I've off-and-on been coming to Merri Bowl for some time. I'm not an avid bowler, but I come from a family of bowlers. Truth be told, I worked here for about a year when I was 18 (back in 2002), and while they've had a few renovations since then (replaced the old lanes with new synthetic lanes, basic maintenance, etc), this new renovation they've had since changing ownership has really done wonders for the building. For years, Merri Bowl was run by the same parent ownership of Oxford Lanes in Dearborn (which no longer exists), Super Bowl in Canton, Plum Hollow Lanes in Southfield, and others. Since changing hands this past year, the new Merri Bowl is shockingly well-kempt with new pergo flooring, furniture, and all the bells and whistles, while still having great deals on late night bowling, a great snack bar, etc. read more

I am writing to express my disappointment regarding my recent visit to your bowling alley on 5/24/26. I had looked forward to spending an enjoyable evening with friends and family; however, the customer service experience did not meet reasonable expectations. Upon arrival, we were informed that outside food and drinks were not allowed, which I understood and respected. However, when I attempted to get water from the snack and bar area, I was repeatedly refused water by TYRONE, who was working in that area at the time. Each time I requested water, he stated that he could not provide any, but bottled water was available for purchase. Which he lied water was available without purchasing a bottle one. I questioned this response because I had personally observed several customers walking around with pitchers of water and plastic cups. I even asked another customer where he received his water, and he informed me that it came from the snack area and that he was not charged for it As a paying customer, I believe it is reasonable to expect respectful and consistent customer service. Refusing to provide water while apparently making exceptions for others felt unfair and unprofessional, especially considering we had already spent money on bowling and shoe rentals. The vide felt very shady. Unfortunately, this experience left a very negative impression, and I do not plan to return. I hope they take this feedback seriously and review the issues mentioned above in order to improve the experience for future customers. Bre L. read more

Holy crap what a terrible experience. I took my little family of 6 to get a couple of games in before heading home, we didn't get past the lady at the counter. This rude lady saw us approach the counter, and remained on her phone to wrap up whatever she was doing, we patiently waited. Once she saw fit to acknowledge us (if walking from her phone to the register and staring at us is acknowledgment) I spoke and asked for 2 games for us. She only replied with the games are $10 each. Can you imagine someone's only response is, "The games are $10 a piece", and with a crazy attitude. I said ok, and she replied again that the games are $10 a piece. Confused as to way she is repeating herself, I said ok again. And again, she says the games are $10 a piece. I then said, I'm not sure I understand why you keep saying that. She literally said it again, the games are $10 a piece. Holding true and strong to her fantastic attitude. I said ef it, we're leaving guys. As we're leaving, I kid you not, she stayed repeating that the games were $10 a piece WTF! I don't think I've had an experience like this before. This little old lady is not who should be the first person you see when you walk into this establishment. This is my second and last time I will ever come here. The first time was perfect. Can I get 2 games for my family, sure, what size shoes, boom, done. And the dude cooking up the food was dope, and we had a blast. I talk to the fam after that day and we agreed to make this a usual spot for us, but ef that. We are now heading to another bowling alley, and all I want is a simple transaction with hopes of the food slapping like the food at Merri-Bowl. If you are a person or family that just wants to be treated like a human being, do not go to this place. It blew my mind. read more

I have lived in Livonia for nearly 10 years and I've been eager to try a local bowling alley. I finally had the time to visit Merri-Bowl today and was hoping for a good experience. The front desk employee that assisted us seemed to get a bit frustrated when we asked questions about how bowling is charged, by hour or by game. Again, haven't been bowling lately so it's been a while. I brushed it off and we played one game and had a great time. No issues. When we went to pay, more miscommunication occurred. Nothing on the level of arguing but just lots of confusion. I left with a bad vibe that's still lingering with me today. I may give this spot another try sometime down the road, but it wouldn't be my first choice. read more

Would not recommended, check your receipt after you pay my group was overcharged for premium games and took 20 minutes to fix the issue. We were placed on a broken lane that doesn't put down pins for the 2nd bowl. Went to front desk to report the issue was told "there's nothing we can do about that". Go anywhere else for bowling. They will put you on a broken lane they do not care, employees are rude. read more

This place was absolutely fabulous....there was the party planning for my family who was outstanding...Dominic needs a raise....he was very attentive...the owner, Dan made sure he checked in as well....very family like atmosphere....Falconer Family.....we will be back!!!!!! read more

