Bowling alleys are more than the hallmark of nostalgic America. Though they experienced their heyday in the US back in the 1960s, operators market with creative tactics to bring back their popularity. 

These days, bowling alleys are a great option for a drink or a long-awaited night out with friends. From upscale bowling alleys to hole-in-the-wall joints, we’ve selected some of our favorite venues across the US that are marketing themselves as the place to be for a striking night out.

Hey merchants: get creative with your in-venue strategy to keep sales high.

Best Bowling Alleys Nationwide

Splitsville - Orlando, FL (And five other locations)

Splitsville spans six sites total, bringing their upscale bowling experience to locations across the United States. This trendy space is more than just bowling lanes — patrons can enjoy food and drink from the bowling alley’s menu during their visit. Additionally, guests can break from knocking down pins at Splitsville’s billiards tables and mini-feather bowling lanes.

Spins Bowl - Waterford, MI (And 12 other locations)

This Michigan bowling alley is one of many in the chain, spanning as far as New York and Ohio. The chain partnered with renowned celebrity ghost kitchen Mr. Beast Burger to keep patrons’ hunger at bay during their big night out. With several locations offering additional entertainment, including ax throwing and a drink menu for bowlers, there are many activities to keep you entertained no matter which site you visit.

Lucky Strike - Boston, MA (And 19 other locations)

Lucky Strike is America’s Bowling Alley, with locations from New York to Honolulu. Outside of blowing, they offer darts, billiards, ping pong, and shuffleboard — plenty of activities to complement a night out. With live music and a great menu, Lucky Strike is at the peak of the eatertainment game.

Bowlmor Lanes - Scottsdale, AZ (And 17 other locations)

The leagues and social clubs are just a small part of what keeps guests returning to the Bowlmor time and time again. The national chain’s 15% off for all summer 2021 parties is another part, plus a drink menu boasting their famous ‘fishbowl cocktails’ (123 ounces in a fishbowl for sharing).

Best Bowling Alleys on the East Coast

Legacy Lanes - Pittsburgh, PA

This 24-hour Pennsylvania bowling alley has grown beyond lanes and pins. Customers can enjoy a drink in Legacy Lanes’ speakeasy, come for a night of ax throwing, order food and beverage from the bowling alley’s menu, and even hear live music from their concert venue.

Brooklyn Bowl - Brooklyn, NY (and two other locations)

Order a beer from the brewery next door and snack on a gourmet menu courtesy of Blue Ribbon Food Group at one of Brooklyn’s most “chill” bowling venues. A visit to Brooklyn Bowl brings you to a 19th-century Hecla Ironworks building, which has become the world’s first 100% wind-powered LEED-certified alley.

Best Bowling Alleys on the West Coast

Coconut Bowl (Wild Island Family Adventure Park) - Sparks, NV

This community-driven wonderland of neon and games is perfect for Nevada bowlers and their families. Coconut Bowl is a great respite from the water park action, and when you’re done with pins, the mini-golfing is a great challenge.

Uptown Alley - Surprise, AZ

Pay a visit to Uptown Alley, a great gathering place for a night out during the big game, thanks to the viewing room and great food at Red Embers Bar & Grill. With live music and laser tag, Uptown Alley offers a new experience: multiplayer virtual reality.

Garage - Seattle, WA

Garage, part of Bowlero, is a refurbished 1928 Plymouth Dealership with 20 bowling lanes, 25 pool tables, and six bars, each stocked with delicious drinks. Decorated in 1950s retro style, the music, art, and designer furniture adds a relaxed and nostalgic vibe to your night out.

Best Bowling Alleys in the Midwest

Waveland Bowl - Chicago, IL

Waveland Bowl is a real bowler’s bowling alley — their leagues and tournaments add an air of authenticity and competition to your night. With a restaurant on-site, the only way this Chicago bowling alley can get better is their ‘cosmic bowling’ blacklight show eight times a week.

Diversey River Bowl - Chicago, IL

Chicago makes the list for a second time! Diversey River Bowl, featuring a menu from DRB’s Pizza, is a great bowling alley for kicking back and leaning into nostalgia. DRB also has a pro-shop on-site, and their special deals on certain days of the week make this venue a must-visit location.

Best Bowling Alleys in the South

Pin Chasers - Tampa, FL (and two other locations)

Pin Chasers, one of the best Florida bowling alleys, has three family friendly-locations with a rotating schedule of events for each day of the week. They’ve created themes like Cyberbowling and connected within the community for Bone Bowling with a local radio station as a host.

Shenaniganz - Rockwall, TX (and one other location)

Shenaniganz is excellent for families during the daytime, and after 9 PM, their Z Lounge transforms into an adult martini lounge. With a restaurant, live music, comedy, escape rooms, and more, this is a great Texas bowling alley for all ages to have a good time.

Whether you’re looking for a night of nostalgia or a memorable venue for your next event, the bowling alleys on this list are precisely what you need.