New York City's best bowling alleys

If you’re one of the unfortunate souls who thought LA’s Rose Bowl was a massive bowling alley, you’ll be pleased to find out about Brooklyn Bowl. This sixteen-lane alley is not just for sport – it’s also a music venue. The 600-person music hall has hosted an impressive roster of acts, from tribute bands to indie darlings and rock icons. Bowl during the day and celebrate your win at a show in the evening.

Brooklyn Bowl is groundbreaking for being the world’s first LEED-certified bowling alley and retains sustainability across the venue. The bars are made from reclaimed wood, electricity is 100% wind-powered, and pin machines draw 75% less energy than others. You can book the whole venue for up to 1,000, or just the bowler’s lounge for 200. Food is provided by Blue Ribbon, and local Brooklyn-brewed beer is available on tap.

No kids are allowed at The Gutter, an old-school dive bar that offers booze and bowling until 4 am. Think exposed brick with vintage beer ads surrounding eight vintage hardwood lanes shipped in from the Midwest. Bowlers can fuel their game with a choice of 24 American craft beers and brick oven-fired pizza.

This popular Williamsburg haunt only takes walk-ins, but fear not, a pool table and a fully stocked bar will keep you company while you wait for a lane to free up. Events such as Monday night trivia bring in the crowds, while The Spare Room hosts live bands, music, and comedy acts for affordable prices. You can also book the private space for parties and events, or rent out the whole venue for up to 120 people.

There are two more locations in the Lower East Side and Long Island City, Queens.

You can tell Bowlero is trying to make bowling cool again – and it’s working. The Chelsea location, located in the waterfront sports complex Chelsea Piers, includes 40 state-of-the-art lanes, a vintage arcade, and a laser tag arena. Neon backlights colorful lounge seats, and HD video walls make it hip and contemporary. The private bowling suite has eight VIP lanes, and there’s also a semi-private lounge space. There are four meeting rooms if you want to blend work and play.

Party planners are available to take away the stress, and customizable menu options include sharable cocktails, oven-fired pizzas, and BBQ wings served laneside. If you’re feeling wild, you can order their signature 6LB Behemoth Burger (it’s topped with sparklers) or a layered pizza cake. How’s that for team-building?

If you’re looking for somewhere to release your anger after a long, stinky sweaty ride on the Megabus, check out Frames, conveniently located inside Port Authority bus terminal. Behind the unassuming exterior is a sleek bowling lounge with much more than luxe lanes – you can play billiards, ping pong, or karaoke. There’s a private room with two lanes, and you can buy event packages that include red-carpet affairs, sports parties, catered karaoke, and team-building activities.

The private room holds up to 20 people (with a minimum of 10) and a full buyout can accommodate up to 100 guests. The food menu serves nostalgic classics like hot honey chicken sliders, potato skins with bacon, mac and cheese, and pigs in a blanket. Open bar options are also available.

Sure, Bowl360 might like the bowling alley you had your suburban birthday party at in 2005, but who said that’s a bad thing? And it seems like the prices have stayed in the noughties too – you can get two hours of unlimited bowling for under $30. The decor is simple and predictable, with added lighting for ambiance.

Event packages are available for up to 100 people, at silver ($400), gold ($500), or platinum ($800) tiers. Benefits include unlimited fountain beverages, multi-lane reservations, and sharable food platters. You can find bowling alley classics like nachos, pizza, and sliders. Or, grab a cocktail from their extensive menu – just don’t have too many, or you’ll need a bumper.