What’s duckpin bowling? See inside the new Macon hotspot that has it

Over the sound of crashing pins, the celebratory cheer of Trevor Stelson stood out.

Stelson, who had just lost three straight duckpin bowling games to his friend Dan Chun, pulled out a game four win with a whopping 212 points. Not only was it a personal victory, it was a record-setting moment in the brief history of Macon’s new venue, the Social Duck.

Since the Social Duck opened July 4, no one had managed to break 200 points. Stelson was the first.

“Nobody had broken 200 they told us when we got here, nobody’s broken 200 and then he hits 212,” Chun said while he shook his head.

“Luck, pure luck,” Stelson responded.

The two friends decided to make a pit stop to bowl at the Social Duck because they were downtown for work. Chun has been a big fan of duckpin bowling since he first played in Maryland, but he’s never seen it in the South. The lanes, pins, and balls are smaller in duckpin bowling than they are in regular bowling, providing a unique spin on the game.

People also don’t have to change their shoes and there are no holes in the balls, Kris Ellis, the owner of The Social Duck and Bearfoot Tavern, explained.

“Most people think it’s a lot easier than regular bowling, but it’s really not. It’s actually a little more challenging than regular bowling. So most people, once they do it, they’re sold,” Ellis said.

Aside from being a restaurant owner, Ellis is also a kidney doctor with a private practice in Macon. His interest in real estate led him to acquire the property next door to the Social Duck called Bearfoot Tavern in 2021. With the addition of the Social Duck, Ellis seeks to address a lack of entertainment on Second Street.

“I feel like Second Street can be Macon’s Bourbon Street or Broadway. That’s what I like about it, the opportunity and the intrigue of the future for Macon,” Ellis said.

The Social Duck has six duckpin bowling lanes. It costs around $10 to $15 per person to bowl, with prices fluctuating on weekends, and those interested can reserve a lane online. In addition, there is a full bar and kitchen.

Ellis wanted to offer food unique to the downtown scene. Following the duck theme, there are several menu items with duck ingredients such as duck wonton and brisket. The fries are fried in duck fat to stay on brand.

The design of the Social Duck is meant to be slightly “upscale,” but also preserve the “historic charm of downtown Macon in some of these old buildings,” Ellis said. With reclaimed wood built into the bar, the Social Duck pays homage to the history of the building. Ellis wanted to create a family friendly atmosphere for customers.

“I’m looking forward to growth. I’m looking forward to the community embracing us like we’ve embraced the community and I want the Social Duck to be a household name,” Ellis said.

More locations could be on the horizon for the Social Duck, as well as collaboration with Bearfoot Tavern when it opens back up after ongoing renovations.

This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM.