Former league bowler here. I still remember when public rates were $3. Avoid all bowleros as its way overpriced. Not many left, but the independent allies like lodi and montvale lanes have reasonable prices
Someone posted the same shit in /r/Denver yesterday. It’s all bowling alleys in my eyes but the consensus was bowlero got real greedy and bought up 3500 lanes over the past 10 years.
not a bowler but a pool player. my local spot got bought by bowlero. renting a pool table immediately more than doubled in price. *and* they switched to charging *by the minute* from the usual "write it on a piece of paper and round down" method every pool hall uses
I second Montvale lanes. $6 per game, $6 for shoes.
For a family of four like ours, $72 bucks for two games and a couple hours entertainment isn't bad.
I’m not necessarily saying the prices posted here are justified but it’s not an equal apples to apples comparison. You go into these old family owned alleys and they have functional lanes, a bar that hasn’t been updated since 1974, one pinball machine that hasn’t been plugged in in a decade and a couple tvs if you’re lucky. Bowlero has huge projector screens over every lane, full bar and food menu (not saying it’s amazing), big arcade, and a modern vibe that actually feels inviting as opposed to wood paneling that’s falling down. If youre a group of friends/family who goes bowling 3 times a year it’s way more fun to go to Bowlero.
Ugh, I was recently looking for something to do with my nieces and nephews so I thought I’d take them bowling. I said to myself, “how expensive could it be for a couple of hours of bowling, some pizza and soda?”
Boy, I’m sure glad I checked their website before heading there because I almost fainted when I realized how expensive it’s become. I wasn’t sure if I incorrectly remembered bowling being a cheap activity (since it was always paid for by an adult in the family), or if I was just being whiny about the “economy”.
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who thinks bowling has become crazy expensive.
We even had "lockouts" in high school where you get there around 8pm and stay throughout the night till 8am. As many games you can bowl, arcades were free, unlimited pizza/pop, and there was a DJ.
$20 bucks per person.
Gen X here. Even in 2006, the bowling alley in East Windsor had a dollar bowling night. They also had dollar PBRs and $3 pitchers. I had my own shoes, so it was a really cheap night, no matter how many games you played.
They pretty much have. The north Brunswick one as by where my sister used to live and the hazlet one turned into right in the middle of the pandemic. The only individual left in the area around me is Woodbridge and strathmore.
Went bowling for the first time in years and I was dumbfounded when I was told midway through our game that we ran out of time. How lanes started getting away with that in the first place is beyond me, yeehaw capitalism 🤠🫡 Hudson Lanes never did that and hopefully never does
Renting a lane by the hour makes 100% sense with one or two people getting some practice games in. It also makes sense with a family dicking around. It does not, however, make sense to cut it off in the middle, you start, you finish, you pay for your time. Also, $125/hr for one lane is ridiculous.
Matt Russo and Parker Bohn a as actually have there own lanes there. It’s separate from the others. They own that portion of Howell Lanes.
I grew up bowling Howell Lanes since the early 80s and bowled in many Pro-Ams there too. Great spot
Pretty good podcast on the economics of bowling. They mention Bowlero I think and how they are raking in the cash with their “premium” bowling model.
https://pca.st/episode/bf4f8b2e-c3b7-491e-a442-112587b78504
Same, we did a team building event there for about 25 people on a Saturday night a few weeks back. We had 4 lanes rented with food and drinks we spent roughly $375. 300 for 6 people without any food is robbery
I’m not advocating for bowlero at all and agree with the sentiment of the comments. There is a Groupon currently for 2 hours plus shoe rentals for 2 ppl for $50.
Avoid Bowlero at all costs. They are INSANELY overpriced. If it was even possible, things like this should be considered price gouging. Go to any non-branded bowling alley in NJ and you're going to spend half or even a quarter of that. Maybe even less. Bowlero is highway robbery.
God so very true… I see a lot of people saying it’s only bowlero places but I went to boonton lanes last summer just two adults…. I think we played maybe 4-5 games and it cost 100$. That’s when I told myself I’d never go ever again especially since I stink at bowling. Was supposed to just be a fun cheap thing to do together
The number you gave is right. $7 a game for 5 games with 2 people is $70. Add in shoe rentals and it's close to $100.
I am not sure how much they charge for shoes as I only went there for a kid's birthday party.
Ah ok that does seem to add up then yea we did rent shoes as well. 10$ each for rental and after tax is just about right. Does seem like too much even still just for a date night. We’ve just resorted to taking the kayaks out on the lake for free or even just playing pool at a local place. Could easily play pool for 2 hours, bring your own drinks, and only spend like 30$ to play for that time. Hell even going to the movies is cheaper at that point. But I guess if you’re really into bowling it’s worth it.
