Bowling is an incredibly popular sport, making it a great recreational activity for children and adults alike. Fortunately, New York City has no shortage of amazing bowling alleys, providing endless entertainment and fun no matter your age.
Children relish birthdays and celebrations spent at bowling alleys, while adults can make the most of late-night bowling matches.
Bowling alleys are perfect for organizing hassle-free get-togethers with friends. This list has some of the best bowling alleys in NYC. Read on to find out!
9 Best Places To Go Bowling In NYC Right Now
One sure way to have a fun time in NYC, especially during winter, is by visiting the bowling alley. You will always have a nice time visiting the best bowling alleys in NYC. You feel this joy when you strike perfectly and celebrate the excitement with your team.
My personal advice is to enjoy it as a relaxing activity after a stressful week. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the nine best bowling alleys in NYC so you can spend less time searching and more time playing.
1. Brooklyn Bowl, Greenpoint
Brooklyn Bowl is perfect for a combination of nightlife and bowling. Not only can you grab a beer and bowl here, but you can also enjoy daily live music with different artists performing each evening.
Feeling peckish? This spot also has a great food menu to satiate your appetite after a competitive match.
The menu consists of tasty American fare. Grab a meal here instead of going home to prepare dinner after bowling. What’s even more special about Brooklyn Bowl is that it is pretty affordable, so you won’t break the bank on a night out.
2. The Gutter
If you love vintage bowling lanes, I recommend visiting The Gutter. They have three branches in NYC, so you can easily visit the one closest to you.
Fill up on craft beer, pizza, nachos, hot dogs, and other great meals on the menu when you’re not bowling. They often hold live shows at the branch in Williamsburg, so check it out if you love live music.
The live shows are held in the spare room. Keep in mind that space for the shows is on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early on weekends.
3. Bowl 360 Astoria, Astoria
If you’re hosting an event, Bowl 360 Astoria is your best option. This space is regularly upgraded and offers a 28-lane bowling alley and a standard arcade facility.
You’ll find a variety of liquor shots and frozen cocktails to quench the thirst of your guests. In addition, there’s also a limited beer selection. The food options include nachos, a seafood assortment, and much more. Consider holding your next celebration at Bowl 360 Astoria.
4. Frames Bowling Lounge, Midtown
Frames Bowling Lounge was previously known as Leisure Time Bowl and is the perfect place to spend a fun Friday evening with friends. With up to 26 regular lanes and two additional lanes in the VIP section, this spacious venue is a great option.
I’d recommend playing in the regular section to avoid breaking the bank. However, the VIP section is great if you want to splurge.
Unlike the other bowling alleys I’ve mentioned, Frames Bowling Lounge is more of a club with a steakhouse and two bars. This bowling alley should definitely be considered if you want an unforgettable bowling experience.
5. Melody Lanes, Sunset Park
This is the perfect place for a traditional American bowling experience. Melody Lanes offers a spacious venue with a bowling alley and many arcade games.
Wood was used to design most of the structures in Melody Lanes, giving it a charming, vintage look. The drink menu consists of bottled beers and various other drinks.
If you enjoy the social aspect of bowling, consider visiting on a weekend when the space is bustling with activity.
6. Rab’s Country Lanes, Staten Island
You will find superior facilities in Rab’s Country Lanes; that is the pride of this family-run establishment. While you can choose regular bowling, you can also opt for a glow-in-the-dark experience with cosmic bowling.
No matter your budget, you can enjoy a nice time. They also offer a full kitchen menu where you can find all your favorite American foods. From my experience, Rab’s Country Lanes offer exceptional customer service, so you will surely enjoy a pleasant time.
7. Whitestone Lanes, Flushing
If you’re looking for a place with great hours, there is no bowling bar as good as Whitestone Lanes. You can visit the place no matter when you want to have fun. The snack bars offer many meals ranging from chicken wings to french fries.
If you’re interested in custom-drilling your own bowling ball, Whitestone Lanes boasts a pro shop with professionals who are highly skilled in helping you.
With as little as $19, you can enjoy bowling from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays. You can also pay the same amount to bowl on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
I recommend choosing the $60 package if you’re going with your friends. It enables you and four others to enjoy unlimited bowling for an hour.
8. Bowlmor – Chelsea Piers
From blacklight bowling to fascinating arcade games, Bowlmor should be considered an official playground in NYC. This is an ideal bowling alley for fun and relaxation.
You can also use the space to host events. The lakeside service and party packages make it an exciting place for parties.
9. Lucky Strike
Even though Lucky Strike offers a fun place to bowl, there are many other aspects to love about this place.
After a competitive bowling match, play a round of pool or watch a game on the large-screen TV.
Whenever I visit Lucky Strike on the weekend, I look forward to watching a premier league match of my favorite team on the large-screen TV. The fantastic drink menu includes wine, bottled beers, and nice cocktails. You can also purchase their classic comfort foods or delicious snacks.
Bowling in New York, What are Your Favorite Spots?
Well done, you made it through my list of the nine best bowling alleys in NYC! I hope this list has given you a glimpse into the exciting variety of bowling alleys in New York. Now, it is time to get up, take action, and explore this beautiful city.
Personally, my top 3 bowling alleys in NYC are Rab’s Country Lanes, Lucky Strike, and Melody Lanes. I always create fun memories, and they offer amazing services that suit my expectations. This list helps you narrow down your favorite bowling alleys in the city to create lasting memories with your friends and families.