have gone to paddock bowl since i was a kid, after years of no changes they took away the old computers, which i am not a fan of because there is not an extra seat now. Our lane kept breaking and the balls would get stuck in the machine and not come up. For the price, it was not worth it, maybe i'll come back on the cheap sunday games read more

I've gotten back into bowling lately, and realized a few months ago that I lived five minutes away from three different alleys. I decided to try out Paddock Bowl on Sunday mornings, and I enjoy coming here. The specials they run make for some cheap fun, and as a bowler, it's nice that they oil the lanes pretty often. There's nothing worse than not being able to control your shot due to a lack of oil, but for the most part, they do a nice job of catering to bowlers of all skill levels. Some parts of the alley are outdated. The scoring system is REALLY old (it's the same one the alley I grew up going to had in the mid-1990's), and the arcade could probably use some new games. However, for what this place is, it works and works well. read more

I was on a bowling team in middle school. I was the only girl. I joined bc *Corky* - the guy I had a crush on- joined. This was my big chance. And, oh yeah, I made his team. And so begins my life's work of trying to impress stupid boys. This bowling alley reminded me of the bowling alley I played in back then, save for the tv screen scoring. Truth be told, I didn't bowl here, just dropped Cinzia off for a Bowling Birthday Party (she's crushing on Dylan) made good w the other moms, then took my leave to get Reno a root beer float. But my quick scan of the place told me although it was dated, it was clean. A lot of families there on a Saturday afternoon and that's nice. There was this one woman, I'm guessing around 65, very well tattooed up, slinking around in a short skirt and strappy tank top hovering around the bar area. Go home, Corky did years ago. [Still reading?? Ok. I was a hell of a bowler and Corky WAS impressed {dammit!}, but he asked Mary M. to the prom a few years later, not me, and yes, I was still crushing... Then Mary got knocked up in senior year by a freshman in college and moved in w his parents while he finished off his degree. And I never saw Corky again. I saw Mary pushing a stroller once in a while.] read more

Many years ago, I was in a bowling league where the current Downtown Pleasant Hill is located. And now that I'm spending more time here instead of Albany, this is the last neighbourhood Bowling Alley standing. It's 20 lanes of retro fun, and with decent food and drinks to go with it. I still have my 2 bowling balls (with shoes), can properly count to 300, and yes I'm old fashioned. In fact, I recently mentioned to Gayle that I should start wearing more bowling shirts as a fashion statement. She noted that this might be an improvement. read more

don't come during the week. they are booked everyday for walk ins. you can't walk in and bowl and that's ridiculous. you can only bowl if you're in a league. read more

This is my most favorite bowling alley in the whole wide world the service is so nice and the environment is great I definitely recommend this place read more

Not a modern bowling alley by any means. It's a throwback which I appreciate. The best thing is the friendly staff. Very welcoming. Very mindful during COVID times. They cleaned up the balls and the seats, etc. when you've finished with the lanes. I would definitely cone back here again. read more

Family and I bowled two games. We paid before leaving. The next day I noticed A charge on my bank account from the day we actually bowled AND from the following day (which we were not there). I had left three...yes THREE messages with the manager. I have never received a reply. So my $50ish bowling experience just cost me over $100! Will never go back. read more

Paddock Bowl is a great place to go bowling and/or attend a meeting of the Bruno Mars fan club. Don't believe me? Just watch. My fiance and I met up with a couple of our friends for a double date. We decided to go bowling, and we chose Paddock Bowl due to its proximity to where we live. Upon entering the bowling alley, the first thing we noticed is that the place was clean and had absolutely no lingering smell or cigarette smoke. Even though smoking is no longer allowed at most bowling alleys I've been to, the vast majority of them still have that faint air of cigarette smoke that will probably never go away. I couldn't smell cigarettes at all at this place. The bowling alley was not crowded even though it was a Friday night. The lane seating area was spacious and they have a large selection of bowling balls. We were all able to find a ball that would fit our fingers and wasn't too heavy. While we bowled, we were bombarded, er, serenaded by the soulful sounds of Bruno Mars. The employee working that night clearly had an affinity for 24 karat magic as we heard all of his hits multiple times during the 2.5 hours that we were at the bowling alley. In particular we got to listen to That's What I Like six times (I counted). While I do enjoy the music of Bruno Mars, this was a bit excessive. Also, they played one song from Michael Jackson. That means that they had heard of MJ, but still decided to play Bruno Mars over him. Weird. Our lane (#13 in case you were wondering) did have one issue. A couple of times, the pins would not reset. For a few brief moments, we were essentially locked out of heaven. Luckily, the employee at the desk was aware of this issue and would hit some button behind her desk that would force the pins to reset when we needed them to. Clearly, she would definitely be willing to catch a grenade for you. That's great customer service. While bowling, I started to get hungry so I walked over to the Korean restaurant inside of the bowling alley. While bulgogi beef looked tempting, I noticed that they also had traditional greasy bowling fare like burgers and chicken strips. Lucky for them, that's what I like. I ordered some cheese fries which they brought out to our lane less than ten minutes later. The wedge-shaped fries were thick, crisp, and piping hot. The tasted amazing covered in gooey melted cheese. My bowling score per frame went up significantly after that snack. Price-wise, we spent about $15 per person (2 games + shoe rental). While this is a little pricey, they do have specials during the week where the bowling is cheaper. Also, our friends brought their own shoes which saved them $3.50 each. Overall, we had lots of fun bowling and hanging out. We will definitely be back. Paddock Bowl, you're amazing...just the way you are. read more

