I've lived in the St. Clair Shores area for all of my life, but I haven't ever visited the Sports Channel. Admittedly, I may have been a little skeptical given that it is attached to Harbor Lanes, a bowling alley.

My skepticism was cast away on my first visit, however. Upon walking in, I was surprised at the woodwork and overall feel. It may sound strange, but Sports Channel is somewhere between a classy sports bar, rec hall and family diner. There's nothing inherently wrong with that combination, but it did make me wonder why I'd never been in prior to this.

The menu is typical of what you'd expect to find at a bar and grill. There are some homemade daily specials, but the focus of the menu is definitely burgers, pizza and deep fried appetizers.  

Our waitress recommended the pizza above all else. While it was nothing to squeal over, it was passable pizza. The crust had a buttery flavor, but was also quite greasy. Thick sauce is generously spread to the crispy edges. If it wasn't for the almost overwhelming grease issue, this might be a great pizza.

Prior to the pizza, we tried the antipasto salad. Classic in its composition, Sports Channel's antipasto is an ideal lead in to their pizza. Ask for the balsamic vinaigrette, which tasted like it was made in house. Toppings were plentiful and romaine lettuce was fresh and crisp.  

Sliders seem to appear on nearly every menu. The mini-burger basket includes four burgers (cheese/fries extra) that are somewhere in size between a slider and a small McDonald's hamburger.  For $5, this is quite a sizable meal, especially if you add a side of steaming hot, crisp fries. Each burger is topped with a pickle and a mixture of ketchup and mustard. Easy to eat and tasty, these would be a good choice for noshing while in the midst of bowling.

Sports Channel might not be your first choice, but it is definitely worth a spot in the rotation. Laid back, but classy atmosphere makes it perfect for hanging out before or after bowling. And the food is pretty tasty to boot.