My dad used to take us Bowling when we were kids. Back then most bowling alleys looked the same.
Very classic, plain lanes, maybe a few old school video games and a spot where you can order bland beers and junk food.
Well things certainly have changed when it comes to bowling alleys over the years, especially in LA.
Now there are many bowling alleys that appeal to a much younger crowd with hip redesigned alleys, craft cocktails, delicious menu choices and even live DJs.
Bowling is a fun way to spend an evening or day and you can do it upscale and clubby and or more casual and family-friendly.
In this article we hack the best bowling alleys in Los Angeles.
1 – Bowlero, Torrance
Description:
This family friendly bowling alley is a good size with 40 bowling lanes and huge screens showing Sports Television and live Games. There are special offers at night for the 21+ crowd, like ‘Mondays unlimited bowling and shoes’ starting at 6:00 pm.
This bowling alley also has a small arcade with a variety of games and a private room in the back with multiple screens showing sports, games and bar tv.
Location:
21915 S Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501
Pic Credit:@bowlerobowl
hack:
I hesitate to share this hack because it is one of my favorites. The Torrance location of Bowlero has a hidden sports bar in the back. They have multiple TVs including a huge projection, comfortable seating, board games, the bar right there and its always empty!
A great place to watch a game if you want to go with a small group of friends and have it all to yourselves.
2 – Highland Park Bowl
Description:
Highland Park Bowl is the hipster utopia of bowling alleys in Los Angeles.
Without a doubt the most beautiful and stylish bowling alley in all of LA (and maybe the world) it also lays the claim of being the oldest one in our city.
Highland Park Bowl originated way back in 1927 during the midst of prohibition. Since liquor was illegal at the time, patrons would get their legal doctor’s notes for medicinal whiskey (in the same building) which allowed them to booze it up while they bowled.
The 1933 Group which owns other historical fascinating nightspots in Los Angeles, worked fanatically on a rehaul exposing the original façade and interior, and refurbishing the lanes while also discovering lost original treasures, they then refurbished, repurposed, and displayed.
You can find a great menu of bar food and drinks including lots of pizza choices, salads, french fries, burgers, meatballs etc.
After 8:00 pm only 21 and older.
Location:
5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
PIC Credit:@garyhelsinger
hack:
After seeing how spectacular the update of Highland Park Bowl is, you are going to want to see the other projects from the 1933 Group. They specialize in recreating lost old LA classic bars and restaurants and you can see their full list of places here -> 1933 Group Bars.
3 – Lucky Strike – LA Live
Description:
Lucky Strike Bowling Alley in LA is one of the first to make the idea of bowling alleys as a hip night spot for craft cocktails and music a real thing.
There is one at LA Live and Hollywood & Highland. Both spots are similar, located in awesome locations, with the upscale cocktail lounge/nightclub vibe going strong.
Lucky Strike is fun for all ages during the day, but the real party starts at night with local DJs spinnings and the drinks flowing for the 21 and over crowd.
Location:
800 W Olympic Blvd #202, Los Angeles, CA 90015
PIC Credit:@ijoyooni
hack:
If you go Bowling on a Friday or Saturday night when its on and popping you will be paying for the privilege. With demand high they charge $65 an hour during this busy time. If you want to have a good time but no need for the “club scene’ vibe you can go other hours for much cheaper.
4 – SpareRoom – Hollywood
Description:
This vintage bowling alley challenges HighLand Park Bowl in the beauty department and is tucked away on the 3rd floor of the very hip Roosevelt Hotel overlooking Hollywood.
The bowling alley has only 2 lanes but it’s more popular for being a nightlife scene and appreciation of the detailed designed and tasty cocktails.
This is a great place to gather with a small group of friends for a trendy night out but it may be hard to get on the lanes!
Location:
PIC Credit@spareroomhwood
hack:
You will definitely be paying a premium to bowl here. The cost is more about being on the 3rd floor of a very hipster Hollywood Hotel than it is the game. So if you truly want to bowl here try to forget about the cost and enjoy the ride.
5 – Pinz – Studio City
Description:
This is a long time neighbor-friendly bowling alley with 32 lanes. You can get decent food from Jerry’s Deli which is adjacent to this bowling alley and eat while you play.
Pinz is a popular filming location and has appeared in shows including Hell’s Kitchen, Modern Family and others. You can sometimes spot local celebrities who live in Studio City at the alley getting a game in with their family and friends.
Looking for bowling deals for the whole fam? Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm enjoy the triple play special $3 for play and $3 for shoes. Can’t get better prices than that!
Location:
12655 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
PIC Credit:@pinzla
hack:
Pinz is massive so if you want to host a big Bowling Party this is the place. They can host bowling parties from 10 and up to 300 guests!
6 – XLanes – Little Tokyo
Description:
This is a favorite among crowds of all ages, come here at any time of the day, you will have fun!
This bowling and arcade gem is hidden away on the top floor of the non-descript Little Tokyo Galleria, surrounded by delightful Korean restaurants and cute boutiques.
This is a great place to visit with a group of friends large or small.
XLanes has everything you want! delicious food, excellent drinks and usually even good service which is sometimes hard to find in LA.
In addition to the 24 LED bowling lanes which include 8 VIP private lanes, this place is equipped with 80 arcade games, billiards, dart games and private Karaoke rooms!
Location:
333 Alameda St #300, Los Angeles, CA 90013
PIC Credit:@xlanesla
hack:
X-Lanes has the best deals on drinks on the list. Not only are they one of the most affordable they really make them stiff!
If you want to go somewhere with strong, inexpensive drinks before heading out to Little Tokyo or DTLA we strongly recommend stopping by their bar.
Do you agree with our list on Los Angeles Best Bowling Alleys? Let us know by commenting below!