I had a very unfortunate experience at Emerald Bowl on 10/14/2023. My family and I were having a great time bowling initially. But our food was taking forever to come out, even though we ordered it as soon as we arrived. We paid for an hour worth of bowling and we realized that we weren't going to receive our food before our time was up. I went to the front desk and explained my situation to them. It didn't seem fair that we would not get the opportunity to eat our food during the hour that we bowled. I asked them if there was anything they could do about extending the time. The front desk said no, so I asked to speak with a manager. I approached the manager, Mary Jo, very politely with all smiles and explained my situation to her. I told her that it was taking quite long for the food to come out and was wondering if we could get a 30 minute extension on our time because that's how long the cafe said it would take for the food to come out. Mary Jo said that it is not her responsibility that the cafe is taking too long to make our food and there was nothing she would do about it. I explained to her that if she is the manager, she bears some responsibility over it. She then added that she would also not be refunding us our money either. I never wanted a refund, I'd rather your establishment keep the money, I requested 15-30 minutes of extra bowling time for our poor experience. Then Mary Jo simply walked away. Which is something I've never experienced in polite conversation. As she was walking away she also said that she was going to get security to escort us out. Once again, a surprising escalation to polite conversation. What surprised me the most is that when the security guard came he began to deescalate the situation that Mary Jo caused. It's surprising that he had great customer service and negotiation skills. Quite honestly, he might as well have been the manager! He then told me that this situation of the cafe taking too long to make the food happens constantly. And he also said that Mary Jo always reacts the way she does. He explained to us the policy on how we would get our money back, which would require us to come back the next day. Once again, amazing conflict resolution and an understanding of the process of the bowling alley. Mary Jo was quite literally hiding away from us instead of talking to us. What amuses me the most is that me and my family were discussing making this our regular spot, as this was the first time we were here. We were talking about bringing friends and family along, but we wont be doing that any longer. As for me, I'm out $65 dollars for the bowling but I guess that's how life goes.

My family and I visited Emerald bowl tonight on 6/24. It’s Friday night and there’s no music being played like all bowling alleys do. We get to the counter and ask the young lady who does not appear to want to be at work (dry attitude. Greeted us by saying what can I do for you. No hello, smile or anything). We told her that we would like 2 hours playtime. We get to the lane and bowl. After 1 hour our “time expired” already. I go to the front desk to let her know and she tells me that the time ran out bc we went and got food and so on. Like what? 2 hours is 2 hours regardless of what we did. We checked in at 11:11 and our game ended at 12:20? She then tells me that the mgr should’ve informed us that the time just runs out by itself. The mgr was nowhere around, the girl I was complaining to is the one that took our money and put us on a lane. She calls the mgr over after I asked for her several times. The mgr comes over with an even more dry, nasty attitude, cutting me off while I’m trying to explain what’s going on. She informed me that we were only charged for one game (we definitely said 2). She went ahead and gave us more time but was definitely very nasty about it when it was her employee’s mistake in the first place. Not to mention the nasty wings that were fried in what looked/tasted like month old grease. We will not be returning to Emerald bowl.

Guy at the snack stand with all the tattoos is super rude and the one and only reason I'll never return. He was snappy and actually raised his voice at me in front of my 10 yr old bc I was wanting to add to my food order for my daughter (1 order of cheese sticks). He told me they were already on a 30-45 min wait time.. For cheese sticks and that I couldn't add anything, but he yelled at me about it. Don't get confused.. Tattoos don't bother me.. I have tons. I work in a full service restaurant so I can understand getting weeded but his demeanor and aggression is unprofessional and lost you a customer. I actually took my kids here bc we just moved back to the area and I worked for this bowling alley when I was 18. So they were excited to go and visit a piece of my past. I didn't expect fine dining service or exceptional food from a bowling alley but the service was horrible and the cheese sticks were cold on the inside, fries were limp and weighed down from sitting in oil too long and the hotdogs were like reheated leather. It was just bad. I don't remember it being like that back in the days

