This place was cool. Elevator or stairs gets you access to a renovated 2nd floor bowling alley. 8 lanes available and you keep score. Can reserve lanes online and $25-$35 an hour. Limited balls available and all shoes are Velcro. Oblong bar in bar area with bar seating as well as booths and a couple couches. Booths are not fat friendly. Very narrow area between table and bench. Bar chairs are attached to floor so may be hard to access but aren't extremely close to bar. 4 non gendered accessible one person bathrooms available. Soap may be hard to reach from wheelchair and paper towels located far from sink and may also be hard to access from chair. Amazing selection of alcohol and many beers and spirits for under $7. Great staff who really took the time to help and chat. Pretzels/candy bowls at bar. Can order in food with ordering app of choice if you want. Steps from elevator to bowling area may make it hard to access if using mobility devices.

Avondale Bowl is one of the most beautiful, unique bowling alleys in Chicago - and I had the pleasure of stopping by here on a quiet Sunday to bowl one of the best games of my life (Was it the amazing vibe? The tasty beverages? Possibly!). I also love that they took a historical alley from decades ago and brought it back to life in such a fun way. They don't have food but you CAN bring in delicious gourmet Taco Bell from one block away (or whatever else you fancy eating) ... so I consider that a huge win over being forced to eat some sad cardboard pizza or a hot dog like you'd get at a standard alley. Jeff was so incredibly helpful in planning an event for me - I would happily return with a large group anytime!

I fell in love with this place as soon as I walked in the door! Looking at the set up my eyes lit up and I could do nothing more but smile. I'm quite the bowling nerd and love the sport to death. To see a establishment that maintain the lanes and actually uses a vintage lane machine for the vintage wood lanes I was blown away! Also the drink menu is extensive and they have some really great bourbon selections! Beer selection was awesome as well! I had the frozen white Russian which was very good! I definitely want to thank Missy (manager) Joe (Bartender), for showing me a great time! I definitely will be bringing others to enjoy this amazing gem! Sincerely Cowboy Q

We had our 4 year old's Halloween/bday party here and everything was perfect. Booking with Jeff was a great experience...he was really patient and responsive with all of my questions during that process and then he was very welcoming and supportive on the day of the party. The staff were very chill even with a bunch of crazy toddlers running the joint which I am so grateful for. I have to mention that the music was great, too! It was a very magical day. I highly recommend for a private party and I am really looking forward to going back without the kids to let loose with some grown ups!

We came here for a team outing and had an absolute blast! The bar was really cool, awesome beer selection. The bar itself was an old wooden masterpiece. Anne the bartender was fantastic. The lanes were a flash from the past. I got a huge kick out of the ball return that was above ground, idk I just loved it. You keep your own score here which was fun. Can’t wait to come back. We ordered delivery from Vito & Angelo’s, fantastic tavern style pizza.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Veeeeery cool spot! I love kids, but the 21+ rule here really allows you to have fun and imbibe without worrying about kids running around. It's very small, and a little pricey, but well worth it. The bar is great! We dropped by 3 times now, 2 of those just to grab a drink in an environment that was not our house or a loud bar. It is cheaper on weekdays, so take some time to reserve a lane online (or walkin to see if there were cancellations) and enjoy a drink in a cool fun environment.

What a great addition to the neighborhood! Our whole family came together--my wife and I along with our three teens--and everyone had a blast. Amazing cocktails for the adults and fun off-brand sodas for the kids, served up by super friendly staff. The beautifully restored 50's pinsetters and ball returns had a few hiccups, but the manager credited our by-the-half-hour billing for the minor delays. We can't wait to come back, both with the kids and with our friends.

The bowling area is very cute, great color scheme and vintage vibe. You do all the scoring by hand as well. The seating is pretty comfortable if you don't have too many people (we brought 10 people for two lanes, which got a bit cramped). The drinks are good, but the bar is not the place you would probably want to be. They don't really have food, just candy and small bags of chips, which was a bit disappointing.

