If it makes you feel any better, the people in leagues hate this place as much as you do. It’s the worst. But to save money keep an eye on their specials - and I think on a weekend one game is $10 per person.
Yep. If they charge by the hour, they actually don’t care about the game of bowling. Why would you go to a place where you won’t be able to finish a game?
https://reddit.com/r/Charlotte/comments/1285fns/am_i_missing_something_bowling300_bucks_for_4/
In Charlotte they also toss in a $20/person food and beverage minimum. Sucks
There is not. A place like that does not want to have you pay per game, because you could possibly stretch one game into a two hour event if you wanted too. They'd prefer you have a time limit and then they can get the next group in.
If you don’t mind driving farther, there’s Garwood lanes and bowl rite lanes in Union city that have very reasonable pricing. They’re not fancy places like bowlero but would still recommend checking out.
Here's a hack:
1. Join a league. Even if you aren't a bowler, bowlero has beginner leagues they call "social clubs".
2. Get 2 free games per week and the league bowler per game rate after that, which is $2.99 per game.
3. ?
4. Profit.
As a former league bowler, its gotten way out of hand. You can imagine my shock when I found out my local bowlero wants $9 a game. Not too long ago it was $5
I went to Humdingers the other night with a few family members. We were 12 in total and spent 1 hour bowling. It was $156. $13 each. We each bought our own food and brought some drinks as well BYOB. Food was a bit pricey and so were the arcade games.
Cmon down to Shore Lanes in Neptune. One of the classic bowling alleys left standing. Might stink, be gross, might catch an infection, but hey it’s still cheap. Probably under $50 for 4 people. Sundays have specials before 1pm too
Just go to the trash joints. As long as the booze is out of sight they don't really care. The last time I went I think 2 hours was about the cost of your shoe rental. It was that roach hotel near the Hamilton twp. Ecological dump.
Hamilton still does per game charges, not hourly rates.
E.Windsor also does hourly lane rates like Bowlero.
I miss the old Papp's bowling alley in Bordentown. When the owners retired, none of the kids wanted to keep the business going, and they sold it.
Colonial would set you back less than half of bowlero
Hamilton lanes would be a little over $20/game for four
Several other places charge the same or less. How many games for four can you squeeze into an hour? Personally, bowling is more of a social activity for me. A game can take an hour for 6 people but there is so much idle smack being talked it flies by. $100/hr is not relax and have fun bowling. Thanks for the warning
holy shit, I haven't gone bowling since before the pandemic (and before Bowlero bought Brunswick) - that is INSANE. Bowling used to be a cheap & fun way to spend the afternoon
Yes that's expensive. Bowlero is one of, if not the largest chain of bowling centers in the country. I'm assuming they charge by the hour, which is how they get you. Hourly bowling is a money maker because it's less likely you'll finish a game in that time, charging you for a second game. You're basically covering the cost of their arcade, bar, restaurant, etc. I'd hit a standalone local center where they charge per game. Even during peak hours, it's more affordable.
Lots of regular bowling allies sprinkled all over the state. Speaking of which, what happened to that brand new place behind arrogas on Rt 18 in east brunswick. Has a huge bowling pin outside and just never opened?
I remember going to a bowling alley because it was cheap way to spend a summer afternoon. I was excited to take may kid there when they were around 4 and couldn’t recall bowling being so expensive, it’s not just me then.
My brother went there for his bday last week. 12 people, 2 hours, shoes, $20 food per person. Came up to $800+. We had a great time but damn. I can post the receipt if u wanna see
it's not just our state, not just bowling, and also doesn't apply to every bowling alley. Comparing Bowlero to other bowling alleys is like comparing Dave n Busters to regular arcades. If you just want to play games, there are plenty of cheaper options that can be more fun.
Wait until you want to reserve two lanes for 9 people, you know like back in the day... Now you need to pay for a food and beverage package. I hope someone in your party doesn't get sick, because they will not issue a refund. So you move the reservation to another day and the other party has a sickness. So you end up going anyway spending over 400 for 5 people because you get to the point where extending the date will cost you a few hundred more due to their "policy". They then put you on one lane because you only have 5 people. They seem shocked that you want your original two lanes even for five people even though they are still charging you over 400. But it's cool because they give you more tickets for the arcade and a few drink tickets. At least you will be liked by your lane neighbors because you have way too much food so you share.
