Best Bowling Alleys For A Night Out In The South Bay

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There are multiple bowling alleys in the South Bay for each kind of bowler. If you're the competitive type who doesn't care about the fluff and frills and neon lights, the South Bay has a bowling alley for you. If you like the pomp and plush - and all that fancy stuff - there are plenty of places to show off your fabulous bowler skills. Take the gang or your bestie or date to one of these places. Bowling - no matter where you play it - is always fun.

You'll be pleasantly surprised by the old school vibe here at 4^th Street Bowl. Bring a date or the whole gang. The balls range in all sizes – large and small, kid size to adult. If you tire of bowling, there is a bar, coffee shop or pool table for temporary amusement. Enjoy strong drinks, a dance floor and great music. This is your standard, local neighborhood alley where friendly front desk staff attends to your needs with a smile. The prices are very reasonable. Visit 4th Street's website for specials and promotions. Check for the bowling alley's hours and rates here.

This University bowling center is not restricted to just its students – lucky for you. At low-budget prices, anyone can pay to throw their strikes down the lanes of this straight-and-simple bowling center. If you're not exactly on your game while you play the lanes, in addition to bowling, the center rents out pool, ping pong and arcade games. Wait times to play are typically minimal, and scoring for the game is done by computer. This is a fun place to go if you're not expecting any glitz and glamour. It's a bowling alley providing a cheap thrill, nothing more and nothing less – which sometimes is why that makes it one of the best.

If you're a premier bowler, or someone who enjoys top-notch lanes, disco balls, friendly bartenders, glow-in-the-dark pins, music videos from the 80s and 90s, pool tables and food for the hungry bowler, Bowlmor is your one-stop extravaganza of fun. The lanes are black-lit with large TVs displaying music videos. This is a mostly posh experience and not your run-of-the-mill bowling alley. There are couches for relaxing with your gang while servers cater to your lane. Absolutely no exceptions are made when it comes to bringing in your own food. For this one restriction, however, the bowling alley makes up for in tremendous service and special attention to its paying customers. To view the bowling alley's menu, click here.

If you're old school and not looking for the glitz and glamour, head over to Homestead. This bowling alley has survived through the ages, with a makeover possibly needed in the near future. But that's why this place is perfect for the hardcore bowlers who don't care about the fluff and stuff. This bowling alley also comes equipped with a Pro Shop where you can buy your bowling accessories.

Family owned and operated and well established within the community, this alley offers cheap drinks, a great staff and a great time. The floors are nicely cared for, so your balls will roll the way they should after your throws. The lighting and music is sufficient and just right. In simple terms, this bowling alley is not too shabby. It's also not too fancy. The ball sizes to choose from are ample and the wait time to get on a lane is never very long. This alley also has lotto machines and pinball. This is your grungy, dive alley but it's loaded with charm.

Kelly Gullo is a freelance writer in San Francisco, CA. Kellys topics are about music and nightlife. Kelly has also written a variety of articles on health and dieting and topics related to the environment. Kelly has a degree in journalism and public relations from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.