Extremely rude and unpleasant staff who literally went out of there way to make the experience as unpleasant as they possibly can. The bowling isnt great either and it goes by time so you can be almost done a game and it will just stop on you and the staff will not allow you to finish read more

First off I didn't know if I was walking into a strip club or bowling alley. Workers just looked at you like you had a onion on ur forehead. Went in their expecting to eat something nope kitchen has been closed for 25 years wirh cob webs everywhere.Place is disgusting, shoes falling apart. Lanes are gross, no food, staff is rude. Place sucks Wouldn't recommend this to anyone. They have security for what? So you don't steal the shoes from the 70s. read more

BEFORE YOU SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE.... BE WARNED! i haven't been to this place in years and it is definitely not what I remember. I'm just going to give a factual summary of my experience and you can decide for yourself if you want to take a chance on this place..... We arrived around 8 and for 3 adults and 3 kids (7 years old, 4 years old and 2).... It cost $72 to bowl for one hour. But they start the clock immediately, even before you enter the names, get your ball and shoes on. Clock starts immediately. Shoes are included. They don't have the balls out for you to pick out yourself. We had to go around the corner to have the girl tell us there are too many people and we had to share 4 balls for all of us. This is despite the place not being completely packed. I guess I've never experienced that. Usually you can get your own and for $72, I would hope we could have at least one ball for each of us. They gave us two side by side lanes. One screen didn't work but the guy set it up for us from the desk. This all knocked off another few minutes of our prepaid one hour. By the time you r actually started, about 8 min was already knocked off from our time. I assumed if we were almost done with a game and the hour was gonna run out, they would let us finish the current game. Nope... once the hour is up, even if you're on the 10th frame, oh well. Your only option is to go pay more to add time. However, the only options were hour, hour and half and 2 hours. So we ended up only playing one game and 7 frames of the second game bc it ended..... the kids loved that! (Sarcasm) Nothing like almost being done and then you can't finish with a few frames left. Did I mention $72 for that? Complete rip off. The bar/refreshments wasn't even open. Vending machines were empty except for $3 water bottles. The arcade area... pool table ripped up. I wouldn't want to waste my money on that after going broke for one game and 7 frames of a second game. Arcade games were mostly $3 each and there's a sign that says no refunds, play at your own risk. That tells me if a machine eats your money, say good bye bc you ain't gettin it back. My niece tried to put money in token machine and it kept spitting the money back out so we just gave up and left. The bathroom had no towels but had some washcloth stuck in there for some reason. Maybe to collect mildew and mold? Hand sanitizer by desk empty but they have a random bottle up on the counter. It was also pretty hot in there. We were kinda hoping for a cool activity after this major heatwave in the area. I'm assuming there was AC but I'm not sure bc there were fans placed in random spots throughout. I don't know if they are going for "worst bowling alley in ocean county" but if there's an award for that, I'll happily nominate this place. We still made the best of it but I will not spend my money there again. Everyone should be warned before you spend money here. It will likely not be worth it and be mindful of starting a new game. I don't know of any bowling alley that does it this way. After all, who can time their games to end on an exact time? read more

Zero stars kicked my friends and I out with 30 minutes left claiming it was for drinks not sold in the building yet 3 lanes down people had 6 backs lined up on the counter that clearly were not bought at the establishment. 0/10 not recommended go to playdrome !!!!! read more

We bowl a ball got stuck they we got into the back of the bowling alley and I got a free pin I love the owners, wife and daughter best bowling alley in the world read more

I understand no food no drinks from outside. Been going there for months bringing water bottle in. When a staff member recognizes you from somewhere and 20 minutes later comes up to you, telling me to put my water bottle in my pocketbook. I understand it's not allowed. However, when I look over and see many may other people with their own water bottles, dunking donut cups, water jug; regardless if on a league, you tell them as well. Don't single me out. Person must have been stalking me and waiting for this. Anyways, I have seen kids vabe in here serveral times and yet nothing has been done. You have no snack bar that's open too. Lanes are horrible and atmosphere is depressing. Last time going there. Only went so kid can practice regardless of lanes being horrible. read more

Ordered 2 beers, they were expired by 8 months! I politely returned them and exchanged beers. My wife went back in later to get a drink and the bartender was openly mocking me to everyone. The bartender than gave the old beer to her supervisor who drank it while working....unbelievable read more

They send me spam text messages ALL THE TIME. I've never even been here read more

