All Star Lanes

Sidekick Smudge here. Calamity, Donny, the Bandit, and I ventured to All-Star Lanes in Eagle Rock. We were immediately taken in by the lime green walls, accented with cream diamond patterns, which lent a decidedly vintage feel to the decor. All-star is retro without even trying -- bonus points for style right from the start. The large space, with an open carpeted area walled in by a small arcade, would be a great spot for a party or even a wedding for those who really like to roll!

The bar was dark and comfortable looking, replete with a stage that sometimes has live music acts on Sunday evenings. We saw a local crew drinking and they had big cans of Fosters, and that was good enough for the Bowling Bandit!

Up to the desk we marched and chose the hourly “lane” rate: $18 dollars (maximum 4 people) for the hour, plus $3 per person shoe rental for some shiny new shoes. I also had forgotten socks, and was able to pick up a snazzy new pair that matched the green and white theme for only $3.

With four of us on the lane, we quickly grabbed our bowling balls and it became a race against time to try to bowl two games each. Despite keeping a rapid pace and Bandit’s insistence that each bowler stand “on deck” we didn’t quite make it. Just as Calamity was about to roll in the tenth frame of her second game the lane went dark. I think it was perhaps the funny animation on the video screens lining the top of the alley, which seemed to like pointing out that you hadn’t picked up the spare more than it enjoyed announcing your strikes, which kept us from narrowly missing completion. Regardless, $4.50 a person for just about 2 games of bowling is a really good deal.

Our tally for the night, Smudge took high game honors:
Smudge: 101 & 136
Bowling Bandit: 116 & 114
Donny: 128 & 104
Calamity Jane: 78 & *103 (9 frames)

Throughout the evening we were graced with XM radio’s easy listening station, tending towards favorites such as Billy Joel and Linda Rondstadt on heavy rotation. It was a Wednesday night, and our party of four made up half of the occupancy, which was nice because there is always a thrill in having an entire bowling alley to yourself. Other details include a small arcade, (sadly, no Ms. Pacman) and a beat-up pool table. Famed indie-rock Sunday nights, where bands play in the large open area while bowlers roll the night away, also occur but have not been scheduled in the last couple months.

Our verdict: charming, retro lanes with lots of character and Foster’s big cans! Chance we will be back: definitely, and hopefully on a night with rock bands to replace some of that Linda Rondstadt!

All Star Lanes
4459 Eagle Rock Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90041
(323) 254-2579

Prices & Hours:
Shoes: $3, Socks: $3
Games: Mon-Thurs, $18 p/hour (max 4 people p/lane) or $4 game
Fri-Sun, $24 p/hour or $5.50 game