Lakewood Lanes

Lakewood Lanes

Reviews Summary

Lakewood Lanes generally receives positive feedback for its friendly staff, clean atmosphere, and fun bowling experience, with many praising recent renovations and good food. However, some reviews highlight inconsistent service, outdated equipment, and occasional rude staff behavior. While many enjoy the venue for parties and family outings, a few negative experiences mention poor customer service and management issues. The overall consensus leans positive, but improvements in service consistency and facility maintenance could enhance the experience.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Pool Tables
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.*

What to Expect from Pool Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pool table and dive into a classic, hands-on game! Expect sturdy tables with smooth felt surfaces, cue sticks, and a set of numbered balls for games like 8-ball or 9-ball. You’ll chalk up, aim, and strike the cue ball to pocket balls with precision, mastering angles and spin. Tables are well-lit, often with vibrant designs, creating a lively atmosphere. Whether playing casually with friends or joining arcade tournaments, pool offers strategic, social fun that’s easy to pick up and endlessly engaging in 2025.

Features

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Pool Tables
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

694 Lakewood Rd

Waterbury, Connecticut 06704

Hours

Monday 12PM-12AM
Tuesday 12PM-12AM
Wednesday 12PM-12AM
Thursday 12PM-12AM
Friday 12PM-2AM
Saturday 12PM-2AM
Sunday 12PM-12AM

Customer Reviews

Great atmosphere and good music. The pizza was excellent years ago during my first visit, but unfortunately, this time it was burned. When I brought it to the staff?s attention, they didn't offer a replacement or make any effort to resolve the issue, which was disappointing. Additionally, the person preparing food was rude to my friend after she inquired about vegan options. While she still enjoyed the outing overall, that interaction left a negative impression. We also had an issue in the bar area?my tee

Decent prices and good bowling alley. Staff was helpful. We enjoy how clean it was and how comfy the seats were as we waited for our bowling turn. ??

Planned a last minute get together for my daughter and this place helped SO MUCH !!!! Summer was so accommodating and helpful from the time I called until the party ended ! I highly recommend this place !

I love coming here. ?? Chilled out place awesome friendly staff!! Great prices!! Awesome vibe?s!!! ?? Great beer ?? and bar!! Awesome Pool tables!! Awesome arcades!! HUGE SHOUTOUT TO THE STAFF MEMBER THAT GAVE US FREE FIVE MORE MIN TO FINISH OUR!!! YOU THE MAN!!!! ??

By far the nicest staff, cleanest atmosphere and best bowling experience you'll have. Lanes are well taken care of, super nice staff that always has a smile on their face and is willing to help with anything and everything. Been to about 14 different lanes and this one is at the top of my list.

Awesome spot! Plenty of lanes to go on a Wednesday night when there's bowling leagues everywhere else. Will absolutely go again if I find myself turned away at my usual spot.

I've been here a few times throughout my life. It's been more recently remodeled, and it looks great. Better and more modern setup to hang out. It has a small arcade area. The bathrooms still need some love. They look the same from 20 years ago. Other than that, it's a good time.

Went to Lakewood lanes to celebrate my father-in-laws birthday. We went around 4 pm so it was empty. We had a great time. Food is verry expensive. We brought our 2 year old son but he was to small to play with the arcade games.

I'm not big on leaving reviews, but I just had to, Lakewood lanes was nothing but kind and understanding to my family and my girlfriend?s family . I planned on proposing to Her bringing in a Arch that had flowers on it, I said to myself no way are they going to let me do this lol But they did and they are nothing but accommodating and kind and professional, The place is super clean. Thank you, Lakewood lanes after the second game I proposed thank you so much

We just attended a Birthday party celebration at Lakewood Lanes in Waterbury, CT. The staff was very attentive, professional, and personable to the adults. They catered to the guest of honor and the guests attending the event. I was very impressed by how clean the facility was and how the bowling alley was renovated. The pizza was edible. It came out piping hot. I was very happy with the whole family friendly experience. The bar is well stocked and ready for patrons. The games in the arcade area are fun and

