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Categories: Bowling, American (New), Sports Bars
Neighborhood: BucktownMon-Fri. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
"The Queen of Hearts was celebrating her birthday!! There was a speech about dead babies. There were Quivering Queen Shots. There were cherry…" read more »
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I'm not usually one to brag, but I set a world record here last weekend. You ready for this...
I bowled a 25! Is that not the worst bowling score you've ever heard? Afraid so...
Besides my pathetic bowling game I enjoyed music videos I hadn't seen in 10+ years and watched 2 teenagers make out in the lane next to me.
I left feeling quite old and wondering if I should invest in bowling lessons, but have to admit it was fun...
Came here last night for the first time since college. Definitely a fun night...something different… Read more »
I can imagine that this place would be extra fun at night. At 1pm for a work outing it still didn't disappoint, but it was really bright and there weren't any cool lights. Just some sweet 80's jams.
Pros:
Each bowler gets their picture taken which will show up when it's your turn to bowl.
Photobooth.
$10/hr/lane bowling on Fridays before 5pm! Cheeeeep.
Jams.
Cons:
So-so bar food - preformed burgers= yuck.
less than enthused employees.
I wasn't drinking.
I am excited to again experience Rock N Bowl in all of it's glory...in the evening this time...
This place treats their customers like crap and has the worse staff at the main desk. One manager says one thing then he is gone and the other manage has no idea whats what.
Bowl elsewhere.
TICK TOCK!! Make sure that you watch the CLOCK!!! .. I love going here.. The music is great! It's convenient and upbeat.. it's new meets old. you can even take a picture for your name place on the board however!! you are paying by the hour. That means if you stop and eat your food, you're still being charged and trust me, it seems as if this is exactly what they want you to do! for me.. 2 kids.. 2 games and only shoes for 2 children.. i will say 96 Minutes cost me $46 for 2 shoe rentals and 2 games for 3 people.. 6 games total for all of us. ( i had my own shoes ) .. food was about $26 for 3 of us to have sandwhiches and drinks... So .. i guess if you're up for almost $100 for 2 games and a meal.. this is the place for you.
love love love this place, so retro and cool! This is the bowling alley your grampa used to take you to when you were a kid minus all the ciggarette smoke. The gentlemen that run the place are really nice, you grab a number and wait for your number to be called to get assigned a lane. Your pic gets taken and then projected onto a big screen at your lane so you know when it's your turn. Family friendly, inexpensive, ppl here are nice and just want to have a good time!
A quick review of the good the bad and the ugly of Diversey Rock and Bowl.
Pro:
1). Old school bowling alley/lanes
2). Glow-in-the-dark
3). Cute guys
4). Nice staff
Con:
1). EXPENSIVE
2). EXPENSIVE
While this bowling alley reminds me of the old school alley in my hometown, nostalgia still isn't enough to make me forget the price.
A fun, old-schoolish bowling alley with a cool, rockabilly vibe and an eclectic crowd of bowlers. (Pretty sure I saw at least 5-6 dudes who looked like The Jesus from the Big Lebowski...)
Here's the catch... we came here, but didn't bowl... So, I can't give a fully objective review... but we did hang out for a couple of hours while our friend's league finished up their games, and the place seemed like a good time. Nice bar in the back with a decent menu and (whoop, whoop) karaoke... good drink specials and cheap beer... nice pool tables... all around, a decent place to spend an evening...
One word of warning... the guy who owns the bar at this place is a real weirdo, and a douche to boot... If you see a slimy bald guy singing Blink 182 in the karaoke bar, consider yourself warned...
Cosmic bowling in Chicago is fun if you're willing to pay the price.... It's expensive everywhere, but I've found it much cheaper here than at... say 10 pin downtown??
My groups and I have always had a great time bowling here, never any problems, always an open lane if you come a little later on a weekend evening.
Decent music, black lights and $10 dollar pitchers of Old Style make for a pretty fun Saturday night out in my humble opinion. :)
Had good bowling experiences here years ago, but my most recent one definitely tarnishes my view of this bowling alley.
Went to Diversey River Bowl on a Saturday afternoon, mid-September. Besides my group of bowlers, there was only a birthday party going on at a handful of lanes next to us.
