Category: Bowling

Tampa, Florida is the unofficial capital of western Florida. Tampa is known for beautiful Tampa Bay, excellent golf courses, a vibrant nightlife and a laid back vibe that many prefer to the more upscale atmosphere of Miami.

As with many major cities in the country, bowling has become a popular pastime in Tampa. Bowling has in many ways grown from its roots blue collar sport and now can be a trendy night on the town as well. Bowling is popular for an after work pursuit, a social gathering and even a date night destination. In a warm weather state such as Floriday, an indoor sport such as bowling can sometimes be forgotten. But the reality is that bowling can be a fun night out, and not just a reason to stay inside.

The following is a list and review of the five best bowling alleys in Tampa, Florida.

Splitsville

615 Channelside Drive

Tampa, Florida

Splitsville is a prototypical “nightclub bowling alley”, as it can seem to be a club that just so happens have terrific bowling as well. That’s not to say that bowling is not done justice here; the lanes are well kept, the equipment is first rate and all the small touches that serious bowlers look for are included. Splitsville offers a truly first rate menu, including pork tenderloin, sushi, gourmet pizza, tempura fish and chips and filet mignon. What other bowling alleys offer THOSE sorts of selections? The cocktail selections are incredibly good as well, with themed drinks of a wide variety

Splitsville offers a variety of party packages, which include kids and adult parties. Underscoring its adult crowd, however, is the fact that after 8:00PM each night, only those 21 years old and older are allowed. Splitsville offers a number of plasma televisions for watching other sports, as well as a number of pool tables for those not bowling or waiting for a lane.

Pinarama Bowling Center

5008 South Dale Mabry Boulevard

Tampa, Florida

Pinarama Bowling Center is the quintessential neighborhood bowling alley. It truly is a ‘meat and potatoes’ type of bowling alley located in the South Tampa area. Pinarama is well lit, clean and carefully maintained. There are several bowling leagues at Pinaram and it caters to kids parties and offers very reasonable rates. It offers a coupon on its website for reduced prices and party pricing.

Pin Chasers

4847 North Armenia Avenue

Tampa, Florida

Pin Chasers is a mid-range Tampa bowling alley that caters to families and groups. Its website offers a Pin Chasers community page, which helps people to plan for leagues, bowling outings and ‘compare notes’ on their games. Pin Chasers stays open late and caters at night to an older crowd, but during the day this is a decidedly family atmosphere.

Florida Lanes

10400 Florida Avenue North

Tampa, Florida

Probably the most remarkable aspect to Florida Lanes is its offering of ‘extreme bowling’, which is a night endeavor characterized by low lights and loud music. Extreme bowling is arguably the main reason for the explosive growth in the popularity of bowling among those looking for a night on the town. There is something special about bowling in the midst of pumping music, strobe lights and perhaps a cocktail or two. Florida Lanes is an AMF bowling center, which ensures quality facilities and bowling conditions as well. Florida Lanes encourages and helps to plan for bowling parties with large groups of people and offers a solid food menu at reasonable prices.

Terrace Sports

5311 East Busch Boulevard

Temple Terrace, Florida

Terrace Sports is an all around solid bowling alley in Tampa. It is family friendly, with kids birthday packages. There are not a lot of extras or frills here at Terrace Sports, but it is a popular destination for Tampa area bowlers due to its friendly service, attention to bowling detail and reasonable prices. Ask for their group specials and party packages.

Bowling is a great pursuit, particularly on those rainy Tampa nights or hot days. You can check out Bowling Advisorto learn more about your nearby bowling centers. You can read their reviews and select the bowling center which appeals to you the most.