One star but really ZERO. Asked for refund and walked out. The older man was so rude to our family. The minute we walked in he was telling us our children couldn't go up the tables because people were going to sit there but end up assigning us those tables anyways. We asked for four games, he refused saying theres a 2hr policy. So we asked to do 2 games, he still refused saying hes only going to start us off on one. We get to our lanes place our things on the table, he comes down and tells us to put our stuff on one table only even though we got 2 lanes with a table assigned to each. At this point, we just decided to go elsewhere. Asked for a refund and left. read more

WARNING -Racist Owner!! Recently we were in dream lanes and we had an interaction with Robin the manager . We had lost some money in one of the video games in the arcade and not to use race in any way but some of us in our group were black and it just seemed like Robin had an issue with our appearance is all I can take from it . He was extremely rude basically accusing of lying that we didn't lose any money I mean we're only talking about 75 cents . But he made a very big issue out of nothing and it made us all feel very uncomfortable . I would recommend finding a different bowling alley that Robin guy is not a good man in my opinion . Don't give him your time and especially your money . ​​ read more

I came here on a Thursday night as a professional heckler for my company's bowling league. Even though I have been in Madison for over 2 decades, I had never experienced league bowling before. My observations - the place was crowded, but not ridiculously so. The drinks were very reasonably priced and the bar, despite being very busy, was well staffed with bartenders. There was plenty of room for bowlers and spectators like myself. Overall, it was exactly what I expected and if I was a bowler, I wouldn't hesitate to go back! read more

This spot is cool and all. I've been coming here for ages. I like the lanes and the bar and staff has always been great. There are signs everywhere right now stating masks must be worn at all times, yet almost no one is wearing one. No enforcement by staff. If you're going to have rules, stick to em. Otherwise take down the sign. I'll be back later in the year I guess. Everything else is all aces. read more

If listening to hot jams from the 90s and 2000s while enjoying unlimited bowling for two hours (including shoe rental) for $9 sounds like a great time to you, you will love Dream Lanes on the weekends. It had been years since I'd been bowling and Dream Lanes seemed a step up from the last place I went. Tables are labeled with what lane they belong to, you can change your score screen's theme, nothing seemed grimy or sticky, and the staff was friendly and helpful. During the weekend deal with unlimited bowling you can win prizes if you get a strike when a red pin is in the front center position. I managed to bowl a strike on my first roll, but sadly the pin was not in front. Booooo. At Dream Lanes I had the same problem I have at every bowling alley - not being able to find a light ball with larger finger holes. I have no upper body strength so I prefer an 8 or 10 pound ball, but they are generally drilled with the fingers of children and delicate ladies in mind. My thumb barely fit so I had some really awkward throws where the ball stuck for half a second before releasing - you could hear the pop as the seal broke. Give me some ball choices for my sausage fingers/weak arms body type and I might just bump it up to a five-star experience! read more

It was the day after Christmas and bitter cold out so the gathered family from around the country need something to do. So bowling it was and we were not too surprised there was a place within a couple miles of our in-laws place (we were in Wisconsin after all). It was not too crowded when we arrived and the front desk staff was helpful getting our big group set up with lanes and shoes. The bumpers and ramps worked well for small kids so the whole experience was great fun for everyone. I am only sorry that we were not more hungry so I could have seen if the Pizza Pit pizza is what I remember from the dorms decades ago... read more

Over priced, over hyped, and overly crowded. That sentance in essence describes Dream Lanes. It's an old fashioned bowling alley which is a nice touch but the rest of the experience leaves a lot to be desired. First off all, the cost. If they can charge you for it, they will. $9.00 dollars for shoe rental (three pairs), $3.00 dollars to rent a ramp, and the extra cost to rent one lane for one game of bowling. Be warned that the lanes are so close together that you can't help but feel claustrophobic and scared that you'll be run over by an overzealous bowler with an ego the size of Texas. Secondary to the arm and leg you will pay to bowl at this esteemed location is the clientele which is not Dream Lanes fault but still bears mention only because I made the mistake of bringing my children to enjoy a game of bowling next to the foul mouth children's birthday party from hell (the adults ability to adhere to societal politeness was severely lacking, not to mention their amazing ability to express anger that we were daring to bowl in the lane next to theirs (God forbid we showed up for open bowling)! Would I ever give this place another try? Perhaps if it were the middle of the week during the late morning/early afternoon hours. Otherwise I highly suggest avoiding this place during their busy periods unless you enjoy being glared at by the Karen's of the world (I wouldn't be surprised if she asked to speak to a manager about their decision to allow others to bowl in close vicinity to her foul mouth friends). read more

New tv screens, recently redone floors, and a friendly staff keep us coming back. Nice food selections from Pizza Pit better than average pizza for an alley. read more