We went 06/04/2023. Disgusting service especially the food. We originally bought food to take in since they used to allow it literally less than a month ago but all of a sudden we couldn’t anymore due to HR SUPPOSEDLY. So we decided to get something and the cook was wiping down counter tops while being on the phone using same gloves for it all, including to charge. Got a refund and they got upset since we complained. They then stopped our lane to bowl after 30 mins of already having a 5th player( 3y/o TODDLER) come on now. Then the lady came to our table saying the 1 canned drink we had needed to go in the trash because they don’t sell it. As if they sold something way better and clean compared to it. Saying she wasn’t going to leave until it was thrown away. Hire better employees and preferably let others bring food it’s a lot cleaner than eating there!!!!!!!!! If anyone knows corporates number I’ll be glad to call ASAP!!! Or find it myself either or!

This place could have been 5 stars! Everything was perfect, the fun and family friendly environment. Amazing staff and really good prices to bowl. The only reason this place got 3 stars was because of the FOOD. I spent 54$ on a large pizza, large fries and 4 drinks. The price was not the problem at all. The problem was that the pizza was really bad. They sell the frozen pizzas you get at walmart. The fries were tiny and they were 8$ . Refills are extra as well and well it was just horrible. Also, beware you cant use groupon specials on WEEKENDS! This was not told to me when i bought them. I would still HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you want to just bowl. Again, this place is a 5 star if you just want to play. The food is personally not worth it. I will still keep going though, just going to eat before or after i get out. 5/5 stars to play. 3/5 if you eat.

Went there to watch a friend's bowling tournament and enjoyed the munchie food and alcohol. It's typical old school bowling alley with lots of noise, inexpensive prices, limited space, and very packed with people and kids! Arcade was only 3 motorcycle riding games, so not much for kids to do but run around or play on personal devices! You can't bring in outside alcohol or take their alcohol outside! No or vapes allowed inside period! Call ahead first to make sure some lanes are open to public because you can't bowl if all lanes are reserved for an event! This isn't a high tech modern entertainment bowling complex to hang out,but, it is a nice little spot if you just want to bowl

Great old place, close to the house! Got a Groupon for this place. I have not bowled for over 40 years and i gotta say it was like I had bowled every day for the last 40 years! Bowling is still a lot of fun and I am still pretty good! Haha! This is straight up bowling with a small arcade, I don't recommend the arcade , since we lost our tokens and sign says no refunds. That was the only negative! Very nice staff, clean. Equipment was well kept! Will return again, so happy to rediscover bowling! Perfect fun on hot afternoon in Houston!! Kids loved it, although we went for fun, still had that old competitive streak in me!!! Get out and bowl, look for groupons or daily specials! Strike!!

$35 per hour per lane for an Absolutely filthy facility. NO! They have the audacity to distancing themselves from THEIR Groupon is absurd, since this is a tool to aid their business. THE GAMES /Rules they have for their GROUPON Makes patronizing this business a absolute waste of time and not worth the headache when you pass up so many more well established bowling alleys before you get to this shack. I hope that the $210 that they got from me this past weekend because they refused to accept the GROUPONS was worth every penny of this review. After I've utilized my Groupons with them I will never, nor ever suggest to anyone to go to this facility again.

I'm going to give this place 5 stars BASED ON THE KIDS BOWL FOR FREE program. $35 covers 2 adults, 3 kids and is good for the Summer until 8/31 as long as the time is used before 4pm. The guy with the fro at the counter was really nice and even gave our little popsicle loving girl a popsicle (that they don't serve)... maybe a personal staff stash, but that was so kind, he didn't have to, and it's those small things that are big. It was pretty clean especially for a place that's been in operation for a LONG TIME! We're going to make great use of this pass and have already shared this with others.

