Eastern Lanes

Eastern Lanes

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the friendly staff, clean facility, and fun atmosphere, with many enjoying the food (especially pizza) and family-friendly events. High ratings highlight great experiences for parties and gatherings. However, some criticize mechanical issues with lanes, inconsistent discounts, and occasional overcrowding. A few mention outdated decor or poor maintenance, while others appreciate the nostalgic vibe. Mixed feedback on pricing, with some finding it reasonable and others noting expensive arcade games or food. COVID-19 precautions were mentioned as both a strength and a concern. Overall, it’s a popular spot for casual bowling, though experiences vary based on timing and expectations.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Prizes
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.*

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Tournaments
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

6943 Coles Rd

Middletown, Ohio 45044

Hours

Monday 11AM-10PM
Tuesday 6-10PM
Wednesday 11AM-10PM
Thursday 5-11PM
Friday 6PM-12AM
Saturday 12PM-12AM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

I say with humor. It's an 80s throwback bowling alley. Walking into this place, it's kinda like going into a Time Machine. It does have creature comforts, There is a small game room that can suffice for 9 to 15-year-olds. Only have one kiosk to charge a prepaid card for the games though. It has simple bar set up. And considering it's mix of old and new. I have to say it's quite maintained. Parking can be an issue on Saturday and Sundays. Although it is example, they do have a split parking lot, which

They are very big and clean. Plenty of space and bowling balls. They have special events and several open bowl days and times. They hold league nights. I enjoyed the arcade as well. It's not very big, but they have 20-30 games. The food was pretty good. They have a big option as well. The price is nice. It's around 10 dollars per person including shoes to bowl for 2 hours.

Throw back bowling alley... The table set up was really odd. Make sure to get an even number lane so you can sit closer to lanes. Overall we had fun.

What a great place for family and friends to hang out and have fun. Very clean. Great food. We have been here a few times and have enjoyed it every time. Highly recommend!

Prepaid for a lane for an hour and a half and spent the first 30 mins waiting for the incompetent staff and their fat stomachs to attempt to first fix the lane, then the ball return machine, then the computer and back to the lane. We left after this fantastic show of bowling alley professionalism and maintenance, or lack there of. This place is garbage, don't waste your time or money. Alternatively, if you like petting zoos and want to experience the ranch in the city, come on down to Eastern Lanes Bowling

I had a blast bringing me back to my younger years and very friendly staffs working

Nice little bowling alley. They had a nice wheelchair ramp that made it nice. Good food and drinks. Staff was all friendly and prices were all really reasonable. I recommend this place for a fun little night of bowling if you're in the area!!!

Great place to bowl. Prices were excellent. Staff was very good. Highly recommend.

Great time, Good prices. My family and I had a blast there for my nieces Birthday.

Had my son's birthday party here. This place is awesome! We had so much fun here! Very clean, staff was amazingly awesome! Very polite and accommodating. Highly recommend, but get here early! This place is always hopping ??

Great place to host an event! Always have helpful staff and a great atmosphere.

Nice, small town bowling alley with a decent selection of food. It's not going to have the latest bowling gizmos, but enough to have a good time for a good price.

We had my son's 10th birthday here. The staff was super friendly and helpful. We ordered pizzas which the kids loved. The pizzas are a bit pricey but to bowl and shoe rental it wasn't too bad. The bathrooms were clean as was the rest of the facility. The kids enjoyed their little alligators that helped them roll the bowling ball down the lane. We were able to put up the bumpers per person which was really nice. It will be a nice memory to remember. Thanks!

Bowling is good here and nice when they are open. Good luck with figuring out what their hours are though. The phone tells you to check the website and the website is not correct to what the sign on the door is. How do you expect someone to know what these hours if you don't update it where you tell people to look?

Great experience. Sunday afternoon is a light crowd.

Great time and great place to take the kids

Friendly workers. Came for a birthday party. The kids had a great time. Loved having the bowling helpers for the kids. The archade was small but entertaining for the kiddos.

Prices fair , clean place and good time .Will be back decent bowling alley

Great place for a party or get-together! Great PIZZA! We will be back next year!!!

I love taking my son here, great prices, family atmosphere

Our favorite bowling joint! Friendly staff! The pizza is delish. And fun for the kids. Plus they have a great bar with a great bartender for when the parents need a cocktail or for when you are kid free! Check it out, you won't be disappointed. Great for birthday parties!

