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Bowling

You are looking for a bowling alley that takes the game as seriously as you do.

Based on 456 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Avondale Bowl image 1
Avondale Bowl image 2
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Eight retro bowling lanes with manual scoring offer a lively, intimate game experience. A vintage-style bar serves strong cocktails in a cool, low-key setting. Food is welcome, enhancing the relaxed, old school charm.

A retro bowling alley sits on the second floor with a fantastic vibe and attractive design. Food is allowed inside, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bar has great vibes and friendly service."

"The staff here makes planning fun activities a breeze."

"I loved the classic, nostalgic bowling vibe here."

Good to know

1

Avondale Bowl is for 21+ only, so plan accordingly.

2

Reservations are recommended as the venue fills up quickly.

3

You can bring your own food or order delivery to Avondale Bowl.

02
Timber Lanes Bowling Alley image 1

Old school bowling alley offers manual scoring and well-maintained wood lanes for a vintage feel. Friendly community and skilled staff create an authentic bowling experience with fun events. Small bar serves classic drinks like PBR and whiskey, cash only.

An old school bowling alley vibe sets the tone with a welcoming community and affordable prices. Staff and mechanics know their stuff, creating an authentic and fun bowling experience with events to join.

People are saying

"It's a fun, old school bowling alley with a nostalgic atmosphere."

"It's a super chill atmosphere here."

"I loved the old-school charm and friendly staff at this bowling alley."

Good to know

1

Timber Lanes is cash only, so bring cash for payments.

2

Parking at Timber Lanes can be limited, so arrive early.

3

They host bowling leagues throughout the year.

03
S3 Leagues Chicago image 1
Association / Organization

Winter Sundays bring bowling leagues with easy team formation. Friendly, inclusive vibes mix with competitive play and chill socializing. Sponsor bars offer affordable deals that boost mingling before and after games.

Winter Sundays feature bowling leagues organized through S3 Leagues Chicago. Teams form easily, making it a regular activity during cold months.

People are saying

"It's a fantastic way to meet people and socialize through fun activities."

"You'll make great friends when bowling here."

"It's a great place to find singles and make close friends."

Good to know

1

S3 Leagues offers some of the lowest player fees among recreational sports leagues.

2

Events are well-organized, ensuring a smooth experience for participants.

3

Sponsor bars offer great deals on food and drinks before and after games.

04
Five Iron Golf image 1
Indoor golf course

Indoor golf features state-of-the-art simulators with detailed swing analytics in a spacious venue. Duckpin bowling offers a unique twist with smaller pins and smooth lanes. Fun vibes blend with top music and games like ping pong, making it lively and welcoming for all ages.

Duck Pin Bowling offers a unique twist on traditional bowling with smaller pins and balls. The lanes stay in great condition, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

People are saying

"The staff here makes your fun activities feel so welcoming and helpful."

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"The staff here makes bowling a great experience."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but it can be limited in downtown Chicago.

2

Prices for simulator rentals are on the higher side.

3

Late-night happy hour on Saturdays features $5 wings and $6 whiskey lemonades.

05
Lawn Bowl image 1
Bowling alley

Bowling alley offers classic lanes with bumper bowling for kids and quick shoe service. Cozy vintage vibe blends with a family-friendly atmosphere and a bar serving good drinks at affordable prices. Space feels old school but lanes are well maintained and parking is convenient.

Classic bowling lanes offer a fun, nostalgic experience with bumper bowling for kids. Shoes and balls come quickly, and the owners help set up lanes and explain rules clearly.

People are saying

"I had a blast bowling here with my family and friends."

"The bar and snack concession provided excellent service."

"We had a great time with the fun activities here."

Good to know

1

Shoe rentals for adults cost $4, and $2 for kids.

2

The bowling alley is usually not too crowded on weekend afternoons.

3

Parking is convenient and available.

06
Habetler Bowl image 1
Bowling alley

Bowling alley boasts well-maintained lanes and a retro 90s vibe that energizes the space. Families enjoy automated bumpers for mixed-age fun while music from a jukebox app keeps the atmosphere lively. It feels like a community hub with casual charm.

