You can’t deny the satisfaction of scoring a perfect strike when bowling. But even if you’re not the best bowler in town and your skill level leans more towards rolling spares, or even the dreaded gutter ball, bowling is still a fun activity–and thankfully there’s quite a few great bowling alleys in NYC!
From old school alleys to modern ones that also serve as lounges and music venues, here are 8 of the best places to go bowling in NYC.
1. Brooklyn Bowl, Greenpoint
Arguably one of NYC’s most popular bowling alleys is Brooklyn Bowl, but the best part is that they’re more than just a bowling alley–they’re also a live music venue! Plus, they even serve a great food menu from critically-acclaimed Blue Ribbon as well as drinks from their fully stocked top shelf bar. Learn more and view their calendar of events here.
📍 61 Wythe Ave.
🚇 Closest subway stop: Bedford Ave (L) & Nassau Ave (G)
2. The Gutter, Multiple Locations
Those who head to The Gutter looking to roll their best strike will find vintage bowling lanes along with craft beer, brick oven pizza, and pub fare (think: hot dogs, nachos, and more). They have three locations around NYC, and their Williamsburg location also does live shows in The Spare Room. Learn more on their website here.
🚇 Closest subway stop: LES – Essex St (M, J, Z) / Brooklyn – Bedford Ave (L) & Nassau Ave (G) / LIC – 21st St-Van Alst (G)
3. Bowl 360 Astoria, Astoria
If you’re looking for more than just bowling in NYC, head to Bowl 360 Astoria (formerly known as Astoria Bowl) which is also an arcade and a great spot to play ping pong (which just recently opened above the bowling alley)! They constantly run great deals and specials so you don’t have to break the bank to get your bowl on. Learn more on their website.
📍 19-45 49th St.
🚇 Closest subway stop: Astoria-Ditmars Blvd (N, W)
4. Frames Bowling Lounge, Midtown
One of NYC’s larger bowling lanes, Frames offers 35,000-square-feet worth of entertainment. They’re home to 28 sleek lanes, are filled with flat-screen TV’s, and provide lane-side service and a seasonal menu. Beyond bowling, you can also enjoy billiards, ping pong, and even karaoke here! Learn more on their website.
📍 550 9th Ave.
🚇 Closest subway stop: 42nd St (A, C, E)
5. Melody Lanes, Sunset Park
Melody Lanes is one of NYC’s bowling alleys that you’ll want to head to for an old school Brooklyn vibe. This family-run center offers 26 lanes, arcade games, league play, and a variety of different weekly specials as well as tons of snack options and a full-service bar. Learn more here.
📍 461 37th St.
🚇 Closest subway stop: 36 St (D, N, R)
6. Rab’s Country Lanes, Staten Island
Rab’s Country Lanes has been providing Staten Islanders a fun place to work on their best turkey (three strikes in a row) for over 27 years. They’re home to 48 bowling lanes, and beyond just serving as a fun place for people to bowl, they also help local organizations raise over $500,000 through fundraisers and events. Learn more about them here.
📍 1600 Hylan Blvd.
🚇 Closest subway stop: Staten Island Railway, Dongan Hills station
7. Whitestone Lanes, Flushing
For 48 lanes of bowling fun, head to Whitestone Lanes in Queens. A great spot for kids, Whitestone Lanes offers birthday parties (as well as corporate parties) and also features a cafe, bar, and lounge area. There’s even a pro shop so you can get all the best bowling gear. Learn more at their website.
📍 3005 Whitestone Expy.
🚇 Closest subway stop: Flushing-Main St (7)
8. Bowlero, Multiple Locations
Bowlero is a bowling alley, arcade, and lounge with multiple locations around NYC–and it’s a great spot to head to to hit the lanes. Offering both leagues and social clubs, there’s a place for you to work on your best strike here, whether you’re looking for some lively competition or more laid-back fun. Learn more on their website.
🚇 Closest subway stop: Times Square – Times Square-42 St (1, 2, 3, S) / Chelsea Piers – 23 St (C, E) / Queens – 65 St (M, R)