Unfortunately, we had a pretty disappointing experience at Circle Lanes. My girlfriend needed to use a 6-pound bowling ball because she wasn't comfortable using the heavier ones, but we were told she couldn't use it because you had to be under a certain age. We politely explained that she wasn't strong enough to comfortably use the heavier balls, but instead of trying to help us find an alternative or even explaining the policy in a respectful way, the interaction came across as very rude and dismissive. Because she was forced to use a heavier ball than she was comfortable with, she ended up hurting herself while bowling, which made the situation even more frustrating. We spent good money here and were polite throughout our visit, so I expected much better customer service. I understand that businesses have policies, but there's a way to communicate those policies and work with customers, especially when someone is explaining that they physically can't comfortably use the available equipment. What was supposed to be a fun date night ended with my girlfriend getting hurt and both of us leaving disappointed. The way the situation was handled really put a damper on the entire experience. Overall, the customer service left us with a very bad impression, and unfortunately, I don't see us returning. read more

An old fashion kind of bowling alley. Very clean, oiled lanes and everything runs smoothly. Cash only but worth it $6 a game.

Our group was in the lounge area, and when we went to the counter to get shoes and start bowling, they informed my friend that she had lost her deposit because we didn't start within 15 minutes of the reservation. There were only two other lanes being used, plenty of space. Also, we were actually there, and they could've popped into the lounge and informed her of their inflexible policy and the urgency with which we needed to be bowling. The guy behind the counter said he was the general manager and the co-owner, so he could've made a different decision. He had a group of 12 people dressed in costumes and ready to have a good time (and spend money) on a night when they weren't busy at all. He chose to be completely inflexible. If we had walked up without a reservation, she would not have lost the deposit. We bowled one game and left to go to a friendly local business. read more

Walking into this bowling alley feels like stepping into a place that actually cares about keeping the classic experience alive instead of turning everything into a loud entertainment factory. The lanes are well maintained, games run smoothly, and the atmosphere stays relaxed even when it gets busy. The staff is welcoming, organized, and keeps everything moving without making the place feel overly strict. I also liked the old-school style of scoring because it adds character and makes the games feel more social. The lounge area has a fun neighborhood vibe, the drinks are solid, and there's plenty to do beyond bowling. Overall, it's the kind of spot that's easy to come back to with friends for a genuinely good time. read more

Best (and only) bowling alley in the fp, its pretty well kept, clean, the staff could be better but i don't care, its fun to bowl there with the homies, if your a pro bowler its probably not for you, but its fun read more

This is an old school bowling alley with a couple of pool tables in addition to plenty of lanes. The only downside is getting one on the weekend. We had our granddaughter's birthday party here and everyone had a great time. Kind of hard to get in on the weekend due to leagues and it being a popular neighborhood place. read more

Today I had an unpleasant and disappointing experience at Circle Bowling Lanes. When paying at the counter, the male receptionist told me that each game takes about 20-25 minutes per person. Based on that, I paid $6 for one game plus $4 for shoe rental for myself, and also paid $10 for another game for my wife. According to the receipt, I made the payment at 10:33 AM for a total of 2 games in Lane 14, but by 10:55 AM, our session had ended - meaning we only played for around 20 minutes total, which clearly reflects one game for one person, not two games. I asked a very polite young staff member about this, and he confirmed that it seemed only one game was registered. He initially offered to refund me $10, but I chose to continue and play the second game I had already paid for. When he checked with the male receptionist who had taken my payment, that same person surprisingly insisted we had already finished both games - which is impossible to believe given the time frame. When I asked how two games could be completed in 20 minutes, he simply responded that "it shows as completed" on his end and refused to allow us to play the second game. To make things worse, he only accepted cash, which raised concerns about something I have no interest in talking about. I'm sharing my experience here not out of spite, but to caution others who may consider visiting Circle Bowling Lanes. Please think twice before going, and be aware of how they handle payments and disputes. read more