So much fun! The staff were helpful and prompt, cocktails were great, and the bowling alley is fantastic. It's very, very old school and you have to manually fill out score cards and figure out your points. Prices were very reasonable and it's absolutely something you should do if you're in the area.
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Avondale Bowl is one of my fave spots in the city. If you don't know how to keep score whilst bowling... download an app. In addition to being a throwback they have an incredible whiskey list and they're prices are VERY reasonable. Some of the best in the city for a generous pour. So grab a pitcher of Hamm's and a shot of your fave brown liquor and bowl here. It's really fun.

Single Handedly the nicest bowling alley I've ever been to. It's upgraded retro without loosing the feel of it. The drink specials and the bar also make it the best bar in Avondale. So on some level you can think of it as a bowling spit with a killer bar or a bar with the best bowling spot in the city. Also the staff was so freaking approachable and were super kind. So 10/10

This place is for 21+ only. Really cute place, mostly for esthetics type bowling, the lanes were not well oiled but if you aren't a regular bowler then this detail isn't important. I still love it and really love the staff here. It's not overly crowded but still feels lively which is a great balance.
Price per person
$30–50
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

had a really great time here for date night! making reservations was easy, shoe rentals were cheap, space is super cute retro vibe, bar is stocked (wish there was maybe popcorn/ other food and perhaps and water station). be prepared to be in close quarters with others on a busy evening as the space is pretty tight! everyone was fantastic about mask wearing!!

It’s a low key cool place if you don’t like crowds this is it!! They don’t serve but you can bring your own which is actually pretty nice.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking options
Paid street parking
Kid-friendliness
You can bring kids.
Wheelchair accessibility
They have an elevator.

Great design and decor in this intimate, upstairs bowling alley. It has been lovingly restored with original Brunswick equipment and finishes. Wonderful, supremely helpful staff. Friendly, talented bartenders. Fun hand scoring sheets designed by a local artist and printed locally are a cool keepsake of a fun evening out. My new go-to bowling spot.

Such an amazing time for our group! Drinks were absolutely scrumptious, music was bumpin and the atmosphere was so fun. Note that you need a vaccination card to enter and are made to wear masks while bowling, but this wasn’t a problem for our group. I can’t wait to come back with more friends and introduce them to this fun place!

Damn this place is cool. Also very down-to-earth. Get some drinks, buy some bowling socks, and roll some balls. Everyone there is having a good time and it’s easy to see why - it’s a fun place to be and the theme is on point. Wish I’d learned about this little gem earlier!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great retro bowling alley with a "home feel." However, only a few lanes offered & no food. It's mostly a young adults hangout bar with bowling ... nor exactly a family environment (plus its a hour or so wait for an open lane). Still, we had a good time, very friendly personnel & friendly locals bowling. …

Pretty terrible lanes. Cool place to go throw a ball down some wood, but this isn't bowling. The lanes are in terrible condition, are not oiled properly, and aren't even level; I guess if you want to throw some plastic down stretches of wood this is the place to go, but if you want to bowl go elsewhere

A hidden gem in the neighborhood. From the outside you don’t know what to expect, once you walk in it’s like you’re transported through time. The bowling lanes and bar have the coolest retro vibes. It was lively but not over crowded and you can bring your own food. Found a new local hangout.

So glad this awesome west Avondale neighborhood place is finally open! Located at Milwaukee and Hamlin (1 block SE of Milwaukee and Belmont), 8 lanes, great bar, excellent cocktails, simple yet elegant mid century modern vibe. No food yet. We are told leagues may start sime time in Feb 2020.

AMAZING cocktails and it might have the most beautiful interior of all the spots in Avondale - the green bowling lanes were featured on Accidentally Wes Anderson, so if that is your aesthetic, then this will be the place for you. Looking forward to visiting again when it's safe to do so.

This place was so fun and a hidden gem in the Avondale neighborhood. I would have never guessed this was here if not for a friend. Has a 50s 60s vibe but new with a bar too with great service. Drinks make the time go fast while you wait for a lane. Will come back again.

Was looking forward to coming here, but it requires a vaccination to enter. While yes, the business owner can choose to do whatever they like, I feel like regardless if you are vaccinated or not, it creates the wrong environment. Wish I could come, but can't.