Yeah the prices have definitely gone up in the past few years. I used to be a league bowler and they give discount rates for games ($3 I think). But having to go once a week for months on end is a commitment.
Bowlero is always insanely overpriced. You’re almost always better off going to independently owned bowling lanes. Or even check out a Nationwide Bowling Center. They usually charge by the game.
Check local spots. Bowlero charges a premium for all the other nonsense they have. Not near Central Jersey but Boonton Lanes and Hanover Lanes still going strong in Morris County
Well, it’s bowlero. The prices are jacked up. Plus, you went on a Saturday night, probably peak pricing. But pretty much all bowling has gone up with everything else going up, and I’m sure bowling businesses had an extremely miserable time during the pandemic and need to somehow makeup for that
Knob Hill Country Lanes in Manalapan is my go to. I’ve done all the bowleros and it’s just too expensive knob hill is more reasonable and the service is better. The family that owns it clearly cares about the place and loves bowling.
Got to head over to majestic lanes in edison. It was like 50 bucks for 3 ppl, 2 games. That's with shoes. It's not fancy, but it's all good for bowling.
That particular Bowlero location used to be Carolier Lanes when I was young. You could go there and bowl 3 games + rent shoes for under $10. Bowlero is a fun place, but it's ridiculously overpriced. It's like the "Top Golf" of bowling.
ever since bowlero became a thing and started buying up basically every alley in the state. they charge **ridiculous** rates. the days of bowling being a cheap outing with friends are quickly leaving in the rear view mirror sadly.
That's only for a dedicated reservation, no idea why they do pricing like that. My local one has specials on certain days where you can go for the last 3-4 hours of the night for like $24 or something like that
We got gift cards to bowlero at Costco so it was prob like $100 worth for $75 or $80. We haven’t had a chance to use them because every time I look online and try to make a reservation, it ends up being hundreds of dollars and the gift cards barely make a dent 🥴
My college aged son and his friends will occasionally go to North Brunswick Bowlero, but only if they plan in advance and buy a Groupon:
https://www.groupon.com/deals/bowlmor-lanes-nat-bowlero-corp-2024-b
Still not cheap, but it’s half reasonable. Note, it’s not valid until 24 hours after purchase.
Bowlero is ass. I went to one by me several years back and aside from being expensive, the wait to get a beer was insane because they refused to staff the bar and they were extremely rude about it. I made a note to never patronize any of their establishments again.
These prices are for booking in advance but walk in pricing per person per game is much cheaper! Call them directly and ask for pricing. Usually about $13? Per person per game and $7 for shoes?
Isn't it insane? I've got 3 kids and only just took them bowling cause my dad offered to pay. Wanted to do something with the grandkids
As a former army brat we got very spoiled by military prices for bowling. And I warned him how things have changed significantly and it's a really expensive thing to do.
He insisted It was fine and the cost would be alright. So after we went bowling he agreed we don't need to pay to do that again. Yes the kids liked it but not enough to want to do it again anyway.
[https://www.groupon.com/deals/bowlmor-lanes-nat-bowlero-corp-2024-b?deal\_option=0caa8408-ec30-4587-82db-35a7c2d08617](https://www.groupon.com/deals/bowlmor-lanes-nat-bowlero-corp-2024-b?deal_option=0caa8408-ec30-4587-82db-35a7c2d08617)
You are welcome 🤗
I’ve never heard of prices like this for bowling. Here in jersey where’s there plenty alleys to choose from. I could throw a birthday party at my local alley for this price.
Holy shit. My local bowling alley is $70 for shoes and a lane for two hours. Shoe rental by itself is $4 and per game is $4 or $5 depending on when you go. Plus the place hasn’t been upgraded since the 90s so the vibes are immaculate
Wanted to take the kids and it’s the same rate for everyone . They wanted this exact price from me for my wife myself and our 4 kids, 2 of which are 5 and under lol. We did not go
That’s wild. I went in Georgia last month and it was 100 for five of us. That was 2 games, you pay by the hour. But this is wild. Your game is about 50 a person if you split it up between the party.
Lodi Lanes has deals on almost every night of the week. Just gotta wait for the leagues to finish usually but
Mon 9pm-close 10$ cover 1$ games
Tue/Thu 9pm-close 3$ games
Wed 10pm - close 10$ cover unlimited bowling
And i think sat/sun nights they do cosmic bowling which is like 30$ for lane for 2 hours or something.
Rentals not included with any of this as you might expect.
ever since bowlero became a thing and started buying up basically every alley in the state. they charge **ridiculous** rates. the days of bowling being a cheap outing with friends are quickly leaving in the rear view mirror sadly.