I was out walking in my neighborhood. And I discovered a bowling alley right down the street from where I live. It's maybe literally 3 minutes within walking distance from my apartment. How Cool? I went inside to browse around and ended up bowling. The owners were so sweet and kind. The prices are reasonable. I was super excited to see a couple pool tables on the side. Pac man video game. Just a cool and chill place to come and spend a day bowling or shooting pool with family and friends. Old school neighborhood vibes bowling alley. On site ATM and bar with beer specials. I The owner stress to me that it gets super busy and crowded on the weekends. Bowling league are also held on the weekends. I will be coming back soon to practice on my bowling skills. read more

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Dear Good People at YELP, I recently moved to Oak Park. It had been at least 40 years since I last enjoyed bowling, and I thought it was time to find a place to do some bowling. A search on GOOGLE came up with CIRCLE LANES in River Forest, about three miles from where I live. I took the "L" to the HARLEM exit and walked to CIRCLE LANES a few blocks away. The counter person there was very polite and helpful. In bowling three games, I found I had not lost my natural touch and enjoyment in bowling. It was a very, very pleasant experience there at CIRCLE LANES. While it is an older building, it was well maintained, and the Rest Room was spotless. I really enjoyed my experience there, and will definitely be back. Thank You Good Folks at CIRCLE LANES ! Respectfully Yours, David Franklin zsuzsadave9@gmail.com read more

Classic bowling alley without the frills. It's a cash-only place with billiards available by the hour. The bar is a divey with your typical dive bar array. It's a standard bowling alley and if you like to bowl, this is the spot in Oak Park! read more

Circle Lanes - Bowling Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

I had not been there in over a year, tonight 4/18/2025 the wife and I went there to bowl paid for 4 games total. We almost completed the first set of games before the sweeper got stuck, I informed the employee of the situation and the sweeper was moved to the upward position however 2 pins remained laying in the lane, I made the employee aware of the situation and was told to just continue to bowl with the pins laying there in front of standing pins. This is an extremely unprofessional response I asked for and received a refund for the remaining games. Because of the unprofessional service we will never visit this location again. If I could give a lower rating I would. read more

There are always plenty of lanes here and the price is right. The cost varies from day to day from $4 - $7. Cash only so be prepared that don't take plastic. read more

Perfect for a cousins meet up and SUPER affordable. Went on a Friday night at 830 and was able to get a lane no problem. Note its cash only but atm onsite. read more

Classic place Been going since 2005 Staff could be a little more friendly New ish employee with glasses .... Several times , never says thank you Her age group is like this read more

The bowling itself is fine, but this alley could stand a remodel. They also told my 9 year old that she was too young to be in the billiard area, but 5 seconds later, a group of young kids were back there playing pool and the staff let them. A good place for kid's bday parties and they allow outside food in. There is also an attached bar if you want some drinks before you bowl. Parking can be an issue. read more

It's definitely the definition of a older type bowling center. 18 lanes. I bowl in a Thursday Night league there fall winter league. The lanes dry up quickly. So I would definitely recommend a urethane ball if your bowling there. Reactive type bowling balls work for at least 1 game but then after that a urethane ball is your best option. They only take cash to be able to bowl there and you must show proof of Vaccination card. They have a atm onsite if you need some cash to pay for bowling. read more

Circle Lanes - It's a moving image of me getting a strike at Circle Lanes in my Thursday Night Mixed League. - Bowling Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

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Local hub for bowlers, nothing special. Not the friendliest of staff, even kind of put out that I would ask for a ball ramp for my 2-year-old. And then grunted at me when I asked if I could leave the kids' ball with the shoes. Who knows, it was only 10am, during the senior bowl league, so who knows if he's like that normally. The joint smells of heavy stale smoke. But it really seems like a Forest Park locale. If you wander back toward the left from the entrance, there is a bunch of lockers and a lounge (hence the title), just past the little dessert decor. Cash only, which is pretty standard around local Chicago joints, but they have an ATM for cash if you didn't bring it ($3 surcharge). Toughest part is that the first lane (and another lane we used on a past occasion) seem to have some imperfections because the balls have unpredictable movements compared to the tens of other places we've bowled. We're novice bowlers, like most of the population, so if we can tell the floor is a bit wonky, it's probably not a place for anyone that cares a lot about a score of 300. read more