The Bar bouncer Should stay in his lane He created problems for no reason at all it was clearly a family event Won't be going there again we Go out and spend money for FUN not DRAMA Highland bowl and spare time are hands down the best and friendlier place to go

Love the Jr. bowlers league my son has been in for years now. Trophies, costume Halloween day, arcade and games. They have a bar attached for adult bowling nights :) with lights and music. Its pretty cool. Also have a snack bar with breakfast sandwiches, pizza, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders.... and much more. Just be careful when choosing and paying for bowling by game. They have deals and specials but they dont tell u about any of that. They just keep letting u pay per game. Just pay Attention to the

My favorite Thursday night hangout spot love coming here to bowl and play on the pinball machine that gives out those jawbreaker candies the new renovations really added new life into here I enjoy our time here and interacting with the staff I've also switched to the Wednesday night league

Fun place! Awesome light and live DJ. Excellent staff. Lanes are very well maintained. Only $3.99 per game during weekdays. We will definitely come back!

Doesn't seem like the place has been upgraded since the 1980?s. Chairs are broken, stuff is dirty. We paid for 2 games and it stopped after 1.5 games and we had to argue for 15 minutes to get the second game. Ended up getting the money back and just leaving.

I held a Family reunion bowling night. The service was amazing, good food and the bar Area was nice for after the Bowling entertainment. The owner was very Accommodating. I Recommend Lakewood lanes for family fun of all ages and entertainment.

This is a great family friendly place yo enjoy some indoor activities. The staff was very friendly and the overall atmosphere was fun.

The staff are super friendly. The remodel came out amazing! The manager there, the gentleman with tattoos and glasses was super sweet. Would definitely come again and host my kids parties here!

Nice place to relax, on a date, family get together rather than a movie or let's say park. A/C so summer heat won't matter. As well great heating for the winter months. Good music / spacious / has video games/ clean bathrooms and side mini sports bar to duck in...

Went for the first time with some of my friends yesterday. We signed up to Bowl for an hour. We had a blast! Wonderful facility that has 42 lanes! Everything was very clean and the customer service was awesome. The food I gotta say is top notch and some of the best that I've ever had from a Bowling alley. I enjoyed the wings and curly fries. Overall it was a wonderful time and I will definitely be back! Seriously considering celebrating my birthday here and I definitely want to check out the Galaxy Bowling

Great music, reasonably priced, and pleasant staff. Cory the owner was easy going and delightful. Thank you guys for making the night a blast. I can't wait to bowl again.

They have 5 pool tables its $1.50 a game. Can be a bit tight when all tables are taken. Only 1 dart board would be nice if they had another!

I do love this place because I grew up going here. They have music and good prices. There is also a bar room attached with a good amount of pool tables. They are the only ones around with consistent hours and in the area.

Ms.Jen/Front Desk was very helpful making a reservation. I highly appreciate her and I love the view/Atmosphere of place.

We were invited to a birthday party for an 8 year old. It was set up lovely. We all had a great time. Eapecially the kids. Just 1 thing.... The lady making the announcements..... Beoke our ears every time she made an announcement.. Volume May have been up too high, or whatever, all in all it was an amazing party.

The old guy with the white hair, dave gave us an attitude. He was very rude inconsiderate. He gave us the wrong amount of hours and then acted like we were at fault when myself and the others I were with both said 2 hours and not 1. Regardless he still gave us 1 and acted like he did nothing wrong. No sincerity or apologies just blatant ignorance, nice atmosphere but, he was the only problem but he ruined our night. He also refused our request to speak with a manager and any ways to solve this.

