Bowl America Short Pump

Bowl America Short Pump

Reviews Summary

The reviews show a mixed but generally positive experience. Many praise the friendly, accommodating staff and fun atmosphere, with several highlighting excellent service from specific employees. Food quality receives mixed feedback—some love it while others find it disappointing. Common complaints include understaffing, slow service, and occasional rudeness from management. Issues with pricing discrepancies, outdated equipment, and inconsistent policies also appear. Despite some negative experiences, many customers enjoy their visits, especially for parties and family outings, and plan to return. Clean facilities and good deals are frequently mentioned positives.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

Features

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

4400 Pouncey Tract Rd

Glen Allen, Virginia 23060

Hours

Monday 11AM-11PM
Tuesday 11AM-11PM
Wednesday 11AM-11PM
Thursday 11AM-11PM
Friday 11AM-12AM
Saturday 11AM-12AM
Sunday 11AM-11PM

Customer Reviews

We went with a big school group. The facility was spacious, clean and reasonably priced. The staff were incredible. They were so attentive and patient with the students. We'll definitely be back!

We celebrated my nephew's birthday here today. When we first arrived, the first person to assist us was rude, had an attitude and just walked in the employee office without saying a word. Soon after, Ahmad came to assist us and he was absolutely wonderful!! Ahmad made sure we were well taken care of and maintained a courteous attitude. Our food took awhile to arrive but the kitchen staff were super apologetic and also were extremely pleasant to us. Other than the rude employee I encountered when I first a

Nice atmosphere. Chill spot and drinks were great. I'd definitely recommend.

This was my family's first visit on a Sunday afternoon, and we enjoyed ourselves. The staff were very friendly and accommodating when we needed to switch lanes. The bathroom was clean. They played mostly 80's rock and 90's pop music while we were there. FYI, there are only 4 chairs and a table per lane.

Came here with the kids with the intention to have fun.. . We went to the counter to pay and got the shoes, and it took close to 10 mins to get to start.. which was fine. Everything went well till the first game ended.. We decided to play again and the ball got stuck.. we called for help and went to call them personally but we waited for 15 mins( with the kids.. no one showed up. This place is understaffed and overwhelmed.Then we had some quick bites and left , I would say ?not very happy?.

Last night my family met at this bowling alley, that we have bowled at for years, to celebrate our mother?s bday. Before we started to bowl, we were approached by an employee who told us we cannot have personal water bottles. Understandable. We asked if we can pour them out and refill at the water fountain and he said no, but they offer water at the concession area. Okay- so we ask for a pitcher of water and cups from the concession and they said it would cost the same amount as soda. Why would we have to p

The lane approaches are sticky and covered in a gritty substance. I wish there had been better upkeep. Everything else was fine but I kept feeling like id fall if I went to slide.

This bowling alley was a lot of fun. There were many parties happening but the lanes were available. We had reservations but asked to move them later because our dinner reservations ran late and Bowl America so kindly accommodate us. The only reason I didn't give a full rating was because one of the bathrooms were out of order and the other bathroom was lacking hand soap and paper towels.

will NEVER be going here ever again. staff was very nice but the music videos they play on the screens are absolutely disgusting. i am so disappointed and disgusted by how worldly this bowling alley has become. this used to be a family place where you could bring your children and have a wonderful time. it is absolutely not that anymore. every music video played had girls in basically no clothing either shaking their butt or chest in the camera. there was even one music video where a woman had nothing cover

Told when I got there that I could use my league discount on my games. When I finished up a different associate told me I couldn't. Would not have bowled if that's what I was told beforehand. Also I was charged more than the advertised price at the counter and the associate would not correct it. Overcharged and lied to. Simple as that.

We went here for a team builder for our office. The food was good, and the service was great! We had a great time and will come back again.

I really enjoyed this place every time I go with my neighbors to play bowling ????. The lady at the register always remember the size of my shoes. She's good. For sure is our favorite place to play ??????

Decent bowling place. Ours was the first time here. We rescheduled twice after booking online which was smooth. Mike at the venue ushered us to the lane and asked us how we were doing. The food, nachos avalanche took some time to prepare and was average.