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I haven't been to this place in close to 20 years. The bowling ally on Rt 37 didn't have open bowling till late at night and it was after sundown on a Friday, so I figured it would be safe to venture to a bowling alley in Lakewood. We got there and the place did not smell, so that was good!!! That's where it ended. It saddens me to see what the locals have done too ok this place. The food and bar is basically non-existent, the arcade is a joke, the lanes are falling apart. Stay away - forever!!! read more

Even as a kid, I knew you never came here for the food. It's like saying you go to your local pub to get a gourmet meal. Let's be honest. You come here because it's a local joint with friendly service, you can bowl (for cheap), eat some wings (or pizza), drink some beers and have fun. Finnigan's recently changed hands, changed the menu and not for the better. On a visit with my family, we were given the rudest service I'd encountered in a long time, anywhere. Our waitress, Kathy, couldn't be bothered with us from the start. Without a hello or even a smile, she asked if we wanted drinks. She took our order and left, even though we had a few questions about the food orders we wanted to place. After returning (ten minutes later), we began to place our food order. My dad simply wanted an order of potato skins, with chili and cheese. That's it. Asking the waitress about this, she said (with a big sigh) she wasn't sure if the kitchen could substitute it and then she was off without another word. She returned saying they couldn't do it...with no apology...no reasoning...just a "what else do you want?" Now, they have chili on the menu and they have cheese, and they certainly have potato skins, so what was the problem? I asked her about this and she then started talking over me, asking "what about sour cream and guacamole." Again, we specified JUST the chili and cheese. The waitress then slammed down the menu on our table and yelled, "I am going to get someone else to take care of you now!" And stormed away. Seriously? After waiting another 10 minutes, we got a new waitress. Her name was Leah and she had no problem taking our order, being polite and saying please and thank you. Needless to say, we left her a really big tip. For the rest of the meal, the manager hovered near our table, staring in our direction, but never once coming over and asking if everything was alright. It's truly disappointing to see a local neighborhood favorite go down hill like this! read more

Me and the family had a great time bowling our little hearts out. The place has managed to keel an authentic bowling environment. Which we loved. The food came out quick and was very tasty. Also shout out to Nicky at the front desk, she was very attentive and sweet. Definitely would bring the family again and again. P.S. you definitely need to try their virtual reality system, it's outta this world. read more

Well, let me tell you! There is nothing worse then going to eat at a place you have been going to for YEARS and having is completely suck! For the longest time, my family, friends, co-workers, and many others have been enjoying the nicely sized bar and grill located with the Brunswick bowling alley. Recently the restaurant has changed their menu and prices, to what allot of people assume is to the "Brunswick Standards". To help you get a better understanding... the restaurant has cut their menu in half, and increased the prices to be just a 'bar food' locale. And let me tell you, they failed miserably, because the food it absolutely terrible! Of the twelve people who have been there in the past three weeks that I know, eleven of them say the change is for the worse! Reviews from friends and family, who have been patrons of Finnigans for years... ----------------"Needs to change back or at least better!" ----------------"Absolutely the worst change the business could have made. Business will reflect it... I know from me it will. ----------------"Drink prices are not worth the new crappy food!" ----------------"I've bowled and eaten here for fifteen years, and I can tell you, I won't be doing both anymore!" SERVICE: The staff is pretty much the same, and with no complaints. Service is always friendly, but could be faster. Bar staff is helpful, and friendly. Overall, it needs to change! It was a classic popular bar and grill for years, and I honestly believe the business is going to negatively reflect the change. FINNIGANS... PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!! read more

This bowling alley is old, the front looks like it's from the 80's. Even the inside as well. They play music that is from years ago. The lanes are kind of old fashioned. Some of the lanes don't work so we would have to keep telling the guy that it's not working. It's expensive if you don't have bowling shoes and the games are pricey too. Good service but everything just seems old and not good. There is a bar area and food area. Also an arcade. I would recommend finding a better place to bowl. read more

Worse bowling place so disgusting fill with germs not clean. So many drunk people so rude. And specially food is garbage. This place should go out to business. read more

This place use to be great! I bowl in a league and the people in the league are great, fun and awesome to spend a night of bowling with. There have been some changes lately, like new ownership. The owners are making so many more rules that it's making it less enjoyable to be there. Last time I bowled we couldn't order food because the chefs left early. Now you can't order wings and have them at the table? I'm refusing to order food anymore from this establishment since they can't seem to think about the customers. We have been having delicious wings since we started in the league and now we are not allowed to have them since we are not in the bar!?! The owners daughter treats customers like crap, like she's better then you. If you are looking for a good place to go, i recommend Playdrome, that place is affordable and BYOB! Much better customer service from the owners themselves. read more

Horrible experience. Wanted to take my kids bowling during spring break. I expected there might be a wait or that it would be crowded. Called ahead and asked if there would be a wait. The gentleman said "no wait come on in". We arrived ten minutes later and the line was ten deep. When we got to he front the employee said everyone was on a waiting list! I asked him why he told us in the phone that there was no wait and he laughed and said "that's the way it is ". If he had told us the truth on the phone he could have taken our name and we would have gladly come in. We will never come here again read more

Awesome food from a great chef!! Make sure you try the Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza!! Five stars across the board!!