Remodeling is nice however, the bartenders have no experience or just aren't people friendly. Drinks were so water down beyond measure . Couldn't believe they are priced at about 15$ and they put one shot, ice and all juice! We brought it to the bartenders attention being that we were spending a lot of money in there and she shrugged and whispered to the others . Maybe because we're colored ? Not sure. It didn't feel right . Then we bought shots for 10$ and it was in a small Jell-O shot cup. I bartend myse

Lakewood Lanes is such a great place! The people are awesome! The experience there is always enhanced by the people. Bowling is always a fun challenge! Great birthday parties! Clean facilities. Enjoyable! I appreciate their dedication to the customers! Shout out to the back of house, mechanics! -Same shoutout to the front of house, at the ready, desk peeps! Love the Lanza Family! Professional as can be!

I bring my low-functioning autistic, nephew bowling because he enjoys it. I started coming to Lakewood lanes a few weeks ago because where we used to go has different summer hours now. The first three weeks that I came it was great and they charged him $11 an hour to bowl. He doesn't always stay the entire hour since he decides when he's done. Today a woman was behind the counter and she was going to charge me $16.50 for him to bowl. I explain to her they've been charging him $11 and she said that we had be

Always a great time, good food and safe environment.

Good for families and groups. Decor is slightly dated but overall a nice place. There is food and arcade type games here also which adds variety. The place seemed pretty busy which is good. The bowling area itself was clean. Disappointed with the cleanliness of the toilets which is why I can't give 5 stars. I would definitely visit again though.

Have gone with my husband and kids to bowl, and they were super accommodating! Even turned on the HUGE fan bc I'm always hot lol- but we have also had our son and daughter's birthday parties there and it was amazing- super reasonably priced, kids had a blast, and the staff were just awesome. Will DEF be back again and again and again lol!!!

We went here with my son and his birth parents in the early afternoon. They were clean and friendly and provided a great experience. I would bowl here again for sure.

Second time there in the last 6 months the lanes are fine, if you're going to order any hot food make sure it's way after 6:00 because the first time we didn't even get our food by the time we were done and had to get reimbursed for it the second time got it at the very till end of six of us bowling two games

We chose Lakewood Lanes for a company event. The venue was perfect. Everyone had a blast and asked if we could do it again. It was affordable and the food was great. It is large enough to accommodate multiple groups and the game room is amazing. Please consider visiting this local gem. Thanks again from your friends at YoCrunch!

The Place is decent, but pins are OLD WOOD PINS "about 40 years old" & have NO SPRING TO THEM @ ALL. They sound VERY dead, & harder to fall & strike.

Bowling here was great! The games are reasonably priced, as are shoes and they have specials for even more savings. Balls are easy to find, lanes and screens are easy to navigate. There's a bar/lounge which was pretty cool, and there's a separate area for food/snacks. Also some arcade machines! All in all a great experience for date night or for taking the kids out.

Went there tonight.Beside the rude girl every time we go there this time we couldn't even finish a game.We started the games 4 times and and left without finishing any of them or even before finishing the time we paid for.The guy with glasses tried to be helpful but seems there was nothing he can do.Such an awful experience especially today.Would not recommend to anyone and never coming back again.

outdated and faulty games. paid for 1 1/2 hours of bowling but game ended before the time i payed for was done. if your close by and only have this option im sorry for you but if you can venture out to another place.

Great family experience, nice heavy handed bartender if you want a good drink. Wings are fried crispy how they should be, fries were like warm but they were dipped and good anyway.

Bowling here was great! The games are reasonably priced, as are shoes and they have specials savings. Balls are easy to find, lanes and screens are not easy to navigate at all. There's a lounge which is lit??, and there is a cool little place for food and snacks. Also an arcade! It's a great place to bowl they also have a friendly staff it was a great time and great atmosphere

Very expensive since it's only my son and I, and I end up spending $30 not just us two not including food or drinks. However I enjoy the CDC GUIDLINE that they provide and help us stay clean. The owner is marvelous too. I try to come down almost ever Saturday but that's 120 a month. Dont like how they dont have lessons or classes that is non competitive tho. Other then that awsome place for group activities

Fun,nice, clean place to be with family. And the lady and gentlemen that work there are very nice and attentive. I had a great mother's day at the location.

