Nu Bowl Lanes

Nu Bowl Lanes

Reviews Summary

The majority of reviews praise NuBowl Lanes as a fun, family-friendly spot with helpful staff, great atmosphere, and enjoyable bowling experiences. Many highlight the clean facility, good food, and special events like kids' bowl free or glow bowling. A few mention minor issues like lane malfunctions, limited arcade options, or occasional service delays. The rare negative reviews cite problems with restrooms, high prices, or unresponsive staff, but overall, customers recommend it for a good time. Ratings are overwhelmingly positive, with most being 5-star.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
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 Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

1315 N 17th St

Mt Vernon, Illinois 62864

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

Nice place to bowl with your kids and very helpful staff!

Nice place to take the kids to bowl. Decent prices and specials.

Really awesome and friendly! Great spot for Birthday Parties!

I remember when I started bowling here and I wasn't that good and I joined the spring garden bowling team that was the best decision ever since I was in 5th grade now I'm an 8 th grader and doing really good I recommend all of you to start bowling cause this place is great

Always so much fun to have parties here. I'm not a good bowler but it's a nice place to get away to. Amazing pizza as well!!

Went Saturday night, it was packed but had a great time. It was the first time my 6 year old went Cosmic bowling. Before we even got in the doors she sees the lights and says "Oh!! I'm about to be CRAZY in here!!" As soon as we we went in there was some problems with a couple of teenage girls from my 13 year olds school trying to fight but they got told to leave right away. All the workers did a great job with everything and had the whole place under control all night. Understandably we waited about 30 minu

Brandon McPherson was awesome at accommodating our party of 30+...very reasonable on prices for bowling, food, and drinks. Had a great time

Great place to bowl Great service would reccomend

Workers were great and my daughter and nephew really enjoyed themself.

Staff was very helpful. Git everything set up quickly. Food orders came out efficiently, there was 9nly one person @ the bar area and he was amazing with orders and drinks. Made my son's day with his friends amazing.

Used to love going here and playing for years but it's definitely not what it used to be. Restrooms out of order and they have a small notice on the door that is hard to notice unless you know it's there. I didn't find out they were out of order until after I paid. So me and my kids are supposed to use outhouses located outside in 30 degree weather. Also was told when I got there that the kitchen opened at 5 so we waited and at 5 still not opened. So just a waste of money honestly paid for 2 hours and staye

Great place to take family or friends. Friendly workers and clean facilities.

$54 for 3 people for 2 hours,didn't specify that it was $18 a person instead of total and wouldn't give a partial refund for just an hour,also our TV screen messed up halfway through our games

Me n my husband had lots of fun great environment.

Had a birthday party for my 6 year old. The staff was excellent!!! They really went out of their way to make his day special. We will definitely be back!

Great place for family night, date night, or just for fun!

Love the monthly specials, their food is great (prices are okish). The bar inside is perfect for being at the bowling alley for long periods of time, you can get a pitcher and sit and watch the kiddos have fun. Cosmic bowling is essential when you have kiddos!

No issue with the equipment. Shoes and balls were not worn out. The rest of the building was well maintained. Friendly and helpful staff. Reasonable prices.

Awesome place to bowl after 8pm they turn the lights out and turn on black lights and party light which make stuff glow and the kids loved it highly recommend bowling here specially after 8pm

Too small, the pins needed to be replaced years ago

My daughter is almost 3, she went bowling for the first time here with me. They accommodated so much into making sure she was able to bowl and to enjoy herself. Their pizza was delicious, and mac n cheese bites! The workers were inviting and adored my child. They spoke to her every time she addressed them. Very great place!

Nu Bowl Lanes is possibly the best option for family fun in Mount Vernon. The facility is clean, modern and spacious. The staff is outstanding. They have a game room, a pro shop and a snack shop. Their Bar and Grill offers good food and good drinks. It's a great place for dates, parties and charity events.

