As a bowler who lives in Austin, I’ve checked out a ton of different bowling alleys across the city. From retro spots straight out of the 50s to sleek modern venues with all the latest tech and amenities, Austin has something for every type of bowler.
Let me tell you about 12 of my favorite lanes for throwing strikes in Austin. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly afternoon or a late-night hang-out spot with friends, these places will be right up your alley (pun intended).
12 Best Bowling Alleys in Austin
Here is the list of the 12 best Austin bowling alleys we’ve gathered for you.
1. Highland Lanes
If you’re looking for some good old-fashioned bowling fun, you’ve got to check out Highland Lanes.
Highland Lanes still have that authentic 1950s vibe, with the same squeaky floors, old-school scoring systems, and no-frills snacks and drinks. It’s like stepping into a bowling time capsule!
One of the best deals is their Super Bowling Sunday where you can enjoy unlimited bowling at $14 from 8:30 pm to midnight, including shoes! Grab some friends or family and head over early to snag a lane.
2. Main Event Entertainment
When my friends and I are looking for a fun night out with lots of options, we often head straight to Main Event.
This awesome entertainment center has it all – bowling, laser tag, billiards, ropes course, arcade, you name it! Bowl a few frames, then take a break to climb the ropes course or play carnival games.
One of the best things you can enjoy here is the $10 activity pass that lets you and your family play any single activity all day long, as much as you want. It’s a limited-time offer. So, hurry up!
3. Westgate Lanes
Want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time while bowling? Then you’ve got to check out Westgate Lanes here in Austin.
From the retro decor to the old-school snacks and drinks, this place is straight out of the golden age of bowling. They’ve got tons of lanes for open play, plus an arcade area with air hockey and pinball.
One of my favorite deals is their $14 unlimited bowling and shoes special from 9 p.m. to midnight on Sundays and Mondays. Grab a cheeseburger or some nachos from the Laneside cafe, then just sit back, relax, and enjoy that vintage bowling experience.
4. Dart Bowl
It was a sad day when Dart Bowl had to close its doors for good back in 2020. That place meant so much to me and countless other Austinites over its 60+ years.
Dart Bowl was a great go-to for family gatherings or nights out with friends. Grabbing a booth, ordering some delicious Tex-Mex from their funky cafe, and lacing up those worn-in rental shoes – good times were guaranteed.
Losing Dart Bowl hit me right in the nostalgia, and it will be sorely missed, but we are super lucky here in Austin that we have many amazing bowling alleys to enjoy.
5. Punch Bowl Social
If you’re looking for a trendy spot with a modern spin on entertainment and dining, I highly recommend checking out Punch Bowl Social.
Punch Bowl Social is like a giant playground for grown-ups. They’ve got bowling, karaoke, ping pong, shuffleboard, arcade games – you name it!
The menu is just as fun as the activities. We’re talking loaded tater tots, Korean fried chicken bao buns, and boozy shakes like the Bourbon Brownie. It’s upscale bar food with a twist perfect for a fun night out.
6. Speakeasy
If you’re looking for a memorable night in Austin, I highly recommend checking out Speakeasy. This underground spot has a cool prohibition vibe with dim lighting, antiques, and secret rooms.
One of my favorite features is the vintage bowling alley and lounge on the second-floor mezzanine.
For just $15 per lane for 30 minutes, you and your friends can enjoy yourselves without breaking the bank. They’ve also got free games like pool and ping pong too, a great night out without the big price tag.
The Music Lounge has a dance floor facing the stage where local bands perform live music nightly from 10 p.m. There’s also a rooftop patio with palm trees and skyline views that’s perfect when the weather’s nice.
7. The Texas Union (UNB)
If you find yourself on or around UT Austin’s campus, you should totally check out the old-school bowling alley downstairs in the historic Texas Union building.
This place has been around since 1933 – it was designed by famous architect Paul Cret and still has that awesome retro vibe. With 12 lanes, it’s been a cool hangout spot for generations of Longhorn students and staff looking to bowl, play pool, or just kick back and relax.
The Texas Union Underground, (as the basement games area is called) has a super casual atmosphere that’s great for parties or blowing off steam between classes.
8. High 5
If you’ve got kids begging for a fun day out or are planning a birthday bash, take them to High 5 up in North Austin.
They’ve got it all – bowling, laser tag, arcade games, billiards, you name it. The kids will have a blast, plus parents can kick back with drinks in the sports bar area.
High 5 has some awesome specials, like unlimited bowling packages and discounted game cards to maximize the fun.
9. The Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex
For the ultimate indoor playground in Austin, you have to check out the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex in East Austin. This city-run facility is like a mini theme park!
Spread over an impressive 55,000 square feet, they’ve got it ALL – bowling, a skating rink, a huge arcade, laser tag, and even a movie theater with 154 seats. No matter what you’re in the mood for, they’ve got you covered.
As a local, I love bringing friends and family here because it’s fun, super affordable, and caters to all ages.
10. The Highball
If you’re looking for a good time in Austin, let me tell you about The Highball in South Lamar.
Part of the Alamo Drafthouse, The Highball has a retro bowling alley lounge vibe for you. It has, among other things, six lanes, craft cocktails, delicious food, and fun events like karaoke, trivia, and live music.
11. Union Underground
So get this – Union Underground is the name of two totally different things.
First, it’s a hard rock band from the 90s that some music fans might remember. But it’s also the name of the bowling alley and pool hall in the basement of the UT Austin Student Union building!
The Union Underground on campus is this laidback spot downstairs with 12 bowling lanes and a bunch of pool tables that are open to students, faculty, and anyone.
It’s the perfect place to hang between classes, join an intramural league, or just relax with friends for beers and some bowling.
12. Saengerrunde Bowling Alley
Here’s a fun hidden gem for you Austin history buffs – Did you know there’s a super old-school bowling alley tucked away upstairs at Saengerrunde Hall behind Scholz Garten?
This place was built in the 1800s by German immigrants and is still running those original wooden lanes from 1908! That’s almost 115 years of bowling history right here in downtown Austin.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – a look at Austin’s awesome variety of bowling alleys! From vintage spots to huge entertainment centers, this city has something for every bowler.
Hitting the bowling lanes is one of the most fun and affordable ways to spend time with friends in Austin. Gather up a group, grab some greasy food and brews, and enjoy some carefree games together.
And remember, never take bowling so seriously – a little friendly competition and many laughs make for a great time!