Top Los Angeles Spots For Late-Night Bowling
Sometimes going old school with your late night activities is just the right choice for which to satisfy your appetite for fun. So, when in doubt, go bowling. To figure out which are the top places for knocking down some pins, consider the following five.
Pinz Bowling Center
12655 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 769-7600
www.pinzla.com
If you think about it, bowling and deli fare go hand-in-hand as the perfect combination for a one-stop evening out. Well, that is only one of the perks when selecting this Studio City establishment in which to while away a night of fun and food that will probably continue into the wee hours. Indeed, only a single door separates Pinz Bowling Center from Jerry's Famous Deli, a Studio City legend. Another specific come-on at this friendly is the big screen televisions playing music videos that are switched on above the lanes. Talk about multi tasking at its finest. When you are finally finished bowled and full satiated thanks to your favorite deli treats but still want to draw out the evening a bit longer, hit up Laurel Tavern down the street from Pinz.
X-Lanes LA
333 S. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 229-8910
www.xlanesla.com
This Little Tokyo establishment is not just about bowling, but also about singing karaoke, playing pool and, of course, knocking back a couple of cold ones. There are separate facilities for each of the entertainment and libation distractions in a place where young, hip bowlers are known to gather. Meanwhile, a gentrified dress code is in full force as is top security, including an ID check. This slick outpost is popular so do make reservations in advance (a deposit is required) and do take advantage of large night happy hours, which are offered Monday through Thursdays from 10 p.m. More good news: Parking is free with validation.
The Spare Room
Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 769-7296
www.spareroomhollywood.com
For those who want to throw spares and strikes in an intimate environment, pick this glamorous Hollywood outpost located across from the iconic Chinese Theater in the legendary Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Decorated to resemble a spiffy gentleman's lounge, there are only two lanes on offer with one separated by the other by way of an a antique wooden gate and lit thanks to a huge crystal chandelier. Had enough of sticking three of your fingers into the small holes of a heavy ball to roll toward ten pins that may or may not all fall down? No Problem. Simply switch to more sedentary games like chess or Jenga, both on offer at this standout space suitable for satisfying bonding session of the late night kind.
Shatto 39 Lanes
3255 W. 4th St.
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 385-9475
www.shatto39lanes.com
This Koreatown mainstay, with its neighborhood feel, is the perfect place for a laid back date night or a fun-filled family outing. The bowling spot offers more than three dozen lanes and an abundance of brightly colored, three-hole balls of all weights and sizes as well. Then there is the bowling machine, which makes your choice of ball ready and able to ward off any sweaty hand mistakes on the lanes. A full bar and a selection of pool tables are also waiting, located in the same vicinity as this outpost's fun-filled arcade. The latter includes all kinds of games, both old school and high tech, from pinball to stunt driving to air hockey. While there, expect a nostalgic play list to assist your game with such oldie favorites as Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" and Mary Wells' "My Guy" blasting in the background. One novel perk: Shatto operates a unique vending machine that sells bobbie socks, just in case yours are extra stinky or you simply forgot to wear them.
Lucky Strike
LA Live
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 542-4880
www.luckystrike.com
The club-like atmosphere at this late night hot spot is a big lure. So is the DJ action, especially excellent thanks to a state-of-the-art sound system, and the nightly light show. On board at this slick downtown venue are some 18 fancy lanes, a super fancy private lounge (appropriately called Luxe) with four privte lanes and competition level billiard tables. Meanwhile, Lucky Strike LA Live also boasts giant plasma screen, begging the seriously athletic minded to choose this joint rather than other sports bars to get their fill of any big games being played. Talk about top notch!
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