Bowlarama product reviews

There are only two 10-pin alleys in town, and one they are almost on opposite corners of town. This one is furthest from me, and yet, I feel I will be visiting it more than the other.

The feel of the place as you walk (or wheel) in is pretty spacious, but the tables near the main entrance would make it a little awkward for wheelchair- or scooter-bound folks.

On my first visit I found the venue staffed by a couple of teenagers, a young man and young woman. The lad was clearly wishing he was elsewhere enjoying something other than spraying shoes and handing out change, the young lass wasn't much better, but at least she made the effort to smile as I approached the counter with my young son in tow.

Having been fore-warned about the prices, I wasn't too shocked by the $14 for one frame, but I was a little disappointed that no discount was offered since my son didn't need to hire shoes. This was confirmed as 'standard policy' on our second visit.

Things that impressed me included: the diverse range of 'extra' games available for pre- and post-bowling fun, the discrete bar, the 'fun' atmosphere, and the added nicety of programmable gutter-guards for the kids and the novices wishing to avoid a 20-long running stream of gutterballs.

Overall... this would be the more family-oriented of the two alleys in town, so if you have kids, this would be the place to try. Better parking, lower profile meaning better disabled access, and a much better 'vibe' to the place. Staff need a perk-up or perhaps an older age-bracket, but they perform their alloted function well enough. I'll be back.