I went here with my little one to keep him busy during the holiday break. It was easy to get a lane around 3:30 pm on a Thursday. The lightest ball was manageable for my son, and they had a slide for the kids to roll the ball down the lane (which was needed). The manager programmed the lanes to have bumpers up for the kids and bumpers down for the adults. We ordered fries half way through and they nailed it. Nothing like good bowling alley food! Other positives: Music mix (pop from 80s and 90s peppered i

You did a really nice job of setting up. It was festive and fun. Also clean. Thanks for a wonderful memory with some of my dearest friends.

This is a cool place to bring the family. They have unlimited bowling after 9 pm. Friendly and helpful staff. The food ain't too shabby either. Good vibes and good times.

First off I'd like to say that this place was special to me and my husband, it was where we first met and it was where we had our first date. We went back for the first time since they remodeled. Well, apparently they drastically changed their pricing (and decided to be sneaky about it) and instead of $40ish dollars for three games for two people with shoes is now $70ish! Mind you the atmosphere is still the classic dank bowling alley we all know and love/expect but had we read the teeny tiny fine print on

There is too much glare on the lanes from the video screens, I can't even see the arrows. Everything else is nice. The manager, John, is very helpful

This is the worst bowling I ever been. I can't believe that's located in the Short pump area. The monitors are small and you can't see the total result of the players. Half of the bowling was dark the other half had the lights on. To the time we was there they stop taking orders for food for 30 min because couldn't keep up. After that they said that the restaurant is closed. The ladies restroom had wet floor. No paper towels and one of the toilet paper was almost gone and the other in the same holder was go

Do you know where you want to be for the New Year's Eve? That's right, the Bowl America. It is kids friendly, the whole family can celebrate the New Year with a BIG BANG! They provides party favors, champagne, and sparkling juice. It is a great way to leap into the new year!

It's a bowling alley, you can bowl and have decent overpriced food. What you can't have is the fun animations and music at an audible volume. Missing some of the fun of other local bowling alleys by the same company.

If you are looking for a family atmosphere DONT GO HERE. it's more like a nightclub that continually shows half naked women dancing around on all the screens constantly. Horrible.

Excellent place to hold a work related/team bonding exercise. Don't let the place fool you however, their pizza is actually really good! Arguably significantly better than other bowling alleys I've been too!

Thank you to the management and the entire team at Bowl America Short Pump for making a last minute get together of friends so easy. The online booking was wonderful and the service we received upon arrive was awesome! The manager came by to check on us throughout the gathering, the shoe attendant was delightful and the cafe staff served up a variety of treats we purchased through the teen party package. The party was a great value and fun was had by all. Thank you Bowl America Short Pump team!

Beware of their pricing: Their signs say $9.99 a game, but its actually $9.99 PER PERSON PER GAME. Since they have you put a card down, the total price comes as a bit of a shock upon check out.

We have been coming here for years but haven't been in several years! We decided to have our son's birthday party here this year and it was wonderful! From booking to finish, they handled everything! They set up some decorations for him with his name in lights and everyone loved the food. They definitely made the process easy and we will be having more parties here in the future! Thank you!

Very good place to spend time with family and friends also having bar setup snacks totally awesome place to visit with friends and family

My family of 7 had a wonderful at Bowl America tonight! Logan and Marcy truly made our experience awesome. From the moment we walked in we were greeted with warm welcomes from them both and provided shoes for them whole group. They were able to assist with every question we had and setting up the lanes. Food was also a hit with the group. We ordered traditional wings, boneless wings, kids pizza, and an alley platter. Everything was made to order; absolutely fresh. Not to mention the two gentlemen were know

Bowl America was ok. It was too crownded(that's a plus). I can say that they make sure that your bowling balls are clean! After use, they wipe down all the balls. The pizza was surprisingly good also.

The space itself is nice and clean. I was incredibly frustrated with one worker (manager? - balding white man with a beard). My husband and I brought our family visiting from out of town here to bowl late on Friday night. We didn't realize the no outside food or drink policy, so a few people walked in with boba tea. The man who worked there very rudely told us to take the drinks out to our car. I understand that we broke a rule, but there are polite ways of saying this to customers. As soon as we'd paid, th

We enjoyed the game. Staff is very very good and friendly. Thank you so much, Tom.