The guy working the front desk when we got there was a really nice guy and got us set up just fine, but he apparently left inadequate notes for the front desk manager that replaced him.
This new front desk guy was not the least bit professional. My group had bowled one game, and we were about 3-4 frames into our second when he just shut off our lanes. No warning, no notice. When we went to the desk to inquire, he said he had a note that we were only bowling for an hour (we'd been there for an hour and 15 minutes) and that he had a bunch of parties coming in at 6 PM. This was at exactly 5:30 and the place was still dead, so we had time to finish the second game. He then proceeded to charge us PER MINUTE of bowling time (we had a coupon for a free second game but instead they gave us $10 off). We were charged for 75 minutes of bowling, so why didn't he shut us down at 60 minutes if that's what was noted and he had to follow exactly without even speaking with us? Ridiculous.
So, to sum up: nice lanes, like the photo system for getting set up, and the food got good reviews from my party that bought it.
Bad: unprofessional staff that shuts you off before you're done and with notice and then doesn't honor their own coupons. If I were the owner of this place, I would want to know that this was going on and that customers (who could've and would've spent more money in their business!) get treated the way they do.
I will never go here again, and I don't think that my 9 friends that were with me and saw what went down will either.
I've been going to Diversey River Bowl since high school. (Maybe even longer.) It's been interesting to see it change over the last 15-20 years or so. I remember when it was hand scoring with pencils and paper. Then came the disco lights. Then they changed around the bar/arcade area. Finally, the "Stoltronic" scoring machines (and, unfortunately much higher prices).
My buddy John worked the shoe counter as a summer job, and we'd hang out here for hours.
Went back for the first time in maybe 6 months or so this last weekend. It was midday on July 4, and not too crowded. 3 of us paid $30 total for 2 full games of bowling plus shoes. Kind of steep, but I guess that's what it takes to keep a bowling alley afloat in a gentrifying neighborhood these days. Because we were still recovering from festivities the night before, we drank fountain soda. At $1.25 per cup, not horrible.
The people who work there continue to be great. From the sarcastic guy behind the central counter, to the gruff shoe room guy who wasn't too thrilled to be help us out, to the cute girl at the grill station who got my diet coke. This place is still cool, even if it's more expensive than it was when I was 14.
As far as bowling in Chicago goes, this place is alright. Not amazing, but alright. It has the nostalgic feel, old signs, and sorta off the main road "coolness." Plus, the awesome multi-colored balls. Other than that, there's not much to say about it.
As for the bar at the alley, its pretty decent. Once again, that is "decent," as far as bowling alleys go. Has about 7 different beers on tap, only two of them are mass-brews and the rest are imports and micros. Come here to watch a sports game if you're in the area. There's usually a bunch of fans gleaming at the projector on the wall, yapping and shouting for the Chitown pride.
Okay, so when my friend announced we were going bowling for her birthday my stomach turned, but I was determined not to let my intense hatred of bowling effect my opinion of the bar and staff and general atmosphere. I really wanted to have a nice time. Unfortunately, this place is just not good. The staff is tolerable at best, I felt like they were giving me dirty looks just for walking in. The beer is expensive, $12 for a pitcher of Bud Light with a cooler in it that really just means the pitcher actually only equals 3 beers. Sweet. That all would have only amounted to 2 stars but I couldn't even go that high because I saw a bar back cut his finger while slicing oranges for garnish, put it in his mouth for a few seconds and then return to slicing and handling oranges without missing a beat. He wasn't wear gloves in the first place, and didn't stop to get a band aid, glove, or even to wash his hands. Disgusting. I wouldn't ever order food from a place where something like that goes on and gets overlooked. In fact, I won't ever even go back. Blah.
I've been bowling and busting out w/my dexter's for some time now and every time I go bowling as of recently I've been bowling at DRB.
I enjoy the almost dirty looking feel of this place. It smells like a bowling alley should like beer and booze! I think taking a picture for each player is a cute concept:note to everyone don't take drunk pictures....hahaha kidding it makes a great drunken bowling event to laugh at ones self drunk picture.
Over all this place is a cool place to hang out with friends for some cool night bowling. The music is pretty good. Maybe a bit more of a variety but I do believe its called rock and bowl.
I dont get it. Why is bowling soooo expensive?