We have a good time when we come here

It's a fun place to bowl. They have 36 lanes and they are nice to bowl on.

Great place to bowl. Bar, arcade, lots of open bowl. Highly recommend! Had a great time as a couples night out or with friends.

The staff are excellent. The prices are fair. The food is an absolute STRIKE!! I know its a bowling alley but I'll be honest we eat here several times a week. The bathrooms are accessible and clean! The arcade is refreshed with newer games! If I had to find something thay could be improved, I'd say expand the building and put a kids 'play place' (like discover zone) behind the arcade.

We go all the time and love it. The only complaint I have is that sometimes they don't wipe/wax the approach to the lane. It can cause you to stick and possibly fall. Other than that, a lot of fun.

Great food, Awsome polite employees from the cashier at the main desk to the food ladies to the bar ! Better food than 85% of the restaurants in the area. Lanes are nice and well taken care of! I thought it was pretty busy but it was still enjoyable.!

Old time fun. Food and drinks. This place does good on keeping up with cleanliness, especially with how busy they can get on league nights. There is a small game room to give children something else to entertain themselves. I enjoy the food also. I always have a good time here. I've even thrown birthday parties here that went well. My kids liked when we have outings like this.

We had our grandsons birthday there yesterday and it was awesome! The food was delicious and we had such a great time! We definitely will be back. Thank you!

Staffing is always friendly when me and my friends walk in. We always have a blast when we're there. The food is really really good. As well the drinks are awesome!

We showed up at 9, when the signs and online said they close at 10pm , and a worker stops us at the door and says they are closed because no one was there. There were people walking out a few minutes before we walked in.

I went here Saturday night and got the chicken chunks and fries and the chicken was either not cooked all the way or old. I went to the hospital and got told it was food poisoning. I'm definitely not satisfied at all, and thanks for making me for like death.

Brian at the front counter was absolutely amazing. I have an 11 year old brother with autism and he wanted to go bowling. When we got there the music was on and I had forgotten his noise cancelling headphones. He was covering his ears while I was paying for the lane. Brian offered to turn the music off since we were the only ones there. It was so thoughtful! My brother had a great time. I will definitely be bringing him back to Eastern Lanes when he wants to bowl again

My daughter practices here all the time. The food is pretty good too. :) we are regulars.

Great bowling facility & food is good as well.

Management and staff are awesome! Kitchen has all kinds of food ranging from your basic cheeseburger and fries all the way to freshly made pizza! The bar has everything from bud light to some awesome mixed drinks! Monthly drink specials were recently started, and they offer plenty of leagues during the fall, winter, and summer. They also host a singles tournament on Friday nights during the summer!

I've always had the best service and the prices are very fair. The staff has always been helpful and friendly every time my son and I have gone bowling! One of the best bowling alleys around.

Bowled in leagues there for many years. Great staff. One of the best pro shops around. Excellent food to be had and the premises is well taken care of with new improvements.

By far the best bowling alley I've been to. + Prices are more than reasonable compared to other alleys. + The lanes and technology itself is new and updated. + The arcade room is great for kids, small bar great for the adults. + The food and drinks are reasonably priced and always fresh. + Lanes are always clean, and they are quick to fix when one breaks down or jams. + Staff is very friendly and personable. - Occasionally there is a long wait for food during busy times. - When they are busy, it can get c

Love this place!! We had my son's 24th birthday party there tonight like he always wants! They are always so helpful with everything and everyone is very polite and so caring!!! We will definitely be back for his next birthday!! Paul says thank you very much??

Great place for a birthday party. I'm not a bowler and couldn't figure out the new electronic scoring thing, but the staff was super quick to help. Good Pizza too! Excellent air conditioning!

Eastern Lanes is a great facility for bowling. The interior is clean and well kept. The parking lot is very spacious and its means of egress is very accessible from the major roadway.

Pizza was very good, bowling was fun, gaming machine games were very odd, some tokens, some money. Very confusing and kids lost many tokens in change required games. Should be a set standard of one or the other.

Great bowling alley for the family. It could use a few updates inside but it's still a great place to go bowling. The price was great. The one thing I wasn't crazy about was how loud the music was playing. I'm all for music and even loud music but it was just above comfortable.