A classic neighborhood bowling alley with a nice, community feel offers a solid place to bowl. The lanes stay in good shape and provide a reliable bowling experience.

People are saying

"It's a great place for family and friends to have fun."

"The staff at Bowling was incredibly friendly."

"It's the best kids' birthday party you've ever hosted."

Good to know

1

Expect busy nights during league events, especially on weekends.

2

Bowling costs $103.00 per lane for up to 10 people on Saturdays.

3

Cash is recommended to avoid unexpected charges from card payments.

07
Waveland Bowl image 1
Bowling alley

Bowling alley shines with cosmic bowling and family-friendly atmosphere. Loud music and flashy videos create a nostalgic vibe. Arcade games and pool tables add fun beyond bowling.

Offers cosmic bowling that stands out, especially on Monday nights. Provides a family-friendly atmosphere with affordable prices and great food that complements the bowling experience.

People are saying

"It's a super fun place to hang out with friends."

"The food here is surprisingly great and reasonably priced."

"The food here is surprisingly good, even better than the bowling!"

Good to know

1

Cosmic nights are popular, but some lanes are reserved for league play.

2

Bowling and billiards have great deals from Monday to Wednesday before 4 PM.

3

Bowling costs $60 an hour after 6 PM.

08
Diversey River Bowl image 1
Bowling alley

Large bowling alley blends old school vibes with modern fun like cosmic bowling and live DJ music. Spacious lanes with bumpers and ramps make it family-friendly. Fair prices and many lanes create a great spot for group bowling and hanging out.

A classic American bowling alley with a no-nonsense atmosphere and fair prices. Spacious with many lanes, it suits large groups and offers a great place to bowl and hang out.

People are saying

"The staff here makes bowling a blast with their friendly service."

"The food here was simple car food, but done so well."

"It's really fun and good for kids here."

Good to know

1

Cosmic bowling occurs on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 12am.

2

Carpooling is highly recommended due to limited parking.

3

If visiting after 8pm for cosmic bowling, reserve a lane online to avoid long waits.

09
Kings Dining & Entertainment image 1

Large space offers gorgeous lanes for bowling and fun arcade games. Private rooms suit group events well. Atmosphere is lively but can get noisy near lanes, perfect for families and casual outings.

Gorgeous and clean lanes make bowling here stand out. The spot also offers a variety of activities including billiards alongside bowling.

People are saying

"It's a fun spot for a casual night out with great bowling."

"It's a fantastic place for a kid-friendly birthday party."

"The food for the party was great and the drinks were very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a buy 1 get 2 deal for bowling.

2

The King Pin private event room accommodates up to 30 people.

3

Parking validation is available but does not cover the full amount.

10
Fireside Bowl image 1
Bowling alley

Historic bowling alley buzzes with punk rock energy and graffiti-covered walls. Classic lanes offer a retro bowling experience with a caring staff. Bar area provides a chill atmosphere with darts and pool, perfect for a young, energetic crowd.

Classic lanes offer a retro and quirky bowling experience with tons of character. The spot features a great bar bowling league and a staff that truly cares about the game.

People are saying

"The bar here is great, with darts and pool."

"The beer here is cheap and the vibe is gritty and authentic."

"It's a cool retro bowling alley with a classic vibe."

Good to know

1

Bowling costs $5 per game, with shoe rental at $3.

2

Expect long wait times on weekends; reservations are not accepted.

3

Happy hour offers $2 off all drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

11
WhirlyBall image 1
Restaurant

Bright, spacious facility offers free bowling for kids alongside WhirlyBall and laser tag. Energy stays lively with upbeat music and active games. Private outdoor terrace suits group outings and parties perfectly.

Offers free bowling for kids and encourages hand washing before games. Combines bowling with activities like WhirlyBall and laser tag for group fun at a low cost.

People are saying

"It's a great place for fun activities with friends and family."

"I thought the food here was great."

"The staff here made our bowling experience amazing and fun."

Good to know

1

WhirlyBall charges $250 per hour, plus a 20% service fee on top.

2

Expect high prices for food and drinks; they are considered pricey.

3

The venue has a large parking lot, so parking is not an issue.

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