Top 18 Bowling in Chicago
"Bowling in Chicago" is a popular pastime that offers a fun and engaging experience for all ages. This recreational activity has a rich history in the city, with numerous bowling alleys that cater to both casual and serious bowlers. From traditional lanes to high-tech venues, "Bowling in Chicago" is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy some friendly competition and create lasting memories.
- 1. Lucky Strike Chicago
- 2. Waveland Bowl
- 3. 10pin Bowling Lounge
- 4. Kings Dining & Entertainment
- 5. Punch Bowl Social
- 6. Pinstripes
- 7. Diversey River Bowl
- 8. Timber Lanes Bowling Alley
- 9. Lucky Strike Social at Wrigleyville
- 10. Avondale Bowl
- 11. Habetler Bowl
- 12. Seven Ten Social
- 13. Fireside Bowl
- 14. IIT's The Bog
- 15. Lawn Bowl
- 16. Skyway Lanes
- 17. Edison Park Bowl
- 18. The Bader Family Alumni Lanes at The Menomonee Club
1. Lucky Strike Chicago
Offers live music and events

This establishment is a spacious and upscale alley, offering a variety of entertainment options. In addition to bowling, there are pool tables available for use at no extra charge. The alley provides a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for socializing with friends, whether you're playing games or just having a drink or something to eat.
The alley is a great place for activities such as bowling, pool, and ping pong. The pool tables are free to use, which is a nice perk. Whether you're looking to spend time with friends or just want to grab a drink and a bite to eat, the alley is an enjoyable and social atmosphere. It's a large and upscale venue, providing plenty of space for all of the activities and amenities it has to offer.
2. Waveland Bowl
Offers unique glow-in-the-dark cosmic bowling

On a Saturday morning, the bowling alley was bustling with activity as groups took advantage of the A.M. special. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the sounds of pins clattering and laughter. Almost all of the forty lanes were in use, with bowlers of various skill levels enjoying their game.
The cosmic bowling experience was enhanced by good music and a dynamic ambiance. The staff were described as fantastic, contributing to the overall enjoyable atmosphere. The combination of these factors made for a great time, perfect for a Saturday morning outing with friends or family.
3. 10pin Bowling Lounge
Spacious lounge area with comfortable seating

Bowling at 10pin is a fun and modern experience, with up-to-date lanes and excellent service. The staff is known for being friendly and helpful, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere. Surprisingly, the food served at 10pin is also a positive aspect, with many customers praising its quality despite typical expectations for bowling alley fare.
The atmosphere at 10pin makes it an ideal place for a night out with friends or family. In addition to bowling, patrons can enjoy tasty food and socialize in a welcoming environment. The overall experience at 10pin exceeds expectations, leaving a lasting positive impression on visitors.
4. Kings Dining & Entertainment
Full-service restaurant and bar within the bowling alley

A group of five of us had a reservation for dining followed by bowling. Although the restaurant was not crowded, our server was extremely busy. The process of moving from eating to our reserved bowling lane was not well-coordinated.
The atmosphere of the establishment holds promise for entertainment, featuring arcade games, ten bowling lanes, and a few pool tables. Unfortunately, the service quality for entertainment, much like what we experienced with food, might not make it a desirable place to visit.
5. Punch Bowl Social
Unique atmosphere that combines dining, drinking, and entertainment

After dinner, our group participated in various activities including arcade games and shuffle board. We also booked an hour to enjoy bowling. The venue offered a range of entertainment options such as karaoke rooms and virtual reality games. There were also giant Jenga and several bars located throughout the entire building.
Our post-dinner entertainment included arcade games, shuffle board, and an hour of bowling. The place had more to offer with karaoke rooms and virtual reality games. Additionally, there were giant Jenga and multiple bars located in different areas of the building.
6. Pinstripes
Live music and entertainment on select nights

The establishment offered a variety of activities, including bowling and dining, which the author found to be enjoyable. The happy hour prices for both food and drinks were favorable, with the food, specifically the appetizers, being described as delicious. However, there were some issues with the sliders, which may not have been made of actual meat. Other menu items, such as the flatbreads and calamari, were reported to be quite tasty.
The bowling alleys were another source of entertainment, although they showed some signs of wear and tear. The service received high praise for its efficiency and friendliness during lunch and bowling. The urban, downtown location added to the overall positive experience of the afternoon activity, which was a welcome break from a conference.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Lunch
- Dinner
7. Diversey River Bowl
Offers a variety of entertainment options beyond bowling

The lanes at this bowling alley are fairly standard, and there were some issues with the scoring system during the visit. Despite these minor problems, the overall experience of bowling at this location was enjoyable. Organizing a work outing was a straightforward process, as reserving lanes can be done easily online. There are a total of 35 lanes available, providing ample space for large groups.
In addition to the ease of reserving lanes, the bowling alley offers a fun and entertaining atmosphere. The issues with the scoring system did not significantly detract from the enjoyment of the outing, as the primary focus was on providing a relaxed and enjoyable experience for the group. The 35 lanes available ensured that everyone who wanted to participate could do so without feeling crowded or rushed.
8. Timber Lanes Bowling Alley
Hosts themed nights and events