Bowling ?? was so much fun and we won a ton of tickets ?? in the game room. My favorite was down the clown lol. If a machine runs out of tickets they are quick to replace them. Great friendly atmosphere

I will never go here. I went once and the manager harassed me when I tried talking to other people while there. Editing my review. I went tonight and asked about the special ed discount which matthew had no problems accepting. I played 5 games and actually managed to break a 100 pin score. I will be back soon. I only hope matthew is working because he is a wonderful guy. 5 stars.

We did my 5yr old sons birthday party here. Prices were reasonable and kids really enjoyed it. Food was ok. Place is little old but was really busy day we went there. Kids loved it so much that we might go again. Not sure about prices if you booking for lane but prices for party were very reasonable. Only problem I had was GPS took me to different entrance. But beyond that everything was good.

I've been going to Eastern Lanes for years. It is such a clean facility. The prices are reasonable, the food is great, the employees are helpful, and the environment is fit for families. It's also a safe place for teenagers to hang out. The pro shop is exceptional as well.

I have been a bowler for over 40 years and this is by far one of the best and clean bowling alleys i have bowled in. All of the staff strive to help you with what ever you need. The lanes seldom break down and if they did they are fixed within minutes. Great place to bowl and their prices are below the average. Great place

As far as employees goes I was impressed by the willingness to help and wait on each patron with kindness. I'm a Navy Veteran and I was told this bowling alley gave us Veterans a discount on our games and food. That's not true at all. Plus, I paid for two hours of bowling for my nephews and a very close friend, but during those two hours we had to be switched to different Lanes due to mechanical errors. Would I recommend this bowling alley, I would give it five stars for employees, but the operation of this

Came during open bowl in the morning and was surpised to see how busy they were. The staff was attentive and very friendly. We had a few frames left on our game before the lan gor shut off, so I asked if we could pay to finish. They took care of it no charge. We live in the area and will definitely be back!

Had a wonderful time with whole family. Called ahead to check best time for getting a couple lanes. Took nieces & grandparents for a fun night out. Even snagged a couple pizzas. Highly recommend & will be back!

Was just okay.... I took my kids here for the first time and they had fun. The building was clean and maintained well. The staff was friendly and helpful. Food was OK we had a pizza and drinks. Pizza was very bland. The arcade games were pricey. Not worth it

My daughter was in from Texas and she wanted to go bowling had a great time the food was good the place was clean and the staff was friendly

Best place to have a birthday party the staff was awesome and veryhelpful

Ok I hadn't been to this bowling alley for years!!! So when work said they were having a bowling party there I signed up to go. And I'm so happy I did. They sure did change it. They took the bar out and put in a game room. And they changed the restaurant arra around too. It now is all opened up. And we had pizza which was very good. They have a pretty good menu to.. and don't worry they still have a bar they just moved it. Well I have to say I was impressed. Was a very nice time good pizza and having

Wonderful place to go for a fun time. The Friday night special is a great deal and the atmosphere is welcoming. The crowd can get a little rowdy later in the evening, so, if you have kids, take note!

Really like this alley. Quality lanes and good service. Wasn't going to lower the review due to this but I wish there would've been a notice or a sign posted that you guys were closing early for the super bowl. Brought a few friends in and was going to stay there since on here it shows open until 10 but was told when I went to renew my time that you guys closed at 7.

We were there for a birthday party and the entire staff was so friendly and helpful. Lanes were nice and well kept, everything was clean and the pizza we had at the party was very good. All in all, a great experience!

Great service and birthday party!

Very nice bowling alley. Accommodated our large group easily. My lane?s computer/controller (whatever you call it) wasn't working, but they fixed it at the desk. Pizza and sodas were very good.

Fun atmosphere for families and friends to gather, the food is really good and a wide selection reasonably priced, all kinds of bowling events going on. If privacy is what you want you aren't going to get it here, this place is busy every time I have been there. I'm sure there must be some time when it's slow. Call them and find out when that is because their staff is very friendly and they will tell you the best time to stop by and bowl a few games without the huge crowds.

Friendly staff. Clean facility. Great and fun bowling experience. Third time visiting. Love it.

They were very inviting and helped us a lot! I appreciate the guy that helped us with a great deal! If you're thinking about going to Eastern Lanes, you definitely should!

