Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is known as the cradle of liberty and the city of brotherly love.
On some level, Philadelphia suffers in comparison from its proximity to New York City and Washington DC. And really, that’s not fair at all as Philadelphia offers a lot. Philadelphia, or ‘Philly’ as it’s commonly referred to, has a great variety of cultural destinations, historic tourist attractions, industry, sports and nightlife.
Philadelphia has a longstanding reputation as a blue collar, working class and underdog town. Philadelphia is a place where people pride themselves on authenticity, directness and rooting for the underdog. Despite the affluence and sophistication that much of Philadelphia offers, the city, at its core, is a working man’s place.
Probably no recreational sport or endeavor is more closely identified with these qualities than bowling. Bowling has always had a secure place in blue collar America, as it does not require much equipment, can be played to an advanced age and is a great social experience that does not require a lot of money.
Nationwide, bowling has, however, evolved through the years and has expanded into a hipper and more fashionable game as well. Over the past ten years or so, bowling ‘night clubs’ have opened and thrived. Along with these new bowling alleys, the game has been introduced to many that might not otherwise have played.
While still holding firmly to its working class roots, the bowling scene in Philadelphia has evolved as well. The upside for Philadelphia natives, and for visitors to Philadelphia, is that this has resulted in a greater number and wider variety of excellent bowling alleys.
The following is a list and review of the five best bowling alleys in Philadelphia.
Lucky Strike Lanes
1336 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Lucky Strike Lanes is part of a nationwide chain of bowling alleys. The Philadelphia version, similarly to all Lucky Strike Lanes, is stylish, well kept and fun to visit. What other bowling alley has a separate section on its website devoted to art?
But despite the trendy and upper crust vibe, and the celebrity studded parties that go with it, Lucky Strike Lanes never forgets that it is a Philadelphia bowling alley. The lanes are well kept, with just enough wax in all of the right places, and the equipment, lighting and
Lucky Strike Lanes is known for catering to parties, whether it be a corporate party, a kids party, or a bachelor party. The food is excellent, with a wide variety of food that is definitely on the high end of what might be expected from a bowling alley.
Strikes Bowling Lounge
4040 Locust Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Unlike many bowling alleys that tend to want to ‘upper crust’ themselves, Strike Bowling Lounge in Philadelphia clearly just wants to have fun. The irony is that the Strikes Bowling Lounge is decorated and lit as a trendy nightclub.
And yet, Strikes Bowling Lounge is all about fun, great food, and great bowling. This Philadelphia bowling alley offers a fantastic menu with a, surprise, great Philadelphia cheese steak.
Strikes Bowling Lounge is kid-friendly as it has a kids menu and offers a customized approach for parties, including children’s birthday parties. .
North Bowl Lounge and Lanes
909 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The North Bowl bowling alley is a one of a kind Philadelphia experience. While in many ways it was likely influenced by some of the larger bowling alley chains, there is a special feel that this is the only North Bowl in the country and was designed as much as a ‘hang out’ spot as it was a bowling alley. Some of the more unique features are the glass enclosed balcony overlooking the lanes, the old fashioned, but comfortable, bowling benches and the unique bar setup.
This is a very popular spot in Philadelphia’s nightlife circuit and one that is ideal for an outing or birthday party.
Thunderbird Bowling Center
3081 Holme Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Thunderbird Bowling Center has become a bit of a Philadelphia institution. It has lasted over fifty years and continues to be as popular as ever. It certainly has evolved with the times as it now offers glow in the dark bowling, and midnight bowling, but it also has stayed very true to the traditional aspects of the sport. There are still many active leagues here, and the emphasis is on great bowling at a reasonable price.
Thunderbird Bowling very actively markets and caters to group outings such as birthday and bachelor parties. Call for their special packages on these.
Center Bowling Lanes
7550 City Lane Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Center Bowling Lanes is a ‘meat and potatoes’ bowling alley, but a modern one. It features electronic scoring, a locker room and well kept and current equipment. Center Bowling Lanes features bumper bowling for kids and clearly caters to children’s birthday parties, corporate outings and bachelor parties.
So if you are a Philadelphia native, or visiting for work or please, and are interested in bowling a few rounds, make sure to visit one of these great Philadelphia bowling alleys.
