It is one of those few surviving old school…read more(literally ... it is over 100 years old) roadside cafes that are precious little gems. The food is very good. Not spectacular, and not gourmet, by any means, but very good American fare. The service is also very good, and the current owner is an asset to the community in many ways. But it is the ambiance that really makes it special. It dates back to 1917, and looks it. The dining room has a big fireplace and is paneled with knotty pine. There are a lot of doo-dads about which give the place a lot of character. Next to the dining room is a small bar, similarly festooned with a lot of entertaining doo dads. Tom's place is an official watering hole of ECV, and that alone tells you something about the place. They also have a small general store with convenience food and supplies, as well as simple souvenirs like t-shirts and coffee mugs. Have a look there while you are at it. To give you a sense of the place, consider the attached photograph. It is of the stairway to the restrooms downstairs. That doorway is low enough that a tall person might possibly hit their head, hence the admonishment. That's it in a nutshell. This is either your kind of place or not. But it is surely mine!

    Okay I don't even know where to start currently in a food comma and in disbelief of how good this…read moreprime rib was to die for the seasoning and the taste on it is honestly the best best prob rib I've ever tasted. I can say now I have my spot where to get prime rib and not overprice but I honestly wouldn't mind paying way more for the prime rib it was to die for. Service since I got here I was to die for I felt part of the family the ambience is so nice and cozy like I am in a cabin so nice!! So glad I found this place last minute. But it's definitely a must if I ever come down here I get and I will for the prime rib !! Served on Saturday after 5.

    Photos
    Tom's Place Cafe
    Tom's Place Cafe - Bathroom flooring lifting

    Bathroom flooring lifting

    Tom's Place Cafe - Scary stairs to bathrooms 10/7/23

    See all

    Scary stairs to bathrooms 10/7/23

    Back Alley - bowling - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...