Went there for the 1st time. It was ok. Arcade was very expensive, most of the games were broken. Lanes were ok. Shoes looked extremely old an worn. An the kids running around like it's a zoo. It was crazy. One kid tripped my son an the other kicked him when he fell. When brought to someone who worked there attention. They just gave us an ice pack. Nothing was done. With what you pay an as crowded as it gets, you would think there would be better rules set or something so kids aren't getting hurt for runnin

Always a great time! My sis threw me a 40th birthday party. The pizza was great. My momma made some yummy cupcakes. It was a memorable time!

Good times, great business. Staff are really nice all around and made us newbs feel welcome. They participate in the Kids Bowl For Free summe program which gives the kids a fun pastime when school is out.

I've been going to Eastern lanes for a lot of my teenage years to growing up having my two children that loves this bowling alley just like I did back then an do now. Everyone is friendly they always sending me deals and keeping me updated on what's new. I've had umpteen birthday parties for my children there just a all out great place.

Great place to take the family and have a fun evening or afternoon. Clean and updated. I would recommend this for any family outing we're just to have a good time with friends.

They work as a bowling place. Past experience shows they can take care of an immediate problem. Now for my last visit. They have a special advertise online which they would not honor. Called today and the owner said to talk to the manager later tonight cause online is not kept up to date. By not making an immediate correction. They believe in false advertising or don't believe in customer satisfaction.

Great place for fun, good drinks and food. Staff is amazing and very personable. Supposed to come just to relax and have a good time

Really good place to have fun with children??

My roommate and our girlfriends decided to go out bowling, I'd been here before but it was years earlier. Food was good, and shockingly cheap for a bowling alley. Lanes functioned well the entire time, staff was friendly and helpful. No complaints.

I'm not a huge fan of the smoke, flashing lights, TVs with music videos on them. To me that money could have been better spent on the lanes and balls. If you're not 16, drinking like a fish, or grown adult that's drinking like a fish and trying to be 16 again!! Then chances are you will have to a similar time as I did...... pretty meh!!

I have a tradition to go there every Wednesday with me and the guys they're always good with service and always convenient to help us out especially when they're packed I recommend going here to have a good time and they have great prices

i was there with family who are in the bowling leagues. it is very busy on the weekends. but they have GREAT food! but it's tough for anyone who's wanting to have a birthday party there on the weekends, all of the lanes are usually taken by the bowling leagues.

Good lanes, good staff. Good times. They have automatic bumpers for the children. There is adequate parking. Food is good and reasonably priced. Bar is reasonably priced, too. And they have a great pro shop!

Lanes were great but the customer service is lacking. No one acknowledged us, then they didn't want to rent us a lane because we came in 40 minutes before closing. Manager gave us options and allowed us to bowl a game.

Great entertainment we have there many times before.. However they are not keeping up with cleaning the equipment according to COVID guidelines. Not sure we will go back for a while.

I was just there for a pickup. But I remember their hand made Pizza. All the people are very curtious. Their pro shop is very accurate too. The owner of shop watched my grandson bowl before he would recommend a bowling ball

Would have given 5 stars, but the first lane we were put on didn't work very well. They were real good about putting us on a different lane when our first game was over.

A good deal for a good time! No trouble in getting your own lane, and had plenty of food to choose from on the menu! I recommend the Mac and cheese bites

Had a great time with taking my grandkids to birthday party for our friend from our church Full Gosple Outreach for Jordan, Bob and Pam gives great Rates for kids birthday party's and make sure they have plenty of time to Bowl and have Pizza and drinks big thanks to both !!!!

My Son has his Birthday celebration and was great . The service was amazing. My Son an his 9 friends were happy. GREAT JOB ??

The plain grey facade hides a gem of a bowling alley the lanes are fantastic the entire inside is upgrading and I've heard they have a phenomenal cosmic bowling but I've yet to experience it has pro shop an arcade and an excellent kitchen with all the best bowling alley dining Fair, the medium pizzas thick soft crust and the large is more of a thin crust style both are delicious. And there's a bar

We called to see if we could make reservations, and we were told they could not make reservations over the phone but did have some lanes open at that time. We arrived five minutes after calling, and they said there was an hour wait with people on a waiting list.

brian and carrie took genuine great care of the 4 of us??, clean good atmosphere. lanes, games and bowling equipment all in good condition. thank you for a very enjoyable evening ??

Great experience, I had a ton of fun and felt as though the covid-19 procedures are pretty well done compared to most alleys.

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.”

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.