We had such a wonderful time at Emerald Bowl during the thanksgiving break while the kids were out of school. Xavier was so helpful with explaining when we could actually use the Groupon. We were so happy everything worked out because we didn’t want to disappoint the kids. Once we arrived,customer service was great and took care of our large group. Everything was perfect, such a family friendly place, very clean (including the restrooms). We bowled 2 games, enjoyed reasonably priced pizzas and pitchers of drinks from the snack bar. Looking forward to coming again!

Worst place to bowl in the city! This place is a filth! Bathrooms were dirty and their kitchen staff were more ruude than they were before. I asked for a correction on my order and the people at the cafe had an attitude about it. I didn’t even eat the food after I asked for it to be corrected in fear of them spitting on it. This place needs a good clean up…staff included. I come from a family of bowlers and will not be recommending this awful bowling alley. Disappointed and DISGUSTED to say the least.

Worst place ever. Came here to bowl with family and friends new to the area and the staff was very rude. After we had been here almost two hours which we paid for they turned off our lane because the table next to us wanted to switch tables with us and we refused. They had just gotten here and we had children seated and food and drinks at our table we had been at for almost two hours. But because our time was almost up they wanted us to leave. Very rude staff and not worth going here.

I went with a large group and the staff was so accommodating. Xavier was the bestttt!! He explained how to use the Groupon first of all. He made sure everything went smooth, all the kids were taken care of and even asked if he could put some tables together so we can all sit together. The place was clean, everyone tore up the pizza so I'm assuming it was good and Xavier even took some pictures for us before we left. Everyone had such a good time that we will definitely be back!!!!!

We paid $40 for an hour but only received 30 mins due to closing early but was told if we wanted more time we would have to pay additional. The whole experience was terrible due to the Asian girl at the front desk. She was very rude and told us "we weren't entitled to more time just because we ask for it". but we literally PAID for it. Based off my personal experience and the other reviews I've read, the customer service here will be the cause of Emerald's downfall.

Slightly expensive, definitely not worth it. No ramps for kids bowling, they will only give you 1 kids ball despite having 2 kids bowling. Beers overpriced. Expensive hot dogs that have buns split....honestly the best thing here is the speed of the ball return and the fact that the lanes were oiled OK. Food service employees had an attitude. I don't see how this place will stay in business much longer. We won't be returning...plenty of better alternatives.

Like many other comments state the inside of the place is outdated but everything is clean and a great place to spend time with friends and family. Pricing is the best around compared to the other places near by. Food wait obviously varies depending on how busy the place is but the guy working Sunday (and he may be the only one) is killing it. Very friendly and the club sandwich we tried was pretty good. Can't wait to come back.

Came during league night on a Wednesday and all lanes were booked. there was a 40 minute wait but thankfully they had a full bar and kitchen available. A little pricey for the food and a few misteps but I would definitely say good customer service considering the volume of people. Overall had great experience, the group i came with had a fun time and we would most likely return but on a less busy night.!

The pricing is great shoes included. Drinks and food great. The wings they serve especially delicious. Lanes are in great quality and there is plenty of space for friends and family. We did schedule a party for our trip which was not communicated to the personnel who were actually working that night so we were delayed in our time but there worked hard to get things together.

Everyone working here was so helpful and pleasant. The man walking on the floor and checking on everyone was especially nice. Front desk was nice. The man behind the concession stand was nice too. He explained he wasn’t usually the one behind there making food and apologized for the delay. I really appreciate the good customer service

Roomy bowling alley. Definitely a classic look to it and has not been modernized, but that is a positive for this place. Most modernized slleys around here are cramped and dirty. Not Emerald! I look forward to playing here more often. They have a great Pro Shop that explains everything in detail. Fast service and reasonable prices.

Can’t really complain about the place. Granted it’s a bit older and dated on the inside, the staff is great and the pricing is ok. Certain nights are league nights so make sure you call ahead otherwise may be stuck without a lane for a while. They have a full service bar and kitchen that has are usual bar items.