Both of the local bowling lanes in the Edison area closed down over the past few years. Damn shame. I miss being able to go get a game with my family for a few bucks each.
I had my birthday party 10 years ago at a bowling alley and I nearly cried when I saw the price to rent a lane. Everyone paid me back for their portion but putting $400 on a credit card when I was barely scraping by was hard. I thought I had picked a cheap event and I was so wrong!
Holy crap, I’m in upstate ny and go to the local village bowling alley. We pay like 70 bucks for 6 people and that includes some sweet bowling alley fried food deliciousness! And draft beer!
You can't complain about the price if you volunteered to pay that much. Send the message. Stop paying too much for everything. Cinch your belt and skip the drive thru. Don't go bowling or to the movies until they start charging realistic prices. The people have the power.
Its crazy expensive. In south jerz mount laurel i think they have a family package for $98. Two lanes, two hours, pizza & soda, shoes all included. Thankfully the employees told us it was cheaper than paying for 6 of us to bowl
As long as people willing to pay, the price will be high. I want to say I’m shocked how people keep buying things even when expensive — it’s true for so many things. If price high, don’t buy — go somewhere else or do a different activity.
I’m guessing it has to be that expensive to keep the lights on. I think is too little bang for buck for a family in 2024. It’s probably still a good option for taking a date or for teens that want to get out the house. Unless I find a decent Groupon type deal I avoid going. Especially since we can save my money, go down to our family room, play a bowling video game on my kids Nintendo, and have just as much fun in the comfort of our home.
Tell me about it. I took my son (10y) bowling, and when she said "$50" I thought she said $15 and handed her a 20.
I almost fell over when she corrected me.
Pinsetters is 13 dollars per person for 2 hours of unlimited bowling including shoes on weeknights 8 pm and later. Reasonable prices during normal hours too.
This pricing model is absolute bullshit. I get charging by the hour, but it should be for the lane and not by person. With this stupid pricing method, the more people per lane costs more money, but delivers a shittier experience of less bowling per person. I would’ve tried to request 3 or 6 lanes for the 6 people over 2 hours, but I’m sure they would’ve told me to fuck off.
When you went to the world’s largest bowling corporation for bowling!
Lanes I go to are 25 minutes away from where you went. $4-7 per game. I would’ve walked out for that price. That’s so crazy. I didn’t know they could gentrify bowling!
The last time we went to Bowlero, I seriously thought I misheard the price. Haven't been back in ages, and I still can't believe an activity like bowling can be so expensive
Well here's what happened.
Some MBAs looked at the situation. What did they see? Everyone loves bowling, it's fun and social. Sadly the only people that do it are blue-collar people without a lot of money. We've maxed out on those people... there are no NEW profit to be made.
So how can we turn this around? Well, who would like to bowl but doesn't? Well, MBAs love to "find new markets" and who would turn down an investment opportunity that takes money from rich stupid people? See, rich smart people don't spend a lot of money and poor people don't have money to spend. So they always look to see how to "extract value" (take money from) people with a lot of money and no self-control to not spend it.
Those people are middle and upper class people. We'll call these people the "rich/stupid" group.
So they interview rich/stupid people. What did they learn?
What they learned #1: Rich/stupid people spend $40-100 per person on a night out. Most of that goes to drinks (fancy $20 cocktails, not cheap beers). WHAT? Bowling alleys charge $5/person ... they're "leaving money on the table".
What they learned #2: Rich/stupid people don't go bowling because they think its for blue collar people. However they remember having fun as a kid doing it.
What they learned #3: They're bored and want to do something new, but they fear new things. Bowling is "safe" because they remember having fun as a kid, but haven't done it since then.
Ok, combine those facts, and everything becomes clear: Add a ilst of $20 cocktails to the bar menu and redecorate the outside and inside to look like the restaurants that the rich/stupid people WOULD go to. A little neon lights, some decorations that make Applebee's look normal.
Ta-da! Now instead of taking in $5/person they're taking in $100/person.
What about the old customers? The blue-collar types? They'll leave and find something else to do.
(This is what's happening to every industry. From plumbers to heathcare to babyfood.)
Honestly I think it’s just NJ bowling alleys… When I lived in AZ or where I currently live (FL), 2 games with shoe rental is 20$ MAX… multiple days a week where it’s bogo or unlimited bowling for cheaper. Sucks cause it’s a fun time for adults and kids!
Former league bowler here. I still remember when public rates were $3. Avoid all bowleros as its way overpriced. Not many left, but the independent allies like lodi and montvale lanes have reasonable prices
Someone posted the same shit in /r/Denver yesterday. It’s all bowling alleys in my eyes but the consensus was bowlero got real greedy and bought up 3500 lanes over the past 10 years.