This place is alright. Overly priced and too many teens on the weekends since they aren't old enough to do anything else. Cosmic bowling is always fun no matter where you go, but I'm not about to spend $40 an hour to bowl. Thats insane!
If you come here when they have deal ($1 game on Mondays) then its great, although its not cosmic.
I would love to come here more often but with these times...no, not even in these economic times, just in general, I refused to pay $40 for bowling. Let me just go into my alley and play street bowling, thats whats up.
Joined the funtimers league again this season, and Diversey bowl hasn't lost it's touch.
Also a funny thing happen this past weekend at the alley, I was called out for my past Yelp because of my "amazonian bartender" comment by one of the bartenders. To confess that comment in NO means was meant to be negative, but was totally made in full respect to all the very Attractive yet taller ladies that tend the bar.
With that being said, this is the best bowling alley in the city, and the bartenders are second to none!
Four years ago a few friends and I joined their fun-timers league and we had a total blast. Every… Read more »
My friend asked me to join their bowling team for a league here. I agreed after making sure they know I rarely break a 100 ;) It's fun and like most bowling places I've been to. Granted, my review might be a little different since I've only been here for the league time when it's packed full of teams that are very intimidating (who knew they had chalk bags and special covers to put over your bowling shoes?!?). But the main reason I joined was to have fun and make friends, which I'm doing :)
Price wise, I guess it's ok. I pay $20 a week to play the 13 weeks in the league, which is one night a week with 3 games. They charge $2 for shoe rentals, and it's a bit odd that I have to leave a shoe, but whatever. What really seems to drive up my spending is the food. 3 games after work means it's dinner time and the food isn't cheap. However its *very* tasty! So far we've gotten cheese fries (bonus because it was waffle fries), dragon bites (jalapenos stuffed with sausage wrapped in bacon), margarita pizza, chips and guacamole, and flat bread pizza with chicken bacon and ranch. Also, pitchers of beer, and get this, sangria!
Overall it seems to be like any other bowling place I've been to. It's easily accessible via the diversey bus and reminds me of every other standard bowling alley i've been to. And I get to be on my first bowling team :) Maybe I'll learn how to break 200 like all the pro looking bowlers I'm competing with ;)
I got mixed feelings about this bowling alley. The lots of alleys, the '80s music and video clips they had when we were there, the electronic reservation that enables you to take picture of yourself -- all 5 stars. The bowling balls, however - are not really well maintained, I don't think. Also the lanes, I definitely love Southport lanes better. Yeah - I guess I'm a fan of 'antiques'. :) I'm not too crazy for the 'disco lightings effect' either. Definitely a distraction for a non-pro bowler like me! :P
Definitely a fun spot to hangout though ... we were there on a Friday night and the waiting was not long at all. Can't really comment on the pricing -since I did not pick up the check!
We started our bowling league here last night. $20 gets me 3 games, 3 pitchers, and a large pizza with two toppings. Hells to the yes dude.
Last year our league was on Thursday, this year I'm starting my weekend on hump day. They have karaoke on Thursday's so it kind of blows that I won't be able to freak out my fellow ad leaguer's with my killer James Brown and Al Green this year. Nevertheless, a rockin' river bowl of a good time. Let's discuss.
The desk staff is very helpful and accomodating no matter how drunk you get. Last year the dude with all the tat's moved my car to the front of the parking lot for me so it wouldn't get towed. He also called a cab for me so I wouldn't get a DUI. The other girl at the desk is this little blonde with super bright eyes and perky boobs. I don't know how to talk to her because she makes me nervous. I want to say: "hey, I think my penis would fit perfectly inside you." But I don't think chicks dig that sort of talk.
The music is generally good. Sometimes they overdose you on 80's metal, but they keep the modern indy rock infused nicely. The bartendresses wear tight clothes and make stiff drinks, perfect. The league always has a great time and I can't imagine being anywhere but Diversey. I've been to that dumbass ten pin lounge, what a croc of shit that place is.
PS: I even had a new pair of size 12 bowling shoes last week. I should buy my own, but I've heard that makes me a loser.
