Photo Gallery: Palmeras Entertainment Opens on Route 18 South (Yes, Really!)

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Palmeras Entertainment at 1031 Route 18 South, East Brunswick which officially opened on September 24, 2024. Let the games begin!

Mayor Brad Cohen cuth the ribbon yesterday on the family fun venue and event space that has captured the interest of resident and travellers for nearly three years as as the community looked on.  “This is the most anticipated opening in my eight years as mayor,” said Cohen.

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The Mayor was joined by Robert Zuckerman, Economic Development Officer, and Ronnie Li and Jay Grosholz of the East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce, representing Team East Brunswick at yet another opening as Route 18  becomes a revived commercial, entertainment, medical, and retail corridor.  Earlier this week, Cohen and township officials broke ground for the new hockey/skating arena near Tices Lane in Legacy Plaza.

Holding the red ribbon for Team Palmeras was the Trantino family who are striving to bring a fun, contemporary, stylish location to life where families can relax together.  Steve Trantino, East Brunswick High School class of 2010, thanked the township for the support given to both the family and the venue.

Palmeras Entertainment is a family-centered entertainment venue that features bowling, arcade games, party rooms, foosball, billiards, virtual golf, and a food venue.  It is an exceptionally lovely new business, located on a high point in town where glass walls allow an unparalleled view down Route 18 South.  The location bills itself as a restaurant/dry bar/café whose owners hope to host local families, groups, and individuals looking for some sports-related fun.

"We want people to feel safe and comfortable here," said Trantino, who has overseen a design where "Everyone can have fun together."

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The expansive top floor has begun to be a popular event space with catered food and beverages for groups up to 150.  It has a dance floor and performance area, and an unparalleled view down Route 18.  Moving forward, this space may be adapted as a lounge or restaurant.  Right now, it's a celebration venue.

Palmeras' main floor centers on a giant television screen that dominates the whole area at the coffee bar and casual dining at the entrance. To the right are the "hyper bowling" lanes for lit up bumper bowling games.  Here's the definition: "For anyone looking for fun. HyperBowl is a great game to begin with and see just how much fun and challenging HyperBowling can be. Take aim at the colored targets on the lanes and multiply your pinfall. It may look easy at first, but watch out. Each level increases in difficulty."  Though the game uses standard bowling balls, the rules and competition targets are different.  It's still important to knock down as many pins as you can, but there are opportunities to score points by interacting with the game.

Palmeras is the first HyperBowling location in New Jersey.

The three-floor entertainment center hosts a downstairs arcade with  (mostly) non-violent games and virtual entertainment.  There is a "7-D" simulation theater where patrons can watch movies in seats design to duplicate the action on the screen, creating the sense of being on a roller coaster, for example.  Yesterday, attendees engaged with the Pirate story.  “Watched” is too simple a description of the experience. Get ready to rock this ride, which costs $10.

“Who needs Disney? ” asked Ronnie Li, “We can have a great time right here in East Brunswick.” Palmeras Entertainment has become on of the newest members of the Regional Chamber of Commerce.

There's regular bowling, too, and a size-adapted bowling lane/party area for small children.

Throughout the location, party spaces of varying types make even more family or small-group fun available to patrons. The top floor is an enormous hosting space, again featuring light and windows, a water wall,  a fireplace, and comfortable, contemporary seating.

Here's what to know before you go:

• Palmeras is currently open to the public Wednesdays to Saturdays from 2 pm to 10 pm.

• Guests can load payments onto cards that are used in the games, 7-D theater, pool tables, and virtual play.  Remember Funmania on Route 18 South? Same thing.

• There is no alcohol served at the location, except during private parties.  This is not a BYOB location.  According to Steve Trantino, this status might change, but, right now, that's the way it is.

• Palmeras is seeking to employ staff members throughout the facility. Contact: PalmerasEB@gmail.com.

• Have questions or want to host an event? Fill out an online form here.

• To reserve a Bowling Lane call  at 732-838-4848.

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