Best Bowling Alleys around St. Louis, MO

Bowling is a beloved activity that’s a blast for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for an out-of-the-box spot for your next date night or a retro spot where your little ones can practice their skills, the St. Louis area is full of bowling alleys large and small. AutoCenters Nissan rounded up four of our favorites to make it a little easier to plan your next weekend outing near Herculaneum, Missouri.

Crestwood Bowl

person playing bowling by jorikklean is licensed with Unsplash License

Located just 25 minutes from Herculaneum is Crestwood Bowl, a reliable neighborhood attraction with the iconic 1990s decor you expect from a beloved bowling alley. The alley is just off Route 66, so it welcomes the occasional road tripper, but it rarely attracts too large a crowd. Quaint and spacious with 24 lanes, it’s typically easy to get a lane here. You can call ahead of time to ask about lane availability.

If you’re out with adults, you can take advantage of Crestwood Bowl’s charming sports bar, which serves your favorite beers and cocktails from the full bar. If you’re with little ones, you can still sit down and enjoy a snack, meal, or ice-cold beverage. The snack bar offers the American classics you crave when you step into a bowling alley, like burgers, nachos, popcorn, and soda.

You can find Crestwood Bowl at 9822 Watson Road in Crestwood. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday. If you come late on a weekend night, expect Rock N Bowl, the dark, neon-lit nighttime bowling experience.

Tropicana Lanes

If you’re looking for a simple neighborhood bowling alley with just a touch of nostalgia, Tropicana Lanes is your destination. This massive complex has 52 lanes, so you can always commandeer one. You’ll find a healthy mix of young people, families, and parties here, so it’s a great place to mingle with other St. Louis-area residents. Tropicana Lanes is also a fitting option if you want a night out without breaking the budget, as the alley has weeknight specials where you can bowl at discounted rates.

If you’re out with friends, stop by Paradise Lounge, the bowling alley’s in-house bar. Locals rave about the delicious drinks that offer plenty of value for the price. There’s also a full food menu filled with bar bites and weekend favorites, like mozzarella sticks, toasted ravioli, burgers, pizza, and wraps. If you’re looking for a family-style dish to snack on between rolls, you can split a classic thin-crust pizza with your party or grab a pound of wings to share.

A neighborhood institution, the staff is full of friendly faces locals know and trust. Tropicana Lanes is at 7960 Clayton Road in Richmond Heights. It’;s open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Saratoga Lanes

Maybe you’re craving premium nostalgia. If you’re looking for a bowling alley that feels preserved from a simpler time, look no further than Saratoga Lanes. This cozy, no-frills spot blends the best of a retro bowling alley with the best of a dive bar. The result is a funky, historic hangout with plenty of vintage charm. Saratoga Lanes has been a St. Louis staple since 1916. It served as a gathering place for the working class for decades, then later hosted a series of professional bowling tournaments.

Nowadays, it’s a casual place to play a game like the old days, with manual scoring and cheap drinks. You can find heavily discounted rates on quiet nights, so plan a weekday visit if you’re looking for an inexpensive activity with friends or family. You can also play a round of pool or enjoy a snack from a vending machine here. There are only eight lanes, so you might have to wait before you can snag one. Fortunately, there’s usually a friendly crowd of locals around to keep you company.

Walk-ins are usually welcome, but Saratoga Lanes hosts its fair share of private parties. To be safe, give the alley a call before heading in to make sure there are lanes available for open play. Saratoga Lanes is on the second floor at 2725 Sutton Blvd. in Maplewood. It’s open from noon to 1 a.m. the next morning from Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. the next morning on Saturday, and 2 p.m. to midnight on Sunday.

Flamingo Bowl

When you and your friends want a night out without the little ones, head to Flamingo Bowl. This trendy downtown St. Louis hot spot is half bowling alley and half cocktail lounge, so it’s a lively spot for a game night fit for grownups. There are 8 public lanes, each outfitted with high-tech screens and lighting. To ensure you get a lane, make a reservation 48 hours in advance. The full bar is home to a menu of clever bartender-designed original drinks, along with classic favorites. Food options include:

• Toasted ravioli.
• Nachos.
• Quesadillas.
• Pulled pork sandwiches.
• Burgers.
• Pizzas.

Kids are welcome before 8 p.m. with adult supervision, so if you want a family-friendly outing, plan an earlier visit to Flamingo Bowl. After 7 p.m., Flamingo Bowl becomes a 21-and-up establishment. You can find this high-traffic hangout at 1117 Washington Ave. in downtown St. Louis. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. with bowling lanes closing at midnight. Weekend hours run Friday to Sunday from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. with bowling lanes closing at 1:30 a.m.

That concludes AutoCenters Nissan’s list of favorite bowling alleys in the St. Louis area. Did we leave off your favorite place to roll strikes, gutter balls, and everything in between? Send us a message to recommend your favorite neighborhood bowling alley. If you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle to transport your bowling squad to the best lanes in town, visit our Herculaneum dealership. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you find a safe, affordable new or used vehicle you can trust.