I no longer like the food all processed no salads not even lettuce and tomato for hamburgers. I eat before I come unless I get a breakfast sandwich early read more

I was in Merri Bowl last night and was overwhelmed on how helpful the manager April and Carson were. I brought my granddaughter up there to bowl and play in the arcade. We were greeted by smiling faces and they were eager to help set up bumpers and find the right ball for my granddaughter. I love the staff and will definitely be back. Keep up the good work! read more

I've bowled in many houses in the area through this years. Joined a league here midway through the season and I dread, actually dread walking in. There are often issues with the lanes breaking down. I can let that go, except then I news to get assistance from the counter. That's where the real problem is. Many times unable to answer any question, always complaining about being spread too thin, the manager that is running the counter is ride. Downright rude. This is true even on the phone. Can't wait for the end of the season and I can say goodbye. read more

we joined al league befor the new owners Bowlero, took over. Since the new management the experience has been a nightmare. Last night they stated a new waitress and bartender and snack bar staff, at the exact same time leagues start, so no time to set up or get ready for 40 lanes of bowlers roughly 175 people. no training for the bartender no one knows how to use the new system the manager is clueless the staff were all in tears the bowlers were all pissed off. mgmt closed the snack bar and you couldn't get drinks because they didn't know how to use the system. also wouldn't let food be brought in so people who didn't eat between wirk and bowling had to go in in their cars between bowling turns. our team won't be back next year read more

My grandkids love to bowl and my brother mentioned Merribowl so we gave it a try. We haven't bowled in a long time and how things changed. No more smoke filled air. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The pizza was great and love the unique look of the alley. At the end of our last game the man who was helping us which he told us he was the manager gave us a few arcade cards for the kids to play a few games. Well that's all it took and we bought several more cards until we had some very large stuffed animals. We ended up getting some food which was delivered quickly and the pizza was great. A great time and we will definitely be back. Kudos to all of the very friendly staff. They made us feel welcome. read more

Merri-Bowl - My grand daughter. - Bowling Near Me - Livonia, Michigan

This new Bowlero corporation really needs to get their act together. Don't get me wrong Merri bowl was not perfect but definitely knew how to keep customers happy. I mean come on, leaking ceiling's with trash cans at the front desk. Water on the floor in front of the snack bar so bad that all they do is cover it up with floor mats. And speaking of food. The prices are crazy, the food is inconsistent and everything is fried. I don't even know how a family can come out for a nice afternoon/ night of bowling with the price per game and for bowling shoes. And then I don't know what they are thinking putting in flooring, crazy, your bowling shoes getting all wet. I can go on and on but one more thing I need to say... what is with the crazy ass deer picture? This was a family oriented bowling center and now since this corporation took over they are just like every other corporation. Sad! read more

Worst customer service we just left there we stood for 10 mins at the counter another man came in after us and stood for like 8 mins he saw someone that worked there and asked her for help she answered the phone that keep ringing then walked away...and older African American woman came up she didn't even speak to any of us the cell she was carrying rang so she answered that and walked a little ways away to have her conversation...I called mayflower right then and there and we walked out...in todays day and age when you charge the most you should have great customer service...if she had come up n said something like I apologize for your wait n oh I'm sorry it'll be a moment I have to take this...our patience would have extended...they weren't even crazy busy ridiculous read more

New ownership is ruining this place. Leagues are going to jump ship. The prices skyrocketed and the bowling alley offers patrons less. I give it a few years before it's out of business. read more

Love the establishment great customer service great food it was an all around great outing for me and my family

Since the take over things are not the same. No vending machines, prices are too high, and no pizza cart. This place ain't been the same since Glum left. Medium soda is $3.75 outrageous. This will be last year. read more

Staff are friendly and like a family. Youth programs like no other! Need updates to facility are looking great!