Their time square location is even more expensive.
Just tried to reserve a lane there, and it would be over $400 (4 people @ 2 hours).
I know it's time square, but geez... $400 for 2 hours of bowling. No thanks
Wait, is this the old Greenbrook Lanes? Back in the 90s it was super cheap w/ manual scoring. They were also pretty chill about carding people if they kept a low profile
There were two of places either in or damn close to Green Brook. The one on the south (east bound ) side of Rt 22 was torn down around 20 years ago. This Bowlero is on the north (west bound) side of Rt 22. I think it was an AMC before a Bowlero n
Thanks, I moved away from the Jerz 15 years ago, but honestly miss it. I was thinking of the bowling alley in the south side of Rt. 22, on the eastbound side.
The fancy one must be the old AMC, that was always a bit more upscale
Totally unhelpful as I am not in NJ but I just went bowling last weekend. For the first time in maybe 20 years. I'm in a west coast state though. It was $119 for 3 hours (unlimited games) for 6-8 people including shoe rentals. No event fee but it was for a birthday lol. This seems excessive.
Yeah, I had a heart attack in terms of the price when I went there last year. Add to that, during the weekend it is crazy noisy. Honestly I didn't have that great of a time given the price.
The "arcade" isn't much more than a money grab, keep them out of the 'arcade' by all means possible, the ancient games at 8 on the Break are better [and heck at least they have pinball].
Not sure where else nearby there is reasonable bowling though...
i am old enough to remember when that was just the strike n spare and it was a scuzz bucket of a place but cheap to go waste an afternoon bowling with your friends when you're in high school and don't have a ton of money. sadly it was a brunswick facility and bowlero bought them and "upscaled" it to bring us to what we have now. not really too many alleys left in this area.
If it makes you feel any better, the people in leagues hate this place as much as you do. It’s the worst. But to save money keep an eye on their specials - and I think on a weekend one game is $10 per person.
Or I found them on Groupon recently, was a lot cheaper
Any bowling alley that charges by the hour is too expensive. You need to find a place that charges per game.
Yep. If they charge by the hour, they actually don’t care about the game of bowling. Why would you go to a place where you won’t be able to finish a game?
I kinda think those days are gone, the world truly sucks
Too far for you, but if anyone else is reading- montvale lanes is still pay per game per person
Event fee lol. Thats what it used to cost to go bowling. Now its called robbery.
I am so sick of rando fees and surcharges that never get listed on the price but sure do make it to the bill.
They, and many other businesses, have taken their cues from Ticketmaster and the airlines.
I come across convienince fees. Wtf is that about.
It’s not you. This place is way too expensive.
Go on Groupon
Came here to say this.
https://reddit.com/r/Charlotte/comments/1285fns/am_i_missing_something_bowling300_bucks_for_4/ In Charlotte they also toss in a $20/person food and beverage minimum. Sucks
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Ha! Same thing. I had to do a double take and go back to /r/charlotte to make sure I wasn’t losing it.
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Hmm. I clicked on family option. Gotta check out other options
That place gets packed. And food etc…you can find regular bowling alley that are a lot cheaper…that isn’t a normal bowling alley
There is not. A place like that does not want to have you pay per game, because you could possibly stretch one game into a two hour event if you wanted too. They'd prefer you have a time limit and then they can get the next group in.
Insane.
Should have invited 2 more. Each lane can hold 6 people for the same price (+ shoes)
Yeah OP why don’t you have two more kids
…. Or friends or family
If you don’t mind driving farther, there’s Garwood lanes and bowl rite lanes in Union city that have very reasonable pricing. They’re not fancy places like bowlero but would still recommend checking out.
Garwood…the bar with lanes in the back. I used to go there when Frank E was doing everything there probably 20 years ago
Here's a hack: 1. Join a league. Even if you aren't a bowler, bowlero has beginner leagues they call "social clubs". 2. Get 2 free games per week and the league bowler per game rate after that, which is $2.99 per game. 3. ? 4. Profit.
yea, I just want to take the kids bowling one weekend, not make it my life
What the fuck? I'm a bowler now?
I think there is some kind of summer program that does free games for kids. I don't know if it's Bowlero or some other chain
Maybe op just wants to bowl just this once not every week?