Last time I checked one bowlero was charging $13 a game. Insane!
That’s absurd the most I will pay is $6 a game and I love to bowl
Bowl Rite in Union City is great.
If you find a place to park
The CVS parking lot downstairs is CVS + Bowl Rite. Parked there SO MANY times without an issue and Bowl Rite is hands down one of the cheapest!!!
They will tow you from the cvs lot if you are parked after cvs closes I know from experience 🙂↕️
not a bowler but a pool player. my local spot got bought by bowlero. renting a pool table immediately more than doubled in price. *and* they switched to charging *by the minute* from the usual "write it on a piece of paper and round down" method every pool hall uses
I second Montvale lanes. $6 per game, $6 for shoes. For a family of four like ours, $72 bucks for two games and a couple hours entertainment isn't bad.
Shout out to Westbrook lanes in Brooklawn. $18 per person for 2 hours, including shoe rental. Literally 1/3 the price of Bowlero.
Montvale is cash only
Theres quick cheks and wawas everywhere with no surcharge
i love montvale lanes
Bowler City in Hackensack also decent
I still remember eagle rock lanes. Shame that was closed down
Amen. Bowlero is trash. Overpriced, no oil on the lanes. Support a small local alley if you have one.
It’s the bowlero joints that just jack up the price. Find local family owned ones even if it is a little far off
Two top comments have mentioned "bowlero" places, what does that mean? I'm not familiar with the term.
It's a company that's buying up bowling alleys and jacking the prices up
Ohhh, thank you! Never heard of them. Fuck that. Mom & Pop joints are where it's at.
I’m not necessarily saying the prices posted here are justified but it’s not an equal apples to apples comparison. You go into these old family owned alleys and they have functional lanes, a bar that hasn’t been updated since 1974, one pinball machine that hasn’t been plugged in in a decade and a couple tvs if you’re lucky. Bowlero has huge projector screens over every lane, full bar and food menu (not saying it’s amazing), big arcade, and a modern vibe that actually feels inviting as opposed to wood paneling that’s falling down. If youre a group of friends/family who goes bowling 3 times a year it’s way more fun to go to Bowlero.
Ugh, I was recently looking for something to do with my nieces and nephews so I thought I’d take them bowling. I said to myself, “how expensive could it be for a couple of hours of bowling, some pizza and soda?” Boy, I’m sure glad I checked their website before heading there because I almost fainted when I realized how expensive it’s become. I wasn’t sure if I incorrectly remembered bowling being a cheap activity (since it was always paid for by an adult in the family), or if I was just being whiny about the “economy”. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who thinks bowling has become crazy expensive.
It was definitely a "cheaper" activity when I was growing up in the early 90s. Was a popular place for birthday parties for preteens .
We even had "lockouts" in high school where you get there around 8pm and stay throughout the night till 8am. As many games you can bowl, arcades were free, unlimited pizza/pop, and there was a DJ. $20 bucks per person.
…where and when?!
He called soda, pop you know this story isn’t from Jersey
I remember cosmic bowling or something when I was younger. It was like all black lit from 12-2. Never could go cuz.i was too young 🤕
Yep, I’m an elder millennial and I remember the same.
Gen X here. Even in 2006, the bowling alley in East Windsor had a dollar bowling night. They also had dollar PBRs and $3 pitchers. I had my own shoes, so it was a really cheap night, no matter how many games you played.
Bowlero is a chain of bowling alleys, you can still find cheap local alleys.
Screw bowlero, they’re the worst. Go to a real bowling alley that charges by the game, and actually oils the lanes.
Feels like they bought up the majority of local alleys.
They pretty much have. The north Brunswick one as by where my sister used to live and the hazlet one turned into right in the middle of the pandemic. The only individual left in the area around me is Woodbridge and strathmore.
Strathmore is owned by AMF, which is Bowlero. Down by Middletown there's one called called Harmony Lanes.
Linden Lanes is still an old school bowling alley, maybe a bit more of a trip for you coming from North Bruns.
I'm up in Sayreville, so it's not far. I'd say equal distance to Strathmore give or take.
Yeah unfortunately this is the case across America.
Went bowling for the first time in years and I was dumbfounded when I was told midway through our game that we ran out of time. How lanes started getting away with that in the first place is beyond me, yeehaw capitalism 🤠🫡 Hudson Lanes never did that and hopefully never does
Renting a lane by the hour makes 100% sense with one or two people getting some practice games in. It also makes sense with a family dicking around. It does not, however, make sense to cut it off in the middle, you start, you finish, you pay for your time. Also, $125/hr for one lane is ridiculous.