We came in Friday night around 9:00pm and we had to wait 20 minutes for an open lane. Not a big deal, The staff was very nice. Our lanes kept having technical difficulties so we had to move a couple times. They were very accommodating and courteous. Thanks Dave! read more

Just called to see if they had open bowl today and Rita was super rude over the phone. Won't ever be visiting this location :)

Worst bowling alley ever, rude staff, and kept turning off our game for no reason. Do not go here. Accused us of having drugs when no one we had with us smokes or does anything like that. Total assnine. read more

Merri-Bowl - Bowling Near Me - Livonia, Michigan

My group of friends averages 6 to 8 buckets of Corona each week. Time after time the limes are Brown and don't ask me why we get some lemons mixed in... read more

Merri-Bowl - Bowling Near Me - Livonia, Michigan

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This place sucked. Service was terrible and everything about it was not managed well. Would not recommend coming here

This place is very RACIST. The lady at the bar was very rude from the start. She barely wanted to look at me. A few ladies at the bar and front desk said "this black girl is drinking and the other black girl is drinking out the same cup" when in actuality the "black girl" was 21 so she really should've minded her business. Do not recommend for people of color because 9 times out of 10 they will be in your business too :). blessings! read more

planned an outing. Per online and yelp hours. Showed up with groups of people only to find they changed their hours for summer via a paper on the door. read more

For my bachelorette party we ended the night at Merribowl. I booked the event 3/4 weeks prior to the event. The adult party package is a great deal and I was excited to use it. I called the day of the event at 2:17pm to confirm the reservation. The woman says "for 4 at 9:30." and I say- "no I put a deposit down for the adult party package.", she says, "oh okay yeah you're good. We have you for 9:30." Fast forward- it is 9:45 and I arrive with a couple of my bridesmaids and friends waiting already. I'm filled in that they still had me down for 4 people and they were going to give us the lane next to us. It took at least 40 minutes to get access to that lane (they told them the belt broke on the lane and they had to move them). Once we had access to both lanes I put in our 9 names and we start bowling. Food came out perfect and delicious and I must say I usually don't like wings and they were great. Our waitress remained cool and was attentive. What upset me is that the 40 minutes was counted against us so we only got to bowl an hour and twenty minutes and our lane was shut down before we finished. I appreciate the "mess" being resolved but bothered that I planned this with weeks notice and confirmed it 7 hours early and it still was messed up and we suffered. We didn't come close to what we were given for the bar tab and it seems we lost more money than gained in fun. I would be hesitant to take advantage or recommend this package to future customers but will still remain a patron. read more

I bowl on a league...not by choice mind you. I guess if I have to suffer through league bowling this is a good place to do it. My negativity should in no way be directed towards this establishment but rather my inability to keep the bowling ball out of the gutter! In all seriousness, this house is modern and up to date. No problems with the lanes, or the balls getting stuck and the staff is very friendly. They even bring pizza around on a cart during our bowling times so you don't have to hold everyone up while running to the snack bar. It's always very clean, bathrooms included. Nice bar, nice place, oh except I have to bowl when I'm there. There's that. read more

This place is okay... its better then Cloverlanes by far but anywhere beats that place. If you can leave Livonia I would suggest that first. Two big gripes. 1. We went there for the $1.29 Thursday night specials ($1.29 - beers, games, shoes, pizza slices and long islands) according to their website. When we got there we were told we had to wait for leagues to finish up and the only specials hey had were $1.29 games and shoes. Pretty shitty to lie on your website to get people to go your business. That was a big strike against the place. Strike 2 - While we were waiting we went into the bar area to sit down and grab a drink, after 15 minutes and no one coming over we figured we must need to go to the bar so we went to the bar to order only to be ignored by the bartender and waitress standing there. They acted like we weren't there then some friends of the bartenders came in and sat in the chairs right in front of where we were standing and the bartender turned to then with a big "HI! how are you guys! Where have you been!? What can I get you!?" At that point we decided to go sit back down, if she didn't need our money then good for her. All-in-all - Bartender sucked, waitress never came around even when we were on the lanes bowling and they lied on their website about what specials they have. Better bowling experiences elsewhere like Plaza lanes or SuperBowl read more

We hosted a birthday party for my daughters birthday. They were awesome. Paul was great as a host. Jessica took care of a lot too. All the kids and adults had a blast! Would definitely recommend again. read more

We had a bowling benefit for my 3 yr old nephew in April 2012. They were terrific!!!! They were super helpful & accommodating! What an amazing experience! read more

My boyfriend and I have been bowling here for a few months, and the staff is seriously amazing. They all work hard and make us feel like family when we're here. They run a clean center, and have a nice bar. Lanes are always maintained, and when things break down they're quick to fix the problem or move you to a different lane. As far as bowling centers in the area go, this one is really great. Become a regular, you won't regret it. read more

This place fails as an establishment, The staff and owners seem to be nice but very uneducated in customer service also very rude to blind people and others with disabilities also who puts a patio in a bowling alley? Just shows how much of a joke this place is. read more

