Ideal Lanes is definitely off the beaten path so it was surprising pulling up to this place on a Sunday and finding the lot so packed. As we walked inside, it was evident there was some work being done to the place, the exterior looked rougher than rough but it seemed like a work in progress. Inside, nothing special, it needed an update, it was like a bowling alley that hasn't had a thing done to the inside since the 80's. Run down, carpets that needed to be cleaned, seats that needed to be reupholstered etc. There was a kids birthday party going on so we made our way through the crowd and reached the counter. It was $19 and change for three games and one shoe rental, which was expensive for what I'm used to when I bowl back home on Long Island. However, there was a Groupon we found for three free games so that made it worth it as we played 6 games total. They accept credit cards but there is a $20 minimum. A tad inconvenient.
The lanes didn't have your typical slide out seats at the tables, just your regular table and folding chairs that were slightly too far away from the alley itself in my opinion. We had about 3 issues throughout our six games. Twice, the lane clearer froze and we had to go up to the front to have them fix it because the restart button wasn't working. Another time the pins moved slightly so we needed to have the round restarted up front again, minor issues. Little to no cell service here, there is a guest wi-fi but it's touch and go. The bowling screens weren't anything special, no cute "You just bowled a strike or spare" screen pop up dance that most bowing alley screens display. Not a deal breaker, just nothing special. Few bowling balls to choose from and they were dirty. My fingers were black after bowling. I also found an outlet to plug my phone into and the ground was filthy with crumbs and paint chips from the wall; like I said the place needed a serious cleaning.
The bar was small but enough. They had Titos and other vodka options and a decent selection of beer in the can bottle or on tap. It was cheap to drink but it was the kind of place you didn't get a lemon in your drink if you know what I mean. If the place doesn't look clean to the customer eye, I can only imagine what the back looks like and I highly doubt there's any lemon washing going on. The food smelled really good, huge baskets of fries were coming out and your typical fried food fare. We didn't eat anything but maybe next time. You are not allowed to wear your bowling shoes in the bathrooms because the floors may be slippery. I get it, the sign is there so that if anyone slips and falls in the bathroom they cannot blame the alley because they hung a note informing people not to go in there with shoes. However, what are people supposed to wear into the bathroom? I'm not about to change into my regular shoes just to go into the bathroom. If the floors are slippery, do something about it, it's a bowling alley, people wear bowling shoes.
They have tons of leagues here as can be expected. It was a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon, cheap place to drink, decent enough alley and it wasn't too crowded. We would definitely come back but would hope to come back to a cleaner place. read more