Hi Spot Lanes

After reading some of the previous reviews of Hi Spot Lanes, I was a bit nervous about renting the facility for my husbands 30^th bday but was told by a co-​worker that it was great and was he ever right! This place is a hidden gem and a perfect spot for a 30^th bday party. We rented the lanes from 8pm-​12am and had an absolute blast. The man who was working during our party helped everyone get the correct shoes and helped when the lanes got messed up. It was so great and I want to find another excuse to have a party there!

Grumpy old men work here. They always act like you’re inconveniencing them when you want to bowl a game. The place is a dated and likely the bathroom hasn’t been cleaned since 1972. The owners/​employees are typical Manayunk townies, with a serious distaste for the educated, new residents, that have transformed their town from the toilet that it was. Those polar opposite residents are the only reason they are able to charge $ 5/​game. I’ll take my business to wynnewood lanes next time so I don’t disturb them when I want to pay them money.

We walked in and there was a private party, nothing posted and only 2 of the 10 lanes in use. Naturally you would assume it would be possibly for a group of 5 to bowl correct? Or at least in this case there would be a sign on the door that said «private party come back another time.» Reasonable right? That’s not how this interaction went. We walked up to the counter and said we had 5 people and asked if we could bowl. The attendant scoffed and simply said «nope.» Said nothing after, gave no reason. So a bit confused we said «private party?» And the attendant simply replied «yup.» It would’ve been nice to have been told sorry after my friends and I took an Über to your place only to be turned away. The two gentlemen behind the counter simply ignored us and continued their conversation expecting us to leave. I can understand renting your entire alley out to a private party even if they only use two lanes. I can sort of understand not posting something on the door about the party in an effort to turn patrons away. There is no excuse for being rude to potential business. The place looked acceptable enough to bowl a few frames with friends but considering the fact that Philly has plenty of great alleys available and this is in such a strange location, there is no reason for me to return after the miserable treatment we received when my friends and I simply wanted to give them our business.

Walked in. 2 of the about 10 lanes were taken. Walked to the counter to two old ass South Park looking douche-​bags (
). I told him that there was 5 of us. The skinny one said «No». No explanation further. I asked if there was a private party (again 2 of the lanes were taken mind you) and he said yup. Left without them saying another word not even a ‘sorry’.

Apparently, this establishment is operated by retired drug kingpins who simply have so much money that they can afford to turn away paying customers. Living less than a half mile away, I was pleasantly surprised to find a classic, mom and pop, family fun bowling alley… however, upon entering we were told that our small group of 5 would not be accommodated because two of the available 8 lanes was occupied by a «private event.» Which we were not informed of, but simply told «no» upon entering.
A business that can afford to turn away paying customers must have its secrets, so if you’re looking for something illicit, my guess is this would be a good place to start. However, expect to be treated like dirt.

This place stinks. Not only is it an eyesore but the «owner» is a piece of work. Came in to possibly book a bday party for my son who is turning four. When I got there I saw another party taking place with kids about the same age. As soon as the owner heard the age group for my party he said we couldn’t have it there. He said the kids wouldn’t be able to carry the bowling balls and he wasn’t going to run after all the balls. He also said we would not be permitted to do so either. I thought there were bumpers. Then he said 15 kids were too much and he’d «need a drink» to deal with that. Needless to say, I left disgusted. He was just making excuses. Don’t advertise kids birthday parties if you’re unwilling or unable to follow through.

great little neighborhood spot, we rent it out for annual business party, and its a blast, we bring our own food, drink, and music, they are very accomodating.

This is right behind my house and we finally decided to check it out last week. Although you can’t expect much from a small little byo one within Philly, the place was pretty gross and grumpy.
Our fingers were stained a faint black and both my boyfriend and I’s thumb were blistered within 1 game from the old not so smooth finger holes in the balls. Never had that happen before. The owner also seemed to be in a real rough mood when we got there. There was what we thought was spilled ice cream all over our area so that was a hoot to keep accidentally stepping in. Told the grumpball about it and he didnt do anything about it… even stepped in it himself a couple times trying to fix our lane that kept breaking. It was a very outdated system. Speakers were incredibly blown out too and everything played was loud static noise. It was nice that it was a byo at least and we got a lane right away on a Friday night.
Price was ok and it was cash only. We didn’t know that and they didn’t have an atm so that was also an eh experience needing to go to the nearest bank. This was probably my least favorite bowling experience. It wasn’t supposed to be a big new feeling flashy one anyway so I wasn’t expecting much… but yeah, left there needing a shower.

Very cute little mom and pops place in East Falls area. Great for date nights. It’s BYOB. Very small place but great.

Stumbled in to Hi Spot Lanes not really knowing what to expect. The exterior is kind of outdated, but inside it’s a fun no-​frills small bowling alley.
It’s pretty cheap, and the BYO aspect is a huge plus. We were there on a weekend afternoon, and there was a kids birthday party happening, but we lucked into the one empty lane. I would call ahead to ensure there is a lane available (or opening soon.)