Satisfied Overall: Place is CLEAN, Open and Inviting. On Top of that; There Are 30+ Lanes To Accommodate Busy Times & Parties. Definitely Recommend & Return. Support Small Business.

The Bar Staff is wonderful. Bowling- They had many "specials" but none pertained to us on friday night. One tall employee had a power trip and acted like we were begging for money. He gave us a hand written receipt for $33, when we spent at least $75 on just bowling. He was very rude, did not curse us out, but acted extremely worse. I would have preferred him to curse us. The owner took up for the employee, instantly, and did not even care what we had to say. Place is ran like a frat house. Customer

The staff was awesome from DJ at the front desk to the service from the restaurant. They had a busy night and still made sure that we were taken care of at all times.

Hi familia. Great place to take your kids very friendly staff! But I would like to give Anthony a big thanks we need more positive people like him in this world. Blessed

We went for the 59.95 special with scouts, 2 hours of bowling, pizzas soda and shoes. Pizza wasnt half bad, and they cheerfully gave us an extra few minutes to finish out out 2 nd game. Definitely recommend.

Love the service very friendly good timing with orders. Love the environment. Will definitely come back. Will highly recommend to get toothpicks for the tables and bar or at least at the register

Terrible service, terrible bowling alley. I went with 4 of my friends and when we paid, we weren't told what bowling lane to go to, and when we finally asked which one to go to, they gave us attitude. Then in the middle of our game, we had a issue with the machine to see what person is bowling, So I went to go ask and They said ?We'll send someone over there.? Then fast forward 30 mins, they never came. Also we had paid for 2 hours for each person and we only got one hour, so we got scammed. If I could rate

Little outdated with the equipment! But still a fun place to go to hang with friends and family. Staff was nice, and very supportive no matter how bad you sucked at bowling ?? :) The bathroom is a little creepy!

This was a great time! I haven't been here in years but it is just how I remember it...fun, clean, great music and staffed by wonderful, helpful people. The decor is bright with retro type framed pictures on the walls and disco lights lit to brighten the lanes. There was an excellent assortment of bowling balls to choose from and the children loved trying them all. The prices were well worth the time we spent there. We ordered pizza, nachos and a pitcher of soda and all of the food items were hot, delicious

I go here all the time. The bar is nice, and peaceful. Great music. The kids and I love the bowling. We throw a lot of birthdays and parties there. The place is even equipped for small children to bowl.

Not a bad place to roll some balls. Pretty fun atmosphere for the most part just don't plan on any serious bowling at night. I'm not sure when they stop oiling the lanes but they're pretty dry by 7-ish

It was a fun experience. The staff were friendly and helpful

Staff is very nice and greeting. Lanes are in pretty good shape but doesn't matter if your just there for fun. Good place to bowl on a rainy day!

The employees were very nice but they closed an hour before what was posted online, I even called to confirm that they closed at midnight and they said yes yet when we got there at 10:30 after driving from an hour away they told us they would be closing at 11.

A few of the arcade games kept getting jammed, we paid for a hour and they didnt let us finish our game, also there was no card in the game credits and when I was going to redeam my tickets it didnt give me a prize and there was nobody around to ask so I left also they scammed me on my soda my friend got a medium for.2 dollars and I got a small for 2 dollars when I was found someone to ask about something they did not seem happy at all

my daughter was turning 5 years old and our hostes didnt clean or anything. i had to clean everything she didnt help at all just brought out the pizza and the drinks and was with the other party. i could not bowl with my daughter and watch her have fun becasue i was trying to make sure everything was going good. and i was charged for something i didnt even auth. i paid 20.00 in deposit and then i was charged for 17.00 more that day never gave them my card other thatn for 8.50 to have anouther game ewhen eve

The owner tell his pregnant employee that she should have an abortion, place is owned by a Male Chauvinist pig.Owner doesn't have balls to fire his pregnant employee....trash takes employees in front of customers. You have an ass whooping coming you POS!!