In my opinion, this is by far the best bowling alley in the city. For one, bowling alleys are scarce and pretty hard to find. The two that I know for sure, Ten Pin and Lucky Strikes, have major issues. Diversey has a parking lot which neither of the others have. Not to mention the other two are so tiny it's virtually impossible to get a lane on the weekends. I've never had to wait more than 30-40 min at Diversey as they have at least 30 lanes. Plus neither of the other two are 'rock n bowls'!
The other kicker that made me push it up from 4 to 5 stars was the recent addition of the Kegler grill inside. It's pretty much like a sports lounge w/ a full bar, flat screens and projectors scattered around, and even a pool table to play on. The food menu is immense and very affordable, w/ a plethora of burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and pizzas. It's a great place to hang while you're waiting for your lane.
Come here for a guaranteed fun time w/ beer, bowling, and rock n roll!! And don't forget to take the goofiest photos possible! Now only if I could figure out a way to increase my average to 150 :O)
Started our evening off with a little bowling and it was pretty extreme. LOL. I definately enjoyed this place. We stopped by on a friday nite and it was about a ten minute wait before we got a lane. As soon as they told us what lane we were at the lights went off and guess what? COSMIC BOWLING!!!!! Oh goodness how I love bowling with neon colored objects at every corner of my eye.
The music was amazing!!!! I didn't know what to do...bowl or dance!!!! Awesome crowd of people that evening. And of course I couldn't enjoy my bowling without a refreshing beverage..hehe. Went up to the bar and asked for vodka and cranberry juice...WOW!! The drink was GIANT!!!! And for 7 bucks!!!!! I was blown away!!!! AWAY!!!!! LOL. Definately check this place out.
I'll go up to 4 stars now that I've been here a few more times. The machines stopped stealing my spares for one and I spent a lot more time and money at the bar the last few times. The service staff at the bar/restaurant thing is great, the same at the little counter that sells greasy unexceptional food. It is of course a bowling alley, what were you expecting?
For some reason the guy at the main counter was loudly and obnoxiously shouting inside jokes to the league bowlers or possibly exorcising some unfortunate manifestation of Tourettes. I'm sorry, Tourettians, you've got a funny disease. The narcoleptics feel your pain, or will when they wake up.
A moderately skeezy bowling alley with a strong understanding and application of supply and demand.… Read more »
For the record, my opinion is based on being there for a company outing, so my experience may be a little skewed.
I've been wanting to come here ever since I accidentally stumbled upon the alley while running errands. It's location just screams kick-ass bowling alley to me.
The first thing that stands out is the service. Everyone from the counter person to the shoe-guy and everyone in between was friendly.
The second thing that stood out was the food. My wife's company had the alley cater the outing and they did a damn fine job. Normally, I wouldn't expect more than a hot-dog, or maybe some crappy nachos w/ canned cheese. This place had 2 different kinds of pasta, salad, and a chicken vesuvio dish w/ potatoes. Color me impressed.
The lanes themselve were unspectacular and the scoring system had some glitches. All that was forgotten once rockin' bowl kicked in. First the smoke, then the lighting display. Honestly, I've seen a number of bands that would kill to have the lighting display of this alley.
All-in-all, we had a great time and look forward to heading back on a 'normal' night.
Let me start by saying I am a really lousy bowler. That has nothing to do with how I feel about DRB but I thought I should say it. I've been here a few times. They've got a pretty good summer special where you get 3 hours of bowling and a pizza and pop or beer plus free shoe rental all for one price. They have Blue Moon which will get me to come back by itself. Although the pitchers struck me as expensive-. Overall I like the atmosphere and the food was good. A good time was had by all. Yay
Went here once for a little event my friends liked to call, "Rock n' Bowl - with Wigs." This, as you might infer, meant that we donned silly wigs and set out for a night of bowling at ye olde Diversey River Bowl, aka the Diversey Rock n' Bowl.
Admittedly I'm not a huge bowler, it reminds me of being in junior high and my more awkward times. However, reasonably priced drinks, cosmic lighting, and a hipster-wannabe-esque music selection (for example, we hadn't been there 15 minutes when they played a Sonic Youth song, which was AWESOME) made it an enjoyable experience. One shitty thing though, was that song requests aren't honored for like two hours or something ridiculous. Maybe it was just a busy night, but, like, ugh. I just wanted to bowl to some Bowie.
