Skyway Lanes, the city’s last Black-owned bowling alley, closes permanently April 26. In operation since the 1950s, it was one of the South Side’s few remaining bowling alleys as the sport struggles across Chicago.
Southport Lanes shut down after 98 years following the pandemic. More recently, Pinstripes filed for bankruptcy and closed its city site. My teenage haunt, Lincoln Lanes, burned down years ago …
There are just about a dozen bowling alleys left in Chicago. Lucky for us, though, they’re as fun as ever.
Cosmic bowling at Waveland always looks chic. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)
Classic Bowling Alleys
- 🎳 Timber Lanes in North Center was recently purchased by a loyal bowler to continue its no-frills legacy.
- 🎳 Fireside Bowl in Logan Square — call in advance since there are lots of leagues. You can also form your own!
- 🎳 Lawn Bowl in West Lawn is an old-school joint with a Sunday Special for big groups.
- 🎳 Chicago keeps losing cool neon signs, but Diversey River Bowl in Bucktown still has one of the best.
- 🎳 Avondale Bowl may look old, but the manual-scoring spot is a fairly new addition to the trendy neighborhood.
- 🎳 Monday night Cosmic Bowl at Waveland Bowl in North Center is where it’s at. And if you’re at nearby businesses, keep on the lookout for those free coupons!
- 🎳 Habetler Bowl in Jefferson Park has been a North Side birthday destination for over 50 years.
- 🎳 Circle Lanes in Forest Park is, yes, technically suburban, but it’s been a local staple since 1941.
- 🎳 10Pin is located inside Marina City in River North, carrying on the long tradition of bowling within the famous complex.
Other Entertainment Centers
- 🎳 Seven Ten Social in Hyde Park boasts a cocktail bar and popular pool tables in addition to eight bowling lanes.
- 🎳 MLK Roller Skating and Bowling Center in Auburn Gresham has 12 bowling lanes in addition to its famous skating rink.
- 🎳 Lucky Strike in River North and Wrigleyville. A free open house (with cheap drinks) for Wrigley’s summer league is coming up.
- 🎳Punch Bowl Social in West Loop is a massive “playpen” that includes bowling lanes.
- 🎳 WhirlyBall in Bucktown is more known for, well, WhirlyBall, but the event space has several bowling lanes.
- 🎳 King’s in Goose Island, part of a national chain, apparently has great pizza and wings.
Strike on, Chicago!