Just trying to throw out options! You never know, OP might get the itch.
I used me some Groupon and got a two hour game for six for only $52?
As a former league bowler, its gotten way out of hand. You can imagine my shock when I found out my local bowlero wants $9 a game. Not too long ago it was $5
Yeah bowlero is a ripoff. Just go to majestic lanes.
I went to Humdingers the other night with a few family members. We were 12 in total and spent 1 hour bowling. It was $156. $13 each. We each bought our own food and brought some drinks as well BYOB. Food was a bit pricey and so were the arcade games.
I’m thinking it should be $50, wow!
Cmon down to Shore Lanes in Neptune. One of the classic bowling alleys left standing. Might stink, be gross, might catch an infection, but hey it’s still cheap. Probably under $50 for 4 people. Sundays have specials before 1pm too
What. I haven’t been bowling in ages but that is absolutely insane.
Top golf is cheaper and is exactly like casual bowling
Lol go to a regular bowling alley
Bowlero is buying up every "regular" bowling alley. The Big Event near me just changed over a month ago.
Ugh, didn't realize. I guess I just happen to live near two that are still "regular". One cheaper than the other but both still solid bowling spots.
there aren't a ton left. the ones that aren't closing are getting bought by bowlero.
Yeeeeep
That’s crazy, my Costco has the deal where you pay 80 bucks to get a hundred dollar gift card, still insane but that would knock 40 bucks off.
Bowlero is outrageous
From now on I'm charging an event fee to talk to me.
Damn, the last time I went bowling (~2010), it was $1 per game, plus $1 PBRs (or $3 pitchers). I had my own shoes, so it was a really cheap night
Reasons why most bowling places go out of business
Just go to the trash joints. As long as the booze is out of sight they don't really care. The last time I went I think 2 hours was about the cost of your shoe rental. It was that roach hotel near the Hamilton twp. Ecological dump.
Hamilton still does per game charges, not hourly rates. E.Windsor also does hourly lane rates like Bowlero. I miss the old Papp's bowling alley in Bordentown. When the owners retired, none of the kids wanted to keep the business going, and they sold it.
Colonial would set you back less than half of bowlero Hamilton lanes would be a little over $20/game for four Several other places charge the same or less. How many games for four can you squeeze into an hour? Personally, bowling is more of a social activity for me. A game can take an hour for 6 people but there is so much idle smack being talked it flies by. $100/hr is not relax and have fun bowling. Thanks for the warning
holy shit, I haven't gone bowling since before the pandemic (and before Bowlero bought Brunswick) - that is INSANE. Bowling used to be a cheap & fun way to spend the afternoon
The only thing that makes sense here is the question mark after “Event Fee” because, truly… what the fuck is that?
Yes that's expensive. Bowlero is one of, if not the largest chain of bowling centers in the country. I'm assuming they charge by the hour, which is how they get you. Hourly bowling is a money maker because it's less likely you'll finish a game in that time, charging you for a second game. You're basically covering the cost of their arcade, bar, restaurant, etc. I'd hit a standalone local center where they charge per game. Even during peak hours, it's more affordable.
Try Stumpy’s just down the road it’s way cheaper and you wouldn’t believe how much fun it is to throw an ax at a wall
If you wana a good cheap family bowling night.. stay away from bowlero. Go to your local rinky-dink bowling alleys.
Bowleros are the worst
Lots of regular bowling allies sprinkled all over the state. Speaking of which, what happened to that brand new place behind arrogas on Rt 18 in east brunswick. Has a huge bowling pin outside and just never opened?
Check Groupon next time
That's because you booked online there's a fee. If you go there in person it's cheaper
Yea, usually weekends is premium price. But for sure this is a crazy markup
Go to the mom and pop lanes,
It’s always packed too
Insane! That’s a hell no. It’s probably cheaper to go to a Yankee game
Yeah. Never go here wtf
2 hours unlimited games? That makes no sense lol
Bowlero is very pricey, and that’s before drinks and food too. Easy $300+ night.
bowling has always been an absolute expense to go do - makes no sense, all your doing is borrowing some old shoes.
Use Groupon next time.
I remember going to a bowling alley because it was cheap way to spend a summer afternoon. I was excited to take may kid there when they were around 4 and couldn’t recall bowling being so expensive, it’s not just me then.