Perfect place for a date night or an outing with friends. They were able to squeeze us in when we showed up, but I'd recommend making a reservation because it filled up quick! Great music, great drinks, great bowling.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Okay, the restoration of this place is massive and true to tradition, with an updated atmosphere. Whoever did this paid painstaking attention to detail and created an icon in Chicago. I'm very happy. This place is amazing. You need to come here. Agent K

Boutique bowling alley with eight lanes, retro vibe, and a great bar. Manual scoring makes you actually think about the game and taught me a lot about bowling strategy! Turns out knocking all the pins down is a good way to win...
Atmosphere: 5

Love the vibe of this place, so old school. Feels like you’re stepping back in time when you walk in. I went on a weekend and they had a DJ spinning vinyl and they were killing it! Had to drink old style and cheap whiskey all night cuz, when in Rome…

Visiting from another country and thought this place looked so cool! Unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to check it out. Hopefully you either see this review or happen to carry your vaccination card with you or you will not be able to enter.

Great vibe! Old school bowling alley with strict Covid rules (must show vaccination card & ID) which i appreciate. They clean each ball after the party is done. Another small thing i like is the shoes are velcro which is easy to slip on and off!

Clean, classic bowling alley. Staff has pride in the sport and facilities. Don’t be late or call in advance if you are, or you will get a mouthful. Usually pretty busy. Good experience overall.
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

What a fun spot! We love the throwback/vintage vibes. It’s a great spot for a hang (good bar selection—really loved the Bunny and Something & Tonic). We made reservations for a birthday and everyone was super accommodating. Thanks!

Bowled over by the retro vibes! The bartenders mix drinks with a flair that would make The Dude proud. Speaking of, their frozen White Russians? Total strike! Roll in for the vintage feels and stay for the chilled sips! …

Adorable retro bowl. Great atmosphere, music and bar! While they don’t serve food, you can bring in your own. Friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommend!
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I don’t understand the high reviews. This place sucks unless you’re nostalgic for the 60s. The lanes are old and poorly maintained, there is barely any space to hang out by the lanes and you have to keep the scores yourself.

Fun place for a few games and a drink. I would definitely go to the bar just for a drink. The lanes weren't oiled at all, so it took a bit to get used to. Won't become my main bowling spot, but a great place to hang out.

Super chill vibe, awesome staff, BYO food, and family friendly during the day. We booked a lane for 11am for two kids and four adults and an hour was just enough time. Can’t wait to go back with friends at night.

Awesome intimate bowling alley! Vintage vibes! Take your dad or your date! Great local bar options! Will definitely be reserving another lane soon! Tuesday is half off pitchers, and it's worth every penny!

If Wes Anderson had a bowling alley in a movie, this would be it. But it's not just awesome looking, the cocktails are amazing, the lanes work great and (re)learning how to score your own game is also fun.

Such a cute place with a great bar! Highly recommend the house shoot (when we went was Rittenhouse rye and averna amaro) and the half price white Russian on Thursday night was a sick drink and deal.

What an amazing place! Really feels like a step back in time. They have a beautiful bar with great craft beer and cocktails. But don’t drink too many because, while bowling, you keep score by hand!

Was very excited to check this place out after being given a very big recommendation. Made it in the front door before being denied entry for not having vax card. Very sad to see this.

I had a private party at Avondale Bowl. Everything was great and all my friends had a great time. Setting up the reservation was easy and the staff was all very friendly and helpful.

Great bar and vibe. Nice staff. I'm not sure about the lane oil quality but overall still a great date night.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Absolutely amazing. Gorgeous space. Delicious cocktails, and amazing service. 10/10 would recomend to anyone and everyone who loves good drinks and a beautiful bowling alley.

My family and I love this place. The retro vibe and the overall experience is awesome. The drinks are on point and so is the service. Jeff was an excellent host.

Awesome time here, great drinks/bar and a really cool retro bowling experience. The design of the space is really well done, glad to have it in the neighborhood!

Had a blast on date night with drinks and bowling! We somehow ended up with a lane that kept getting stuck, but we’re excited to go back! (On a different lane!)

Amazing vibes, adorable merch, beautifully restored. The screen printed score cards are also a highlight for me. We always have the best time at Avondale bowl!

