The newly renovated bowling alley is so much more than that: a bar, an arcade, a restaurant – see what Bowlero has in store for a fun night out!
Growing up in the Timonium area, I was used to seeing the “AMF Timonium Lanes” sign driving up and down York Road. I was not much of a bowler, but the place was still a part of my childhood. It felt like a comfortable constant that did not change even though other things around it did. New stores and restaurants popped up, but AMF was still there like a trusted old friend. Then one day, I did a double-take: “What’s this?!”
A shiny, newly painted red building now stands in the place of the old beige one. A hip cursive “Bowlero” sign now graces the front. Giving in to my curiosity, I decided, just like last year to hold my birthday festivities at the bowling alley. I was not disappointed. This was a truly shocking “before and after” Cinderella transformation.
Interestingly enough, the company that operated AMF Lanes is still (more or less) the same one that runs the new Bowlero. There have been several mergers throughout the history of the company, therefore local history buffs and lovers of timelines can see the exact evolution of the ownership here. But before I lose the rest of you, let’s get to the FUN stuff!
I came here with a group of six friends around 5 p.m. on a Saturday. Walking in, I immediately noticed the dim lighting and glowing lanes. The hard grey plastic chairs were replaced by soft couch-like seating areas. Huge TV screens hang above the lanes on the far walls. The Minion movie was on – I'm really starting to like it here! But the big screen is the LAST thing you’ll be looking at. You'll be mesmerized by the glowing neon signs all over, including the arcade and the bar (fully stocked with adult beverages).
Unfortunately, the regular bowling lanes were all spoken for, as it was a full house. But we did get lucky and snatched a duckpin lane. The moment we sat down to lace up our shoes, a friendly waitress came up and introduced herself: A+ for service! Speaking of the menu, it was extensive. No boring food here. This place has all the comfort food you love plus some interesting selections, like 2.5 pounds of French fries in four flavors, a two-foot-long hot dog (“Coney Mega Dog”) loaded with all the goodies, and a giant chocolate chip cookie. I need a nap after just reading the menu!
We did not sample the food, as we hit up the Nautilus Diner just down the street afterward. But we did indulge in their drinks. The mixed cocktails come in retro glass jars with handles. I sipped on a refreshing “Endless Summer Sangria” – a mix of pink rose along with orange and peach liquors, topped with fresh fruit and lemon-lime soda. The drink is a hefty one and lasted me through two games!
The drinks, the pumping pop music, the laughter, and the balls that completely missed the pins all made for a fun evening out. We saw kids’ birthday parties, families, friends hanging out, and people just getting a bite at the bar. The atmosphere of the new Bowlero Timonium is just more fun. You don’t come here just to bowl anymore – it is now a social scene where you don’t mind lingering a little longer.
And FYI – I discovered that duckpin is just as fun as regular bowling, without the added strain of wielding a heavy ball. There are speculations that duckpin bowling may have actually been invented right here in Baltimore, Maryland around 1900 by two guys you may have heard of, John McGraw and Wilbert Robinson. But the jury is still out on that one. Still, the notion that we started the East Coast’s love for the game is a nice one to entertain.
Have you been to the newly renovated Bowlero in Timonium? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!
