Probably a high maintenance patron's worst nightmare. It's dirty, but in a retro, endearing way. The water WILL be black when you wash your hands after your games. But it's such a unique place. You gotta keep your score the "old fashioned way" which is a nice brain exercise. Cheap drinks, cheap games/shoe rental. You can abuse TouchTunes. Smells like cigarettes. Everything that a bowling alley should be! read more

Jeffery Lanes - Bowling Near Me - Wheeling, Illinois

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Seems like this place is more about drinking and the bar, than the bowling alley. Should be called Jeffery's bar.... with a bowling alley in the back. When we got there, the bowling alley was completely empty, and they turned on the lights for us. This place from the outside sign to the inside, screamed vintage, which is pretty unique and a breathe of fresh air from the more modernized bowling places out there like Bowlero/Brunswick. You have to keep your own score (there's an app for that too) and the machines were in working shape. Vintage ash trays at the score table if thats your thing, or use it as a cellphone holder like my kids did. The balls return on the top of the lane, so that was pretty cool to watch, but be careful if you decide to somehow want to cross different lanes. Plenty of bowling balls to choose from. The staff was relatively friendly, although perhaps partaking slightly with the drinking customers, but friendly nonetheless. There were 5 of us, and the total bill from just one game, rentals, and a lemonade was $42. I asked about it because I thought it was $6/hr, plus $2/shoe rental, and was told because we ordered a lemonade as well. That was an expensive non-alcoholic lemonade, I guess. BATHROOM REVIEW: Bathrooms located in the bowling alley section, it was rather dingy, but it got the job done. One urinal and a stall in the men's bathroom, and a working sink. My hands were cleansed afterwards. Sit of squat? Squat. read more

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Old school bowling alley. Paper scoring even! We were there for a work event and the staff was very accommodating. They don't have food but allowed us to bring food in. They do have a full bar. Parking great. read more

Jeffery Lanes - Retro - Bowling Near Me - Wheeling, Illinois

Bowling lanes old, dirty and not maintained. My ball was damaged when stuck in the pin equipment. read more

Jeffery Lanes - Damaged bowling ball. - Bowling Near Me - Wheeling, Illinois

Great lil' gem. Cigs in the haus. Friendly staff. Ranch poo scented bathrooms. Small lanes, family friendly -- good lil' time.

An absolute gem of a local neighborhood bar and bowling alley. Eight lanes of bowling with some of the original Brunswick automatic pinsetters, top ball return, and manual scoring (there are free apps available for scoring if you so desire). $6 per game and $2 for shoes (as of this posting February 2024), an absolute bargain. They have a full bar with 12 tap beers including a good selection of local craft brews (plus myriad bottles selections), and over 100 types of liquor, including flavored vodkas, whiskeys, rum, tequila, and everyone's favorite Malört. Wine is limited to individual serve bottles. The staff and owner are absolute legends, quick with their service and phenomenal personalities. They do not serve food aside from a few bags of chips, however, they do encourage ordering in. Joe's Pizza just down the street makes some of the best thin crust tavern cut pizza you'll ever enjoy. A pool table and TouchTunes jukebox are available as well. Outdoor seating is a great way to relax on those warm spring and summer days. read more

Lanes aren't oiled, bar staff is awesome! Would return for a few beers, but not so much for the bowling.

One of the best "dive bars" in America. Clean old bar. Clean men's room. Cheap beer on tap. Good bloody Mary's. Anyone at the bar will talk to you about anything. Excepting politics, of course. With the bowling alley in the back, this could be a national treasure. read more

We did the old folks New Years eve here, meaning we came, we saw, we left, around 9pm and was home before the drunk driving 'road checks' popped up, and, had a very good time in between. I can't imagine that this 'joint' bowling alley has changed much since it open several decades ago. I love the old school sign out front and that they let you bring in food from Joes Pizza a few doors down the street which happens to be one of my favs. They were busy setting up for a new years party but we did bowl and have drinks and the great Joe's pizza. There are eight lanes and they were in fair condition, meaning I used to bowl in a couple leagues many years ago, for many years so I know a little bit about 'lane conditions'. If you are not a bowling prema donna, and appreciate an old joint like I do with a good bar and a couple TV's...oh, and video gambling you'll like it here. read more

It's an old bowling alley and we have to add up points manually. Plus we were the only people there.

