What can we say? Some things just get better with age. Like a good pinot, a sharp cheddar, or the gift that is Hugh Jackman, we can safely say that ten-pin bowling has levelled up over the years.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, your friends, or your unassuming date, Brisbane’s best bowling alleys have your next night out well and truly sorted. Prep that winning fist pump, get ready to knock down some pins, and take a deep breath, Brisbane. Bowling’s grown up a bit since your 7th birthday party, and you’re going to love it.
Strike Bowling
Brisbane City
Like a seven-ten split, this mash-up of cheeky cocktails and ten-pin bowling is pretty impossible to beat. When it comes to bowling, Brisbane locals look to Wintergarden’s Strike Bowling—a legend for its primo location, lane-side bar, and banger tunes. Grab your crew, snag a menu, and keep your off-hand strong: it’s too hard to pick between slinging bowling balls and that killer lychee martini.
Kingpin
Chermside
We didn’t think it was possible to love Chermside’s dining mecca more than we already did, but… here we are. Ruling over fourteen bowling lanes, cheeky bistro bites and a book of specialty cocktails, Kingpin is the crowning glory of bowling Brisbane-wide. And if you’re craving the royal treatment, take a gander at their event space, Room 300. Along with all the trimmings, the super secret hideout has four private bowling lanes, so use those gutter bumpers without any shame, team.
Strathpine Bowl
Strathpine
Northside alley cats, this one’s for you. When it comes to bowling, Brisbane’s Strathpine Bowl knows its way around the pins. After reopening under new ownership, this popular haunt is back in action, and pro league bowlers and casual groups alike haven’t wasted any time jumping back in their lane.
Aspley 10 Pin Bowl
Aspley
Let’s face it, people: growing up is overrated. For a throwback to a simpler time–when our thoughts weren’t consumed by that next Afterpay repayment–check out Aspley’s own 10 Pin Bowls. Brisbane locals can swing by for a dose of rainy day bowling, foosball and a round of Daytona USA before snapping back to reality.
Zone Bowling
Multiple locations
Remember AMF Bowling? Brisbane, don’t despair: your favourite alleys are still kicking under a new tag. Best news is, whenever our river city’s sunny façade decides to crack (like, three years from now), you’ll find a Zone Bowling near you. These bowling gurus have locations in spots like Capalaba, Logan, Garden City and Richlands, so whenever you’re craving a date night with some competitive edge, Zone has things covered.
Logan City Tenpin
Logan Central
Alright, alright, enough fun and games. If you’re hunting for 10 pin bowling, Brisbane’s Logan City Tenpin is too legit to miss. Here, bowlers have a massive twenty lanes at their beck and call, so pull on those dastardly shoes, ready that swinging arm and thank us later. Oh, and we’ve heard whispers of unlimited glow-in-the-dark bowling on Saturday nights, bee tee dubs.
Finished working on your bowling game? Check out Brisbane’s best mini golf.
Image credit: Daniel Alvarez