How about we strike a deal?
We’ll spare you the lengthy introduction if you promise not to pin us down for putting too many bowling puns in this post.
Of course, coming up with the list of the best bowling options in Minneapolis and St. Paul was right up our alley.
You know, that’s just how we roll.
Contents
The Best Bowling Alleys in Minneapolis
Bowlero – Bowlmor & AMF Lanes
With more than 12,000 bowling lanes worldwide, Bowlero Corp is the largest owner and operator of bowling centers on the planet. The Twin Cities is home to 6 of those locations, including Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Eden Prairie, Lakeville, and AMF Saxon Lanes in St. Paul.
With weekly specials, a classic bar menu, and good customer service, it’s what you’d expect from the world’s foremost experts in bowling alley fun.
- Address: Multiple Twin Cities locations
- Website: Bowlero
Bryant-Lake Bowl
What do you get when you mix one part bowling alley, one part live cabaret theater, and two parts bar and restaurant? Bryant-Lake Bowl, of course! For more than 25 years, the 8 lanes and 90 seat theater of this Uptown Minneapolis icon have been the go-to neighborhood spot. The lanes are vintage (don’t mind the slope!), but the rotating local, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly menu is always trending.
- Address: 810 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Website: Bryant Lake Bowl
Goldy’s Gameroom
If you’re looking for a family-friendly bowling option, look no further than the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus. Goldy’s Gameroom, located in the basement of Cauffman Memorial Union on the Minneapolis Campus, features a large bowling alley, billiards, and a fully stocked arcade. It’s a popular spot for birthday parties since they come complete with an appearance by Goldy himself.
- Address: 300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Website: U of M Gamerooms
Elsie’s
With so many options to grab a beer and burger in Northeast Minneapolis, one might think a bowling alley would get left behind on the “must-try” list. But Elsie’s friendly staff, excellent appetizer menu, and clean, well-maintained 16 lane alley outshine some of the other neighborhood spots. Not close to Northeast? Try out their partner locations in Hopkins and South Minneapolis (see below).
- Address: 729 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
- Website: Elsie’s Bowling Minneapolis
Memory Lanes
Memory Lanes is Elsie’s sister location in the Nokomis neighborhood of South Minneapolis, and it has everything you want from a local bowling alley. The 30-lane bowling alley and full-service bar/restaurant have a retro-vibe in a fully modern facility. Live music on the weekends happens on the bowling lanes (after 10 PM, Memory Lanes becomes 21+) and they even host neighborhood block parties, outdoor concerts, and sand volleyball tournaments in the two parking lot courts in the summer.
- Address: 2520 26th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
- Website: Memory Lanes
Town Hall Lanes
Planning bowling and Minnesota craft beer for your next happy hour? Count us in.
The creators of Town Hall Lanes in the Nokomis neighborhood of south Minneapolis are the same great minds behind Town Hall Brewery, the most decorated brewery in Minnesota. Town Hall Lanes feature all of the brewery’s best craft beers, a good selection of pub fare, and a state-of-the-art 10 lane bowling alley.
- Address: 5019 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
- Website: Town Hall Lanes
The Best Bowling Alleys in St. Paul
Gopher Spot
Sister bowling alley to Goldy’s Gameroom, the Gopher Spot is located in the St. Paul Campus Student Center at the University of Minnesota. Smaller than its Minneapolis counterpart, the Gopher Spot’s weekday prices are some of the best you’ll find in the Twin Cities. Rates apply to students and the general public, including bowl-for-a-buck on Thursdays and $2 shoe rental all week long.
Our favorite part about the Gopher Spot? They serve ice cream made with milk from the on-campus dairy program just down the street!
- Address: 2017 Buford Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
- Website: Gopher Spot
RanHam Bowling Center at The Nook
The RanHam Bowling Center Is something of a St. Paul legend. Stepping into the 10-lane basement bowling alley is like stepping back in time. You won’t find any digital auto-scoring lanes (yes, it’s only paper and pencil here!) and no cosmic disco lights at RanHam. It’s just old-school bowling paired with The Nook’s top-rated menu. (Don’t forget to grab one of the best Juicy Lucy burgers in the Twin Cities!) On weekdays, RanHam offers all-you-can bowl for $10 from 11 AM to 4 PM, some of the most affordable bowling in town.
- Address: 490 1/2 Hamline Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116
- Website: Ranham Bowling
Sun Ray Lanes
Any Wisconsin transplant will recognize the giant green Sun Ray sign beside westbound Interstate-94 as the marker they’ve finally reached the St. Paul city limits. Popular with league bowlers and the birthday party crowd, the 24 lanes and full-service menu from Pub 300 offers everything you’d expect from a hometown alley. If you need some serious gear or a tune-up for the ‘ole bowling ball, Sun Ray’s Bowler’s Lounge Pro Shop is one of the most popular in town.
- Address: 2245 Hudson Rd, St Paul, MN 55119
- Website: Sun Ray Lanes
Best of the ‘Burbs – Twin Cities Metro Bowling Alleys
What the bowling alleys in the Twin Cities suburbs lack in vintage flair, they make up for in state-of-the-art equipment, larger spaces, and easy availability to find open bowling. Check out some of these options for bowling in the Twin Cities suburbs:
Cedarvale Lanes – Eagan
- Address: 3883 Cedar Grove Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55122
- Website: Cedarvale Lanes
Flaherty’s Arden Bowl – Arden Hills
- Address: 1273 West, County Rd E, Arden Hills, MN 55112
- Website: Flaherty’s Arden Bowl
Park Tavern – St. Louis Park
- Address: 3401 Louisiana Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
- Website: Park Tavern
Pinz – Oakdale
- Address: 7520 32nd St N, Oakdale, MN 55128
- Website: Pinz
Texa-Tonka Lanes – St. Louis Park
- Address: 8200 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
- Website: Texa-Tonka Lanes