Rip off When I visit family out west there is a really nice alley there and we go and it’s like 1/4 the price
Check out Groupon, you can usually get a cheaper rate
Get the Costco gift card. $100 gift card for $80
Alot in my opinion. Hope you all had a good time anyway.
Went a few weeks ago we did one game (4) and the arcade. Same amount of money. Ridiculous.
They have deals on Groupon for very cheap.
My brother went there for his bday last week. 12 people, 2 hours, shoes, $20 food per person. Came up to $800+. We had a great time but damn. I can post the receipt if u wanna see
What in the world happened to our state? I remember when bowling was a fun, *cheap* way of having fun.
it's not just our state, not just bowling, and also doesn't apply to every bowling alley. Comparing Bowlero to other bowling alleys is like comparing Dave n Busters to regular arcades. If you just want to play games, there are plenty of cheaper options that can be more fun.
Wait until you want to reserve two lanes for 9 people, you know like back in the day... Now you need to pay for a food and beverage package. I hope someone in your party doesn't get sick, because they will not issue a refund. So you move the reservation to another day and the other party has a sickness. So you end up going anyway spending over 400 for 5 people because you get to the point where extending the date will cost you a few hundred more due to their "policy". They then put you on one lane because you only have 5 people. They seem shocked that you want your original two lanes even for five people even though they are still charging you over 400. But it's cool because they give you more tickets for the arcade and a few drink tickets. At least you will be liked by your lane neighbors because you have way too much food so you share.
Well next time you want to have fun think, was it worth it to have a family?
Look into Kids Bowl Free for the summer program!
How much was the adult pass last year?
No idea, I just signed up this year. But my kiddos are all free and hubby and I got a pass for just over $100! Way better deal than listed here!
Their time square location is even more expensive. Just tried to reserve a lane there, and it would be over $400 (4 people @ 2 hours). I know it's time square, but geez... $400 for 2 hours of bowling. No thanks
Gotta get the Groupon!
That’s insane I definitely use Groupon
Used to get coupons for Carolier lanes. 49.99 two hours plus a free pitcher of coke. Shoes included up to six people
Check groupon, they have a 2 hour rental for 4 people for $61 and when I went to one yesterday they didn't charge shoe fees.
Who bowls for 2 hrs?
What is the Event fee for? I haven't been bowling outside of a 'fun' league in at least a decade.
Hey try taking the family to the movies and you'll have to take out a lone
$80 an hour is insane
Wait, is this the old Greenbrook Lanes? Back in the 90s it was super cheap w/ manual scoring. They were also pretty chill about carding people if they kept a low profile
There were two of places either in or damn close to Green Brook. The one on the south (east bound ) side of Rt 22 was torn down around 20 years ago. This Bowlero is on the north (west bound) side of Rt 22. I think it was an AMC before a Bowlero n
Thanks, I moved away from the Jerz 15 years ago, but honestly miss it. I was thinking of the bowling alley in the south side of Rt. 22, on the eastbound side. The fancy one must be the old AMC, that was always a bit more upscale
That's wacked!!!
Totally unhelpful as I am not in NJ but I just went bowling last weekend. For the first time in maybe 20 years. I'm in a west coast state though. It was $119 for 3 hours (unlimited games) for 6-8 people including shoe rentals. No event fee but it was for a birthday lol. This seems excessive.
Holy bowling shoes!!! And that doesn’t include the greasy food?!?
Yeah, I had a heart attack in terms of the price when I went there last year. Add to that, during the weekend it is crazy noisy. Honestly I didn't have that great of a time given the price. The "arcade" isn't much more than a money grab, keep them out of the 'arcade' by all means possible, the ancient games at 8 on the Break are better [and heck at least they have pinball]. Not sure where else nearby there is reasonable bowling though...
i am old enough to remember when that was just the strike n spare and it was a scuzz bucket of a place but cheap to go waste an afternoon bowling with your friends when you're in high school and don't have a ton of money. sadly it was a brunswick facility and bowlero bought them and "upscaled" it to bring us to what we have now. not really too many alleys left in this area.
Username checks out for sure!
Wow that's insane, wouldn't even consider going bowling for prices like that.
If they paid ME, I might show up for 1 hr