Bowling Alleys
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Bowling Alleys

4.5
·1k reviews·Los Angeles, United States

LA's oldest bowling alley, restored to its 1927 prohibition-era glory. Enjoy vintage lanes, craft cocktails, and delicious food.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Bowling Alleys

Bowling Alleys

Best Time

Weekday Evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

LA's oldest bowling alley, restored to its 1927 prohibition-era glory. Enjoy vintage lanes, craft cocktails, and delicious food.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Highly recommended to come check out this vintage bowling alley!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Lanes Ahead

Popular spot, especially weekends! Reserve your lane online to avoid disappointment.

🚗 Parking Tips

Look for parking in the lot behind the venue; street parking can be competitive.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Bowling Lanes

Historic Bowling Lanes

Main Bowling Area

Roll strikes and spares on lanes that have seen decades of history. The vintage charm is palpable.

TikTok
Craft Cocktails & Bites

Craft Cocktails & Bites

Bar and Dining Area

Savor expertly mixed drinks and delicious food, from pizzas to salads, in a lively setting.

TikTok
Prohibition-Era Ambiance

Prohibition-Era Ambiance

Throughout the Venue

Step back in time with the beautifully restored interior, offering a unique retro atmosphere.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Lane in Advance

Highland Park Bowl is a popular spot, especially on weekends. Booking your bowling lane ahead of time is highly recommended to avoid long waits and ensure you get to enjoy the vintage atmosphere and games. TikTok

Embrace the Vintage Vibe

This is LA's oldest bowling alley, meticulously restored to its 1927 glory. Expect a retro ambiance, craft cocktails, and delicious food. It's more than just bowling; it's an experience. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday Evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday Evenings
Why
Good for groups, still lively
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend Afternoons
Why
Family-friendly before late crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the oldest bowling alley in los angeles 🎳 Highland Park Bowl #highlandpark #bowling #thingstodoinla #lahiddengems #losangeleslife #lahistory #highlandparkbowl
@somewherewithsyd
6.1K likes • 90K views

🎯 Book Lanes Ahead

Popular spot, especially weekends! Reserve your lane online to avoid disappointment. TikTok

🚗 Parking Tips

Look for parking in the lot behind the venue; street parking can be competitive. Reddit

December energy is starting to hit 🎳🎄 Highland Park Bowl is cozy, lively, and ready for the season ⛄️ 📍 5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA ⏰M-F 5pm- 12am Sat- 12pm-2am Sun- 12pm-12am #fyp #bowling #christmas #losangeles #trending
@highlandpark.bowl
1.8K likes • 27K views
Highland Park Bowl is a great place to visit with your friends! #highlandpark #highlandparkbowl #historical #lanightlife #bars #barsinla #losangeles #losangelesbars
@lanightly
48 likes • 5K views

💰 Hourly Lane Pricing

Be aware lanes are priced hourly, which some find a bit steep, but it helps manage flow. Reddit

🥨 Delicious Appetizers

The giant pretzel with cheese sauce is a must-try while you wait for your lane! Reddit

coolest bowling alley in LA and the food was so good #la #losangeles #highlandparkbowl #thingstodo #birthday #family #bar
@jacquelinemehdi
53.6K likes • 327.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Lanes Ahead

Popular spot, especially weekends! Reserve your lane online to avoid disappointment. TikTok

🚗 Parking Tips

Look for parking in the lot behind the venue; street parking can be competitive. Reddit

💰 Hourly Lane Pricing

Be aware lanes are priced hourly, which some find a bit steep, but it helps manage flow. Reddit

🥨 Delicious Appetizers

The giant pretzel with cheese sauce is a must-try while you wait for your lane! Reddit

🍸 Great Date Night Spot

Perfect for a fun and unique date night with its retro vibe and lively atmosphere. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Highland Park Bowl for its incredible vintage atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food and drinks. The historic charm and unique setting make it a standout destination. Some find the hourly lane pricing a bit high, and the lanes themselves show their age, but this is often viewed as part of the authentic charm.

"Wonderful time bowling with my friends this past weekend!! Service is phenomenal!! The workers are so kind ands friendly makes the experience all that much better!! Love the vintage vibes of the alley. Drinks are delicious. So is the food! Overall a great experience!! Highly recommended to come check out this vintage bowling alley!"