Classic Bowling offers a unique and engaging experience for families and groups. With only 8 lanes, the venue is small and intimate, providing a refreshing change from the high-tech bowling alleys of today. Here, there are no electronic scoring systems or flashing TV videos to distract from the game. Instead, players must use their mind and math skills to keep score, making it an excellent opportunity to teach children valuable skills. The bowling alley has a fantastic energy and old-school charm, transporting visitors to another era.
During a recent visit, a party of 11 reserved two lanes and had a fantastic time. The venue was able to accommodate their group comfortably, making it an ideal location for parties and events. The bowling experience here is always a blast, engaging teenagers and providing an enjoyable activity for all ages. Despite the absence of high-tech distractions, players are never bored. Instead, they are fully engaged in the game, making it a great way to spend time together as a family or group.
9. Lucky Strike Social at Wrigleyville
Live music and sports events on big screens

Lucky Strike, a popular bar in Wrigleyville, offers a wide range of entertainment options beyond just drinking. The bar features activities such as bowling, video games, and ping pong, providing fun for all types of interests. In addition to the games, Lucky Strike maintains a clean and well-maintained environment, ensuring a positive experience for all guests.
When it comes to the bar offerings, Lucky Strike serves up delicious drink options and tasty bar food. While the menu includes items like sliders and mac and cheese balls, the focus is primarily on the drinks and games. Overall, Lucky Strike is highly recommended for a night out with friends or family, offering both entertainment and a clean atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
10. Avondale Bowl
Offers a diverse range of leagues and tournaments.

Avondale Bowl is a modern retro bowling alley that creates a unique and enjoyable atmosphere for its visitors. The bowling alley successfully combines a clean and updated space with vintage touches from the 70s, making it an exciting place to visit. Its retro vibe, complete with a bar, makes it an excellent spot for a group outing or a fun date night.
The bowling alley is well-maintained, providing visitors with a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The retro-inspired decor, including vintage touches, enhances the overall ambiance of the place, making it a popular destination for people of all ages. The addition of a bar to the space adds to its appeal, making it a great spot to unwind and socialize while enjoying a fun game of bowling with friends or loved ones.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Happy Hours
11. Habetler Bowl
Spacious and comfortable seating area, affordable prices, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Habetler Bowl is a popular bowling alley located on the northwest corner of Foster Ave. and Northwest Highway, just east of the Kennedy Expressway (I-90). The venue offers ample parking and easy access, making it a convenient destination for a fun day out.
The bowling alley provides a lively atmosphere that is perfect for both enthusiasts and casual visitors. With well-maintained lanes and modern equipment, visitors can enjoy an exciting bowling experience. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that everyone has a great time.
12. Seven Ten Social
Offers a variety of entertainment options besides bowling

The venue offers a cool and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a fun day out. The bowling coordinator, likely named Angel, is commendable for their respectful, friendly demeanor, and quick response times, making the experience even more enjoyable. Although the food could use some improvement, it still offers a good dining experience.
This venue is especially impressive for hosting events. The back area, used for our company party, was adorable and spacious. Manny, the event coordinator, was exceptional, contributing significantly to the event's success. The food provided was satisfactory, with various options available. The wait and bar staff were attentive, friendly, and quick to serve, ensuring that everyone had a fantastic time. The event was a resounding success, leaving us with an unforgettable experience and excellent vibes.
13. Fireside Bowl
Offers a unique vintage atmosphere

The establishment in question is a bar and bowling alley that offers affordable drinks and activities. The location is convenient, as it is close to home for some patrons. The bar has a retro or "old school" atmosphere. Both the lanes and the shoes for bowling are reasonably priced.
Despite any potential shortcomings, the venue is still a great option for those looking for a cheap bowling experience. The affordable prices for drinks and bowling make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals. The bar's retro charm and convenient location add to its appeal.
14. IIT's The Bog
Offers a unique combination of dining and entertainment

This location offers a great variety of indoor sports activities and delicious food. All you need to bring is a valid form of identification to start playing. It's a fantastic place to socialize and have a good time.
The venue is particularly popular among college students looking for a place to hangout. It features an array of indoor games such as bowling, pool, table tennis, ice hockey, and various video games. Whether you're looking to challenge your friends or just want to have some fun, this place has something for everyone.
15. Lawn Bowl
Beautifully landscaped surroundings

If you're looking for a cheap and quick bowling experience, this low-budget establishment might be what you need. However, be prepared for its need of renovation, as the lanes and bowling balls appear worn out. The bathrooms are also far from satisfying.
The beverage options at this bowling alley left a lot to be desired. The drinks were so poorly made that they caused stomach discomfort for several days. Out of all the drinks, the tequila sunrise was particularly disappointing, and the bartender's behavior was far from friendly. It's highly recommended to keep a close eye on your drink as it's being prepared to ensure its quality or consider bringing your own beverage.
16. Skyway Lanes
Affordable rates with frequent discounts

The lane area is clean and well-maintained, providing a pleasant environment for playing. There were no technical issues or problems, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The atmosphere was fun and entertaining, contributing to an overall positive visit.
On the other hand, the alley area is in need of an update. The house balls are damaged and there is a limited selection of decent ones available. With 36 lanes, only 20 of the house balls are in good condition, while the rest appear to be from the 1980s. This lack of updated equipment detracts from the overall experience and could be improved.
17. Edison Park Bowl

18. The Bader Family Alumni Lanes at The Menomonee Club