We love this place! Is it updated and fancy? , no.. but that's what you gotta love about this place. It's old school and sort of retro. There are plenty of lanes, great food, and air hockey table, 2 points tables and digital $ music player. During the summer you can sign up for the 'kids bowl free' , which also includes the adults that take them. You only have to pay for shoes (or bring your own). It's a great time, nice and air conditioned during the summer - oh and the drinks at the bar are inexpensive and strong ;) read more

Good place to teach the kids to play bowling. It's old, simple, but equipped. Price is fit with its look. $2/game. I usually go in the morning, so it's not crowded, and better for the kids. Korean restaurant is next, convenient for your lunch, too. read more

where do i even begin? every time i've been here i haven't even bowled because it's so crowded. i don't mind a wait and there were 5 of us so i get it, but the customer service here is TERRIBLE. the woman who works the front doesn't even say hello just tells us it's full and doesn't even offer a wait. the next time we go she doesn't even acknowledge me and my group until WE said hello. she was also chewing with her mouth open obnoxiously which is disgusting and just inappropriate in a work environment. she isn't particularly friendly or helpful and i would much rather see this position filled by someone more eager to help and talk to customers. read more

I would agree that this bowling alley looks a tad outdated. The Arcade area has some really old games, 2 Pool Tables, a Basket Ball Hoop type game, and A Punching Bag Strength Tester a few pinball games. The Lanes and overall feel of the place are Dated. However, I would agree with most other reviewers Staff is super nice. helpfull. I messed up on something entering a name and they had someone out to help us almost immediately, It was quite busy and we had a 30-minute wait to get a lane which tells you something. For an outdated not so great looking alley it's busy So they must be doing something right. The food. We did have some food before we went out to bowl. I typically don't expect great food from a random spot inside a venue of any sort so I was skeptical that anything would come close to being delicious. Was I wrong! I 2 burger sliders (witch for 2 bucks what could you expect) only prob there was there was to much bread for the size of the burger (which was a flat patty cut in half) regardless of the Size they were pretty flavorful. I enjoyed em. Not gourmet but Yummy none the less. Out of all the food we ordered everything was Super good. I personally got a kimchi with rice and beef, It was seasoned well and tasted great. It may not be 5 Star Food but for the price well worth it! read more

Never been for the bowling, but GD I love the vodka soda doubles that are really triples and the people watching. Great, neighborhood watering hole. The adjacent Korean place is solid - proprietor is nice. read more

Good equipment reasonably priced drinks Nice restaurant Best alley I've been in for a while read more

I came here for a Cub Scout event and our scouts had a great time! While the bowling alley probably hasn't changed too much in the last decade (or two), it has a lot to offer and met all of my expectations. They have a large room for parties / events that looks like it could easily accommodate 50 people. We had seating for 24 at tables. There is a room of pool tables and arcade games. A separate, full-service bar and a restaurant inside as well. There isn't anything to complain about for me and I will continue to come here! read more

Half a star is well deserved for the grumpy old fart at the register, cheer up man!! The worst customer service of all time. My daughters kindergarten class graduation party but can't play music because the senior citizen are drinking and bowling, spending my money to feed the jukebox and they turn it off. Plan your party somewhere else. read more

This place is a blast from the past. It is your old school bowling alley that you loved growing up. There is no special music or lights, just straight up bowling. Its a great place to take the kids on the day off. read more

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Whoa...coming here is like stepping into a freakin' time machine. Atari-style TV screens, a cafe that opens on Sundays "by appointment only" and a gift shop that sells "wedding jewelry"...hmmm. I was given the stink eye by an employee as I walked in with my Wendy's take-out from next door. What was he expecting? That I could somehow finagle a satisfying lunch out of Cheez-Its and Sunkist orange soda from the vending machines? Egad. On the plus side, no lane malfunctions during two entire tournaments which would have prolonged my visit. Hooray! read more