I went here tonight with my husband. Not only is this place such a sh*t hole that the balls couldn't roll back up, but when my husband went to (safely) retreat our balls, a very belligerently drunk "owner" ran up screaming, threatening, and trying to fight my husband. Please don't go back! This place needs to shut down and this "owner" needs to get what's coming to him. Also, they are openly against anything LGBTQ related. Overall nasty nasty place. read more

Fun old fashioned relaxing place to have fun. Loved every part of it. Helpful people to coach you or know how to custom fit your ball.

I went here with my husband to bowl a few games. We bowled 4 games, rented shoes, and had 2 drinks each mid-day. It ended up costing us about $75 which seems like a lot for a dive bar. People were smoking indoors, the lane only had 9 pins, and I'm pretty sure we gave them nearly all their business for the day. We could go to Bowlero for the same or close to that price (I called and checked to price compare afterwards). read more

First time here and absolutely loved it, definitely will be back and definitely recommending it to my friends!! Joe is such a sweetheart and shows his love for his job and his customers. Place is super nice and clean and filled with lots of entertainment! Definitely recommend coming here for some fun! read more

Jeffery Lanes is the hidden gem I've been looking for. An old school bowling alley, gaming, and an absolutely AMAZING local pub. A tiny bit off Dundee, and nestled right next to great food, Jeffery Lanes (Pinheads) is the perfect location to stop and get an after work cocktail or to play a few frames with your friends. Dani is one of the best bartenders I've had the privilege of meeting, and make sure to ask about Bam Bam. If you are looking for a well maintained bar with a neighborhood feel, you will absolutely love it here. read more

Blast from the past with a cast of characters that Bukowski would love to hate. The Malort flows freely, (if you don't know the drink - it occurs that it might be made from the essence of 40 yr old bowling shows) the banter is delightfully inane - and all against the backdrop of pins occasionally crashing. And then there is the one and only Helene - the queen of Jeffery lanes. A poet in a hoodie, a philosopher in flip flops - angel of mercy. read more

Never had a good experience. Dirty dive bar look. Felt very uncomfortable as the regulars give dirty looks to you. My beer was warm. I've tried many times I just cant do it. read more

Stopped by this "Retro" bowling lanes today as rain spoiled our mini golf plans. No frills or electronics here. You keep score the old fashioned way. As it was only 4 of us in the establishment Danielle gave us the option of black light bowling or full house lights. She was more than accommodating and remade a drink that was a bit off without being asked to (it was appreciated). The kids and adults had a great time and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place for some old fashioned, small business fun! read more

I had a bachelor party here with, amongst other things, a goat wearing a tutu, a clown, a mariachi band, someone dressed as a blue man group member, and the obligatory strippers. Now that we got that out of the way. This place is a fantastic dive bar with 8 lanes of bowling that barely work. You keep score by hand. The regulars are generally bat shit crazy. And you will get drunker than anticipated. I have zero reasons to go to Wheeling, but I make my way here at least once a year for some antics. Cool staff. Strange place. Impossible not to have fun here. Stay classy Jeffrey Lanes! read more

This is not Brunswick zone. And I am happy with that. Had family in town looking for something to do. Went to Jeffery lanes and had a great time. Bathrooms were clean regardless of previous review. The place is dated, but staff is nice and we paid $4 a game and $2 for shoes. They have one lane with bumpers and the 8 and 9 year old kept score on paper. Proud of their math fact abilities. I will go again. Are the lanes and equipment spectacular? no, but is that really worth $35 an hour somewhere else. read more

