I've bowled here previously, and shame I haven't submitted a review before now. Situated in the lower level of the Bonnie Doon Mall and there's 2 sets of stairs from inside the mall to get you here.
Just a note I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere - it is 5-pin bowling, so everyone can bowl here. And it's also handicapped accessible - there is elevator access - although the ramp to the lanes looks a little Matterhorn-ish.
Not expensive to play if you have a few friends join you. $36 for an hour of all you can bowl, so no tracking frames, and $2 shoe rental works out for 4 friends to $11.55 each including tax. Discount alert: if you sign up to their newsletter on the website, they'll send you a $10 voucher to come bowl as well as a special Birthday gift and additional coupons. If you are an AMA member, there's 20% off for Show Your Card and Save. A special program for summer 2014 - kids bowl free - contact your local alley for details.
Reading reviews says that there are 48 lanes, and indeed the place just goes on, and on, and on...I didn't count, we bowled lane 9 near the beginning. You can pretty much show up any night and there will be a lane waiting for you without reservations. The lanes have a "lob-guard" but we didn't see the need - I suppose it keeps repair costs down for the bowlers unclear on the difference between slow-pitch and 5-pin bowling.
Ditch the paper and pencils, you don't have to score your own. (Phew!) Being math challenged, I wondered if I was going to embarrass myself in front of my friends. Although the scoring equipment looks modern, the displays (tube TVs)...are aged a fair bit past retirement and don't display quite as well as they did when new. The picture from 2012 shows the clarity issue then, and it's the same now. The balls and shoes are worn, and decor is remarkably classic "bowling alley". I'm no expert bowler, so I can't tell if the lanes are good bad or indifferent, but they seemed plenty fun enough for our recreation.
A note about the liquor licence - they close at 9 on a Thursday night. It might have been nice to know that before 8:30 when they stop serving, since we didn't get going until just before 8 we enjoyed one round, and had to go on fumes and a whole lot of giggles at our lack of skill to close out the night.
Saturday night glow bowling starts at 7pm - and it is a hoot. If you need lane guards for the little ones - I think I saw them hanging down the way, call ahead and ask if you'd like them. Next time, I think the adults are going to be having that accessory added. (We need some serious practice to get over 80!)
I know I've attended adult bowling parties here - accommodating large groups is not a problem. Company parties, Birthdays, Fundraisers...
There is a snack bar, it's standard fast food à la bowling alley. I'd probably say if you have dietary restrictions or sensitivities - you might need to snack before you come. I posted a menu pic from their website.
I really enjoyed the lack of crowding, and I know I've been here when it's been pretty busy. Summertime when it's boiling outside, it's air conditioned and pleasant here, so if you need an escape I'd recommend it. I don't think people consider it an entertainment option in the summer. Better for me, but the secret's out now!
There were a couple of lanes closed and they looked like they were being worked on, so upkeep is ongoing. The ball return is definitely vintage, but worked flawlessly. I think this is the first time *_ever_* I didn't have to ask (and wait) for assistance to get the pins unjammed from the pin setter or the balls coming back! KUDOS and +1 star. Considering they celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2009 when I first visited - it's still a decent place to drop in and enjoy .
Posted as of August 2014:
Center Hours
Monday 8:30 am to 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:30 am to 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:30 am to 9:00pm
Thursday 8:30 am to 9:00pm
Friday 8:30 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday - NEON
Neon begins at 7:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 to 6:00pm read more