Did you know that bedposts aren’t only in the bedroom? Or that a kegler doesn’t guzzle a barrel of beer? Judging by how often you guys are searching for “bowling” on metromix.com, we bet you already know what we’re talking about. You love this wacky sport. Here’s the scoop on some of our favorite lanes.
Lincoln Square Lanes
4874 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-561-8191
No. of lanes: 12
Prices: $3.50 per game; $2.50 for shoes
Scene: It’s all about classic charm at this spot above an Ace Hardware store. Sip on anything other than a can of Old Style at the bar and you might feel out of place. Wood paneling, vintage ball returns and manual scoring with pencil and paper mean the bowlers here are serious keglers (from the German word kegeln; it literally means “to bowl”).
Score: 7 pins (out of 10). You’ll feel like a pro here, but it looks like a place where you’d run into your dad.
Diversey Rock ‘n’ Bowl
2211 W. Diversey Ave. 773-227-5800
No. of lanes: 36
Prices: $19-$39 per lane, per hour; $3 for shoes
Scene: The carpet may be tacky, but this bowling alley’s got a serious agenda: Rev up the crowd with loud rock music. During the day, the white backdrops at the end of the lanes look a bit sterile, but wait until the light show starts Wednesday through Sunday nights, and the place gets as bright as a box of neon crayons. Hit the bar or pick up grub at Kegler’s Pizza and Grill (located in the alley) and chow down while cheering on your teammates. The black-and-white checked floor gives this spot a retro vibe, but the glow-in-the-dark balls and pins keep it modern.
Score: 9 pins (out of 10). We love rockin’ out to the Scissor Sisters while we try to pick up a 7-10 split.
Lawn Lanes
6750 S. Pulaski Rd. 773-582-2525
No. of lanes: 16
Prices: $2.75 per game during the day, $3.85 per game at night; $2 for shoes
Scene: This neighborhood haunt has been on a roll for more than 40 years and a recent remodeling has brought it up to speed. Now this South Side spot is like a black-light beacon where everything glows in the dark–from the bowling balls to the tables and chairs. Chill out in the cocktail lounge, get some action in the arcade or guzzle a beer while you bowl. We like “Fives are Wild” night on Wednesdays, when a $5.55 cover gets you bowling, shoes, pop and hot dogs for 55 cents each.
Score: 7 pins (out of 10). Good value at a classic alley.
Southport Lanes & Billiards
3325 N. Southport Ave.
773-472-6600
No. of lanes: 4
Prices: $20-$30 per lane, per hour; $2 for shoes
Scene: Lots of dark wood, art-deco fixtures, a mural over the bar and black-and-white photos make this place feel like an old saloon. Sidle up to the bar and order a Schlitz with your rental shoes (yep–you get your shoes and your brews in the same spot), but don’t expect to walk in on a weekend and bowl right away–they only have four lanes. The biggest draw: watching the guy at the end of the lanes set up all the pins by hand, just like old times.
Score: 8 pins (out of 10). We like to think of this as a bar with boutique bowling.
Habetler Bowl
5250 N. Northwest Hwy.
773-774-0500
No. of lanes: 32
Prices: $5 per game; $3.50 for shoes
Scene: Family run since 1957, this space was remodeled just a couple of years ago. While it’s pristine, there’s not much personality in the generic, cafeteria-style seats. But, turn the lights down around midnight on Fridays and Saturdays for Rock-and-Glow and you’ll be groovin’ until the wee hours. Check out Dollar Days on Tuesday nights, when it’s only a buck per game.
Score: 6 pins (out of 10). A bit impersonal looking for a family-run joint, but it’s got everything you need and is open late (2 a.m. on Thursdays and 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).
More faves
Tackle a turkey at these lanes
The Lucky Strike
$16-$30 per hour/per lane. $2 shoe rental. 2747 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-549-2695; 1055 E. 55th St. 773-347-2695.
10pin Bowling Lounge
$4.95-$6.95 per game. $3.95-$4.95 shoe rental. 330 N. State St. 312-644-0300.
Edison Park Inn
$3 per game. $2 shoe rental. 6713 N. Olmsted Ave. 773-775-1404.
Fireside Bowl
$15-$20 per hour/per lane. $2 shoe rental. 2648 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-486-2700.
Halsted Bowl
$3.50 per game. $2.50 shoe rental. 12345 S. Halsted St. 773-928-8181.