We asked over the phone if it was ok to bring food and was told only finger foods. After purchasing two pans of chicken wings and fries we were told by Drew that we could not eat it on the premises. We had a party of 18 with 6 children. Even after telling Drew that we had guests just arriving from out of town he would not even let us rent the party room (which allows any foods), saying that it was not rented after 5 pm (it was 7:45 pm). We took our money and food off the premises and will never be back. Drew probably is thinking "good riddance". Anyone that would do that to children should not be managing a family recreational facility. read more

Big fan of Circle Lanes and no i'm not going to say bc it's "RETRO" like every single reviewer has probably stated before me. And it is def throw back but for me this is what a bowling alley should be. Stripped down to its essence, no frills where you come to bowl, drink a few High Life's and have a good time. It is like walking into a time warp and as someone has mentioned, they have the coolest dessert/cactus garden as you make your way back to the bathrooms....it is like the crown jewel of this place. Cash only (boo, but just deal I guess) where you can bowl for anywhere from $3-$5 per round, depending on hour and day of week. You can also play some pool or get your Galaga and Ms Pac Man on to re-introduce your arcade skills that have fallen dormant over the decades. [X] A Forest Park Gem ! read more

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Haven't been here in years, but I did take my kids today and we had a great time. Even though it was a bit busy like everything during this rainy spring break day, the lady and the guy in the front both helped us whenever we needed. They even moved us to a lane with bumpers when available for my 6 year old so she could enjoy too. The place was clean and definitely reasonably priced. Really happy we came here today! read more

Wasn't an good experience, we were 10 minutes late for our reservation and they end up giving our lanes away. They should have let us know that is we were late that they would give our lanes away but we didn't receive any information as such. Very disappointed and won't be going back horrible service read more

Loved this bowling alley!! During a nice dinner with the boy at Chicago's Chicken & waffles II, we used the yelp app to find a bowling alley nearby, and we came across Circle Bowling Lanes. Walking in I was instantly in love! This place was totally not like bowling alleys of today's time. This place was like walking back into the 70's -80's. Circle Bowling Lanes has not changed anything in years, and I am not mad at that. I had the perfect date night.i will definitely go back! They do not take credit cards! There is an ATM in there. That part kind of threw me for a loop. But I guess in keeping with the whole retro thing I get it. Until Next time y'all!! read more

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We are visitors to the area. Just popped in for some fun. Bowled for two frames then went into the bar area to play pool at the secluded table. The current bartender is a complete ASS. Not friendly at all. He drives away business honestly. We were asking a few questions and he freaked out. Said , "Go back to playing pool!" We tried playing music on the music player. It sasnt working so we play music via phone. He yells, "You can't play that in here." EXTREMELY RUDELY We attempt to explain that we tried playing via the phone. He is unweilding & is in the wrong job. We leave shortly because we feel unwelcome in this business. We apologize and tell him to have a good day. He replies with: I will now that you're leaving. read more

Since Covid has closed Circle, me and buddies been shooting pool other places. Doing this makes me miss Circle. At Circle everyone knows my name. It feels more like a family atmosphere. I may go other places but Circle will always be my home and come first when it comes to support. read more

This isn't just a bowling alley, oh no. I mean, you can (and should) bowl here. It's pretty cheap and delightfully old-school in some ways yet complete with modern accoutrements like computerized score keepers that mock your failure. But that isn't all! It's also a bar with dirt cheap beer and a Bosch poster in it. No joke. There's also a cactus garden. I don't mean a couple of pots with some cacti sitting by the door. I mean a whole enclosure with sand and everything. Circle Lanes is full of surprises. Don't be surprised by their cash only policy though! Bring paper money or pay their ATM's fee. read more