Bowl America at Short Pump was a blast. Great place for the whole family. The kids loved the arcade & the adults enjoyed the beverages & bowling. Micheal was awesome - organized, attentive, with quick service. Great choice for company & group events. We plan to return again soon.

It was frustrating. Here are some issues we had when we went. Our lane was curved to left ever so slightly to annoy us all. We had to change how we bowled. Right before the lane begins, there was a spot that almost cause us all to trip & almost fall. Our feet kept catching on the spot. Again, I had yo change how we bowled. One ball kept "bouncing" when we rolled it down the lane. We ended up not using that ball.

I really love how this place has evolved over the years. My grandma worked here in 2012 when it was owned by bowl America. I've been coming ever since and to see this place have positive changes with the recent renovation makes me happy to see as I've had many parties here. In another note I enjoy the summer pass as it allows me to strengthen each year with bowling with practice games.

The family had a great time and staff was wonderful!

Bowling itself was a fun experience BUT the food they serve people looked like the leftovers they pulled out of a trashcan. You pay $13 for nachos with DRIPPINGS of cheese and what looks like diarrhea type runny ground beef over about ten of the 30 nachos with a large glop of sour cream in the middle. Gross! Even Taco Bell has more class than what they serve you there! Kitchen staff is not friendly, no smiles just a attitude. Eat before you come and save yourself a LOT of money!!

I really want to like this place, but the poor management and customer service makes that extremely difficult! A few examples: last night (Aug 5), the rude name tag-less obese white woman claimed she only had one lane available for our party of 6 even though there were at least 8-10 empty lanes. When asked about the empty lanes, she rudely responded ?our leagues are just finishing?. She apparently thinks I'm dumb, blind, or gullible or doesn't understand the meaning of ?just finishing?. Due to this, we had

This is our second birthday at this location and it did not disappoint! We bought a package for 5pm on a Friday. We pretty much had the place to ourselves when we got there. The staff was very kind, accommodating, and attentive. The pizza was also very good too! All the kids (ages 8-11) had an amazing time. I highly recommend a bowling birthday at this location!

Great music and lights. i enjoyed my time there will be back worth a night out.

Soooo much fun! My family and I came here on a late (9:30) Saturday night and we had so much fun, Marcy made it amazingly enjoyable. Her beautiful smile and wonderful personality was the best that we could have asked for. She is such an amazing woman. If you ever visit this location and get to meet with Marcy please treat her extremely nice cuz she is amazing. Thank you Marcy for your warm welcoming smile and the appreciation you have for teachers.

Great place to hold a kids birthday party. The GM Michael took good care of us making sure we got a lane and the kids got their shoes quickly. The birthday boy even got a shout out on the PA system. We had five 9 year olds on a lane at Bowlero/Bowl America on a weekend morning and they were able to scream and cheer to their hearts content. The automatic bumpers made sure that no one was throwing gutter balls. Lane side food service was a nice plus since I was banking on multiple trips to the snack bar. Kid

Hadn't been bowling in years, so I enjoyed an afternoon of fun here with friends. Last I remember you kept score with a pencil and paper! Nice to see how automated it is now.

My family and I came by the Bowl America on 1/28. A worker named Whitney accommodated my family and answered all our questions. She was very nice and polite. Whitney made our experience so fun! I will be coming back in the near future!

Came here with my clients..Michael the manager is absolutely awesome..He was a one man army..Took care of checking in..Then came & took our food order.. All while having a very big smile on his face..Truly a amazing person..He's a very good asset to your company..

Had an Amazing time with family and friends. The front desk person was delightful and kind. I think her name was Whitney. Will definitely be returning soon!

Most employees are nice and helpful, manager guy sucks and it ruined the night.

Clean, well lit. Friendly staff

My family and I visited this location while visiting Richmond for the first time , We were especially pleased with the service your employee Whitney gave us she went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our first experience was the best experience we especially enjoyed the menu suggestions and drink specials the center was very clean and organized my family and I will definitely recommend this location to our friends who plan on traveling to Richmond anytime

Great place to bowl, play video games have an adult drink and food. Michael was awesome helping us with all our activities. Definitely will go back!