My son is four and bowled his first game against me here for my birthday. We had a good time as we were accompanied by my husband and mom. I felt like the games were a bit pricey and having to pay extra to rent shoes. They only have specials on games at certain times of the day. Other than that, we had food delivered to us from the cafe which actually was pretty yummy. I ordered a BLT and my husband ordered fried rice. All in all, I might come back during the times they have special prices. read more

I've been going to Paddock since I was in high school. Sure, during the day it looks a little run down, but under the glow of black lights, you'd never know. Cosmic bowling is one of my favorite things to do. I'm pretty terrible at bowling, but have a lot of fun doing it. For a set price of $15, you can bowl from 10 pm - 1 am. The price includes shoes. There's a DJ, crazy lights going, and it's a fun nighttime activity. My family has spent many a weekend Cosmic Bowling. Most recently, my niece had her 5th birthday party here. We were able to use a private room for lunch, cake and presents. They had a few lanes reserved for the kids, and made sure bumpers were up, and light balls were available. The even put up a birthday message on the screens. Nice touch! The staff here is kind of hit or miss. There are some who are super friendly, and really helpful. However, there are others who act like customers are a burden and seem to want to be ANYWHERE else. read more

Maybe I caught the owner/manager on a bad day, but he was super rude from the second I walked to the counter. It was actually shocking. If I wasn't meeting a group that was already there I may have walked out. I may have caught him on a bad day, but I'd rather spend my money some place else. The bowling alley was pretty cool in some ways and the atmosphere was fun, but I thought the lanes left something to be desired. I definately prefer the lanes at Danville Bowl, Harvest Bowl, the Place on Monument or out in Antioch. It just has a cramped feeling to it. read more

Bar none, one of the best bowling alleys in the bay area. It's as if my midwest childhood bowling memories were transported to modern day California. I was in heaven. The design of the joint remains vintage 70's but they've obviously lovingly restored key aspects of the lanes. The hardwood floors are new, the vintage Tron-era computers run perfectly, and their stylin' shoes are minty clean accompanied by FREE BOWLING PIN EMBROIDERED SOCKS! The bar is cheap, the balls are light, colorful and a plenty, and the tough looking crowd is cordial and friendly. And how about the excitement of the bowling manager offering cash prizes of $2.11 or $211 (that's two hundred) if Mildred on lane 12 gets a strike on her next bowl??? I've never been at an alley so quiet for that shot - it was like Jesus (the Big Liebowski) goin' PBA! 4.5 * stars read more

A marvelous neighborhood bowling alley. Plenty of children's parties on the weekends so I come on weekdays. I prefer a bottled lunch when I bowl so I don't sweat the food situation here too much, though I understand they have some here. read more

We had my sons 8th birthday party here this past weekend. So easy and so reasonably priced! The price per kid includes shoes, 2 games and lunch plus a party room to sing and do cake. And they clean up!!! Totally would recommend for any birthday party. It was awesome! My son left saying "that was my best birthday party ever". read more

Went to celebrate a belated birthday with my son and his wife. We had a great time. Place is clean, nice dive bar with Korean food. So much fun! read more

Place is incredibly outdated, the bowler computers are difficult to use, not enough bowling balls to choose from on the racks, music was pretty all over the place and outdated. Only good part of it was it was cheaper than Diablo Valley Bowl - probably won't be going back though. Edit: Updated my review from 3 stars to 4. Decided to give the place another try on a Saturday night - they offer unlimited bowling from 11PM to 1AM for $10 a person, which is a great deal. Definitely will be coming back on Saturday nights! read more

As many of you know, Jeff and I are major bowling fanatics. Our first year together most of our dates were at bowling alleys on the San Francisco/Peninsula side of the bay. Now becoming familiar with Martinez and nearby cities, it became necessary to find places near the BF's house to stay sharp. Paddock Bowl is the closest. It's a small place like Bel Mateo in San Mateo, only 20-22 lanes. The place is very retro, but kept very clean, especially the lanes. Each time I come in there is always someone polishing or cleaning. Wednesdays and Fridays during the day, they charge only $2.75/game for open bowling. While that's a great deal, there's also a chance with only 22 lanes you'll have to wait for a lane if there's a senior league going on and the other available lanes are taken. Even when we've come in on other days, the manager on duty often gives a price break off the $4.25/game rate. Probably because we walk in with our 2-ball rollers and never get asked if we need shoes to rent. We do this to maintain the illusion we know what we're doing :) read more

Really fun bowling alley. Unlimited Bowling is so much fun. Want to go back. Only reason 4/5 because the food options are minimal. read more

This is a well maintained bowling alley with plenty of amenities, a great pro shop, attentive staff, and an awesome Korean restaurant attached to it. They're open quite late, too. Highly recommended. read more