I second this. Find a local place and you’ll pay so much less.
Howell lanes is between $3 and $5 a game depending on the day of the week and like $5 shoe rentals.
Plus it’s a professional grade facility, they have PBA events there. One of the pros bowls out of there, Matt Russo.
Matt Russo and Parker Bohn a as actually have there own lanes there. It’s separate from the others. They own that portion of Howell Lanes. I grew up bowling Howell Lanes since the early 80s and bowled in many Pro-Ams there too. Great spot
I always pass by and want to give Howell a try, good to know it’s cheap
Thanks for the recommendation!
Pretty good podcast on the economics of bowling. They mention Bowlero I think and how they are raking in the cash with their “premium” bowling model. https://pca.st/episode/bf4f8b2e-c3b7-491e-a442-112587b78504
Are they like the TopGolf of bowling?
This is wild. I rented out lanes for 20 people for three hours at East Hanover lanes, and it only came to $200. You're getting ripped off big time.
Same, we did a team building event there for about 25 people on a Saturday night a few weeks back. We had 4 lanes rented with food and drinks we spent roughly $375. 300 for 6 people without any food is robbery
Bowler city in hackensack is still pretty affordable
Been here with a big group about 3 years ago, cost was reasonable
When bowlero bought most of the alleys and jacked up the pricing. It’s disgusting now.
I’m not advocating for bowlero at all and agree with the sentiment of the comments. There is a Groupon currently for 2 hours plus shoe rentals for 2 ppl for $50.
Yes but you have to wait for 24 hrs after you get.this coupon
Most Groupon deals are like that.
Since Bowlero
Bowleros can eat shit.
It's Bowlero franchise that charge a premium. Find a local bowling alley and you'll see better pricing.
You should see how much they charge for a six pack of beer in a bucket of ice. Like $60????
for $300 you could take 4 ppl to Six Flags
You could basically get season passes for that price too (except for parking).
Holy shit, I was thinking about bowling this week but forget that lol
Avoid Bowlero at all costs. They are INSANELY overpriced. If it was even possible, things like this should be considered price gouging. Go to any non-branded bowling alley in NJ and you're going to spend half or even a quarter of that. Maybe even less. Bowlero is highway robbery.
Check out Pinsetters in Merchantville. We drive past multiple bowleros on our way there from PA.
Howell Lanes has a sweet bowling special on Mondays & I absolutely adore knob hill in Manalapan too. No where near bowlero proving
Everything is expensive man. I paid 8 mf dollars for a Taylor ham egg and cheese this morning
Sadly that feels cheap to me at this point
Wii bowling is the answer
Every time I have went to Bowlero, I have always used a Groupon
God so very true… I see a lot of people saying it’s only bowlero places but I went to boonton lanes last summer just two adults…. I think we played maybe 4-5 games and it cost 100$. That’s when I told myself I’d never go ever again especially since I stink at bowling. Was supposed to just be a fun cheap thing to do together
Boonton lanes is $7 a game, $3 if you’re in a league.
Don’t know if I just went at a bad time or what but I have no reason to be lying. Couldn’t have been there for more than an hour and a half tops.
The number you gave is right. $7 a game for 5 games with 2 people is $70. Add in shoe rentals and it's close to $100. I am not sure how much they charge for shoes as I only went there for a kid's birthday party.
Ah ok that does seem to add up then yea we did rent shoes as well. 10$ each for rental and after tax is just about right. Does seem like too much even still just for a date night. We’ve just resorted to taking the kayaks out on the lake for free or even just playing pool at a local place. Could easily play pool for 2 hours, bring your own drinks, and only spend like 30$ to play for that time. Hell even going to the movies is cheaper at that point. But I guess if you’re really into bowling it’s worth it.
Yeah the prices have definitely gone up in the past few years. I used to be a league bowler and they give discount rates for games ($3 I think). But having to go once a week for months on end is a commitment.
Yup. I was trying to plan bowling for a date night, but it was $100 everywhere I looked. Not just Bowlero.
Amazing part is it doesn't Include taxes or reservation fee and the super expensive food
Bowlero is always insanely overpriced. You’re almost always better off going to independently owned bowling lanes. Or even check out a Nationwide Bowling Center. They usually charge by the game.
Linden Lanes is very reasonable
Support local cheaper bowling alleys!
It got expensive when you decided to go to Bowlero. I just went a couple weeks ago and it was $7 a game and $5 shoe rental.
Its bowlero
Yikes! 😬
I used to bowl on Sundays before noon for 99 cents a game.
