Bowling is a beloved sport and pastime enjoyed by millions around the world. From casual recreational bowlers to pros on the PBA Tour, bowling enthusiasts are always looking for the best venues to practice their strikes and spares. In this article, we will explore the top 5 premier bowling alleys located across the globe. Ranging from modern entertainment hubs to historic lanes, these are the elite bowling centers considered must-visit spots for any passionate bowler.
Cherry Hill Lanes (Chicago, USA)
Cherry Hill Lanes is an iconic bowling alley located in Chicago, Illinois. Having first opened in 1956, it is one of the oldest continuously operating bowling centers in the United States. Cherry Hill is especially renowned for its retro 1950s decor, hearkening back to bowling’s golden era. The lanes are still manually reset by pinsetters and employ antique pinspotters. The alley also has a lively bar area and serves classic diner fare like burgers and milkshakes. With its vintage charm and lively leagues, Cherry Hill Lanes is a quintessential classic American bowling experience.
Summary: With its retro 1950s design and manual pinsetting, Chicago’s Cherry Hill Lanes offers an iconic vintage ten-pin bowling experience harkening back to the golden era of the sport.
Superbowl (Tokyo, Japan)
The incredible Superbowl in Tokyo, Japan offers a hyper-modern, neon-lit bowling experience. With nearly 500 lanes spread across 12 floors, it is the largest bowling alley in Japan. The immersive interior design features avant-garde tube lighting effects and video art projections synchronized to music. The alley attracts young locals for fashionable “night bowling” under blacklights. Superbowl uses state-of-the-art Brunswick scoring systems and lane machines. With karaoke rooms, billiards, darts, and arcade games, Superbowl is more an entertainment hub than a standard bowling alley. The futuristic atmosphere and Japanese flair make it one of the most unique bowling centers in the world.
Summary: As the largest bowling alley in Japan featuring 500 lanes, Tokyo’s Superbowl offers a distinctive modern experience including blacklight bowling, avant-garde decor, karaoke, and more.
Knicks Bowling (Manchester, England)
For a premium bowling experience in the UK, Knicks Bowling in Manchester is a top choice. Opened in 1986, Knicks undergone stylish renovations in recent years. The alley now features sleek decor with neon mood lighting, bowling videos projected on walls, and a club-like lounge. Guests can enjoy boutique laneside food service delivering dishes like brick oven pizza direct to your lane. With the latest Brunswick bowling tech and machines, Knicks offers VIP lanes with luxury leather sofas. Popular with young professionals and groups, Knicks hosts live DJs spinning tunes on weekend nights. The upscale, modern atmosphere makes Knicks one of England’s premier bowling destinations.
Summary: Manchester’s Knicks Bowling offers a contemporary luxury bowling experience including mood lighting, lane-side dining, and VIP lanes ideal for groups and weekend revelry.
Sparkys Entertainment Zone (Sydney, Australia)
For fun down under, Sparkys Entertainment Zone in Sydney offers a quality bowling experience plus extensive family entertainment options. The massive center features 50 tenpin bowling lanes equipped with bumper guards for kids and ramps for disabled access. Sparkys augments bowling with 3-story laser tag, indoor mini golf, billiards, ping pong, and the latest arcade games. A lively tavern serves Aussie pub fare and screens big sports matches on huge TVs. With glowing neon decor, Sparkys hosts rock bands and karaoke nights to get the good times rolling. For bowling plus non-stop entertainment, Sparkys is an unbeatable choice in Australia.
Summary: Sydney’s family-friendly Sparkys Entertainment Zone combines tenpin bowling with laser tag, arcade games, mini golf, and live music for an energetic indoor entertainment experience.
Strike Miami (Miami, Florida)
For nightlife mingled with bowling, Strike Miami is a premier South Beach destination. The massive venue encompasses a sports bar, lounge, game room, and 48 lanes of bowling. Neon-lit lanes have gutter guards bumpers for casual play. Giant video walls stream sports, music videos, and projections that sync to the DJ beats. Reserve VIP lanes for bottle service delivered by your personal cocktail server. Strike Miami hosts bachelorette parties and corporate events within its private event spaces. The energetic, upscale atmosphere delivers an exclusive nightclub vibe unmatched among Floridian bowling centers.
Summary: Featuring a lively sports bar, lounge, and 48 neon-lit lanes, Strike Miami combines bowling, bottle service, music videos, and a nightclub energy for an unforgettable entertainment experience.
In essence, with their mix of modern amenities, retro charm, luxury services, family entertainment and lively music and nightlife, the elite bowling alleys profiled herein offer unique experiences catering to bowlers of all kinds. From the vintage lanes of Chicago’s Cherry Hill to the neon lights of Tokyo’s massive Superbowl, these premier centers provide quality tenpin bowling coupled with distinctive decor, dining, and fun. Discerning bowling enthusiasts should have these magnificent global bowling hubs at the top of their “must-visit” lists.