The Bronx borough of New York City has a number of good bowling alleys.
Bowling is a popular game across all of New York City. Manhattan’s bowling alleys tend to the more upscale side in prices and atmosphere. In some of the Manhattan places, the bowling itself is almost more a part of the scene than it is the main event.
On the other hand, Staten Island has two bowling alleys that very much reflect the borough itself . They are unassuming and provide good value, and aren’t trying to impress anybody.
And as New York City’s largest borough, Brooklyn’s bowling alleys are as diverse as the borough itself.
While the Bronx is probably best known for Yankee Stadium, the Bronx offers good golf courses as well as good bowling alleys for those looking for something different than spectator sports.
The following is a list, along with reviews of the five best bowling alleys in the Bronx.
Gun Post Lanes
1215 East Gun Hill Road
The Bronx, New York
Gun Post Lanes is the epitome of a community bowling alley. There is nothing corporate or generic about Gun Post Lanes. It’s a favorite for school groups, church outings and neighborhood parties.
One of the most notable aspects of Gun Post Lanes is the extremely, almost unbelievably, low prices. If there is a less expensive bowling alley in the city, I’d like to hear about it.
Gun Post Lanes has a number of leagues as well that are well supported and food, including pizza and nachos, that is better than what you would think when you see the prices. Gun Post Lanes does serve beer as well. On Saturday nights, Gun Post Lanes stays open until 3:00AM.
Ballpark Lanes
810 River Avenue
The Bronx, New York
Ballpark Lanes actually manages to exist in the shadow of Yankee Stadium without being overshadowed by it. This is more than a pre or post game hangout for Yankees fans; it attracts a local crowd, mostly young, who are there to bowl and socialize in a well managed and affordable place.
There is nothing fancy here. It’s simply bowling with typical bowling alley food all contained within a neighborhood atmosphere.
Van Nest Lanes
1756 Bronxdale Ave
The Bronx, New York
Located in the Morris Park section of the Bronx, Van Nest Lanes is a throwback, even by Bronx bowling alley standards.
There are no automatic scoring systems here; you do that yourself. It’s fairly small as well, with only 12 lanes. Van Nest even got a season in the sun as it was highlighted in the 1979 movie The Wanderers, which was a fictional depiction of an Italian gang in the Bronx.
Hollywood aside, Van Nest Lanes is a fun, neighborly place with very reasonable prices, and well conditioned lanes.
Bowlerland
2417 Hollers Avenue
The Bronx, New York
While Bowlerland is in the Bronx, it feels as if it’s more of a suburban place, as it’s very close to neighboring Westchester. Bowerland is known for its very helpful management and staff and clean and well kept facilities.
A renovation in 2006 has made this one of the very best bowling alleys not only in the Bronx, but in the neighboring areas as well. Bowerland is a bit more expensive than other Bronx bowling alleys, but not outrageously so.
Playdrome Bowling Center
1897 Guerlain Street
The Bronx, New York
Playdrome is a small place and very conducive to families during the day while more club like at night. But the common denominator, obviously, is the bowling, and it offers very solid facilities and equipment at a reasonable price.
Playdrome offers a full bar, at good prices, and a great sound-system. While it isn’t exactly ‘xtreme bowling’ at night, the sounds, crowd and general vibe is very much like it at night, while being more family oriented during the day.
If you live in the Bronx, or are there visiting for a Yankees game, perhaps, and are in the mood for bowling, check out one of these bowling alleys.