Melvin, Chad, Peter, Miles I have nothing to say but they are the nicest employees at this bowling alley. So attentive to every need of ours. They are great, compassionate and so easy to work with. They made sure my sons birthday party if 20 kids was on point. Thank you guys because of this I will never forget this day.

We held a birthday party here for our child and it turned out great. Staff was extremely accommodating and well organized. The venue was extremely clean. The kids had a blast as well!

This place is really one of the happening places in Richmond. Try to get a coupon from groupme to get some better deals. The service of the staff was really good and they treated everyone really nice. Food and beers are ????

Our party was large and they accommodated. Bathrooms were clean. Be careful of the water to wash your hands as it it very hot. The beer was cold but the pizza tasted like spaghettios. Our billl for bowling was $168.00 for 3 games.

We recently celebrated our son?s birthday here. We were given a great deal that includes pizza, ice cream and coins for the arcade. The staff was very friendly, patient and the service was amazing. All the kids had so much fun. We will go back again very soon. Great place overall.

Our Firebird's group were there on Jan 31 2024, we had the best time, thanks to all the wonderful staff and most of all the manager!!! We loved it!!!

It's a good place. Quiet and nice to bowl with folks. Employees are kind. Wish the oil pattern on the lanes was a bit more polished? it has been rough the last few times we were there.

Had to clean my own table off, remove the assist rack,and was told at 9pm they were not cooking anymore pizzas tonight and they closed at 12am. I ordered something mozzarella sticks and fries it took them 30 min to that and when he assembled my order he dropped some of it on the floor and just gave me an incomplete order ....I was passed after waiting in line for all that to happen I just finished my game paid and left will not be conducting business there anymore

1st time here, went with my work for a meeting, and had a blast. Haven't been bowling in years, this was alot of fun. It was very clean and didn't smell like beer and cigarettes. Will come back again

Me and my girlfriend came and visited to bowl and we had a great time. the lady at the food bar i think her name was Reba she was a big help with helping us have a good time. She was super friendly, easy to communicate with and very helpful

My family and I went to this location for my little cousin?s 5th birthday. It was a Saturday and busy, which was to be expected. It was about a 20 minute wait, which was fine, and the front desk associates were swamped. We got our lanes and began to play. Unfortunately the lane the children were playing on had broken bumpers so we had to be moved, which seemed to be a huge inconvenience at the front. After one round a few of our group went to snack bar. It was severely understaffed and the wait was long, bu

Bowling was fun. Guy at check-in told us we couldn't bring in personal items (ie starbucks). We throw out our drinks. Then we proceed to go in and nearly every aisle had a food item or water bottle or something personal from elsewhere. A little annoyed in that follow through. Big nope to going back anytime soon. I must add, in general his attitude was very lackluster. Almost as if we were bothering him by going bowling. Weird dude

Good management, variety of arcade games and working machines ..great for kids birthday parties or in general get togethers

Went there during Spring Break... First time ever bowling in over 13 years... Fun atmosphere... Staff was very cordial... Melvin was especially courteous and gave us a thorough rundown of programs and helped with issues whenever they popped up... even gave suggestions on what size balls to use...Will definitely recommend to friends and family...

It's what a bowling alley should be. Great people, organized, clean, and good food and fun. The drinks were decent, and they had a good arrangement of bowling balls to use. I reccomend coming here dispite the older looking building from the outside. Had a great time ????

I forgot to take pictures of this location. I was there yesterday for the first time to bowl in the 16th Annual Strike Out Cancer. The location was easy to find and the facility was nice and clean. Very nice bowling alley.

Melvin and his staff were outstanding! He made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. We had a blast and I can't recommend him and his team at Short Pump Bowl America enough.

It was a great price for a couple rounds. It is very well kept and super clean. The staff at the snack counter were very kind, however the shoe rental employees weren't as gracious. It is a great place to take the family out for a fun night!

W food bruh, that QUESADILLA IS SO GOOD!! Shoutout to my chefs bruh!???????? had a great time as well, 10/10 would go again.

This was thr awful place I saw in VA. The front did not explain how they charge and my kids liked to play but at the end they charged me over 132. I will not recomand this for abyone who go there for first time. This is not the way of business to chare 4 times due to language barrier.