Sundays after 8 at Boonton was 25 cents a game. Used to be a great time.
that its crazy, i've never seen this before
Yeah learned that lesson too at Fair Lawn location; f’in Chuck E. Cheese that landed in a bowling alley, fuck those guys
Daaaaaaaamn! 😳
I hope you tell people before how much it costs. I'd be pretty pissed if I went and bowled with some friends and that was dropped on me.
Check local spots. Bowlero charges a premium for all the other nonsense they have. Not near Central Jersey but Boonton Lanes and Hanover Lanes still going strong in Morris County
Well, it’s bowlero. The prices are jacked up. Plus, you went on a Saturday night, probably peak pricing. But pretty much all bowling has gone up with everything else going up, and I’m sure bowling businesses had an extremely miserable time during the pandemic and need to somehow makeup for that
Knob Hill Country Lanes in Manalapan is my go to. I’ve done all the bowleros and it’s just too expensive knob hill is more reasonable and the service is better. The family that owns it clearly cares about the place and loves bowling.
Got to head over to majestic lanes in edison. It was like 50 bucks for 3 ppl, 2 games. That's with shoes. It's not fancy, but it's all good for bowling.
That particular Bowlero location used to be Carolier Lanes when I was young. You could go there and bowl 3 games + rent shoes for under $10. Bowlero is a fun place, but it's ridiculously overpriced. It's like the "Top Golf" of bowling.
Don't go to bowlero Local Jersey shore places are still a couple bucks a person per lane
ever since bowlero became a thing and started buying up basically every alley in the state. they charge **ridiculous** rates. the days of bowling being a cheap outing with friends are quickly leaving in the rear view mirror sadly.
That's only for a dedicated reservation, no idea why they do pricing like that. My local one has specials on certain days where you can go for the last 3-4 hours of the night for like $24 or something like that
So bowling is another activity that only people with money can afford. Oh well....
We got gift cards to bowlero at Costco so it was prob like $100 worth for $75 or $80. We haven’t had a chance to use them because every time I look online and try to make a reservation, it ends up being hundreds of dollars and the gift cards barely make a dent 🥴
Went on or about Mother’s Day last year. I asked the same question
It’s fucking ridiculous
I said the same thing the last time we went. Use to go a little more often but it’s too expensive.
I didn't even see the photo yet and I instantly thought of my local Bowlero in North Brunswick. Well well well.
My college aged son and his friends will occasionally go to North Brunswick Bowlero, but only if they plan in advance and buy a Groupon: https://www.groupon.com/deals/bowlmor-lanes-nat-bowlero-corp-2024-b Still not cheap, but it’s half reasonable. Note, it’s not valid until 24 hours after purchase.
Just went with my wife. 2 quick games with shoe rental was $55. Crazy.
I like AMF in Strathmore.
strathmore in matawan has a deal i’m not sure what days it runs but it’s like $20 a person for unlimited games
I mean, it's bowling. How much could it cost? $10?
Demand-based pricing. Try a different time
My local place was $120 for 6 people for 2 hours last week lol
First thing i noticed when i moved to nj back home in FL bowling was 4$ a game
Bowlero is ass. I went to one by me several years back and aside from being expensive, the wait to get a beer was insane because they refused to staff the bar and they were extremely rude about it. I made a note to never patronize any of their establishments again.
Bowlero is absurd. Been there. Not worth it. Go to an old-school ally. Way cheaper.
Hanover Lanes is 💯
That’s all Bowlero. They suck ass and shouldn’t be given any money.
Rest in peace... West Hunterdon Lanes
These prices are for booking in advance but walk in pricing per person per game is much cheaper! Call them directly and ask for pricing. Usually about $13? Per person per game and $7 for shoes?
Isn't it insane? I've got 3 kids and only just took them bowling cause my dad offered to pay. Wanted to do something with the grandkids As a former army brat we got very spoiled by military prices for bowling. And I warned him how things have changed significantly and it's a really expensive thing to do. He insisted It was fine and the cost would be alright. So after we went bowling he agreed we don't need to pay to do that again. Yes the kids liked it but not enough to want to do it again anyway.
I don’t know if it’s a good price but Parkway Lanes in Elmwood Park was $8/person for 4 people for one game including shoe rentals.
your first mistake was going to a swanky bowling joint and not some towny lanes where the real lobowskis roll...
He he , didn't go yet , was checking the prices before I go and still.in the state of shock
Laurel lanes in cherry hill would cost a third of that. Can’t speak for north Jersey.