Love this place been coming here since I was a kid and nothing's changed still got that great retro-style to it. The bar is great, the beer is not overpriced. Only downside is I wish they would do something with the arcade some new machines would be nice. We come there at least once a week and my kids try to play the games when they work. I still see some of the same machines from probably 10 years ago when I used to come lol. But overall fantastic Place love it. read more

Love love love Paddock Bowl! Guys behind the counter are always there to help make your experience terrific. Cute restaurant, cool bar and fun place to hang out..AND they donate to our school auction each year... read more

Definitely a hidden gem in this area. It has a 70's feel and it's clean. The bar is spacious and the bartenders are friendly. They just recently put in all new synthetic lanes which is great. We bowl here two to three times a week. The read more

Best hidden secret in the Bay Area. Love this place. Love the retro vibe with carpeted walls and which this helps with the noise levels I might add. Don't come here because I want this place all to myself Friday and Saturday rockn bowl is only $15 for lane and shoes 3 hours...although a little too much country and pop music but nice when they play Tool, foo fighters and incubus Cheers! read more

We had our Cub Scout Pack Meeting at the bowing alley and it was awesome! All the kids had fun bowling and the staff was helpful. There's also a restaurant inside that will deliver your food to the lane you're bowling in and there's also a game room with arcade games, pool table and air hockey. Nice way to have a family outing and not have to spend a bunch of money! read more

I love this place. I have bowled here since i was a kid. Now I go cosmic bowling with my kids and grand kids on occasion. Decor hasn't changed much. Neither has the friendly welcoming atmosphere. Drinks in the bar. Food to order. If you like to bowl. Give them a try. I recommend them. If you don't like to bowl. Try out cosmic bowling. Its late night fun. read more

I like this place. Family oriented fun place to bowl. I like the bar. Good local people and the drinks are cheap. Props to Capt. Dan at the bar. Some may think it's dated but it's cozy and a comfort zone for me. Just had to put my 2 cents in. read more

$31 for 2 kids to bowl 2 games on a Thursday afternoon!?!? Feel like I got cheated. Unfortunately, when I asked the older, grumpy toothless fellow why so expensive he said "it's bowling see ya later". You will not see me later again. I will take my business elsewhere. read more

Went back on a Sunday and had a far better experience. Those evenings they have a deal of $5 cover charge and $1 everything else, including bowling and shoes, probably one of the best deals in the area. The lady who helped me this time was way more friendly and personable than the old gentleman last time I came, and she put me on a lane that was better conditioned when she saw I was carrying my own equipment. They attract a more balanced mixed casual/serious audience than other houses in the area, and it really is a great spot for practice. Will be back soon. read more

Right when you walk into the alley it's definitely a blast from the past. The walls are still padded with this old school carpet that looks like it hasn't been cleaned for at least a couple of decades, the design of the fluorescent lightning reminds me of the same lights I used to stare at back in the 80s, the computers look like they're no more powerful than a palm pilot, and the arcade are filled with games that were popular when Michael Jackson was still talking about the man in the mirror. Even with all of these throwback issues, I still find Paddock Bowl as one of my favorite bowling alleys in the area. There are a fair amount of leagues that are going on every season of the year, so for bowlers that are looking to be a part of some fun leagues, or for bowlers who have thought about getting back into a league, this is a great place to start. No bowling alley would be complete without a diner, and a bar, and this one has both. The restaurant has both Asian cuisine, as well as burgers and fries for those who are just looking for junkier food. The bar is typically the one place where there always seems to be people in there even though there aren't necessarily people bowling. The bartenders are friendly, and they have an okay selection of alcohol, although I have still sad they no longer carry Collins mix anymore, but luckily that's one of the few they don't carry. The alley has even recently opened up their own bowler's shop, although the owner isn't always there, so it's not opened consistently like some other alleys, it's still nice to have access to a shop there for some simpler issues, but for more major tasks the shop owner has to take the ball(s) to his other shop at another bowling alley since he's typically not a regular at Paddock Bowl. Like I said, it's nice to have one there, but if you were planning to get fitted, or need help with your ball there may be better places to go for that. Though being old does have its charms, the downfall to this is that the lanes are also very dated. The lanes themselves aren't too bad, and seems to be maintained well. The issue is generally with the ball return which sometimes would return your ball smeared in gunk. The way the ball return are also positioned, compared to the possibility that the floors in the alley are not 100% leveled, sometimes the ball return will only return balls to one side of the rail, so if the balls get piled up on that one side, it tends to pop the ball off the rails sometimes and onto the floor because there's not enough space for it to stay on the rack when there's more and more balls being pushed out of the ball return. Make sure to watch your feet if there are too many balls on the rail of the ball return as this happens pretty often. All things considered, even though the alley is old, it sure has been maintained very well. Overall it is a great alley, and short of actual upgrade of equipment, there's probably nothing else that much better that the owners of the alley could do to improve the atmosphere too much. read more