Choosing the right bowling alley for a date night in Los Angeles is contingent on style and budget. Just know that if you’re a guy who wears under a size eight shoe, it’s best ask for your size somewhat quietly. Also, there is no guarantee you will earn a second date if you assure your bowling partner “last time I really did break 100.”
All-Star Lanes
“All-Star” is used somewhat liberally to define this divey Eagle Rock bowling alley. All-Star might refer to the Lebowsky/hipster types that bowl here as opposed to the lanes themselves. That’s part of the charm. With a restaurant that serves various cuisine, such as Mexican, Chinese and pizza, and a computerized scoring system that might not give you credit for a spare, this alley has hits and misses. However, this is a sure-fire winner when it comes to a fun and an affordable throwback experience. All-Star Lanes also has weekly comedy and karaoke nights.
Lucky Strike
You would be lucky not to spend all your money at Lucky Strike, the all encompassing Hollywood nightclub/cosmic bowling experience. A dress code is enforced after 8pm, much stricter than the standard bowling alley dress code of “socks.” With two locations in L.A., Hollywood and Highland and LA Live, Lucky Strike has made a name for itself by classing up the bowling experience with beautiful décor, custom furniture and even a custom four-lane private party suite. Lucky Strike is well positioned for getting dinner and drinks at one of the many establishments within walking distance of both locations.
Pinz
Featuring 10 “Pinz” per lane, this studio Studio City bowling center is attached to Jerry’s Deli. It’s the only place bowlers can score a turkey and eat one too. At a weekday rate of $5 per game from 9am to 5pm, Pinz is the perfect middle ground between All-Star Lanes and Lucky Strike. At Pinz you and your date can bowl in a clean, safe and suburban environment. After bowling, several sushi spots line picturesque Ventura Blvd.