We really enjoyed ourselves but recommend putting sum $ into ur Facility & bowling software. I love seeing the animations but instead it's boxy and u can't even read the whole bowler's name. There were TV systems out, the music was outdated, arcade games broken, I found a lot of balls that were cracked & damaged, etc. Would like to see the $ we spend put back into the business. That placed should have been packed last night but people have other options and they r choosing to go there instead. I see this p

Horrible disrespectful workers!

I just recently started bowling and I like it, LL is about five minutes from home and I got at least once a week. I want to get good enough and maybe join a league. The staff is friendly and it's probably the only place in Waterbury with this kind of sane and friendly environment . They also have extra lanes for people that just want to have a good time or learn like me. Maybe I'll get good enough to join a group!

Updated: looks great with the redesign. Had an awesome time!

Good local place to go for a few days. My family and I had a good time. The chicken fingers are great too. Thank you!

Great family fun environment, I take my daughter here all the time and it's such a kid friendly atmosphere. Definitely take advantage of their daily specials

Nice only been there time but going back

Not really anything to complain about if you come to bowl. Pizza and bevrages are what you should expect for a public bowling alley. I found the computer to enter the names in kind of tedious, but the workers have no problem helping.

It was very fun and the service was very friendly the foods prices were a bit higher than expected but not a major problem they even had a Foosball table and air hockey all i have to say is if they want to have little games on the side i heavily recommend getting a ping pong table

This place has improved tremendously!! Better lighting, more food options, and helpful staff. Plenty of balls to choose from.

This place is awesome! Love bringing the kids here for a few a hours to bowl and then play in the arcade. Planning on doing a birthday party here soon

Had my daughter's 7th birthday party there and she loved it. Lakewood lanes did a new renovation and it looks amazing in there

Great place to spend the night with friends. Their snack bar has good food. The bar has a wide selection of drinks. Very cool vibe in general.

Fun place to go and play pool and have a drink ??

Besides the outages they had for my newphews birthday the customer service there was a very very good everyone plus adults loved it

Worst place I've ever been. Game shot down in the middle of the game and the employees gave terrible service and blamed us when it was obviously their fault. DO NOT GO THERE if you want a good bowling experience. It SUCKS there. It is also nasty and old

Haven't been bowling in so many years and I had a ball!!! Staff was very friendly and pizza was good. Definitely going back for Galaxy night.

This spot is really great, the food is a 10 out of 10 for me. This is my new spot.

Great family or friend entairment a good way to spend a night, not too expensive. Friendly atsmoshere and great costumer service. Also has bar and small arcade area. Easy setup.

Clean, the food was great and the service was fast when we needed assistance. The alley was super fun.

Courteous staff, nice atmosphere. Great prices! We had a fun time.

Fun for adults and kids ! The food is insanely expensive though

Loved the cleanliness and the way they dealt with covid-19 restrictions. Definitely will come back, had a great time

Great place to have fun and hang out with friends, it is loud but it is a great place to have funny especially on Friday night where you can win money for getting a strike if the red pin is the front

I was at the lanes on Saturday January 5th...they only had 2 lanes being used at the time and I was told I couldn't get 2 lanes set up to switch back and forth like a league. Not too sure if I'll ever go there again

We needed a little more time to finish a game. They added it for no additional charge . Very impressed with the service.

Nice place. We keep going back. Nice amount of staff that always friendly and helpful.

My family had a wonderful time good food and good deals. We will definitely go back

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.”

Are pool tables in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, pool tables in arcades remain a fantastic draw in 2025! Games like 8-ball or 9-ball offer tactile, skill-based fun that blends strategy and precision. Modern tables feature smooth felt, responsive cues, and vibrant designs, enhancing the classic experience. Arcades foster a social vibe with casual matches or competitive tournaments, appealing to all skill levels. Unlike digital games, pool’s physicality—lining up shots, feeling the cue’s weight—keeps it timeless.