I'm giving this am updated review because there is a new owner. He is awesome. The place is being totally renovated and it looks amazing. It's so refreshing to see someone take pride as a business owner. As always the snack bar has awesome food and the staff is super friendly. One the reno is done this will easily be the best bowling alley around. read more

We had a bit of a mix-up, but the woman at the font desk & the manager were sure to remedy it quickly & we were very pleased with our experience at Merri-bowl. I had called to reserve a lane the day before, and was told that there was no need to reserve & lanes would be available - a league ended up showing up before we arrived and all of the lanes were booked. We had to wait about 45 minutes but the manager did provide us with free pizzas & soda in the meantime, and a discounted bowling rate. They handled this situation very well and I will absolutely be returning because of their great service. read more

Merri-bowl is an alright alley... assuming that the lanes computer system is working properly. I had to use the reset button after literally every single turn. Got kinda annoying. Staff is a bit rude and management seems to be a little lost. Taking my business to woodland. I'll give it a star, their bathrooms are nice. read more

I hosted my employees party here. It was absolutely awful. No one was pleasant, the room was dirty and not set up. They acted like we were bothering them. When we called we needed it till midnight and they said not a problem we will stay open 1 hour late, but they stopped serving food and drinks at 1030. I talked to them and they made us a pizza and gave us some pop. But not one apology for not being ready or closing things down. Our business has come here multiple times. We will never come back and will take our business somewhere else. read more

Went there recently with a group of friends. I work a customer service job and so I understand how a customer should be treated reguardless their age. The lady behind the counter YELLED at us because of a minor argument that we were all trying to understand. We received nothing but attitude and when the whole thing was settled, she straight up told us 'I told you so'. My friends and I are in high school but we weren't being rude in the slightest. I don't understand why were treated the way we were. Gotta say I'm kindof bummed. Been going here since I could walk but none of us are ever going back. read more

I was in a league with my special needs son and they decided to turn the foul lines on half way through the league. Well, my son steps over the foul line and Manager Dave Reynolds would not turn them off to accommodate a special needs boy who loves to bowl with his friends. Now I had to pull him from the league to avoid him bowling a zero every time which would effect this team from winning each week. I would never go inside this place again. The manager here thinks he is better than the customers that keep this place in business. Please boycott this place as they cannot even help a special needs child enjoy something he looks forward to everyday!!!!!!! Please tell your friends......I know I will be. FYI - If the bowling alley would have had the "Foul Line" policy in place from week one I would have not had my son on this league. read more

We went for a very large group activity, the owner Jerry was taking some kids for a tour of the back. One child tripped and accidentally touched the lane. The owner yells at the child suddenly "LEAVE GO GO." He had not even discussed safety rules yet. Child was crying and very upset. The child was black. The way he addressed that child was outrageous and unacceptable. The owner kept saying the child tripped on purpose. Two other adults who were right there plus many many other parents saw what happened. He kept saying " sorry you feel that way". He was condescending and rude. The owner is a racist. Don't spend your money here. read more

I will never be coming to this business again. After three different incidents, they have ruined their own reputation. First, myself and three of my friends tried to go to play a game on Fathers day, to then be told that we couldn't because they were closed after 11. This was because we didn't read the small sign they posted in a corner with the hours for fathers day. Second, we attempted to go again on Monday, the 16th. My friend had called at 11 to ask about hours, and the manager said that they were closing, even though the hours that are posted say that they are open until midnight or later. Third, myself and four friends were actually able to get into the bowling alley just after 10 on Tuesday, the 17th. We purchased 3 games and proceeded to play. Near the end of our second game, at about 11, the manager came over and said that he would have to refund our money because we couldn't play the third game. Essentially, he was kicking us out! We finished at 11:15 (45 minutes to play two games means enough time to play a third game) and the lanes shut down almost immediately, without any chance to review scores. After that, the manager would not give my friend back one dollar because the arcade game ate his money. After all of this, I will no be returning to your "fine establishment" due to the fact that you either blatantly lie on your hours sheet, or your manager thinks it is better to sacrifice your customers and go home early. read more

Grew up in that bowling alley and stopped going because the owners obviously didn't know what they were doing. Glad to see actual improvements finally being made. Still need to replace the backend equipment (SOON), but they're on the right track. Nice to have an alternative to Plaza lanes where they just don't care. read more