Simchelin Guide

"Originally opened in 1927 Highland Park Bowl is Los Angeles‘s longest operating bowling alley. The 1933 Group did a great job with the restoration and inside really looks like prohibition era which truly adds to the scenery and experience. Inside is pretty large with many different areas specializing in different things. Upstairs are the bathrooms, the first room to the right when you enter is the billiards room, if you go straight you will enter the bar and eating area, and if you continue to go forward you’ll find the bowling lanes.

We arrived as a party of 4 for Sunday night bowling at 7PM on Labor Day weekend. Luckily when we arrived, we found a free parking spot in the lot behind HPB and when we entered we were told it would be about 25 minutes for a lane to open up. It ended up being a little bit over 35 minutes, but we had some drinks and a giant pretzel while waiting for our lane. The pretzel was honestly really good and the cheese sauce with it was a real hit. After about 30 minutes, our lane was ready and we headed down. Each lane comes with a couch and an area to put your shoes and bags. We had a great round and finished in about 45 minutes, but you have a full hour.

Overall, it was a really fun experience and I would recommend to anyone searching for a great time. I would not recommend it for kids because there is an open bar and it can get quite lively in the evenings, but it would be a great place to spend some time with a date, friends, or family."

Zan Lee

"Such an amazing atmosphere. Great staff. Delicious food & excellent drinks.

Lanes and balls have seen better days but ... that's part of the charm? Sure."

Jacob Patrick

What People Like

Amazing vintage atmosphere
Friendly and kind staff
Delicious food and drinks

What People Dislike

Hourly lane pricing
Lanes show age

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Highland Park Bowl is located at 5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA. It's accessible by car, and ride-sharing services are a convenient option. Public transportation is also available in the area. TikTok

Yes, there is a parking lot behind the venue. Street parking can be challenging, so arriving early or using the dedicated lot is advised. Reddit

Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for easy drop-off and pick-up. Driving and finding street parking is also an option, but can be competitive. TikTok

Yes, several bus lines serve the Figueroa Street area, making public transport a viable option for reaching Highland Park Bowl. Check local transit schedules for routes and times. TikTok

To secure a spot in the parking lot, it's best to arrive earlier in the evening, especially on weekends. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Bowling is typically priced by the hour per lane, not per person. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead for current rates. Some Reddit users noted it can be around $30ish per hour. TikTokReddit

It is highly recommended to book your bowling lanes in advance, especially for weekend visits or larger groups, as it's a popular spot and lanes can fill up quickly. TikTok

Highland Park Bowl generally opens at 5 PM on weekdays and 12 PM on weekends. Closing times vary, typically around midnight on weekdays and later on weekends. Always check their official hours before visiting. TikTok+1

Walk-ins are sometimes possible, but there might be a wait, especially during peak hours. Booking ahead guarantees your spot. Reddit

While specific deals aren't always advertised, checking their social media or website periodically might reveal special offers. Group bookings might also offer different rates. Reddit

🎫 🎳 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is a major draw, featuring a beautifully restored 1927 prohibition-era vibe with vintage decor, lively music, and a generally energetic crowd. TikTok+1

Absolutely! It's frequently recommended as a perfect date night spot due to its unique ambiance, fun activity, and great food and drinks. TikTok+1

While it's a great place for families, it's noted that it might not be ideal for very young children in the evenings due to the open bar and lively atmosphere. However, daytime visits can be more family-friendly. Reddit

They serve a variety of delicious food, including pizzas, salads, and seasonal fare. The giant pretzel is a popular appetizer. TikTokReddit

Yes, Highland Park Bowl often features live music, adding to the vibrant and entertaining atmosphere. Check their schedule for upcoming performances. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Highland Park Bowl offers a menu featuring pizzas, salads, and other seasonal dishes. They are known for their craft cocktails and good energy. TikTok

Reviews consistently praise the food, with many highlighting the delicious pizzas and appetizers like the giant pretzel. TikTokReddit

They serve a wide selection of craft cocktails, beer, and other beverages to complement your bowling experience. TikTok

Yes, food and drinks can be ordered and enjoyed at your lane while you play, making it a convenient way to dine and play. Reddit

While specific options aren't detailed, their menu typically includes salads and pizzas which often have vegetarian choices. It's best to inquire directly about vegan options. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The entire venue is photogenic! Capture the vintage bowling lanes, the retro bar area, and the unique architectural details for stunning shots. TikTok+1