You reserve the lanes ahead of time, but they wouldn't let us actually go ON the lanes until everyone in our party was there - just a note for groups with stragglers. While being able to drink while you wait certainly doesn't help your bowling game (but with mine, it can't hurt much), it does help to pass the time.
The most exciting thing for me was that the bowling system took your picture and let you put in a nickname. Maybe all bowling allies are like this now, but back when I was bowling monthly, the only thing to get excited about was that crude image of the turkey on that old BSOD monitor.
Overall, DRB offers a reasonably good time, if you go with good friends, and don't mind waiting around, listening to rock music, and being exposed to blacklights.
Bowling is the bomb- let's get that straight.
Everytime we go to Target, my boyfriend begs me to go to this bowling alley. He's not much of a drinker (WTF, I KNOW!), so we're always thinking of creative ways for him to act a fool. Last year for his b-day we rented 4 lanes and it was a great time. A wee bit expensive per lane, but oh well. Glow in the dark paint and carpet (and fuzzies on your shirt) will be enough to keep you entertained when its not your turn to bowl. The bar makes some stiff drinks :) and there's a parking lot for the ones who don't get to enjoy the stiff drinks.
My only problem was that you can't keep changing the names of the bowlers throughout the game- that's half the fun!
When i lived in the city I loved bowling here, It really has a relaxed atmosphere and after throwing back a couple shots and frames you really forget that when you step outside your in a city the size of chicago.
The bartenders are way nicer than you would ever expect and the price of bowling is really more affordable than i would have thought. The ambiance is just what it is, a bowling alley with a lot of pins signed by famous musicians. The music playing is always kickass and the staff is very accomodating. (especially when dealing with a huge bowling party that are drunk of there collective asses)
I give this place 5 stars and would never hesitate to bring a party here,go on a date or just come back to bowl a frame for nostalgia's sake.
It is what it is, and we have a good time every time we go. It's _by_no_means_a_ hipster_place but more of a gaudied-out bowling alley complete with AV system that turns the place into a black light and disco ball nighttime bowling fiesta. Don't get this place confused with 10pin and the like--they're two totally different types of places. Yes, the computers lock up once in a while, but they are using a Windows-based system to run the place, so this should be nothing new to Windows users. Inexpensive tap beer and greasy food are a perfect paring to the Def Leopard blaring after 8pm.
Watch out, though, as they'll quite you $39/hr for a lane reservation ahead of time, but you actually have to get two lanes for a total of $78/hr. Not that big of a deal for a group of friends, but I was really surprised at the bill we ran up the first time.
As you may have noticed, I'm a bowler. I like to bowl and this place is just as good as any. I really appreciate that they have music going. And it's good music! I like getting strike after strike (okay, maybe spare after spare) to Joan Jett or The Clash.
I think my biggest complaint is the price. Being in a league here (and I am!) is reasonable, but the lanes by the hour are not. $32 /hour is only acceptable if you're a speed bowler and if the lanes reset in a speedy manner. And they don't. And for some reason, my ball sometimes takes forever to get returned here.
But all in all, I enjoy bowling here.
When I die, I want to be buried in Diversey Bowl.
This place amazes me more and more!! Had a pretty bad night of bowling yesterday, but to find comfort in the hands of your bowling alley bartender is a very special thing.
I don't want to give out too many details, but I love everyone that works at Diversey. I can only compare my emotions to the Leonardo Cappuccino movie, Titanic.
I am the King of the mother f-in world, yo!!!
I bowl, that's what I do...
I have been to this bowling alley many times before, two or three of…
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I am a bad bowler who gets worse when beer is involved so I wasn't all too pumped to spend Saturday afternoon here. BUT I didn't want to be a complete fun sponge so I saddled up and headed over to Diversey River Bowl with some pals.
We went a little too early and this place was CRAWLING with kids (Eric from Eric and Kathy was there with his little ones. Also bowled next to the guy from NBC5 News. Random Chicago B-Team celebs - love it! ). I like how it is smoke-free. I did NOT like how when we arrived, the black lights were on for a little "cosmic bowling" and then halfway through our game, they shut them off. I had no idea my ball was green! I could have been man-handling someone elses balls the whole time!
Other highlights include the fact that your pic pops up each time it's your turn. Remember to smile pretty! (and people in the lanes next to you totally check out your picture so keep that in mind). Also, like the fact I don't have to sell an organ to afford the prices here. Since when is bowling so expensive? A-hem 10-Pin!
The beer is not cheap by any means ($10 Miller Pitchers) but beer is a necessary aspect of bowling (even though it does make my score drop significantly) so I'll roll with the punches. In the end, I was glad I gave Diversey River Bowl a chance. It has the old school bowl appeal without the hassle of mini-pencils and scorecards. Nicely done, Diversey River Bowl, nicely done.
I was neutral on the Chicago smoking ban. Now that it's in place, I appreciate it, especially when I come to places like this. You can breathe now. I wouldn't care the air fresh and sweet, more like slightly stale with a hint of alcohol, but I'll take it. Another plus - private, free parking. The vibe is pretty good.
At night they get their blacklight show on and blast the fun, nineties dance tunes. In return, without a reservation you pay $32 hourly for bowling lanes, which is kind of high when my group of four gets a collective score of 300. I think that score plummets to about 250 after a couple drinks.
Don't look at me, I can always get a 125 BY MYSELF, thank you very much.
So many mixed up things happened last night that its hard for me to believe I'm giving drb a three (changed from four on further hindsight) star review. But when I balanced everything out in my head, three stars it is.
Went last night on a date. I was pretty pumped about bowling to be honest, because I haven't done it in at least seven or eight years and possibly longer and I'm always looking for good time I suppose. We arrived around 730, so while there were a decent number of people there it wasn't overwhelmingly crowded and we got a lane right away. Workers were a little brief with us, but hey, they work at a bowling alley afterall. I am sure annoying people and headaches are common.
Went to the bar to get a beer. Requested Fat Tire; found out they were all out. Requested 312; that, too, out. Got a PBR, got it for free as third time is the charm. Also the bartender was just an overall great chick.
Bowling itself was fine. Nothing annoying. Computerized scorekeeping, all that. We bowled four games, for two hours of lane time (and yes, by the fourth game, I won). Ate my standard bowling alley fare of deep fried shrimp and fries (so sue me! I love it!), and it was lovely. The bowling though - over 40$ for two hours. My, how have things changed since high school! They do have discounts and specials for lanes, but they all seem to run from noon to 5pm, which is a tad frustrating.
I had, overall, a great time, for spending over 60$ in two hours on bowling, beer, and deep fried vittles. But still, SIXTY DOLLARS? The good time and nice atmosphere however doesnt trump the cost, and so two stars deducted for that price. I probably won't be back.
This is one of the more fun bowling alley's in the city, in my opinion. Its low-key, but I like, not one of the flashier bowling alleys like 10Pin in River North. It's pretty pricey considering the location, because that was on a Thursday. The computer system is really hard to understand, or maybe I'm just an idiot, also very possible.
The staff is very nice and accomdating, and the drinks are pretty strong.
First things first: I've been here several times but the first thing I noticed the last two times is that it's become smoke free! Love it, you can actually see the room and not walk out smelling like you walked through an ash tray.
The popularity seems to have gone down a bit. I remember coming in here on the weekends and having to wait at least a good hour for a lane, there were several the last time I came and it was peak hours for a Saturday night.
Prices are average for city bowling. They don't have the monitors hanging from the ceiling but they do have the monitors on the floor level with automatic scoring (as hard as it is to imagine, not all do).
What used to be the game room is no longer, I'm not sure if they are remodeling or just chose to shut it down completely. They did move some arcade games out to the main area, but I don't believe I saw the hockey table.
I know that the word "rock" is in the title, but I wish they would vary the music a bit more.
Bonus: they have one of those old black and white photo booths that takes a strip of four pictures, who doesn't love those?
Melting pot of Chicago, everyone goes here. Gang bangers with their name air-brushed on their t-shirts, drunk Chads, guys with WAY to tight jeans on.
This place, as they strive to let you know, is historic. Sort of a legand as a "hang-out" spot as much as an actual bowling alley.
One of the bartenders here is AWFUL, and always seems to get in long conversations about nothing in particular with whomever is in front on me. I don't mean to be rude, but, ya know, can I get a beer and THEN you can keep gabbing?
After bowling here in two leagues, I can definitely say that I have a shrewd distaste for Diversey River Bowl. It isn't the worst bowling alley that I have ever been to by any means, but it certainly isn't good either. The lanes are synthetic first-off, which is a huge mark down for me... as synthetic lanes do not absorb the oil that they put on them in a natural manner. Because of this, if your shot has a lot torque/spin on it... the ball you throw is not going to beget the desired result. Above and beyond this, each lane is oiled differently, which causes huge problems for anyone with any kind of hook in their shot, because it requires you to re-adjust your shot depending on which lane you are on. This makes for an inconsistent bowling experience.
Furthermore, the beer selection is lacking... and the prices just got hiked up again... so the cheapest beer on their menu is $3.50 - paying $3.50 for a High Life just is sickening... you can buy a six-pack of High Life for $4.99... ferchrissakes... They do have a couple types of bourbon, including Maker's Mark... but if you want a Maker's on the rocks... yer looking at $7.00. Maker's on the rocks should be $5.00... sheesh. So not only is the bowling here expensive, so are the drinks...
The food is simply, OK... but the service for the food can be very poorly managed and slow. I like the guy who usually runs the front desk, but that just isn't enough to make me give this place a good review. Another weird thing is the way that they set up the "seating" area... is a bunch high stools, surrounding a triangular high table that points toward the lane. This setup is just jarring, uncomfortable and counter-intuitive for the social bowling experience. I am not a fan of this place... too bad good bowling alleys in Chicago are slowly dying out... it makes me a very sad little bourbon sipper.
This is one of my favorite bowling allies in the city. It has reasonable prices, acceptable and most times enjoyable music, very friendly bartenders and a photo booth. Who doesn't like photo booths ? The same people who dont like puppies and skip veterans in line at the grocery store, that's who. But if you like bowling, and victory dancing, and the occasional rockabilly vibe, you will enjoy Diversey River Bowl, which is also known as Diversey Rock-n-Bowl. So you know, you can rock out with whatever out.
Great time! No smoke! Cosmic lights! Full bar and restaurant.
Lots of grungey hipsters working the shoe booth and bar, etc mingled in with the old school folks that are very friendly. An interesting contrast. The hipsters make you feel like they are too cool for anything related to working at a bowling alley, but they work at a bowling alley. But everyone else I encountered was throughly helpful.
I planned a group event for about 12 people, everyone had a really good time (so it seemed). Pitchers of beer were reasonably priced, cold and served fast.
It's a good, cheap way to fill a few hours, kick back with friends, eat a hot dog and french fries, wear funky shoes and throw balls. They even clock your speed and personalize your frame with your pictures! Half the fun.
Overall, a really great time. I will definitely go back!
Oh yes, and use the photo booth, its old school and oh so awesome.
Great priced beer, electronic reservations, and plenty of lanes make this a great bowling spot. They easily accommodated our large group and keep a pretty clean facility. Staff was always helpful and parking was tight but available. Definitely one of the better bowling alleys in Chicago that I've been to.
This happened to be my first time at this place ever, which is shocking because I used to bowl a lot...I think the location always kind of threw me off, however i do plan on returning.
I had to wait a little bit because we went on a Friday night when apparently the whole rest of Chicago bowls. The employees were very laid back and told us without being snobby what to do to get a lane. It was refreshing despite all of the regulars that seem to go and how crowded it was.
We got some overpriced Amstel lights and watched everything from yuppies, hipsters, hip hoppers, gangbangers, families, ex-gangbangers, kids, to senior citizens getting down. They were all bowling without any kind of problems. It only took us like 15 minutes to get a lane and the ball selection and shoes were all easy to get. The automatic scoring thing was a nice touch as I don't like to do addition when I drink. I think the pitchers of beer is a better deal than the individual beer. 15$ hacker pschorr is pretty cool.
It was a good time, I'm not really sure what a good deal in bowling is supposed to be but shoes for two and three games for two cost around 40 with like maybe 20 bucks on beer. Now that's a cheap date!!!
American Table Menu
Neighborhood: West Loop
Wednesday Dinner Deal!
Neighborhood: Uptown
Neighborhood: North Center
Category: Bowling
Neighborhood: North Center
Category: Pool Halls
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Category: Bowling
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Bowling
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Nightlife
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