Trendy bowling alleys have popped up around the country that are more upscale and swankier than ever. One of America’s favorite pastimes is regaining popularity and coming back with an exciting new twist.
Here’s the rundown on some of the coolest bowling alleys in America.
1. Lucky Strike, L.A.
For the ultimate experience in “boutique bowling,” head to a Lucky Strike bowling alley. Lucky Strike is not your typical bowling alley, it’s more like an upscale club, and it even has a dress code. It is the place to go for “Hollywood chic,” and not only in Hollywood, with 20 locations nationwide there could be one near you.
The swanky club first opened in Hollywood in 2003. Its lounges feature leather booths and contemporary décor, making for a hip and impressive environment complete with indie / dance music soundtrack.
Once you get onto the lanes, you’ll find that each one is equipped with its own floor-to-ceiling video screen, and billiard tables and pinball machines provide added fun. If you get hungry, the on-site chef will prepare upscale classic American fare for your enjoyment.
Lucky Strike can meet all your party needs with several space and catering options, and even has professional planners that will help you create the perfect party!
2. Kings Back Bay, Boston
L.A.’s not the only city with a posh bowling alley. Kings Back Bay in Boston offers a similar kind of upscale atmosphere.
At Kings you can bowl on any of 16 ten-pin bowling lanes, play billiards, or chill at the bar or in the lounge. If you want to catch the game, Kings is the place to be, with over 30 HD televisions and projection screens to show all the action you don’t want to miss.
Their kitchen is open from noon with the full menu available until 11:00pm seven days a week. The late night menu is served until 15 minutes before closing every night to satisfy those late-night cravings.
King’s offers VIP lanes and party packages for any kind of event. If you plan to have a night at Kings, make sure your guests are aware of their dress code, which requires that you leave those hoodies and doo-rags at home.
3. 10pin Bowling Lounge, Chicago
10 Pin combines the retro sport of bowling with the environment of a hip, upscale lounge. They feature 24 state-of-the-art bowling lanes topped by the largest video wall in Chicago – a 128-foot high-definition video wall – and a nightclub-quality sound system for the ultimate experience.
Guests lounge on plush sofas in intimate seating areas where they can view all of the action. Servers deliver innovative American cuisine and drinks from an extensive martini list to guests lounging by the lanes.
Guests can choose and play music videos from a video jukebox, which has a collection of over 5,000 videos.
The crowd here is urban professionals, who are drawn to the sophisticated atmosphere, gourmet food and great martini list.
4. Pin-Up Bowl, St. Louis
Pin-Up Bowl is the original bowling alley and martini lounge of St. Louis. They offer eight bowling lanes, and an extensive menu of martinis.
In 2004, Pin-Up Bowl was one of only 30 bars, clubs and lounges in the world to receive the Hot Nights award from Condé Nast Traveler, which awards noteworthy night spots.
The signature style of the interior is decorated with old pin-up posters and velvet that harkens back to the 1950s, taking guests for a trip down memory lane. Two lounges, a bar and tables are scattered throughout the room, which can accommodate about 200 people.
The food menu features a wide array of appetizers, pizza and sandwiches. Oh, and Pop Tarts for dessert. Yum!
5. Garage Billiards, Seattle
Guests here sometimes don’t even come to bowl, they come just for the food—it’s that good. Seattle’s Garage Billiards is almost 40,000 square feet with 20 bowling lanes, 25 pool tables, 6 bars, 3 private rooms that attracts everyone from hipsters to corporate professionals.
Decorated in 1950s minimalist décor, Garage Billiards is classically hip. The ceilings are high and exposed, and other features include special lighting, high-gloss auto paint, chrome and vinyl details and airport-style chairs.
The bowling lanes are overlooked by the DJ booth on the third mezzanine lounge. On the lower level there are six lanes, two pool tables, shuffleboard, a bar and bathrooms, making it the perfect place to get down and party.
6. Bowlmor Atlanta
Bowlmor has bowling locations throughout the country, with state-of-the-art bowling lanes that feature automatic scoring on plasma screens and laneside food and beverage service. Guests can also watch sports on the super-sized video screens and sound system.
Bowlmor also features the AMF family favorite Xtreme® bowling and lights experience. Guests will be wowed by the private VIP event space with its eight lanes and private bar.
Bowlmor Atlanta boasts catering services, a second-floor sports bar with a plasma screen TVs, and made-to-order grill menu items.