The saving grace of Toms River. The colossal quesadilla was colossal and came with guacamole. What else do you need??? Beer is nice. read more

Finnigan's Lanes - Colossal Quesadilla - Bowling Near Me - Lakewood, New Jersey

False advertising! This place claims to have special after special, however everytime you go to use a "deal", there is some reason you cant. For example, we went on December 27th and we're told the 3 dollar game special didn't apply because it was the 5th day of Hanukkah. We also tried to use the 2 dollar well drink advertisement that was being run in every tv in the place, which I was told that ends at 8 pm (after I ordered my drinks). It also took the person working behind the desk about 30 mins to get us on a lane with half the house open. Bottom line, don't go, overpriced and really poor service. read more

Let's be honest. Finnigan's is a shithole. It's dirty and worn out, none of the taps work (they don't even have handles), and the clientele is a sad mix of alcoholics who bowl, and alcoholics who don't. But they do make a tasty burger, and the bartenders are nice, if not particularly attentive. It's right behind my work, though, making it very convenient. I wish they opened earlier than four during the week, because my coworkers often make me need a drink before then. Oh well. Life goes on, though you might not know it if you watched it from this vantage point. Everything looks and feels dead from here. read more

Staff was amazing, super fun environment and the food is delicious! Definitely the best bowling alley around here

What a dump this place is. Horrible service, food is ok at best. They have over 20 taps available for draft beer and have none available. The bartender/a$$hole behind the bar is totally worthless. My friends met me and my girlfriend here on a Saturday afternoon and there were about 10 people in the place. They waited over 20 minutes to put in a food order. She just walks around bullshitting w the regulars, who are all great examples of inbreeding. Avoid this place at all costs. read more

WOW. WHAT CAN I SAY..... When my children were younger we use to have a Saturday dinner night out. So the four of us, my husband, my 2 daughters, and myself, would take turns every Saturday night picking somewhere to eat. My youngest always picked Finnigans. So once a month we knew we would be eating at Finnigans. We all knew the menu by heart. It was not the best food ever, but we enjoyed it. The menu had many various selections such as....Mexican skins, burritos, steaks, many chicken dishes. A large selection of comfort food. My kids grew and Saturday night dinners came to a halt. We had not been to Finnigans as much as we use to. Then my husband and a few friends joined a bowling league and we started going to eat dinner there again. What once was a joy to go to a family night dinner spot turned terribly wrong. From what I have been told, it has changed hands, also changed the menu, the service, AND NOT FOR THE BETTER. Going on a Friday night, when my husband starts bowling at 6pm, we had the worst service imaginable, and the food was not much better. So, it starts off with the miserable waitress coming to take our drink order..."do you want drinks?" with no, "how are you?" No, " my name is, I'll be your server this evening".....just plain rudeness. After she takes our drink order, she asks for my daughters ID, comes back 10 minutes later, with no drinks. Maybe another 5 minutes we wait. Now comes our dinner order. Which we were in a little bit of a rush so my husband and his friend wouldn't be late for bowling, which by the way, the bowling alley is attached to Finnigans. We start giving her our order when my husband and his friend had questions about the menu, and we get a big sigh and a EYE ROLL from the LITTLE MISS RUDE waitress. AN EYE ROLL!. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? DO YOU NOT WORK FOR TIPS? He asks Little Miss Rudeness about the potato skins. He just wants chili and cheese on them, that's all. Not hard to understand, right? She makes a big deal, goes to the kitchen, comes back, and very rudely says to us the kitchen can't do it. WHAT? My daughter then tells her...."You have potato skins, chili, and cheese, this is not rocket science, what is the problem?" Little Miss Rudeness then slams our check down on out table and says "I will get someone else to wait on you!" Again, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I have never been treated so rudely in my life. The manager then lingered around out table,staring in our direction, not even coming over and asking what the problem was. Not only did the menu go down hill, like a avalanche, so did the service. However, we did get a much better waitress, who was not only very fast, but very personable, and my husband got his potato skins with chili and cheese. NO PROBLEM. Needless to say we left her a very hefty tip, and hoping she went back to tell Little Miss Rudeness what she missed. Sorry Finnigans, but if I could I would give you a minus star!!!!!!!!!!! read more

