Waveland Bowl
This 40-lane hall, open non-stop since 1969, features Cosmic Bowling (rock and pop-themed music, fog and a light show) on weeknights. We especially like Monday Metal Night, where you can channel your inner Joan Jett or Pat Benatar and feel darn good about it, because after all, isn’t that what a girls’ night out is all about?
When to go: Open 24 hours. Cosmic Bowling: 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Monday; 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 8 p.m.-midnight Sunday.
Leagues: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Cost: $8-$30 per hour; shoes, $3
Lincoln Square Lanes
The city’s oldest alley is a second-floor curiosity with twelve wood-floor lanes, a pressed tin ceiling and a balcony where you and your crew can view the action. Many weekends feature cover-charge-free dancing to rockabilly, polka and blues bands, so you can kick up your heels and celebrate that wicked seven-ten split after your victory.
When to go: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-2 a.m. Friday and Sunday; noon-3 a.m. Saturday.
Leagues: 7-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 5-10:30 p.m. Sunday; 7-10 p.m. the first Saturday of the month.
Cost: $4.50 per game; shoes, $3.50
This art-deco inspired Hyde Park venue is all open bowling, all the time, with no pesky leagues to plan around. Plus, the kitchen’s open late, so you can relax and catch up with the girls after your game. The menu’s stacked with comfort food faves such as blackened catfish with mashed potatoes ($12.95).
When to go: 11:30 a.m.-midnight Monday; 11:30-1 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday; 11:30-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
Cost: $16-$20 per hour; shoes, $3
Timber Lanes
Traditional trappings like the "Big Lebowski" poster, wood paneling and Elvis pinball machine should be your first clue: This place has seen it all. They’ve hosted regular leagues for years, but they’re also the place for wilder one-offs such as Mexican wrestling bowling and nudist events. Translation: Nobody is likely to bat an eye if your girls get a little crazy. It’s also cheap-cheap, so you’ll have cash left for a manicure if you break a nail trying to pick up a spare.
When to go: 11-2 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday; 6 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday; noon-2 a.m. Sunday.
Leagues: 6:30 p.m.-10:15 p.m. daily.
Cost: $2-$3 per game Sunday-Thursday; $20 per hour Friday-Saturday; shoes, $3
10pin Bowling Lounge
Who says bowling has to be about pitchers of beer and greasy fried food? This upscale alley adjacent to the Hotel Sax forgoes chicken fingers and Miller Light for an oh-so-much classier menu of 22 top-shelf martinis ($9.50 each) and small plates. A jukebox-connected projection screen displays music videos so you can rock out while you bowl. Sundays and Mondays, customer-requested sports—anything goes, from LPGA to NBA—are the name of the game.
When to go: 11-1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11-2 a.m. Friday; 11-3 a.m.
Cost: $4.95-$6.95 per game; shoes, $3.95. Specials: $4 per game Monday; shoes, $1; three hours for $15 Sunday (includes shoes)
>> Click here to find more spots where you can bowl with it, baby!
[ Julia Borcherts is a Metromix special contributor. ]
metromix@tribune.com
