Rocco
Chicago is famous for its fun culture and incredible skyline, but bowling is never too far from the mind of any true Chicagoan.
As such, there are many bowling bars across the city that offer bowling action paired with refreshing drinks and more.
So if you’re looking to grab a bite or a sip of your favorite beverage and knock down some pins, here are the best bowling bars in Chicago.
Waveland Bowl
3700 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 472-5900
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A block from Lane Technical High School, Waveland Bowl is a historic destination that’s been around for decades.
With 40 lanes, a retro funky feel, and plenty of local beers, drinks, and decent food, it’s an excellent place to grab a pint and hopefully roll a perfect game.
Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago
322 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 245-8331
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Lucky Strike, Downtown Chicago, is a few minutes walk from the Chicago Children’s Center and Navy Pier and is one of the higher-end bowling alleys on my list.
Enjoy their full bar and restaurant with a great wine selection and cocktails you’d expect at any top-notch bar in the city.
Kings Dining & Entertainment
Multiple Locations
Phone: (847) 233-0099
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No matter where you are in the city, you’re never far from a Kings Dining & Entertainment facility.
One of the best bowling bars in Chicago, you can also enjoy classic beers like Bud Light and higher-end offerings like Sam Adams and 312 Urban Wheat Ale.
10pin Bowling Lounge
330 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 644-0300
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A few blocks from the Wrigley Building, 10pin Bowling Lounge is a boutique alley with 24 lanes, flat-screen televisions, and a massive selection of beer, cocktails, and wine, including Delirium Tremens on draft.
Arrive hungry and sample some of their gourmet salads, sandwiches, and burgers. It’s a great place to hang out whether or not you’re bowling.
Timber Lanes Bowling Alley
1851 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 549-9770
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Timber Lanes Bowling Alley is a few minutes’ drive from Graceland Cemetery, and I like to think of it as my classic neighborhood bowling alley and bar.
With 12 lanes, an old-school scoring system, and a full bar with great cocktails, wine, and beer, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy your night here.
Pinstripes
435 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 527-3010
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Pinstripes is near River East Art Center Promenade, making it the ideal place to go after some sightseeing.
With bowling, bocce, and excellent Italian-American food, Pinstripes is a higher-end experience offering great cocktails, wine, beer, cocktails, and some special signature drinks.
You’ll enjoy this place if you like your bowling with a side of chic culture.
Avondale Bowl
3118 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (708) 831-8064
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Two blocks from Pyramid Therapeutic Preschool, Avondale Bowl is a cute, relatively small place with ten lanes and a small selection of good foods like popcorn, hot dogs, snacks, cocktails, beer, and types of wine.
There are tons of tasty beers on tap, like Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and Aslin Brewing Nuances of Meaning.
IIT’s The Bog
3241 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 567-3745
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IIT’s The Bog is a few blocks from the 90 Expressway, right on the Illinois Institute of Technology’s campus.
This place is enormous, with lots of comfy seating, a billiards room, and plenty of bowling.
You’ll find a standard selection of beers, wines, and cocktails here to enjoy while you bowl a game or two.
WhirlyBall Chicago
1825 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 486-7777
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A few blocks from the North Branch Chicago River, WhirlyBall is a fun, multipurpose space where you can play different games and bowl a few rounds.
They also happen to have a vast selection of great beers, including Local’s Light, Anti-Hero IPA, and Psuedo Sue Pale Ale.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re out and about in Chicago and want to play a friendly game of bowling, check out these best bowling bars in Chicago.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments below.
Best Bowling Bars in Chicago
- Waveland Bowl
- Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago
- Kings Dining & Entertainment
- 10pin Bowling Lounge
- Timber Lanes Bowling Alley
- Pinstripes
- Avondale Bowl
- IIT’s The Bog
- WhirlyBall Chicago
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