Lincoln Square Lanes

I've been going to Lincoln Lanes for years. I loved it. Friends would come in from out of town, and I would make them go bowling there. They were always skeptical, but would realize how awesome it was as soon as we walked in. Everytime I went there, I had an awesome time, especially because even though I suck at bowling, I never felt like anyone there was judging us bad bowlers.

Well, Lincoln Lanes recently closed for renovations. After reopening, my friends and I have had a hard time getting in there. One friend went there to get a lane or two for a bunch of us, and they told her they were all booked up. They wouldn't let her leave her name or reserve a lane for later that night, but she could wait around or keep stopping back in person to check if there were any openings. That seemed a little weird to us.

Even with that weirdness (it was right after they reopened, so they probably were pretty busy), I decided to celebrate my birthday there. I called two weeks ago and reserved two lanes for a party from 7-10pm. Everything was going well, and I invited a bunch of friends. I went to Party City and dropped a bunch of bones on decorations, party favors, the lot. Then today at about 4:15, Lincoln Lanes called me to let me know that a private event had been booked and overlapped my reservation. They said (who knows if it's true or not) that the event had been booked before I made my reservation, but they "forgot" to write it in the reservation book.

They very kindly offered to let me have my party before or after the private event. Thanks but no thanks. I'm not interested in having a party at 4pm or midnight at a bowling alley. It was really cool of them to give me plenty of time to come up with a Plan B. It's not like my birthday party is ruined or anything.

Oh wait, that's EXACTLY what it's like. Lincoln Lanes ruined my birthday.

Renovation looks fantastic but the food needs work.  Like a new place -- the windows, new bar and bar area are nicely done.  Outstanding draft beer selection and the servers were great.  The food is mediocre at best however -- they're trying, but too many menu options.  Focus on a few core items, bring in a chef/consultant to make them good, and even charge a bit more for them.  I'd rather pay $12 for a good pizza than $8 for a mediocre one.

They're almost there, revamp the menu and this place will take off.

What an awesome bowling alley. I had a birthday gathering here and was so happy with the place. The bar and food had great selections, the staff was considerate and accommodating. The live band just added to the atmosphere of the place. Great job remodeling (not that I had seen the old place). I would definitely come back here. :)