Are you ready to roll in the City of Brotherly Love? Philadelphia is home to some of the best bowling alleys in the country, offering a fun and exciting experience for bowlers of all skill levels. From traditional lanes to trendy bowling bars, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for a casual night out with friends or a competitive game with your family, these top-rated alleys are sure to provide a memorable experience. This article will take you on a tour of the best bowling alleys in Philadelphia, from the trendy Northern Liberties neighborhood to the heart of Center City. So grab your bowling shoes and get ready for a strike-ing good time!
Here’s out top picks of best bowling alleys in Philadelphia:
1. PEP Bowl
PEP Bowl is a vintage, six-lane bowling alley that gives you the “back to the 1950s” bowling in Philadelphia vibe. The alley is cozy, affordable, and perfect for those who prefer a more traditional bowling experience. The best part? You can bring your food and drinks, including alcohol, which is a great way to make the experience more personal. You get to enjoy a game of bowling and support Programs Employing People (PEP), an organization that provides employment and support services to people with developmental disabilities in the Philadelphia area.
Cost-wise, PEP Bowl is budget-friendly, with weekdays costing $5 per person per game and shoe rentals at $4 per person. Friday and Saturday rates are $50 per lane per hour for up to six people. The alley is open with varying hours on different days, with some days having no leagues; reservations are required with a deposit. PEP Bowl is located at 1200 South Broad Street, South Philly.
Cost Per Game: $5
Shoe Rental: $4
Days Closed: None
Website: pepbowl.com
2. Round1 Bowling & Amusement
Our second pick for bowling in Philadelphia, Round1 is a new and exciting bowling alley located in the Fashion District, occupying over 60,000 square feet of the former Gallery II space. With 14 lanes, this spot offers a fantastic experience for bowlers of all skill levels. The alley also features over 250 arcade games, billiards, ping-pong, darts, and karaoke, making it an excellent place for all ages. The alley also serves a variety of food options, such as pizza, fries, wings, and ice cream, and a full-service bar.
The cost is $11 per person per hour, plus $4 per person for shoe rentals. Located at 1001 Market Street, suite 3010, Center City, Round1 is open 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. (Every Day) and is a perfect spot for a night out with friends and family.
Cost Per Game: $11
Shoe Rental: $4
Days Closed: None
Website: round1usa.com
3. Lucky Strike
Located in the center of downtown, Lucky Strike is an upscale alternative to your typical bowling alley. With its lounge-like atmosphere, complete bar, and kitchen offering drinks, pizzas, snacks, and more, Lucky Strike was a game-changer when it opened in 2006. This two-story arcade has 24 bowling lanes, ping pong, a pool, and shuffleboard tables.
Until 8 o’clock, children are allowed in the alley as long as an adult accompanies them, but after that, it’s 21-and-over only. In Philadelphia, bowling can be had at the reasonably priced Lucky Strike for $16 per person per hour on Sunday through Thursday and $22 on Friday and Saturday. Online booking is available and recommended. The bowling alley Lucky Strike, located at 1336 Chestnut Street in the heart of the city, is open from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays, but is closed on Mondays.
Cost Per Game: $16
Shoe Rental: N/A
Days Closed: Monday
Website: luckystrikeent.com/locations/philadelphia/
4. North Bowl
North Bowl, in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties area, is a vintage-style bowling alley excellent for a fun evening out. In 2006, the alley was transformed from a garage where vehicle repairs were done into a popular destination in the area. There are 17 bowling lanes at North Bowl, including four for special parties. Other activities available include billiards and air hockey. The Lot Bar, an outdoor seasonal establishment, joins the alley’s other two full-service bars in providing a comprehensive drinking and dining experience.
Before 9 p.m., the facility is kid-friendly, with ramps and bumpers accessible for families with younger children. After 9 p.m., the alley is restricted to those above 21. Except for special events, they do not take reservations, and all lanes are first-come, first-served. Lane fees range from $7.50 to $8.00 each game, with an additional $5.00 required per individual to cover the cost of shoe rentals. If you’re in Northern Liberties, you can find North Bowl at 909 North 2nd Street. The Bowl is open weekdays (5 p.m.-12 a.m.) and weekends (12 p.m.-1 a.m.).
Cost Per Game: $8
Shoe Rental: $5
Days Closed: None
Website: northbowlphilly.com/location/north-bowl/
5. South Bowl
Located in South Philadelphia, South Bowl is the younger sibling of North Bowl, another vintage-inspired bowling facility. A former cold storage warehouse, this large bi-level building now has a wide selection of amusement options. Bowling, billiards, darts, and vintage arcade games may all be found at South Bowl, which also has two private party bowling rooms. In addition to its two full-service bars, the bowling alley also serves a variety of bar food favorites, including pizza and tacos. In addition to the inside amenities, guests may enjoy the seasonal rooftop terrace and Yard, where you can enjoy shuffleboard, a pool, and a bar and lounge.
Before 9 p.m., the facility is kid-friendly, with ramps and bumpers accessible for families with younger children. After 9 p.m., the alley is restricted to those above 21. Except for special events, we do not take reservations, and all lanes are first-come, first-served. Bowling games cost between $7 and $8 per person, with an additional $5 required per participant to rent shoes. South Bowl is located at 19 East Oregon Avenue, South Philly. South Bowl is CLOSED on Mondays, open (5 p.m. to 12 a.m.) on Tuesdays to Thursdays, Fridays (5 p.m.-1 a.m.), and Saturdays (12 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
Cost Per Game: $8
Shoe Rental: $5
Days Closed: Monday
Website: southbowlphilly.com/location/south-bowl/
Philadelphia’s bowling alleys are a strike of fun, rollicking good times and memories that will knock you off your feet. So grab your bowling shoes and let’s knock down some pins!