How to Find Bowling Alleys in Austin

Homer Simpson does it, as do Fred Flintstone, Daniel Plainview and Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski. So why don't you bowl? If you live in Austin you have no excuse--there's alleys a-plenty.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Texas Union Bowling Alley (Union Underground, 2247 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78712). This alley, located in the basement of UT's Texas Union student union building, is one of two alleys in Central Austin. It features 12 lanes, glow in the dark bowling, twelve pool tables, foosball, air hockey, televisions, chess, cards and laptop docking stations. It's open every night until 3:00 a.m. After you've played, go up and hear a band at the Cactus Cafe or just stroll along The Drag. Phone: [phone].

2. Dart Bowl (5700 Grover Ave., Austin, Texas 78756). This 32-lane alley is located next to McCallum High School, south of Koenig, west of Lamar and east of Burnet and is open Sunday through Thursday until midnight and Friday and Saturday until 1:30 a.m. Features include a party room, bar, arcade, steak house and "Rock and Bowl" sound system. It's available for private parties and events. Phone: [phone].

3. Highland Lanes (8909 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas 78757). Located immediately to the south of 183, this 40-lane alley features auto-scoring, a cafe, pro shop, bumper bowling for kids, a light and music show and on the wall is a mural of Austin made entirely of carpet. Be warned, though--this place is packed on the weekend. Phone: [phone].

4. The 300 Austin (9504 North I-H 35, Austin, TX 78753). This is definitely not a blue collar alley. It's flashy and elegant, with prices to match. It features 52 lanes, a sports bar with 8 pool tables, 10 dart boards and 10 plasma screen televisions. The restaurant is fancy enough that it's under the helm of an executive chef. It's open until 2:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and midnight the rest of the week. Phone: [phone].

5. Marker Westgate Lanes (2701 W William Cannon Dr., Austin, TX 78745). This south side alley, open until 2:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and midnight the rest of the week, includes 40 clean lanes, a snack bar, sports bar, arcade, conference room, user-friendly scoring system and ample parking. It goes without saying, though, that it's crowded on league nights. Phone: [phone].

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