I love Circle Lanes for many reasons.. Nostalgia, retro-divey-feel, old-school look, cheap drinks & of course BOWLING! Bowling isn't just for kid's ya know. In fact, did you know that even classy & sophisticated people enjoy bowling too? Yes, bowling is for all walks of life that know how to let loose and have a *good time* with a ball.... Circle has been my favorite place to bowl since forever...I remember when they only used paper-pencil score cards. This place was packed with leagues. One of which I happened to be on (many years ago). I had the best times on that league...and met some really cool people too...enjoying a few cocktails while we bowled only enhanced our experience and was always a GREAT TIME!!!! (I think I had way more strikes while buzzed to be honest). Am I a great bowler? not really, but I'm not bad either. Using my mom's custom 1960's swirl colored baby blue ball (w/matching case) brought me many strikes, spares and raps. My *lucky* ball. Even mom was in a league, and she's most *elegant*! They have long ago updated to electronic scoring, but this place still reminds me of the old days, not much else has changed here. The lounge is still a hangout for after bowling games. The pool tables are still around, the drinks are still potent and cheap. The charm and character of Circle Lanes LIVES ON.....and I wouldn't want them to change a damn thing!!! This is no Brunswick Zone... This is for people who love to bowl and don't care how outdated looks can be.... This is for people who *appreciate* classic, old-school charm (since 1941, yes, its that old) and GOOD VIBES.... My most recent visit here was a BLAST. Keepin the memories alive with a frozen pizza, a few cocktails and great (cheap) bowling action was just what I needed....(along w/mom's baby blue ball). Don't be a gutter ball and hit all those other trendy bowling spots, (get over yourself) check out this place for authenticity alone...you may find your game has grossly improved cause the 'bowling gods' still lurk the grounds here..... Head's Up: **CASH ONLY - W/ATM INSIDE!** read more

If you love all things retro or nostalgic or old school--however you want to describe it, Circle Lanes might be right up your alley. (Pun fun!) 12 of us spent a fun Saturday evening here hanging out at the bar and then got two lanes for bowling fun. We didn't book our lanes before hand but were able to get lanes easily. We had called earlier and we were told we don't need to book a lane--But I don't know if its always easy to get a lane. As the evening went on, all of the lanes were taken so I'd still suggest checking to see if you need to book a lane on weekends. The place is old, worn and dark. The last time I was here it was still pencil and paper scoring but now it's computer/video scoring. That's probably the latest update to the place. The shoes you get to borrow are super worn, the bowling balls are plentiful, but they also look worn. Even though it's an old place, it's clean and staff is friendly and helpful. This isn't Pinstripes so don't expect loungey seating or sleek furnishings. But it's super cheap and still a fun way to spend an evening and kinda feel like you've stepped back in time. read more

Wanna bowl for cheap? Wanna feel like you stepped back in time? Check out Circle Bowling Lanes. Cheap Shoes...check!! Bar food consisting of frozen pizza warmed up in a mini oven...uhhh ok check! Staff considerably friendly! Check! An old place but very clean! Check! A good fun time had by everyone...priceless! read more

If you like retro bowling then you'll like this place. It's totally laid back. The decor is hilarious. Check out the sneaker/tube sock/puffy jacket sleeve picture at the end of the lanes - too funny. Totally 80's Jane Fonda style. The drinks are cheap. Liene's are like $2. Shoes are $2. The games aren't too much. I don't remember them being $6 as the other post says. Scoring is by hand. If you don't know how to do this you can grab a cheat sheet from the desk. The lanes are good. I bowl much better at Circle than any Brunswick place. I think they are kept up well. read more

Shoe rental: $2/per pair Game: $6/per game FIRST OFF: I am not a professional bowler but I think the lanes are pretty well maintained. This bowling alleys' decor is in desperate need of an update! When you get through the doors it feels like you went through a time warp. The walls are painted this offwhite color with racing stripes down the sides. It has a bar that is furnished in that fake wood paneling that was hot in the 70's. And the place smells like...well...a bowling alley...which isn't good or bad. The scoring system is the piece of paper...which im not use to (i am SO pampered by technology!), so make sure you know how to score your game! The saving grace for this place is the local folks that are employed there. They are very personable and quirky which is PERFECT for a bowling alley. HOT DATE TIP: After you show off your sweet bowling skills you can walk one block North to Goldy Burger and have Chicagos #1 Burger! SO GOOD! read more

