The Ultimate Guide to Bowling Near Milwaukee’s North Shore

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a fun date night, or aiming to join a competitive league, the North Shore of Milwaukee has a bowling experience to match your style. In this guide, we’ll explore traditional 10‑pin centers, retro duckpin taverns, luxury boutique lanes, and lively bar‑and‑bowling hybrids—all within a 20‑mile radius. You’ll find key details on pricing, hours, amenities, league opportunities, and what makes each venue stand out, so you can confidently pick the perfect spot for your next roll.

Traditional Bowling Alleys

Brown Deer Lanes (Brown Deer, WI) – A classic 10‑pin bowling center on the North Shore. It has 32 lanes (two sections of 16) with an on-site grill and full bar, plus seasonal outdoor volleyball courts. The atmosphere is family‑friendly (kids and leagues welcome), with a relaxed, local vibe. Regular adult leagues run year-round, as do special events like kids’ summer programs. Open bowling is affordable – for example, weekday games are under $4 each plus a $3.75 shoe rental– and they offer 2‑ or 3‑hour lane rentals for groups (up to 7 per lane) at flat rates. Hours are roughly 11:00am until late (midnight on most evenings, until 10pm on Mon/Tues), making it easy to drop in on weekends or weekdays after school or work.

Lucky Lanes (Milwaukee) – A family‑owned bowling alley and sports bar located just south of the North Shore (at 50th and Howard). This modest 16‑lane center packs a lot into a cozy space, with adjacent “Lucky’s Sports Bar” serving pub fare and local brews. It’s very kid‑friendly during the day (bumpers and ramps available) and also hosts youth and adult bowling leagues. Popular promotions include a Sunday “all-you-can-bowl” special and weekday happy‑hour drink deals, reflecting its bargain‑friendly reputation (per-game rates are about $4‑$5 plus $3 shoe rental). Open bowling is available most evenings and weekends (seasonal hours vary, but typically afternoons/evenings most days). The casual vibe and steady stream of local families make Lucky Lanes a welcoming spot for birthday parties or a fun outing with friends.

Boutique/Luxury Bowling Venues

Landmark Lanes (Milwaukee’s East Side) – A retro-chic, 13‑lane bowling alley that feels like a classic tavern turned entertainment center. Landmark features two full bars, a wall of craft and domestic taps, a big jukebox, and vintage arcade games (ski ball, pinball, etc.) next to the lanes Guests praise its “historic charm” and multiple bar areas. The atmosphere is lively but laid-back – families are welcome before 9pm (after that it’s 21+), and it’s also popular with college‑age crowds and birthday groups. Daily drink specials and karaoke nights (in a cozy side room) keep things fun. Bowling here is affordable: open-play games are ~$5.50 each on weekdays and $6 on weekends, with $3 shoe rental. Landmark also offers cosmic (glow) bowling on weekend evenings and seasonal leagues, and you can book private parties in one of three unique event spaces. It’s often voted a top “budget bar,” so you get that old‑school tavern vibe without breaking the bank.

ACX Cinemas Entertainment Center (Glendale, Bayshore Mall) – A modern entertainment complex that combines movies, bowling, an arcade and dining under one roof. In addition to its six luxury movie theaters (with heated seats), ACX at Bayshore has 11 high-tech bowling lanes, a 40‑game video arcade, and a pizza/restaurant (Backlot Pizza + Kitchen) plus the Buchanan’s bar. The atmosphere is sleek and family-friendly (there’s even a kids’ loyalty program), with plenty of space for large groups and birthday parties. You can bowl either by the game or reserve lanes for two‑hour parties, and they host arcade and movie nights special deals (e.g. $6 movies all day Tuesdays). Its “Detroit‑style” pizza and Smashburger menu, craft beer selection, and full bar mean you never have to leave to eat or drink. ACX weekday hours are 10am–8pm (Sundays 11am–6pm), which align with mall hours. Leagues and private events are available, and families can mix bowling with movies for a fun outing.

Bowling at BAYSHORE Town Center

Hybrid Bar/Restaurant Bowling

JB’s on 41 (Milwaukee) – A large, renovated bowling center (formerly Olympic Lanes) turned entertainment hub, now run by Bowlero. With 35 lanes (including 10 upscale Suite 41 lanes with cherry wood lanes and disco lighting) and a huge arcade, it offers a premium bowling experience. The venue includes JB’s Junction Bar & Grill, a full bar (8 beers on tap) and scratch‑made menu (fans love the tacos and burgers), so diners can watch games on TV or relax while others bowl. Atmosphere is energetic and family-friendly: kids get bumper lanes and participate in summer kids’ leagues, while adults enjoy league nights or the nightclub‑style glow bowling on weekends. There are also volleyball and bags courts for league play, plus private event rooms. Regular promotions (like “Night Strike” unlimited bowling for ~$15.99 after 7pm) make it affordable for groups. JB’s is generally open afternoons through midnight (e.g. weekends noon–midnight, weekdays 4pm–11pm). In short, JB’s on 41 is a one-stop spot for bowling, bar games, and social fun, making it ideal for date nights or casual get-togethers.

Village Bowl + Social (Menomonee Falls) – A newly renovated bowling center and event venue designed for both families and social nightlife. The bright, modern facility has 26 full‑size lanes (automatic scoring and music/special-effects lights) and an adjoining pub/restaurant with a large bar. It’s essentially two spaces in one: a traditional bowling alley plus three party halls (Bugline, Mardi Gras, Heritage) that can host weddings or corporate events. The vibe is polished and fun – you can hop between the lanes and the bar/lounge seamlessly. It’s very family-friendly (open to all ages with bumpers available) but also caters to adult crowds, especially on Friday/Saturday “Rock N Bowl” nights (unlimited bowling and shoes for ~$15/person with music & lights). Rates are competitive: Monday–Thursday games are ~$4.50 each ($22/hr/lane), Friday–Sunday ~$6/game ($25/hr) with $4 shoes. Leagues run year-round, and kids’ birthday packages are popular. Hours vary seasonally (summer hours show Tue–Fri afternoons, weekends mid-morning to late night). Its dual‑function design (bowling plus event space) and modern amenities make Village Bowl a versatile spot for everything from casual outings to big parties.

Duckpin Bowling

Holler House Tavern (Milwaukee) – A historic South Side dive bar famous for its duckpin bowling. Milwaukee’s Holler House is said to be the nation’s oldest certified bowling alley (two lanes) and still uses wooden lanes, hand-set pins and manual scorekeeping. The worn‑in, old‑school atmosphere is legendary – photos and signatures cover the walls, and the jukebox plays classic tunes. It’s very much a bar first (open/close times are irregular – best to call or text ahead for current hours), but families are welcome during the daytime. Bowling here is free with purchase of food or drink, and they organize informal leagues (including a famous senior duckpin league). Amenities are simple: a basic bar menu (brats, sandwiches) and pitchers of beer. Despite its humble setup, Holler House offers a unique “time capsule” experience – the smallest and grittiest bowling lanes you’ll find, making it a must-visit novelty. League nights and private parties can be arranged, but it’s largely a pay-as-you-play scene. If you want an authentic taste of Milwaukee bowling history, this old tavern is it.

Sources: Local bowling centers’ official sites and recent guides (e.g. Travel Wisconsin, news and user reviews), along with the venues’ own information on amenities, pricing, leagues and hours. Each location’s unique features are emphasized as noted above.