(Now closed as of July 2026; location will be renovated as Punchbowl Social)
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, Raleigh tends to attract a lot of new businesses and concepts for the area. One of the newest concepts to land in the Oak City is Jaguar Bolera! Brought to you by Robert Thompson, founder of Punch Bowl Social, Jaguar Bolera brings a super funky and chic destination for “eatertainment”. Part bar, part restaurant, and just a whole lot of fun, you can enjoy a game of duckpin bowling, darts, foosball, cornhole, board games and more! Pickleball and ping pong will be coming to this Raleigh location in the fall, but there’s plenty to do and enjoy right now.
The first location for Jaguar Bolera (the second location will be in the Atlanta area) has a premium spot at Raleigh Iron Works, a new mixed-use development with some other great food offerings (Eastcut Sandwich Bar, Brodeto, Ponysaurus Brewing). Grab a spot in the parking structure and head on over to the northern end of the complex.
Enter Jaguar Bolera and you’ll be stunned by the size of the space along with its decor! From the beautiful white globe and basket lighting overhead, to the floral wallpaper and explosion of orange, lavender, and chartreuse throughout the space, the decor and design is unique, colorful and give the space a lively, sophisticated tropical feel! A trail of pink leopard spots winds its way on the floor and throughout the interior. There are nooks and crannies throughout the space, but Jaguar Bolera is definitely a see-and-be-seen type spot.
There are three areas for duckpin bowling (smaller balls, pins) along with a foosball table and karaoke room. Jaguar Bolera charges by 30 or 60-minute time slots while darts, board games, and card games are free!
Now if you’re in the mood for a drink, Jaguar Bolera has three self-serve beverage areas. Head over to the drink station where you’ll provide your ID and load up a wristband with some funds. At the beverage station, grab a glass and just tap your wristband on the sensor. The drink station will be activated and you’ll be charged by the ounce as you pour! Beverage choices range from beer and wine to cocktails (margarita, Moscow mule, martinis, and more) along with some non-alcoholic options.
The food at Jaguar Bolera is led by Chef Manny Barella who is competing in Top Chef season 21 and the menu is described as Mexican with a Southern accent. Choose from snacks, shareables (appetizers), sandwiches, tacos, and salads along with a handful of full entrees. Some of the more interesting menu items include lamb birria taquitos, chorizo hushpuppies, and al pastor pork ribs. Desserts are also available in a self-serve refrigerated case up front.
I’d have to guess that it would be hard to visit Jaguar Bolera and NOT have fun! From the games to the drinks, food, and seating, there’s so much to see and do here. Jaguar Bolera is a pretty special and unique offering for Raleigh. Stop in if you’re a local, or if you’re just visiting, it’s an experience not to be missed…
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