I bought a Groupon for this place and in the fine print it says NOT VALID FRIDAY-SUNDAY AFTER 5PM. I purchased it and called to make reservations for a Saturday before 5pm and they are no longer allowing you to use this Groupon on the weekend only from Monday-Thursday. It sucks so just wanted to let y’all know.

Emerald Bowling Alley is our go to place for a good time My son finally beat me we recommend the supreme pizza and large fries the staff there is amazing and very welcoming also Sundays are our favorite day to go!so I’d recommend Emerald Bowling to everyone …

Perfect for a casual night out with friends, it's affordable and full of nostalgic charm. The staff is friendly, the snacks and drinks are just what you need. Whether you're a pro bowler or just out for fun, it's a great place to create lasting memories with friends. Highly recommended.

Bought a group on and took the kids there. From the start everyone was so nice and respectful. The boy behind the counter was so pleasant and so was the manager. They came and asked if we wanted the things up so the kids could bowl peacefully. We had a really good time!

Not coming here again. NO communication. It closes at 2am. Kicked us out at 1am. Unprofessional manager or whoever was in charge white lady with some stress on her life. SO UNPROFESSIONAL ! They need some good communication withing themselves. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL !!!

This place was absolutely disgusting. If I could give 0 stars I would. From the moment you walk in, it’s smelled like mildew and cottonmouths. The staff was rude and inconsiderate. Please don’t waste your time and enjoy here. Your money is better spent elsewhere.

Great place for spending quality time with the family.....not to crowded with an ol'skool vibe and very inexpensive for a family of four....I purchased the "Family-Pack" for this summer and will be returning and above all...MY KIDS LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!.......

Big, clean, open bowling alley. Lights were a lil dim but not too dark. Plenty of space to walk/get around other bowlers when it's packed. Sport shot [oil patterns] ain't no joke. Come prepared and don't expect to score too high, lol.

It’s a nice bowling place! Price is good and great for family and friends gathering place! We had a good time here! It’s not that new system but enough for having a good fun time all together! Come and enjoy! Cheers …

It was a lot of fun! They have their own bowling ball store setup inside and you can buy a customizable bowling ball. Or buy one from Amazon lol and get the finger holes done there for about $50...-->I asked lol.

Good food! Filthy bathrooms, very rude and unprofessional employees. One employee seemed to be too intoxicated slur of words and no manners. Had a good time but I feel as though our presence was not appreciated

I went for a birthday party with a large group. It was a decent visit and the only issue we had was that the person who booked the event had to get a refund because they did not accept Groupon on the weekends.

In general the place was OK, we had a good time bowling and we saw very good bowlers around us. However, the computer had a few issues keeping up the score, and the bumpers can't be used for one person only.

All employees here are very courteous, accommodating and helpful. The lanes are clean, well taken care of and the lighting is perfect. I like going there. The directions there on Google map need tweaking!!

As a group of friends doing bowling for the first time in my life. It was so much fun for rolling the bowl. It was heavy when you try to carry it. I want to go here again with my friends

Great experience. The staff could be a bit more knowledgeable but it appeared most of them were new or in training. Aside from that, everything else was great. Will definitely go again.

The ppl where so nice, that treated our so awesome we use a Groupon and they helped us understand how. We where from Saint Louis visiting our grandkids. They made it a great experience

My FAVORITE place to bowl. Literally there multuple times a week. Love the staff!! Great old fashioned bowling... which is exactly what I'm looking for in my bowling alley experience.

Staff is really good. But management HAS TO GO! NOT FRIENDLY. VERY VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. IF THEY ARE GONNA CLOSE EARLIER THAN 2AM, THEN FIX IT. GOT KICKED OUT AN HR BEFORE. SMH SMH

It was fun. The food expensive. I wish u could order outside food. The shoes are cheap and I wish they would let u complete an entire game but I think a game is done by time now.

