Just as Hollywood can take anything sincere and turn it into kitsch, Los Angeles has a way of taking true-blue Americana and making it seem forced and co-opted. So it is with the pastime of bowling. Luckily, for each too-hip alley in the city, there is another Suds and Rock place around the corner. Lucky Strike Lanes (Map 3) is as Hollywood as it gets. Located behind a velvet rope in the heart of tourist-driven Hollywood and Highland, you’ll find more model/actor-types than league-nighters. After 7pm it becomes 21 and over and good luck getting a lane.
For a more true-to-its-roots experience, check out AMF’s (Map 18) lanes on Pico in Santa Monica. The rentals are fairly priced, the attached diner is as down-home as you’ll find on the Westside, and the bar serves bowling pin shaped long-necks. Just make sure to call ahead to avoid a league night. On the Eastside, Shatto 39 Lanes (Map 8) is not to be missed. The many lanes are populated by diehards, hipsters, teens, and families. There’s a decent arcade, a full bar, and snackbar with the greasiest, cheapest tater tots in town.
To give yourself the pre-teen birthday party you never had, check out Pickwick Bowling (Map 50) in Burbank. A veritable wonderland of activity, this complex includes an arcade, ice rink, and pro shop. Fridays and Saturdays at Pickwick bring on the fog, blacklights, and pop music, making for good group fun.