These guys really need to wash their balls. Took my 3 girls to bowl a couple weekends ago and paid for 2 hours. Was told it would be a 45 minute wait for a lane so we decided to hang out in the arcade. We were disappointed by games being out of order, but we made due until our lane came open. I was very surprised at how greasy and slimy the house bowling balls were and we had to wash our hands religiously as the balls kept slipping from our fingers and leaving a gross film on our hands. I attempted to get a

I had a birthday party there and the staff were so nice! And the food was good for a bowling alley ????. Would come again I do have a problem though and if you have ever been there you would probably know. They always squeeze everyone together. Even if they have 20 free lanes they still put everything right next to each other. - re-edited on 1/5/20

Enjoyable bowling place! The arcade section is small, but it was still lots of fun. The coin machine ripped my five-dollar bill, but the employee there helped me out. Other than the coin machine biting at bills, I'd highly recommend this place! Great customer service!

Amazing place to take the family and the adults can also have a beverage. The staff at this place is friendly and the customer service they provide is the best. Great food as well.

Been going here since I was a kid now I have brought my own child. Had a lot of fun coming from out of state to be with family. But after my husband and I we both were extremely itchy all over.

Did cosmic bowling. It was fun. Only bad thing we were in middle of third game and our time ran out so game shut down. At one point the rack to clear pins jammed and we lost 15 minutes of play. Had to go tell someone twice before they reset it. But we had fun.

Had both of my son?s 5th birthdays here, one was in 2008 and the other 2021 and different owners from them until now and I loved the old days but the new owners really want it to work and it shows! They are trying so many new things! Inspiring? Best of Luck to you and thanks for a great 5th bday for my son Prestyn?

Awesome environment. Great food. Smells like farts.

Place needs to update the hours on their website. Website says that they open at 10:00AM on Saturday. I get there and the sign on the door says that they don't open until 12:00PM on Saturday.

Because it's so popular, you may have some wait times..but when you're waiting you can go to the bar, get food or drink... weather your going with family or friends your gonna have a great time..

Two adults two children two games 52 dollars place was remotely empty they would not let us have any of the open lanes and there were lots. We wanted one for kids with bumpers and one for adults. The boys working were too busy chatting and not very friendly.

We took our two granddaughters, ages three and four. They loved it! Everyone so helpful and nice. Definitely will go back there!

Not a lot to say, the food was sub par, drinks were garbage. And I'm not a huge fan of bowling... we did have a decent time but I wouldn't go again. Oh and there is an arcade, small ... but an arcade lol

It's nice. The employees are great, extremely accommodating... service is outstanding, not to mention the bathrooms are immaculate. Highly recommend!

We always have a great time here. They always provide fast service, good food and drinks at the bar and it is always clean.

Seems like a lot of updates have taken place. Its great for kids parties. They have an arcade and bar and the staff is all very nice and helpful.

Great atmosphere. Plenty to do. Good food selection. Decent pricing. We got put on a lane that kept breaking down over and over and it kinda killed the fun of it.

Great place to hang out and bowl. Kid friendly, includes a small arcade, and bumpers in the lanes if needed.

Excellent rooms. People handling desk are great and helped in a time when we were having a trouble time. Thank you for caring.

Had a Great time. Went for a birthday party for the grandson. Staff was helpful. Everything looked nice.

Sorry I didnt leave a review earlier. I do think you guys are great my daughter bowls weekly with the JC Jets there for practice and EVERYONE is kind, very helpful and makes sure all the athletes are made feel welcome. We have attended the New Years Eve Party the last 3 yrs and truly wouldnt consider going anywhere else now to bring in a New Year. Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work.

The kids had such a good time!!! They were crying they didn't want to stop. They were bowling, they are good. They played in the arcade, they got candy and bowled some more. Best Night Ever??????

New favorite family place!! They also have a full bar and food options!! So much fun! Excited to go back!!

Good way to spend some time with friends and family.... But this bowling alley is in need of a makeover. Almost every time we're there one of the lanes breaks down mid-game.... They're quick to come fix it, but it would be a much bigger asset to our town if it got a face-lift and some upgraded equipment!