It was great. Have lot of fun. Clean. The only reason they don't 5 start is because the machine got stuck 3 time and I lost 20 minutes and I didn't got those back. But I'm happy

We had a good time here on Wednesday! Xavier was extra polite and nice and made our experience great! If you decide to come to Emerald Bowling make sure you ask for Xavier!

Great place. Great old school bowling alley. Staff was great helping us out with a last-minute event. Pro shop was awesome. Lanes were good. I'm coming back for sure.

Fun place. Good parking plenty of lanes, they rent by the hour. Bar that is stocked and cost effective. Close at 2 am, checks all the boxes for a good night out

It has good specials for families and big groups. The staff OMG the front desk very nice peoples, the kitchen guy's very funny. Definitely coming back soon.

Inexpensive bowling alley. Pretty busy evey time I've visit. My favorite thing is how organized and clean this location is. Plus they have a friendly staff.

One of the few great bowling allies left in Houston! It's clean, everything is working properly and the staff is awesome. The kids had a great time.

My nephew had his 18th birthday party here. Fun times and very reasonable prices! Party of 6 was only $40. Can't beat that! Come play and have fun!

They have pretty good deals sometimes and the place is decent. We’ve been going to this place for a couple of times and we always have had fun.

Very cheap, usually packed because of tournaments. I recommend calling before you go to make sure they are not booked for the day

Awesome place to bowl! Love that pro bowlers are there to give you great tips whenever you go! A very great place to recommend.

The staff here is great and super friendly! I love the updated equipment. Everything is well kept up with. Great place to bowl!

I haven't bowled in years, and the woman in the shop was extremely helpful with my ball that didn't fit my thumb anymore.

Only bowling place in Houston that still feels like it used to when I was younger. Fair prices and friendly service.

The space is amazing, the food is good and the people are friendly. We'll definitely use it again for our event.

Great place for family time. Food was convenient and good for our large group. The employees were helpful.

The bowling was cool the drinks though if you want a good drink get an extra shot otherwise it's kool-aid

This is one of my favorite bowling centers in Houston. Love the staff there and the food is exceptional.

Good food, great drinks, awesome atmosphere!!! Took my son here for his 15th bday, staff was amazing!!!

This place is a true bowling alley It was great fun. They have food, drinks, and a little shop. …

This is a great location for an event. The staff is very welcoming and everything is very up to date.

Good place to take kids. No wait, reasonable prices, ok food. Lots of fun. 3 1/2 year old loved it.

The lanes were very dry Thursday but much better Friday and Saturday. The employees were engaged.

We enjoyed this place! My Neff U and his new bride took me.. We enjoyed food and drinks as well.

My family and I enjoy our family time spent there every time we go. Burger and drinks are great.

Decent place to bowl. Ample parking and some food is also available. $17 per person an hour.

The older guy at the front desk was very courteous and professional. Always wants to help.

Clean, well priced, fun. Only negative is they do not have ball ramps for small children.

My family and I had a good time. We bowled, we laughed, we ate. Good times. Good times.

Summer bowling program for kids is great! Front desk person is very helpful and polite

Very fun place to bowl, staff exceptionally friendly, and atmosphere is Great.

This is our favorite bowling alley. The fries are great with the seasoning

Great time with family and friends. Service was good and food was better.

Very fun experience definitely would come again. Great customer service.

Excellent customer service. Clean bowling alley. Great for groups.

I had a good time me & my son first time here I will be back soon

Can't beat the price to bowl in the area. Well maintained lanes.

Nice 40 lane bowling alley. Staff is friendly and helpful.

We celebrated my brother in-law birthday here had blast

The staff was very helpful. Great place for family fun.

We had a blast at the Pro Am hosted by Emerald Bowl!!!

This was a fun place , could be cleaner but still fun

Good clean family fun . The music should be louder.

Horrible customer service and fix that broken phone

Excellent! 2 hours with shoes for two - $30.31

Affordable family fun and Friendly service!!

Fun experience for the price food is good

Great place! Cheap drinks!

Great place