This place just re-opened and has a great vibe. It sort of feels like you stepped back in time, but in a good way. Awesome beer selection and music choices.

Staff very friendly and helpful. Drink selection good, facility very clean and great care was taken with distancing and sanitizing. Definitely would return!

This is a very cool place. I felt like I was in a movie. My two friends and I walked in without a reservation and the staff were accommodating and helpful.

Had a great time! Definitely give this place a try for a unique bowling experience. You also get to test your math skills since you keep score by hand!

First time here and had a great time. Great, old school feel. Super clean.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing staff! Had our daughters baby shower here. Fun, retro, funky atmosphere. Very clean !! Great music, ample beer and cocktail selection.

Had a lot of fun here! Got busy fast. Good beer selection - they offer pitchers! Aesthetics are awesome - absolutely worth a wait to enjoy.

Old School lanes, ripped from the past. Very Cool. Nice bar too,,,
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We had a lot of fun and I really liked the feel of the place.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Love it! We were shown the best time ever, we had an employee bonding day. So much fun was had by all and the music was amazing.

This is an awesome bowling alley. Second floor bowling with windows creates a much better vibe than the average bowling alley.

We love this place! Great decor, fun bar, and always busy on the weekends. Highly recommend for a birthday or special event!

Retro lanes, great people working, and a wonderful bar I just love it. Bring in your own food and enjoy drinks and bowling.

Where Classic and Hip vibes collide
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This place is a gem. Love the vintage feel, hand scoring, and frozen white Russians. Awesome experience, will go back!

This place is so fun. I absolutely love the vibe. Great drink deals. The staff is wonderful. Go bowl here, ya turkey!

Great lanes. Paper scorecards. Awesome aesthetic of the entire place, even down to the glassware. Highly recommend.

Awesome new spot for bowling. Grab some friends, get your drinks, and spend a couple hours at these fun new lanes.

Drinks, staff and vibes are there. would be perfect if the lanes were oiled and leveled- very poor quality lanes

Excellent atmosphere, good drinks. Parking can be a pain. Make sure your bowling partners keep score correctly

Great place, friendly staff. I wish water was more accessible as I prefer not to bother a bartender for that.

First visit tonight - great atmosphere, good bowling experience, good selection from the bar. Come visit!

My spot. Low key - good beer selection and a solid staff that are real down-to-earth people. Recommend.

Fun, awesome place to visit with friendly staff. Highly recommend. We all had a great time.

I love to bowl these lanes are tricky but fair bring your A game or face the gutter …

Amazing place to bowl, great drinks, very old school retro in a good way. Love the vibe.

Wicked nice place! Beautiful interior and incredible staff makes this place fantastic!!!

Fun place to bowl and have drinks! Cocktails were great.
Price per person
$10–20

Awesome spot with a rustic oldies vibes. Great cocktails and a fun bowling atmosphere.

Cool retro vibes. White Russians. Great bar and music. What more could you ask for?

Fun times! Do ten frames and then continue the party at the cool bar in the back.

This was busy but had chill vibes, check out their cocktails, surprisingly good.

Awesome spot, this is what bowling is all about. The bar is great. …

If you're trying to pin down what to do with your night, look no further.

Really cool space. Good drinks. Great place to work on your addition.

A fun place for a night out, and the Pale Fire cocktail is wonderful.

Very cool bowling alley with an awesome bar. 100% worth checking out.

Great staff at the bar and amazing drinks! Very accommodating …

Awesome story on how this place cadefinitely going back! going back!

Awesome place to have a good time great drinks excellent retro feel

Very fun time bowling @ Avondale Bowl! Would definitely recommend!

Great place to bowl with family and friends. It's cozy and fun.

Super cute and retro. Awesome full bar and great for parties!

Such a cute spot! Hosted a charity event and it was perfect.

Super dope place, reasonable prices, strong recommend.

It's fantastic! Great music, bowling and drinks

Cute gem with good drinks and nice atmosphere

Good cocktails and drinks, and solid bowling

Staff was very attentive and knowledgeable!

Amazing experience. Can’t wait to return.

By far the best bowling alley in Chicago.