Overview
The first bowling alley to open in Brooklyn in over 50 years was built to look like it opened 30 years ago. More bar with a bowling alley than the other way around.
The first bowling alley to open in Brooklyn in over 50 years was built to look like it opened 30 years ago. Vintage beer lamps, monochrome Brunswick scoring machines, Formica counter tops, and faux wood paneling create an atmosphere straight out of The Big Lebowski. The resulting scene is more a bar with a bowling alley, than the other way around. It's the kind of place where you stop off with some friends for a few beers and then bowl a few rounds for the heck of it. It's also almost invariably a fantastic time.
Why you should go
- Old school candy machines serve up Mike & Ike, Rollos, and 100 Grand candy bars.
- The vintage theme ends at the shoe rentals which are clean and new, and the tap beer selection which has an emphasis on microbrews rather than cheap domestics.
What you should know
- With just 8 lanes the wait to bowl can range to hours. Get there early and don't forget to grab a number. The system works like a deli.
- The Gutter is owned by the same vintage lovers who created Barcade, the old school video game arcade and bar.
- Games are $6 per person. Shoe rental is $2.
- The equipment is vintage, so expect the occasional problem with pin resets and stuck balls.