Atlanta Bowling Alleys: Strike Up the Fun!

Go Bowling in Atlanta for Family Fun or a Memorable Date Night

Metro Area Offers Great Options for Mingling, Bonding

By A. Scott Walton

Every other month or so, I go to some Atlanta-area bowling alley and wind up asking myself, "Why don't I do this more often?".

Granted: Sometimes the rental shoes don't fit so well and, occasionally, the fast food snacks at the concession stands aren't as appetizing as one would hope.

Still, there's always something gratifying about launching balls down a slick runway with a strike or a spare in mind. There's always hope. Adult beverages (and bumper rails) help.

This article spotlights the Atlanta bowling alleys that demonstrate the most welcoming atmospheres.

Serious fun, silly competition

Midtown Bowl

(404) 874-5703

1936 Piedmont Cir Ne, Atlanta, GA 30324

Hours: 9 a.m.-3 a.m. daily

Prices: $10-$25 per hour; $4.50 for rental shoes

Parking: Free

http://midtownbowl.com/

This is the place where Atlanta bowlers of all skill levels and lifestyles converge, day and night. Unless your game is serious, stick to the left half of the 50-year-old center's 32 lanes during peak (evening) hours. The arcade games, kiddie birthday stations and "bumper" lanes are on the right. Golf equipment available for purchase as Midtown Bowl is minimal. But there's a full range of affordably-priced snacks and beverages; including a "full-service" bar.

High Rollers

Ten Pin Alley

261 19^th Street, NW (Atlantic Station)

Atlanta, GA 30363

404-872-3364

Hours: 5 p.m. to Midnight Sunday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Prices: $40 per hour (Mon. - Thur.); $60 per hour (Fri. - Sat.)

Parking: Valet or (validated/paid) lot parking

http://www.dolcegroup.com/

This is the upscale destination where the rented shoe meets the velvet rope. This is the only bowling alley in the city where an upscale dress code is "Strictly Enforced". No patrons under age 21 allowed after 10 p.m. Ten Pin Alley describes itself as "ultra exclusive" and it shows. Where else can one find a trio of VIP lanes set aside for $200-$300 per hour. An impressive date destination if you can afford it, Ten Pin Alley features an array of themed cocktails ($8 and up), premium wines and champagnes ($60-$600), and small plate appetizers ($8-$12).

Twist and Shout

300 Atlanta

2175 Savoy Dr. Atlanta, GA 30341

770-451-8605

Hours: 11 a.m. Midnight (Mon. - Thurs.); 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. (Fri. - Sat.); Noon - 1 a.m. Sunday

Prices: ($5.25-$6.25 per person, per game; shoe rental is $5 per pair)

http://www.threehundred.com/atlanta.html

Consider this venue the best option if you only want to bowl casual but dine seriously. The Three Hundred Grill menu is packed with dozens of pizza varieties, entrees, appetizers, salads, kids plates, appetizers and desserts (prices vary). Adding to the plush ambience _ upholsteredd couches, full cocktail bar _ is the fact that 300's walls are screened with 3-D displays and the lanes glow in the dark at night.