Jeffrey Lanes is a total dive? You're God damn right it is, and that's why we love it. Cheap drinks, old school bowling experience, a juke box that should be blaring Bob Seger and Creedence at all times, and friendly service. I've spent many hours in Jeffrey Lanes over the years and it has a special place in my heart. If you work up an appetite from the great physical demands of bowling, you can order a pizza from Joe's Pizzeria next door. Bowling, beer, and pizza: 'merica!!! Viva Jeffrey Lanes!! read more

Sherman, set the Wayback machine for 1956. This is a wonderful experience. Keep your attitude at home and come live in the past. Reminds me of the lanes that I learned bowling at 55 years ago. Nicest people, most retro dacor. Loved it! read more

Went with a group of friend recently. Old place no frills but nice people. If you are looking for extra attention don't expect it unless you are in the bar area. Upon arrival we were given our shoes, the t.v was put on to the basketball game and that was it. You keep your own score ( no electronic score board) the pins are mismatched, the shoes are old, (to say the least) the ball return wasn't always working properly, and the bathrooms are not a priority to them. But hey we came to have a good time and we did. Bowled the night away and ordered pizza from Joes (down the street) and it was GREAT!!!! I would come back with a group again...... Shout to RICHIE read more

I wish I could give 0 stars. I am a special education teacher and I called to make a reservation for my classroom to come in. A manager was put on the phone and I was told that wheelchairs with black tires are not allowed on the lanes because it messes up the lanes. I explained to him that is illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities, and he just argued with me. This is clear discrimination against people with disabilities, and I will not be supporting this business. (If you are looking for another bowling alley, Pinstripes is incredibly accommodating for people with disabilities.) read more

For lack of zero stars. The fool who was at the counter doesn't understand a difference between been charges per game and charges per game per player. The lines don't work and the server is a dumb fellow. You are better off paying a little extra for a little better place read more

A really old bowling alley with a sleazy crowd. This place is only worth to go if you really like bowling and are nostelgic for an era that has long since passed. The lanes are realy small and you have to do the scoring by hand and retrieve your own bowling ball. There is nothing on tap and a few bottles. read more

great place to hang for drinks and fun thursday and saturday karaoke

"Vintage Bowling At Its Best" My company held it's employee Christmas party here last year. It was a perfect place for a private party! Perfect size, full bar with a wide beer selection and great employees- Outside food and catering is allowed. Jeffery Lanes has been around since the 1950's. They are an 8 lane-keep your own score kind of place. read more

Jeffery Lanes us a fun filled environment with lots of entertaining aspects. The 8 lane vintage bowling alleys are well maintained and that is what makes the bowling alley special. If you like those days of old ...this is the place to bowl. It is a great place to have group parties for children's birthdays, company functions, family/friend parties. Themed bowling parties in the past included pajama night bowling with black lights and Disco ball. The attached bar is a great place to sit and unwind after your bowling is over. There are several HD TV's in the bar area are great for watching Bears football on Sundays, Monday night football, baseball and whatever sport you love. Thursday night karaoke is a fun filled time for "American Idol" wanna-be's or first time singers who just want to have fun. Jeffery Lanes is Wheeling's version of CHEERS; it's a place where everyone knows your name. It is a place to have a fun time. Come and join the fun and bowl, sing, or watch your favorite team and have a beer or shot. Other fun filled events throughout the year include, the annual Halloween costume party, and the annual New Year's Eve party, plus many other fun filled parties and special events. Looking forward to seeing you there! read more

Jeffery Lanes - it's fun to bowl in my pajamas - Bowling Near Me - Wheeling, Illinois

I just visited this venue for the first time tonight. This place is great! Yes, the bar is full of regulars, but I've never met a nicer bunch of people. We chatted, we shook hands, they were great. There is a ton of great beer on tap. The bowling is OLD SCHOOL! Wood lanes, creaky machines that get temperamental at times, and you need to know how to keep score yourself. Like in the old days. They were decorated for Halloween to the nines! Best Halloween decorations I've seen yet. Go in the with the right attitude and it will come back to you tenfold. read more