Yes, personal photography is generally allowed. However, be mindful of other guests and avoid using flash photography that might disrupt games or performances. TikTok

Absolutely! The restored prohibition-era decor and historic bowling lanes are prime subjects for photography, showcasing the venue's unique charm. TikTok+1

For professional shoots or extensive filming, it's advisable to contact Highland Park Bowl in advance to arrange permissions and discuss any potential fees or guidelines. TikTok

The venue has a mix of ambient and accent lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that's great for photos, especially in the evening. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Highland Park Bowl offers a fun and unique experience for families. During the day and early evenings, it's a great spot for kids to enjoy bowling in a historic setting. The vintage atmosphere can be quite engaging for younger visitors. TikTok

While the venue has an open bar and can get lively in the later evening, daytime visits are generally more family-friendly. It's a fantastic alternative to typical arcades, offering a chance for active fun and memorable moments. Just be mindful of the hourly lane pricing, which might influence how many games you play. Reddit

👫 Couples & Date Nights

This is frequently cited as an ideal date night destination. The combination of retro charm, fun bowling activity, delicious food, and craft cocktails creates a perfect recipe for a memorable evening. TikTok+1

The intimate setting of the bowling lanes, coupled with the lively bar and dining area, allows for both active fun and relaxed conversation. It's a unique way to break the ice and create shared experiences, making it a top recommendation for couples looking for something different. TikTok

🎉 Group Outings & Celebrations

Highland Park Bowl is an excellent choice for group outings, birthday parties, or celebrations. The availability of private lanes and the lively atmosphere make it a fantastic venue for social gatherings. TikTok+1

Booking a lane for a group ensures everyone can participate in the fun. The option to order food and drinks directly to your lane adds to the convenience, allowing your group to focus on enjoying the games and each other's company. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Restoration of Highland Park Bowl

Highland Park Bowl holds the distinction of being Los Angeles's oldest operating bowling alley, originally opening its doors in 1927. It has a rich history, surviving through various eras, including the Prohibition period. The venue underwent a significant restoration by the 1933 Group, a company known for revitalizing historic Los Angeles buildings. This restoration meticulously preserved the original architectural details and the prohibition-era aesthetic, transporting visitors back in time. TikTok+1

The result is a space that feels both historic and vibrantly alive. From the moment you step inside, you're immersed in a retro ambiance, with vintage decor, classic bowling lanes, and a lively atmosphere. This commitment to historical accuracy and atmosphere is a key part of its appeal, making it more than just a place to bowl, but a destination for experiencing a piece of LA's past. TikTok

This dedication to preservation has earned Highland Park Bowl recognition and praise, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. It stands as a testament to the charm of old-school entertainment venues and the importance of maintaining historical landmarks. TikTok

Experiencing Bowling at Highland Park Bowl

Bowling at Highland Park Bowl is a unique experience that blends classic fun with a stylish setting. The lanes themselves are a significant part of the charm, having been maintained and restored to offer a genuine retro bowling experience. Each lane area is equipped with seating, providing a comfortable spot to relax between turns and enjoy the company. Reddit

While the lanes are historic, some reviews mention they've 'seen better days,' which is often seen as part of the venue's authentic charm rather than a detractor. The pricing is typically hourly per lane, which some visitors find a bit unusual compared to per-game pricing, but it helps manage the flow of guests. Reddit

Beyond the bowling itself, the venue offers a full bar and dining service directly to your lane. This means you can enjoy craft cocktails and delicious food without ever leaving your spot, enhancing the overall convenience and enjoyment of your bowling session. TikTok+1

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

Highland Park Bowl is celebrated not only for its bowling but also for its exceptional food and craft cocktail offerings. The menu features a range of delicious options, from pizzas and salads to seasonal fare, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. Many visitors rave about the quality and taste of the food, making it a culinary destination in its own right. TikTok+1

The bar is equally impressive, serving up expertly mixed craft cocktails that perfectly complement the vintage atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a classic drink or something more adventurous, the bartenders are skilled at creating memorable beverages. The lively energy of the bar area adds to the overall vibrant ambiance of the venue. TikTok

Combined, the historic bowling lanes, the delicious food and drinks, and the overall retro ambiance create a truly immersive and enjoyable experience. It's a place where you can have fun, socialize, and savor great flavors, all within a uniquely charming setting. TikTok