The equipment needs repair. It drops pins and leaves them standing after your roll. Okay everything else.

Great place to bowl! Friendly staff, cold beer, great prices. Couldn't ask for more and we'll be coming back

Shout out to Bowl America I took some of my residents who has limited mobility they accommodated us and made sure we felt at home they welcomed us with open arms all the staff were polite and kind we go our food in a timely manner Valecia

This is a decent place to go bowling. The prices are alright, not terribly high but a bit higher than I usually see. It wasn't too crowded or loud, which I liked. I personally liked that there were no huge TVs showing music videos or sports or anything like that, although others may consider that a downside. It's pretty standard other than that, nothing spectacular but it's fun. Overall an enjoyable experience.

Kitchen staff was SEVERELY understaffed, which I do truly understand. Instead of doing the appropriate thing, the woman behind the counter starts yelling at the line of people trying to order. Then the manager gets involved, he takes control of the kitchen, and then refused to serve anyone else. I could not even order a cup of water with the manager turning me away. Instead of catching up and doing the job od his missing employees, continuing to let paying customers wait to get even a drink, he goes outside

Called before I went in to see how busy they were, get their hours, and ask about specials going on. Spoke to Bob. Very nice guy, well spoken, and polite. You absolutely can't beat 6.99 (excluding shoes) all you can bowl from 9pm to close on certain nights. An absolute steal if you ask you me, and the lanes were well oiled with a clean approach as well. Great lanes, and great service.

It was a pretty descent place. We had a wonderful time and the chicken fingers were great!!!

If I can give 0 stars I would. My Family of 6 was very excited to come to this bowling alley tonight. We had a Groupon for 6 ppl to bowl we had to check in before 6. We got there at 553 was turned around by the manager saying that anything after 5 is technically 6 I proceeded to tell him that our Groupon expires soon nd that the groupon specifically says check in anytime before 6. The MANAGER was nasty nd rude. NEVER AGAINN!!!!!!!!

Used to be fun, costs have gone up and the food is absolutely disgusting (do NOT get the cookies!) and the employees are not happy and are slow and do not care and are not all very knowledgeable when asked questions. The entire place is outdated (what bowling alley still uses CRT TVs in 2018?) with bumpers and LED lights (for cosmic) being broken. The pin reset system is quite slow.

Whitney was the sweetest!! Can't wait to come back with the fam and I hope Whitney is still working the front desk!!

Nice enough place. Needs lighter bowling balls with bigger finger holes. Food was ok.

It was fun but in the arcade they TOOK OUT THE DUCK GAME. They took out 2 of the play till you win including the rubber duck one which personally, is my favorite and the only reason I go there. And you want to know what they replaced it with?? 3 MORE OF THOSE ANNOYING GRABBY THINGS THAT YOU CAN NEVER WIN. bring back the duck one.

Clean..... very expensive. 12 games cost 75$. I dont know if they charge for shoe rental as my kids had their own. 2 medium drinks were 9$. Thats movie theatre prices. A bit rediculous

Very good atmosphere! Nice staff! Not a long wait time.

Had a blast! Manager was very helpful and informative. Good food and overall great experience with 6 kids.

Had a date night here on a whim. I had no idea this bowling alley was tucked behind short pump. Just driving around and found it. When we walked in, there were 3 guys behind the counter not doing anything (one smelled like alcohol), and we got our shoes and lane pretty quickly. The guy who helped us was the manager (as we found out later), and he gave us the best deal for our money. We go to set up our lane, and we buy a beer and a lemonade. My bf forgot his ID at home, but sipped off my beer and evidently

Melvin was the worst. I could not believe I had to even experience him on what was supposed to be a fun night out bowling. Not sure if he just had a rough day, but that was ridiculous and unacceptable for an establishment.

Came in with some friends and had a wonderful time! The service was excellent and I really enjoyed my food.

Used to be one of the best alleys in Richmond. Bowlero bought Bowl America and they have ruined it. If you are a casual bowler who bowls a couple times a year it's probably ok. If you think of bowling as a sport similar to golf and bowl once a week or more short pump is no longer the go to place. Cosmic bowling all the time except when leagues are playing. Specials for $7.99 for three hours bowling is gone. New management is more confrontational than friendly. Sad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”