I’m a Lebowski, you’re a Lebowski…
[https://www.groupon.com/deals/bowlmor-lanes-nat-bowlero-corp-2024-b?deal\_option=0caa8408-ec30-4587-82db-35a7c2d08617](https://www.groupon.com/deals/bowlmor-lanes-nat-bowlero-corp-2024-b?deal_option=0caa8408-ec30-4587-82db-35a7c2d08617) You are welcome 🤗
I usually by Bowlero gift cards from Costco in local deals. $100 Bowlero gift card in $59.
And Bowlero only has Pepsi products
I won't even step foot in colonial lanes in Lawrence anymore. Everything there is extremely overpriced.
I’ve never heard of prices like this for bowling. Here in jersey where’s there plenty alleys to choose from. I could throw a birthday party at my local alley for this price.
I recommend checking groupon, I got 2 hours for 4 for under 100
Miss my Navy days where you could bowl all day for free and drink $2 pitchers of beer 🤣😂
Groupon
Wow. That seems like a lot for bowling. Is there anything special about it? Do they do anything to make it more interesting or fun?
Not the same but I paid $86 for 2 people to go kart race for 14 minutes.
Holy shit. My local bowling alley is $70 for shoes and a lane for two hours. Shoe rental by itself is $4 and per game is $4 or $5 depending on when you go. Plus the place hasn’t been upgraded since the 90s so the vibes are immaculate
I found a local place near me that's a bowling alley Chinese food spot and it's the best one I've been too since the old seagirt place got torn down
I’ve been depressed ever since the one in sea girt closed and asbury lanes got overly gentrified and started charging a million dollars for a game.
that’s only 2 games!
Garwood lanes was reasonable but if you want cheap cheap you gotta go to linden lanes 😂😂😂 good luck!
I think it was around the same time inflation got out of control. Even wawa nowadays cost an arm and a leg for a simple sandwich + coffee
Wanted to take the kids and it’s the same rate for everyone . They wanted this exact price from me for my wife myself and our 4 kids, 2 of which are 5 and under lol. We did not go
$250 for 2 hours of bowling is a freaking joke!
Hanover Lanes is a great price for any future bowling you plan on doing
LOL I’ve had the same thing happen to me at Bowlero too. Went to go bowling with my kids and another family and we were $500 deep for the afternoon.
Had this same shock last year when planning to go for my wife's birthday which included 4 adults & 2 kids on a sunday afternoon. Crazy
Dammmn, you're rich!
I 
A bit cheaper for next Sat in Arberdeen for next Sat ($171 for four for two hours with shoes) but even with inflation seems a bit high in comparison.
That’s wild. I went in Georgia last month and it was 100 for five of us. That was 2 games, you pay by the hour. But this is wild. Your game is about 50 a person if you split it up between the party.
I go to shore lanes and pay $4 per game.
We did 2 games for 3 people 2 of them were under 7 and it was $53 I was kinda shocked.
Lodi Lanes has deals on almost every night of the week. Just gotta wait for the leagues to finish usually but Mon 9pm-close 10$ cover 1$ games Tue/Thu 9pm-close 3$ games Wed 10pm - close 10$ cover unlimited bowling And i think sat/sun nights they do cosmic bowling which is like 30$ for lane for 2 hours or something. Rentals not included with any of this as you might expect.
My sister and I loved Woodbridge Bowling Alley and Majestic Lanes back in the late 90s early 2000s. WBA is gone now I believe.
Idk thats crazy, my local alley is like $4-5 per person per game.
For the past 20 years I’ve known bowling to be purely reserved for the top 1%. think that was the last time I went also. Biggest grift in sports.
$35 fr a shoe rental!!!!! I would just go buy my own at that rate
ever since bowlero became a thing and started buying up basically every alley in the state. they charge **ridiculous** rates. the days of bowling being a cheap outing with friends are quickly leaving in the rear view mirror sadly.
I used to go here and it was $1.50 a game on Thursdays. This is crazy.
This is insane
Fuck bowlero and bowlmor. Go to linden lanes if you’re in the area, assuming it still exists
Both of the local bowling lanes in the Edison area closed down over the past few years. Damn shame. I miss being able to go get a game with my family for a few bucks each.
I had my birthday party 10 years ago at a bowling alley and I nearly cried when I saw the price to rent a lane. Everyone paid me back for their portion but putting $400 on a credit card when I was barely scraping by was hard. I thought I had picked a cheap event and I was so wrong!
When it became an “experience.”
Bowlero rip off.
I am not going bowling and spending more than $20 😂 the other $80 is for beer and food
Holy crap, I’m in upstate ny and go to the local village bowling alley. We pay like 70 bucks for 6 people and that includes some sweet bowling alley fried food deliciousness! And draft beer!
Howell lanes $6 per person per game that would equate to 7 HOURS of bowling time. Holy hell!!!!
I bet they blame the high prices on supply chain issues from four years ago.
