Want to make your family time memorable? Or give your kids a fun day to enjoy? Or maybe you’re a serious player aiming for that perfect score?
Well, no matter the case, your wish is granted, my friend!
From the retro fun of the 1980s to an alley full of modern bells and whistles, the twelve best bowling alleys in Chicago are right here at your service.
They know how to make your day so the memory lasts for a lifetime!
The best part is that you get to roll strikes, enjoy delicious meals, and, most importantly, spend quality time with your friends and family.
12 Best Bowling Alleys in Chicago
Here are the twelve best bowling alleys you must visit in Chicago.
1. Kings Dining & Entertainment Lincoln Park
Looking for an upscale bowling experience along with a touch of royalty?
In that case, nothing can beat Kings Dining & Entertainment Lincoln Park!
Why?
Well, it is just not a bowling alley; instead, it is a whole entertainment package that will give you the ultimate feeling of a king or queen.
A dream come true, indeed!
From its top-notch bowling lanes to modern design, plush seating, and delicious meals – everything is just perfect here. And with a few rounds of bowling, you can even explore the arcade games, billiards, and much more. There won’t be a single moment to feel bored!
So, brace yourself as you are about to fall in love with this alley. Plus, they are a superb place to spend a date night or any special celebration with friends and family.
2. Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago
Next up, we have Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago.
They are one of the greatest destinations to be around for a complete night of entertainment and relaxation.
And what’s more interesting is that the moment you step inside this place, you will be instantly blown away by its sleek and well-maintained lanes.
Moving on to the food and drinks, they will surely impress you with each of their culinary items. Be it gourmet burgers, tacos, or maybe the dessert menu – each one is a true delight for your taste buds.
So, if you are on the lookout for a friendly competition to get into with your pals or an interesting place to be with your family, Lucky Strike Downtown is the ultimate spot.
3. 10pin Bowling Lounge
Located in the heart of Chicago’s River North, 10pin Bowling Lounge is one of the most amazing places one can find themselves in.
Once you enter its premises, you will be mesmerized by the modern and chic ambiance that this place has to offer. Each bowling lane is beautifully lit, and in case you want to take a break and relax for a bit, they also have leather couches.
Ideal for a casual night out with your friends and family!
4. Waveland Bowl
Are you into some nostalgic and good old-fashioned bowling adventures? If so, the Waveland Bowl is the place to be.
Why?
Well, they offer such a retro vibe that the moment you set your foot in there, you will feel like you are taken back in time.
Plus, with their forty classic lanes, you can hold any kind of big family gathering, birthday party, or any casual night out with your best buddies.
In case you are a foodie, they have tons of items to make your day. From all-American classics, such as burgers, nachos, and wings, just name it, and you will get it served right in front of you.
Last but not least, to make things more interesting, they also host various kinds of leagues, tournaments, and events at different times throughout the year!
5. Timber Lanes
Timber Lanes is another fun spot that will transport you directly to an era when bowling was all about some good old-fashioned fun.
However, the first thing that will capture your heart is the cozy environment that will give you the vibe that you are bowling in a classic movie scene.
Whenever you feel like taking a break after a fierce battle, there is a full-service bar to quench your thirst and recharge your mind to the fullest.
Whether you are into classic cocktails or locally crafted beers, they’ve got you covered. So rest assured and have a blast at your hangout.
After all, it is your time to enjoy and leave behind all the hustle and bustle of life!
6. Whirlyball Chicago
Love playing multiple kinds of games? Whirlyball Chicago is the ultimate destination for you!
Hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and souped-up bumper cars – the list goes on!
The place is so good and full of excitement that you will rarely get any time to be bored.
However, that’s not all, as it comes with a marvelous-looking bowling alley and arcade games to keep you entertained.
As for the food section, you will find their top-notch restaurant and bar, always ready to serve you with a variety of world-class meals and drinks.
7. Pink Squirrel Bar
Pink Squirrel Bar comes with one of the perfect combinations of nostalgia and modern fun. And as you enter the bar, you will feel like you have been directly transported back to the 1950s.
All credit goes to their awesome vintage decor and neon lights that set the stage for feeling nostalgic. However, the super cozy and well-maintained lanes make it an ideal place to hang around with friends and family.
8. Bowlero Lyons
Don’t want to stick with just pins and lanes? Or maybe elevate your experience to another level?
Bowlero Lyons is here to fulfill your dream!
They are nothing like an average night out. Instead, the entire place is about extraordinary things.
They have a quick pinsetter and also cosmic bowling, much like having a party on the lanes.
However, what truly sets them apart is certainly their arcade and latest game section. From children to adults, there is something for everyone!
9. Avondale Bowl
Avondale Bowl is well-known for its retro charm that just sets the mood. Another advantage of this place is that they are never crowded. As a result, you can enjoy a peaceful time without any interruptions and chaos.
And in case you are a late-night bowler, you are in luck, my friend, as they stay open till the early hours of the weekend mornings. As for food and drinks, they have a wide variety to choose from!
10. Diversey River Bowl
Located in the colorful neighborhood of Logan Square, this river bowl is an amazing place to pay a visit to. In other words, they are a full-packed entertainment hub.
From the neon lights to the pin-crashing sounds, they come with all kinds of things to make your bowling experience a memorable one.
Plus, they also have cosmic bowling where the lanes glow in the dark along with the background music, setting the ambiance. Lastly, to keep you fueled up, they have their bar and grill section with a massive variety of items to choose from.
11. Southport Lanes & Billiards
This bowling alley is one of the most charming and unique places that just adds a different kind of nostalgia and authenticity to the game.
In case you are in the mood for playing some cue ball action, they have the billiards to make your wish come true!
As for the bar area, it is very comfortable and comes with a great collection of drinks. They are a must-visit alley for those looking to experience a bowling adventure but with a certain kind of added twist of the great history of Chicago.
12. Pinstripes
When it comes to ambiance, Pinstripes certainly tops the list with its chic decor and trendy bar. And whenever you are not bowling, you can always try the bocce. This, in return, will bring a European touch that you will simply love.
Their menu section features gourmet Italian-American cuisine that you can enjoy in between frames. In short, this place comes with a wonderful fusion of sports, socializing, and world-class dining.
Conclusion
There you have it – the twelve best bowling alleys in Chicago that promise to offer an unforgettable adventure.
Each of the places has its own unique characteristics that make it good and worth trying. And once you visit them, you will want to come back for more. That’s how incredible they are!
So, what are you waiting for? Tie your shoelaces and grab your favorite ball, as it is finally time to roll some strikes and make some great memories!