Complete Guide To The Best Bowling Alleys In Los Angeles
Whether you get a strike, a spare or just knock a few pins down, bowling is a great activity for families, friends, and couples. So, tie on those two-toned shoes and keep the ball out of the gutter at any of the classic lanes around LA.
Pinz
12655 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 769-7600
www.pinzla.com
Sherman Oaks' Pinz is somewhat of a bowling institution in the LA area. Having been around for years, celebrity sightings are common at this 32 lane spacious late night bowling alley. Patrons don't just come for the bowling though. Offering great music, laser and light shows,a 40 game arcade, and billiards, there's plenty to enjoy here. 32 attractive lanes, glow-in-the-dark bowling, and late night hours until 1am on weeknights and 2am on Friday and Saturday offer a bowlers both serious bowlers and those looking to havre a good time a great night out. Novices can even get bumpers. When you get hungry, just step into the legendary Jerry's Famous Deli which sits right next door.
Lucky Strike
L.A. Live
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 542-4880
Multiple Locations
www.bowlluckystrike.com
Lucky Strike was among one of the first of the cool-to-bowl bowling alleys, and it still is. Along with a sleek interior, a stylish bar, intimate lighting, billiards tables, great food (think flatbread pizzas, fries and other tasty upscale snacks) and flat screen TV's, bowlers come here for more of a nightclub/bowling scene as opposed to a lower-end bowling alley. They even have a dress code, ensuring the clientele remains on their game. After 7pm, Lucky Strike becomes a 21 and over space, so families need to make an afternoon, not an evening of it. This location in the heart of LA Live makes it an even more exciting destination. There's also an equally desirable location at the Hollywood & Highland complex in Hollywood.
All Star Lanes
4459 N Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 254-2579
www.allstarlanesbowling.com
A casual bowling spot located in Eagle Rock, All Star Lanes offers 22 bowling lanes, automatic scoring, and even karaoke when you've had enough bowling for one night. A great arcade is also on hand with games that will keep you delighted for hours. Throw in the fact that you can order tasty cocktails, and this spot is definitely a winner. The cocktail lounge can fit around 100 people and offers a cozy atmosphere to throw back a few drinks while watching a game on TV.
AMF Bowling Square Lanes
1020 S Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 445-3160
Multiple Locations
www.amf.com
With multiple locations around Southern California, AMF Bowling Lanes remains one of the larger bowling chains in the area. It may be a bit dated when compared to some others, like Lucky Strike, but the bowlers here take their sport seriously. So, while you won't find your club or lounge type atmosphere, you can get some cheap cocktails, and great bowling in for a fraction of the costs of somme other spots. They even offer specials ike a two dollar night ($2 games, shoes and PBR beers), and college night, where student discounts apply on Thursdays.
Shatto 39 Lanes
3255 W 4th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 385-9475
www.shatto39lanes.com
Since 1954, Shatto 39 Lanes has been providing bowlers a dependable place to lace up and bowl in Downtown LA. The basic bowling alley, which features arcade games, several pool tables, a bar with all types of cocktails, beers and wine and other features, offers 39 lanes to compete with others. In between you throwing strikes, grab some food like nachos, or the 'Shatto Special,' a combination of chicken wings, stir-fried cabbage and fried egg over rice.
Gable House Bowl
22501 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 378-2265
www.gablehousebowl.com
A traditional bowling alley with a bar in the back, Gable House Bowl in Torrance offers your simple bowling outing, or "Bowl and Glow" black light nights, where you can attempt a strike in the dark. Along with fun and spirited music, and a fun family atmosphere, Gable House Bowl has been a staple of the South Bay community for years, and is still clean, well-kept, and friendly. They even offer leagues, options for birthday parties, group and company parties, laser tag, bowling specials and great food.
Jillian's at Universal CityWalk
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(818) 985-8234
www.citywalkhollywood.com
CityWalk in Hollywood is known for its entertainment, so it should come as no surprise that they offer a space to get food, drinks and play games in a casual and fun environment. Located on CityWalk, Jillian's is equal parts sports bar, arcade, billiards hall, and yes, a bowling alley. With gastropub-type dining, giant video screens, and virtual bowling as well as the actual, throw-the-ball bowling, it's a great fit for the recreation mecca that is CityWalk. Jillian's also features cosmic bowling, as well as a variety of different customizable event packages. Join them for some serious fun!
Pickwick Bowl
921 W Riverside Dr.
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 845-5300
www.pickwickbowl.com
Located in the charming Pickwick Gardens complex in Burbank, Pickwick Bowl offers classic bowling lanes, which include a pro-shop, a full bar, cafe-style dining, and a game arcade. With 24 lanes and Friday and Saturday night Cosmic Bowling, there's great music, fun lighting, and a friendly and festive vibe to take advantage of when you're looking for some real fun.
Jewel City Bowl
135 S. Glendale Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205
(818) 243-1188
www.backalleybowling.com
This family-friendly bowling alley, which comes complete with 24 lanes, a lively game arcade, pool tables, a full restaurant and bar, is the perfect spot for parties and league play. Rates depend on the day, but they are very inexpensive compared to other bowling alleys, and with a busy social scene, and an atmosphere that is well lit, clean and comfortable, it's more than worth it.
Bowlmor Santa Monica
234 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310)399-7731
www.bowlmor.com
Close to the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean, Bowlmor Santa Monica is a sleekly designed bowling alley that includes glow-in-the-dark banquettes and lane-side service for craft cocktails and dining. But, this is a family-friendly spot too, with family bowling packages and kids birthday parties that include a "pampered parent" package.
Bowlero Mar Vista
12125 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 391-5288
www.bowlero.com
Looking for a cool spot to bowl? Billing itself as a dining, sports and entertainment hybrid, Bowlero Mar Vista is a sleek bowling alley with a vintage look and modern, clean lanes. Part of the package here is their eclectic food offerings, from signature cocktails to shakes and giant burgers, arcade games, and great lighting. The venue frequently runs charitable events as well, like a recent effort for Feeding America.
Corbin Bowl
19616 Ventura Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 996-2695
www.corbinbowl.net
As one of the Valley's top bowling spots, Corbin Bowl is the place to be whether you're bowling with friends or competing in a league. There's fun for everyone here. Video monitors are located between the score monitors for music videos or the latest play-off games, and there's also a full service Pro Shop, birthday party rooms and a room full of arcade games. It's a welcoming and fun venue with 26 AMF lanes.
Winnetka Bowl
20122 Vanowen St
Winnetka, CA 91306
(818) 340-5190
www.winnetkabowl.net
Located on the corner of Vanowen Street and Winnetka Ave, Canoga Park Bowl offers many amenties for all ages, league and open play, as well as a great restaurant, a lounge, a pro shop, billiards, a full arcade and much more. Here, you'll find bowling for all ages as well, so it's the perfect family outing.
