If you enjoy bowling, this article will be right up your alley! But seriously, this Saturday is National Bowling Day so we are rounding up some of our favorite spots for bowling around Pittsburgh! Some are your classic bowling lanes, and others are the miniature version known as “duckpin bowling.” Either way, all of these places are perfect for knocking down strikes with family and friends!
Shorty’s Pins X Pints
One of the newest spots on the North Shore is Shorty’s Pins X Pints. This bar isn’t just your typical bar (as you could probably tell by the name). Shorty’s is the SPOT for pints of beer and knocking down some pins! At this bar, you’ll find 8 lanes of duckpin bowling with surrounding couches to relax while you’re waiting for your turn. This space is great for family fun due to its arcade games, fire pits, and outdoor games like giant Jenga and cornhole. Just be sure you go earlier in the day before Shorty’s takes on the North Shore nightlife. Bowling lanes are first come first serve, just check at the desk when you come in the front for availability! If you have a corporate or social event that you are planning, feel free to visit Shorty’s website to put in a request to reserve some bowling lanes and event space!
Arsenal Bowl
Tried and true, Arsenal Bowl can be found on Butler Street in Lawrenceville. This decades-old bowling alley is the perfect classic bowling experience in Pittsburgh! Open til midnight or later every night of the week, Arsenal is an awesome place for your group to meet up even on a Tuesday. Reservations can be made 24+ hours in advance with a non-refundable deposit, but keep in mind that Arsenal Bowl is 21+ every night after 9 pm. Be sure to have cash handy because their bowling is all cash-only. If you want to enjoy an adult beverage, their upstairs bar accepts credit cards with a $10 minimum. Each night of the week they have specials at Arsenal so be sure to scope those out when planning your visit. For families, check out the TGIF Bowl on Fridays from 6-8 pm where you can enjoy their $14.95 all-you-can bowl special (including shoe rentals). For 21+ we recommend the Top Shelf Saturday Night which includes a DJ from 9 pm- 1 am, $19.95 all you can bowl, PLUS $1 off of top-shelf liquor!
Coop De Ville
Coop De Ville has been a Strip District favorite since its opening a few years ago. Another duckpin bowling spot, Coop De Ville has 8 lanes for bowling in their space. For only $7 per person per game, your crew can have a blast! In each lane, you’ll get a server who will take food and drink orders while you play. Bowling comes on a first come first serve basis here, but luckily you will have plenty to occupy your time while you wait! Coop De Ville also has a TON of arcade games, a wall full of pinball machines, pool tables, a coffee bar, chicken sandwiches, and more! Family-friendly groups should attend earlier in the day on weekends to avoid the 21+ night hours. If you’re someone over 21, they run bowling til midnight on the weekends so you can meet your friends for drinks and late-night bowling! Sign up for a lane at the tiki trailer where you’ll also find awesome tiki cocktails like their frozen pina colada and signature Smallman Street Vice!
Zone 28
In its previous life, Zone 28 was known as Fun Fest, but has since been renamed and renovated into the awesome arcade, bowling, and bar that it is today! This gaming center is located in Harmarville off of Route 28 (hence the name Zone 28). Your group can bowl during the week with their regular bowling or peewee bowling, or attend cosmic bowling Wednesday-Sunday. This is a traditional-style bowling alley with 33 full-sized lanes allowing 6 bowlers at a time. Here you will pay per lane, per hour. Prices vary based on the date and time. Reservations aren’t available here, but similar to the other places, there is plenty to keep you busy! Zone 28 has a full arcade that reminds us of a mini Dave and Buster’s because it has ALL sorts of games from racecar driving to skeeball to even a basketball version of Connect Four! Zone 28 also has an escape room AND laser tag. This place is perfect for families or late-night evenings out! Reserve Suite 28, their event space with private bowling lanes, a bar, and food options for your next event!
No matter what your vibe is, you can find a spot around the city to bowl. Daytime or evening, with your family or significant other, these bowling alleys have what you’re looking for! Where will you be spending National Bowling Day?! Tag us on Instagram and let us know!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.