When the owner left you get a crappy menu. Very upset by that. Best place when I was a kid. Now it's just empty and a dump. Only go to bowl now read more

Horrrrrrrid service, you will be treated like cattle. Rude waiters and bartenders. Waited by the bar with 3 friends for 15 minutes the waiter didn't even come to us once made believe he didn't see us and we kept waiting and waiting, we felt so in welcomed, and the best part? They barely had 8 people there! (It's no wonder) read more

This place really redeemed themselves. Latin night was a blast! I really thought this place would shut its doors but the owner found a miracle and is doing a great job! read more

Horrible. A bartender last night refused to serve my Hispanic friend because he wasn't "American" and that they're an American Bar. It was so offensive and disgusting, never going back. read more

I saw that most reviews were old, so I had to pipe in. The décor has seen a make-over, although I'd like to see more. Maybe they're not done, I kept hearing they were to become a Ground Round. Don't know where that is at. The food on the new, extensive menu brings the old good burgers forward with some newer and more diverse offerings. Overall it is all well prepared and the wait staff goes from average to better. (We ran dry a few times on our drinks and had to ask twice for extras on the side like butter and dressing for my Rueben, which had plenty of good meat, but no dressing.) If you haven't been in awhile take a second look for a nice little bite to go along with your bowling outing. We are anxious to try the expanded fish offerings they have this season. read more

Last night I went to Finnigans in lakewood. NEVER been there before since I live an hour away. I purchased at the bar inside the bowling ally, a 6 pack. The signs said no OUTSIDE food or drinks. Now, assuming that I bought it inside and they saw I was already bowling inside that it was ok to drink while everyone was bowling. The bar tender said nothing to me saying I couldn't. Everyone around me(people I was not with) had 6 packs with them. A man then comes up to me and explains how it has to be to go and I can't drink it inside. I was polite and said ok and I brought it to my car and asked before leaving the building if when I come inside, if I purchase a single drink if I'm allowed to drink it while bowling. They were nice and said of corse! So I go put the 6 pack in the car and come inside and go to the bar. The man behind the counter (an older bald man) was neither the man who told me to bring my pack outside nor the lady that served me. He told me hes not serving me. I thought he was joking at first so I stood there, then he said he's not kicking me out but refused to serve me after the "shit I pulled with the cans"... can someone please tell me what I did wrong since I tried to explain how I've never been there, corrected my mistake and was still refused service. I've never been so disrespected after being polite and explaining how I've never been there and simply didn't know I couldn't drink what I purchased inside, inside. I tried calling after leaving and immediately after asking to talk to someone, they hung up the phone on me. I'm never one to make a fuss since I'm always polite, but again; this was so disrespectful as a customer and I would like to further understand why I was treated in such a way after being told I could order a a drink once coming back inside and then being refused service once inside. It was my first time not being the designated driver and I was very excited to be able to enjoy myself after loosing my job and a family member and it turned into a very unpleasant experience. read more

Food was DELICIOUS!!!! Had a bowling party with about thirty adults which went great!!! My family are picky went it comes to their Italian food and they were amazed how good everything was especially the penne vodka!!! Can't wait to have another party here! Can't believe the negative reviews, you need to go n have a great time so you can enjoy it too. The waitress brought trays of food to our lanes along with drinks making our night enjoyable! Loved it!!!! read more

I totally agree with Chris A. I am flabbergasted this place has stayed open considering that the property is no doubt a gold-mine location-wise. $5.95 a game is out of the question for me, especially since they don't have specials during the day and no longer accept Brunswick coupons like before. The only upgrade they made was plain white masking units instead of the colorful murals as before (I guess for their music videos) and only a half-dozen lanes were in use. Otherwise it's still the same beat up, worn-out layout as before. The girl at counter had her back turned the entire time and I just walked back out. (I've had less than courteous/ professional encounters with staff before and knew trying to get service here would be a waste of my time.) Meanwhile a man was outside trying to mow the overgrown grass. A less-than professional looking hand-written sign was indicating where to park. There are cracks in the wall outside. Nearby Howell Lanes and Ocean Lanes are dramatically better with cleaner environments and more reasonable prices. Toms River is a great alternative too. read more

The staff is very personable and the place is clean. Although we have two bowling alleys closer to our home, sometimes we drive the extra miles to Finnigan's. read more