Dream Lanes - Bowling Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I really like this bowling alley. Despite what time I've gone, it's been active with bowlers of all ages. They are super family friendly and are very reasonable with prices. For 3 adults to bowl 1 game, I paid $21. Not a bad price at all. Order pizza and a refill gallon drink from Pizza Pit for $17 to get your belly full while you're bowling. Again, great price. I do think that there is room for improvement . The alley, facility, is very outdated and you cant get any Internet connection in your cell phone when you're inside which I why I give them 3 stars. Aside from that, I love bowling here. Highly recommended! read more

Dream Lanes - Clean lanes. - Bowling Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Asked if our group could get bumpers (yes, I'm 25 and an awful bowler). The man working replied no. I asked why and he replied "you're too old for that." I am a paying customer who did not come to this bowling alley to get judged about my bumper use... would not recommend this place. read more

Big bowling alley, with a great bar and very friendly waitstaff! Visited last night for my buddy's bowling league. I must say the pizza pit & food they have is pretty good for a bowling alley! Ordered a pizza and jalapeño poppers. Both were delicious and especially loved the Jalapeño poppers because instead of cream cheese they used cheddar. read more

I don't believe it! No reviews for Dream Lanes. I get to do another first! Well I used to bowl here a bunch and I can say that they have a good amount of lanes and we never had a problem with anything there. There was always a good crowd there and a pretty nice clientele. They did their best to stay out of our way and offered some great deals for the bowling groups through which I got a new ball and some nice new shoes. Close to five starts but I don't review bowling alleys too much so I don't have a lot to compare them to. They were good to me. read more

I've enjoyed going to Dream Lanes for over 20 years to throw the rock, quaff a few beers, and relax with my friends. I love the location, and I love the relaxed ambience of the bar, almost like you're hanging out in a friend's pad. Sometimes the lanes have had malfunctions in the past, but for a non-serious bowler like me, big whoop. The staff is friendly, the service great. I need to get back more often than I have been. Go there and throw a few frames and throw back a few drinks, you'll be glad you did. read more

Great atmosphere! Friendly and attentive staff. Good bowling deals, quenching beverages and great food. Fun neighborhood & same place I bowled since a teenager ( 30 + years : ) Just needs some up dating in physical appearance. We are VERY appreciative with their service! Stampin' with Sisters, monthly group of paper crafters! read more

Just got home from our first visit there with friends. The place is not that bad, shoes seem a bit old but passable. Balls are not organized by weight but a bit of searching and you'll get what you need. We had a very bad customer service experience. Their website has coupons you can print and take with you. We were standing near the counter and trying to decide to use the 2 hours for the price of one or the bogo discounts. The guy at the counter said we could start bowling and they would us the coupon that was less expensive when we were done. We kept our eyes on the lock and after a while decided we'd use the two hours for the price of one option. The problem is that when we went to pay there was a different guy at the counter. He told us the hourly option was pre-pay only. He made no effort to help us out and was really quite disagreable. This is unfortunate. We live within walking distance but have always gone to Villiage Lanes in Monona. The customer service there is much better... steer clear of Dream Lanes. read more

The atmosphere is decent the drinks are a little overpriced. Put the music in the bowling alley is different from the music in the bar so you're basically waste your money for the into the Jukebox if you come out to bowl read more

$8 2-hour unlimited bowling specials (shoes included) on the weekends after 8:30. Pretty decent place but definitely shows its age. I have not tried the food but everyone else around were eating something. I saw a lot of pizzas which looked decent. My one complaint would be that it is hard to find bowling balls with the weight I want and holes large enough for adult hands. read more

The owner was rude, sexist and arrogant. He would not allow us to use the bumpers because we "were too old" (yes we are 24 years + but we are recreational bowlers who use 8 pound balls). Also we ordered a pizza and all contracted a strange fungal infection. Please sanitize your balls read more

I'm very disappointed with my experience at dream lanes. I am not a skilled bowler, but enjoy coming for fun. I was told very rudely that there was no possible way to use bumpers as an adult, even though I use a 7 pound ball. I will not be coming back, and would seriously discourage any recreational bowlers from coming to this establishment. read more

This bowling alley is all fine and good. I will return. Generally, Dream Lanes is not a very up to date building, technology or bathrooms...but all in all, gets the job done for a good night in bowling. My boyfriends new bowling ball was chipped in their lane, and they fixed it for free in just a few days and it was good as new. I give them a three because i did have a bad experience once while checking out with a coupon. They made a really big deal about how i couldn't use the coupon since i hadn't printed it out. I was trying to use it by showing them my phone. I think this also shows that they are out of date. Rates are competitive for Madison. read more

If I could select zero I would have. Nothing wrong with the bowling alley, the staff just sucks. Pick another spot to have your event /party/whatever. The staff are extremely rude and not very accommodating. Prices are a bit high too. It kind of explains why nobody comes here. read more

I agree, it's strange that there weren't any reviews for Dream Lanes yet! It's one of my favorite alleys in Madison, mostly due to its great specials. The Bowl Your Brains out deals offer cheap bowling and a chance to win cool prizes if you can get a strike on your "red pin" frame. The atmosphere is good: not too fancy but that's not what I look for when I want to go bowling. read more