Had a great time! Appetizers were awesome. Staff was very helpful & patient with us

My "home away from home" for the past 40 years or more. I have created lifelong friendships with people I have met here through the years, and many, many fond memories. I have been here through the lows and the highs. I have seen the changes for both good and bad, and the changes happening now are definitely for the good. Brandon and his staff are creating an atmosphere of fun at NuBowl once again. A place for both the serious and the recreational bowler to come out and have a good time. So, come on out t

Great place to just hang out with the kids. I almost always get a cheeseburger when I go and it's pretty good honestly would rather have theirs then McDonald's

Center is well kept. Host to some tournaments and home for a few different high schools. Alwayd friendly staff. Highly recommend!

Any time that I have been to Nu Bowl Lanes has been a great time! The staff are wonderful and make sure that everyone is having fun. We, at the Al Lemke State Farm Agency, recently teamed up with Nu Bowl Lanes for a fundraising event for our local Lady Rams Soccer Team. The Nu Bowl Lanes staff went above and beyond helping us out at the event. If you're looking for a good time in Mount Vernon --- look no further. Nu Bowl Lanes, "It's Just Fun" !!!!

Family friendly. Very pleasant employees. Clean. Affordable. Separate bar area for adults and game room for kids.

Went bowling with my family last Friday night and the facility was clean, all the employees were great and friendly, food was delicious s I highly recommend going there if you want a good fun time bowling!

Pool league was in full swing and the atmosphere was very high spirited. Everyone was having a good time the place was clean the employees were nice and I enjoyed the gaming. I would suggest nu bowl lanes to

Its a nice place with a really chill atmosphere. The food could be better but the employees and the experience make up for that.

We had so much fun! The glow bowl on Sat night is the best! A great choice of snack items on the menu.

One of the few things to do in town, the staff is cordial,The prices are good. It takes a while for the locals to introduce themselves. I've been bowling here for the past couple of months and only met the staff.

This is a really fun place to go to with friends or family overall great staff and they have a mini arcade it's very fun and a great place with great people

Good staff. Fair prices. Pretty descent bar food. And good lanes.

Love that they have kids bowl free! Fun time for my daughters bday 2 yrs in a row!

Wonderful atmosphere!! Love the food and great cocktails!! The staff are always quick to help and are incredibly kind!!

Great alley.proshop has what you need. Very knowledgeable.

Very family friendly clean place. They had everything to help my 5 and 6 year old bowl.

We did glow bowling. Kids had fun! Place wasnt clean at all or I'd of given 5 stars.

I bowl on league here. It's clean, with great food and a great atmosphere. Employees are very nice and helpful. I just miss the pool table in the lounge...

Great place but needs a secure place for coats, visited from Chicago and someone stole my grandson new winter coat. Wasn't please about that.

Bowled for 2 hours straight, got lost in the moment No distractions just music and bowling. There's also beer and food so that's nice. 10/10 would bowl again.

This is definitely the place to go to have fun! The staff are great, the bowling is great, and the prices are great. The only downside is how salty the food can be.

Excellent for kids birthday party's or something to do on a rainy day. One of the only bowling alleys left locally.

I'm not a bowler but I can still beat the wife ??????

Absolutely loved the place... I'm definitely going again next week!

Good place to take the family on a weekend night, great service too.

Nate and Jessie were awesome despite our groups chaos!

Great staff, friendly and helpful. The latrines still get neglected but otherwise everything else was great.

They do a real good job of cleaning it up and making sure that you get the food that you order gets to you but the bowling balls are all beat up the lanes are excellent for a small town bowling alley

Fun place to go bowling buckets of beer and pitchers with frosty mugs available. Also kid friendly. lockers available on request.

Liked everything about it except that it doesn't have much of an arcade, pool table and pinball machine would be nice.

Definitely utilize the package deals. 2hours + shoes .

Its always wonderful and fun because I pick on the people that run it and they pick on me too.

The price is right and the staff was friendly. The building could use some updates, but it is a good environment.

It's so fun and kids love Bolling

Older building, they are having issues. But the lanes are nice and employees friendly. They have alot of daily bowling specials!!

I like the summer kids bowl and love to go there either way. Nice people

Reasonably priced evening out. Nice and clean. Lots of fun.

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.