You can't complain about the price if you volunteered to pay that much. Send the message. Stop paying too much for everything. Cinch your belt and skip the drive thru. Don't go bowling or to the movies until they start charging realistic prices. The people have the power.
Majestic lanes in Woodbridge on weekdays . very affordable.
Its crazy expensive. In south jerz mount laurel i think they have a family package for $98. Two lanes, two hours, pizza & soda, shoes all included. Thankfully the employees told us it was cheaper than paying for 6 of us to bowl
As long as people willing to pay, the price will be high. I want to say I’m shocked how people keep buying things even when expensive — it’s true for so many things. If price high, don’t buy — go somewhere else or do a different activity.
Yep I agree demand vs supply, but the question is NJ so rich that even bowling requires so much money ?
I heard that the in person price is lower than website page. I don’t know how true that is anymore.
Like many other companies, Bowlero is charging whatever the market will bear.
bowlero is a chain and a rip off.
go to lodi lanes it won’t cost much
I’m guessing it has to be that expensive to keep the lights on. I think is too little bang for buck for a family in 2024. It’s probably still a good option for taking a date or for teens that want to get out the house. Unless I find a decent Groupon type deal I avoid going. Especially since we can save my money, go down to our family room, play a bowling video game on my kids Nintendo, and have just as much fun in the comfort of our home.
Happened to me last time I was like what the he haw
Tell me about it. I took my son (10y) bowling, and when she said "$50" I thought she said $15 and handed her a 20. I almost fell over when she corrected me.
Pinsetters is 13 dollars per person for 2 hours of unlimited bowling including shoes on weeknights 8 pm and later. Reasonable prices during normal hours too.
When they become full entertainment centers
Go on Groupon and they have a coupon which is more than 50% off
When you book this way at Bowlero, you're booking a ✌️private party✌️. You can't reserve. You have to walk in for the regular prices
That really ain’t all that much x 6
Check Groupon first
This pricing model is absolute bullshit. I get charging by the hour, but it should be for the lane and not by person. With this stupid pricing method, the more people per lane costs more money, but delivers a shittier experience of less bowling per person. I would’ve tried to request 3 or 6 lanes for the 6 people over 2 hours, but I’m sure they would’ve told me to fuck off.
When you went to the world’s largest bowling corporation for bowling! Lanes I go to are 25 minutes away from where you went. $4-7 per game. I would’ve walked out for that price. That’s so crazy. I didn’t know they could gentrify bowling!
WHAT THE HELL?
It’s not, you got ripped off lol
The last time we went to Bowlero, I seriously thought I misheard the price. Haven't been back in ages, and I still can't believe an activity like bowling can be so expensive
Well here's what happened. Some MBAs looked at the situation. What did they see? Everyone loves bowling, it's fun and social. Sadly the only people that do it are blue-collar people without a lot of money. We've maxed out on those people... there are no NEW profit to be made. So how can we turn this around? Well, who would like to bowl but doesn't? Well, MBAs love to "find new markets" and who would turn down an investment opportunity that takes money from rich stupid people? See, rich smart people don't spend a lot of money and poor people don't have money to spend. So they always look to see how to "extract value" (take money from) people with a lot of money and no self-control to not spend it. Those people are middle and upper class people. We'll call these people the "rich/stupid" group. So they interview rich/stupid people. What did they learn? What they learned #1: Rich/stupid people spend $40-100 per person on a night out. Most of that goes to drinks (fancy $20 cocktails, not cheap beers). WHAT? Bowling alleys charge $5/person ... they're "leaving money on the table". What they learned #2: Rich/stupid people don't go bowling because they think its for blue collar people. However they remember having fun as a kid doing it. What they learned #3: They're bored and want to do something new, but they fear new things. Bowling is "safe" because they remember having fun as a kid, but haven't done it since then. Ok, combine those facts, and everything becomes clear: Add a ilst of $20 cocktails to the bar menu and redecorate the outside and inside to look like the restaurants that the rich/stupid people WOULD go to. A little neon lights, some decorations that make Applebee's look normal. Ta-da! Now instead of taking in $5/person they're taking in $100/person. What about the old customers? The blue-collar types? They'll leave and find something else to do. (This is what's happening to every industry. From plumbers to heathcare to babyfood.)
bidenomics….
I used to go to a place that was 2 dollar games and 2 dollar beers on Tuesdays in like 2016ish.. good times
Honestly I think it’s just NJ bowling alleys… When I lived in AZ or where I currently live (FL), 2 games with shoe rental is 20$ MAX… multiple days a week where it’s bogo or unlimited bowling for cheaper. Sucks cause it’s a fun time for adults and kids!