Circle Lanes is one of the few classic bowling alleys left in Chicagoland. They updated to synthetic lanes years ago and I've never had a problem with any of their pin-setters nor ball returns. I also like the fact that you still use pencil & paper to score your games. The folks behind the counter have always been friendly with us ... whether it's a group of 2 to 12, we've always had a blast. They do a nice job of keeping some of the rowdier teens in their place as well. The lounge has a somewhat triangular 5 sided bar and the bartenders have always been pretty damn funny! I haven't shot pool over there much, but they do have a bunch of full size tables & then a "bar table" in the lounge. Long live Circle Lanes & Alleys like them ... Brunzwick Zones are the worst McBowling experience ever. read more

My family loves to bowl, we are on leagues and compete. We heard this place was retro and cool. We called an asked how busy they were so we could plan on bowling 3 games and get 2 lanes for 10 people. They told us no problem. When we got there they would only let us bowl on one lane and since there were so many people we could only bowl one game. We were so bummed. They really need some grown up management instead of kids who are more worried about texting and being on their cell phones than serving the paying customers. read more

Great local place that's been around since I was a kid in the 90s. Friendly staff, everything works well, good prices.

If I could rate this 1/8 of a star I would! I came here with my fiance and my son to bowl as a family. for $25.50 my son had a lane with bumpers/ball/shoes, but my fiance and I had a different lane and shoes. If your trying to find a place to bowl with kids and adults on one lane THIS IS NOT THE PLACE YOUR LOOKING FOR. read more

This place kinda creeps me out. The guy behind the counter (looks like the owner/manager) seems, um, creepy. Can be smoky. The smoke mostly comes from that guy behind the counter. The ATM doesn't work. Like most bowling alleys, it's impossible to find a good ball. I don't mind the good ol' pencil and paper self-service scoring - I actually enjoy adding. But the prices are pretty steep for a run-down place like this. read more

It's okay. It's a reliable place to bowl, and the workers here are quirky, but the times I see their quirkiness has worked against them. For instance, kids like to turn on the projection light to show their scores, and every single time, one of the guys will say, "Unless you are going to pay our electric bill, keep those lights off," on the loud speaker. They also tell me not to run when i bowl, but I'm sorry, that's just how I bowl. I sprint and let go of the ball and pins fall. If I can't do that, I won't bowl and I won't pay. read more

Super cheap bowling in an old school lane. $2 for shoes and $2.65/ game for adults ans $2.15/game for kids before noon. Had some problems with our lane (needed to be reset twice and then we ended up moving to a new lane) and the balls aren't that good (some are chipped and limited amount kids balls) but the lanes are in nice shape and the staff is friendly and attentive. Old school paper scoring (none of that "new fangled" electronic garbage here) is a lost art and it's good to brush up on my skills. No food either. Overall a good cheap family day of bowling. read more

Now, if you're looking for a hi-tech bowling alley, this is not the place for you. If you're looking for cosmic bowling and disco, I would go somewhere else. If you're looking for a homey place, check out Circle. It's complete with rustic wood walls, portraits of wildlife and classic rock on the speaker system. I've been to Circle Bowling Lanes at least three times and I've only had one bad night of music (which my friends and I still enjoyed because it was top 40 and we appeased ourselves by making fun for most of our visit). It's definitely like taking a trip back in time. I see by other reviews that this place used to have manual scoring, and I have to say I'm glad for that. I might be a library student, but math is not my strong suit... especially when there are variables like strikes and spares involved. It's still a classic place and they even have drink specials at the bar, which comes in handy for the Dominican University crowd that I've seen lurking in the corners over there... read more

Been here about 4 or 5 times and yeah I'm a fan. So far so good. The price for games and shoes are cheap, It's in my neighborhood, drinks aren't expensive like $2 and I never had to wait for a lane to open up.I don't mind the retro chill kinda feel it has. I don't need a bunch of smoke and lights coming from the ceiling to enjoy this sport. Me and my bowling buddies will definitely keep coming back. read more

Circle Lanes - found my perfect size bowling ball - Bowling Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

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Circle Bowl is a throw back to bowling alleys of yesteryear. No automatic scoring or black light Rock-n-Bowl here. Just 15 or so lanes. You keep score with a pencil and you drink beer. Most of the balls and shoes appear to be from the Eisenhower administration, but everything is well kept and in good condition. Circle bowl is clean and well lit. It's a good time if you're ever in Forest Park and want to do something besides drink and eat B&G fries. read more

Circle Lanes - Bowling Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois