Highland Lanes

 

8

50

Abi S.

Austin, TX

I gotta give a really BIG yelp to Highland Lanes, 183's classiest bowling establishment. We took a field trip of 250 there today, and every single person that worked there was so nice and accommodating. Normally, people HATE field trips, but they were amazing. The kids had a great time too.

I also love the shag carpet mural. So nice. And there was a Disney Princess bowling ball in the Pro Shop that pretty much redefined tacky.

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6

28

beth m.

Austin, TX

I payed $24 for two of us to play on a Tuesday night (with shoe rental, which- by the way were not disgusting).  After the first game was over, and i bragged about my 68 score, we decided to play again.  When we left, my friend went to pay and we found out there was no money needed!  So, unlimited bowling Tuesday nights, everyone.  Have fun.

Bonus: drink specials on white russians, Dude.

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Elite '08

57

258

Cody R.

Austin, TX

You know what I like? A good mural.... I've always been interested in the size, detail, and theme of the murals around town. Well, they ain't got nothing compared to Highland Lanes. Not only does Highland Lanes have a beautiful (strange, interesting) mural depicting life in Austin, but it's also made of carpet..... which makes it so much cooler. How do you maintain a carpet mural? Vacuum it?

A carpet mural is really the only thing I need for a 5 star review.... but then throw in an awesome party, some balloons, good smelling food, funny nicknames, bowling pin shaped beer bottles, and a bunch of crazy Yelpers and you got yourself a party.

Finding a good ball is somewhat difficult (unless you're an elf with tiny hands) but it also adds to the fun. While you are looking there are endless amounts of "ball" jokes that await you. Also, the pins here seemed to be glued to the floor......I usually know how to handle my balls (the first ball jokes on me).....Highland Lanes proved to be a challenge and I left with my lowest score ever. But it didn't even matter...... I still had a great time.

Highland Lanes was a strike in my book!

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Elite '08

56

132

Jessica S.

Austin, TX

A friend of mine used to have a "first date dress" that she always wore on you guessed it, first dates. And if she could, she'd always meet at the same place. She was very intentional in this so she could eliminate possible factors that may make or break the date.

I've been to several places with Yelpers--some of them, my first time to be there. It's hard to judge--okay, review--a place when the company I'm with is so awesomely cool.  I'm sure I could be at the worst establishment, but with Yelpers, and I'd still have good things to say. I guess y'all are like my own personal first date dress.

Went to Highland Lanes last night to meet other Yelpers. It's been a few years since I was there last. Sometimes my game is SO on, other times, it's SO not. Last night, my game was not on, as expressed in my throwing of the ball backwards. I wish I could take away a star for that, but that's not fair to the Lanes.

Seemed cheap enough. I have no idea how much bowling should cost. The bar was good and had the requisite White Russians. Thanks, Dude.

We had a few spills, which were quickly cleaned up by workers. How else do you review a bowling alley? The ball returns were quick, the strikes were often, and the happenings were fun. Good place for kids. And laughs. And thank goodness for no smoking!

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Elite '08

16

73

Mary V.

Austin, TX

It's fun...lots of fun...bring your friends...perhaps your family...throw a ?lbs ball around...after striking out...do a dance...but don't fall down...oh, and don't get your thumb stuck in the ball...your thumb will surely break before the ball does....

only downer is that I think it's a bit pricey without a coupon...but that's just cheap 'ole me....

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Elite '08

167

114

Jefe R.

Austin, TX

I've said before that I don't like to review places I have only been once.  That's not what I am doing here, but it is close.  I've been to Highland lanes a few times before, I even had a birthday gathering here once.  My friends had cake, and Barbi plates to eat it off of.  It was pretty much just your average bowling alley, and I didn't think much of it one way or the other.  It's no Dart Bowl, certainly.

It's amazing the difference the right people can make.  Last night, the dashing Mr. Edison put together a great little un-official Yelp bowling event, and it was fantastic.  There were about 15 of us, lots of us new to each other, and we all got along swimmingly.  I had a fantastic time, and really didn't want it to end.

We had some interesting moments, for sure.  Jessica S. (the taller one) dropped the bowling ball backwards.  Twice!  We all had a good laugh, but a happy one, not mean-spirited.  Carrie C. brought one of the coolest bowling balls ever, with Cartoon Networks Johnny Bravo, which she picked up at Goodwill.  Tobi also brought her own ball, and looked like a real pro.  Also, I bowled a 170, close to a personal best.  Then again, I also fell down once to, fouled, and accidentally rolled the ball down the lane at about 2 inched per minute, and we all laughed while we waited, seemingly forever, for it to fruitlessly miss the only pin that was left.  All in all, a great evening.

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Elite '08

71

101

Ryan S.

Austin, TX

Twice I've broken the 100 mark here in 4 frames bowled.  That alone earns this venue five stars.  However, being the site of a royal reaming after one of those, it gets minus one star.  Also, the complete lack of disco lighting and throbbing music playing doesn't win any fans.  Way too lit up and peaceful.  Minus one more.  Finally, the sheer awesomeness of having that much silly fun, and cowering in terror after the Taller S's double backwards bowling gets it plus one.

Bonus tip:  Goodwill apparently has cartoon network bowling balls for sale.  But they won't guarantee you'll bowl better.

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Elite '08

139

174

Camron R.

TX

I'm in a bowling league at work and we bowl here once a week.  The place is pretty nice compared to the crappy alley where I used to live.  They had a monopoly on bowling and would gouge our pockets with $3 games.  At Highland you bowl by the hour, not by the amount of people bowling.  Four people can easily get in two games for around $10 (If you have your own shoes and you're not slow).  
I'm not sure about wait time, but you should probably try to reserve a lane before you show up.  The place always seems pretty crowded to me.

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Elite '08

43

44

Logan Y.

Austin, TX

Sure it's not super fancy or one of those la-di-dah bowling alleys, but this place is definitely a step up from the usual crap holes that I've visited in other cities.  It does have a pretty reliable pinsetter and score system.  The lanes are in fairly good condition and my ball doesn't usually come back through the return all beat to hell so that is a good thing.  If you are going for a cheap night of bowling, you can't beat Sunday nights from 7-11 ($9 unlimited bowling, includes shoe rental and a bowl of popcorn for some reason).  The Sunday night deal alone gives this review an extra star.  Check it out.

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Elite '08

202

457

Susie G.

Austin, TX

Oh Highland Lanes, the semi ghetto bowling place of my youth. Many a high school night my friends and I would plan to meet, bowl, and stare longingly at the adults buying beers at the shady bar, or eating greasy food.

Even as other, snazzier bowling joints seem to spring up all over north Austin, Highland Lanes some how continues to hold its own. Playing hip hop music and selling socks out of a vending machine in the corner, this place sure hasn't changed.  When my adult friends and I check ed it out years later, we realized bowling is about the same wherever you go. For a cheap game, go here. There is not usually much of a wait, even on a weekend night. The other thing we learned is this, bowling is also much cooler if  you drink while you do it. Luckily Highland Lanes has a bar.

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