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Midtown Bowl Throws Strikes for 60 Years

It’s all here at Midtown Bowl: Food, Beer and Lots of Fun

Article by Grady McGill

Photography by Grady McGill

Bowling lovers unite! Get your game on at Midtown Bowl! Get your friends and let the good times roll at Atlanta’s oldest bowling alley. Midtown Bowl has been a local bowling staple since 1960, which means it is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Located off Piedmont Circle past Ansley Mall, Midtown Bowl has 32 lanes, a food stand, arcade, a bar and a new 11th Frame event space room. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Midtown Bowl.

The great thing about bowling is that it's one of the few sports that people of all ages can enjoy. I have been bowling since I was a little kid and went to Express Lanes, which is now Midtown Bowl. When Midtown Bowl took over, there was new management, staff, updated lanes, decor and equipment. I have known the staff for a while, and they are all amazing and really nice. Years ago, bowling was per-game but now it is by the hour. Rates are $25 to $40 an hour, depending on the time, and Midtown Bowl is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Really Good Food

The food at Midtown Bowl is a cut above other bowling alleys, and there is a variety of options including healthy dishes such as the vegan and kosher burger. Salads are also offered too, and the Caesar salad is honestly among the best in town. I wouldn’t have believed it until I tasted it! The chicken wings are amazing. My favorites are the club sandwich and turkey reuben, although a lot of the time, we order the pizza, which is also good. Because of Covid, not all of the items are currently being offered. Unfortunately, the Caesar salad is taking a break, but hopefully it will be back soon.

Midtown Bowl Knows Good Beer

For all beer lovers, Midtown Bowl knows good beer, with lots of interesting craft brews on the menu. There's a featured brewery of the month, such as Pontoon and Creature Comforts. You can also get the featured brew on draft at the bar as well as a huge selection of local and craft beers. Midtown Bowl offers canned cocktails by Atlanta-based Post Meridiem as well as canned wine and sangria.

Bring Your Friends; Join a League

Midtown Bowl hosts leagues with The Atlanta Sport and Social Club. If you want to upgrade your experience with a bowling league and make new friends, this is the way to go. Why not put some social fun in the mix?

Last, but Not Least… 

Let's start with the good news, Midtown Bowl reopened safely in late July, so for those of you — like me — who are eager to go bowling, the wait is finally over. You can be assured the staff is constantly sanitizing and cleaning the balls plus shoes as well as the whole bowling alley. Masks are required, but you can take them off at your lane. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Check out this old-fashioned and fun Midtown bowling alley. It’s a fantastic way to socialize with friends, eat some good food, enjoy local craft beer and get some much-needed exercise.