Called 2 – 3 weeks in advance to make a reservation for 8 people for a birthday. Arrived promptly at the time of the reservation and was told it’s entirely rented out for another party (rudely told we do not in fact have a reservation)… Apparently whoever «took our reservation» did not do so. Terrible to treat customers that way as for one, we had definite plans, and also live nearby and likely would have been repeat customers.

Great little place for the weekends and kid friendly. Also pretty clean and has a small «shop» that the kids always love going in to see and saying Hi to the owner, I assume he is. But great guy, he’s almost as excited to see them as they are to see him everytime we go. And prices aren’t that bad, $ 4.25 per game (per person I believe) and $ 2 shoe rentals. There are a few vending machines, which is nice. Love that the place is BYOB, so if you’re staying for a while or having a get together, bring your own food and drinks. There seems to be lots of parties on the weekends when we try to go so I always call beforehand. And sort of hidden/​tucked away but great atmosphere and friendly staff. I usually don’t get to play much but I love the old school feel to it rather than others I’ve been too, however — to each their own. At least check this place out, is what I always say.

PRICE UPDATE: 4.25 per person per game, 2.00 shoes!
The above being said this place is still less than half of what you would pay at North Bowl. Bring anything you want to eat or drink!
Only knocked off the star because there is a serious lack of air conditioning in this place. Beware on days with high temps.

Great little old school bowling place. The owner provided excellent service and even gave us tips on how to bowl better. Best part is it’s BYOB. We were there on a Saturday night and had 3 lanes to ourselves. Fun times :)

I love high spot lanes! How can you not love a bring your own food and drink pizza place.
Call ahead because this place rents out the entire building for parties and so they aren’t always open.
Bring a mini keg from the speedy beverage next door order pizza and enjoy a cheap night out of bowling and boozing.

I’d call Hi Spot no frills, but I think that would be an overwhelming understatement. Hi Spot is a «budget» alley, to put in nicely! Still, its BYOB, open late, and dirt cheap. Games are $ 3.75 each, shoe rentals are only a dollar, and you can bring whatever you’d like to drink. Music is, eh, limited, but if you have a ipod they are more than willing to help you connect. I’ve also been told you can rent out the entire place for parties at reasonable rates, which I can believe given rates of everything else.
Hi Spot doesn’t offer any food, but appears to be involved in a few leagues if that is what you’re looking for. And while their lanes might not be all that high tech, they are kept running (most of the time) and if they do manage a breakdown, you’ll at least earn a story to tell…

If you want bowling without rubbing elbows with douchebags and hipsters, come to Hi Spot and feel completely comfortable in your inability to break 100 (ok, my inability to break 100) under only the scrutiny of 16 year olds — granted, 16 year olds with their own bowling shoes, but still. Two games for two people rang up for 17 dollars. There are vending machines but that’s about it — no booze. Inexplicably there are showers in the ladies bathroom. If you’re looking to just bowl and hang out without emptying your pockets, this is the place.

Oh the Hi Spot… Everything everyone says is true: it’s very inexpensive bowling with no frills attached and it’s the only spot in the area.
As a life long Roxborough resident, I have been here more times than I can count and plan on returning still. A lot of league activity here, and parties happen frequently, so make sure you call in advance because as soon as they end it goes back to first come first serve. The lane is «bring your own anything» (from a fifth of booze to a few kegs), and the workers will pretty much let you do what you want as long as it doesn’t cause damage and you’re not an ass about it (one came out to watch as I entered into fisticuffs with a friend of mine after way too many beers, he just made us fight sans rented bowling shoes and laughed with us afterwords as we finished another two games).
Shoes have never been an issue here but last visit I had trouble finding a ball with large enough holes, so watch out fellow sausage-​fingered Unilocalers. The food and beverage selection here amounts to a run down water fountain and two snack machines (possibly a soda machine as well but I can’t guarantee it); partaking in any of it is up to your tastes but I wouldn’t. What I recommend is bringing your own grub or ordering something local to be delivered, and the beer distributor directly behind the building means your night need never go dry. A little ways back the interior was remodeled so the lanes could become black-​light-​laser-​disco like many modern alleys, but I have never been there to see it in action (I think very few people have). A well played pool table and I think an old arcade game are there for the non-​bowlers, or you could amuse yourselves with yunker watching.
The Hi spot is an excellent place to come to in your holiest sweats or Sunday bests for a judgment free, cheap game.
UPDATE:
Sundays they have a deal from 10AM-​1PM wherein however many people you roll with get one lane for unlimited bowling during the the duration for only $ 25, total. It’s a sweet deal.

This is truly the most no frills establishment I’ve set foot in in recent history and it felt terrific.
I love the Hi Spot! And I didn’t even bowl! We (well, my friends) rented the place out for a party and it was the best idea ever. We had the whole place to ourselves, and the delightful employees let us hang signs, bring a keg in, and set up a smörgåsbord of food. We got to play our own music and do whatever we wanted.
Everything is really inexpensive, and they even sell socks! There is plenty of parking and it’s easy to get to.
We were almost literally booted out of there are 11:30pm on the dot so we had to move out to the parking lot to plan our next move.
I think this is a unique and charming place to have a private party! Hugs and kisses to the Hi Spot!

It’s definitely a dive/​grungy kinda place. BUT, it’s a BYOB, which makes it well worth the yunkers crowd.