Highland Park Bowl

5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042, USA

Address:	5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042, USA
Phone:	+1 323-257-2695
Site:	highlandparkbowl.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	5PM–2AM 5PM–2AM 5PM–2AM 5PM–2AM 5PM–2AM 10AM–2AM 10AM–2AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Steve Stensager

Solid 3.5 after 4 visits. Was 4.5 on my first visit. First of all, beautiful restoration. Full stop. It feels like its trying to retain updated without losing its original charm. As an art project it is thorough and on point, but as a bar its like a caricature of millennials with wood/iron furniture, Edison bulbs, plaid guys and pin-up girls, and old fashioned drinks (featuring, you guessed it, the Old Fashioned). With its authentic/distressed decor, expensive upkeep, and location in a gentrifying neighborhood; Highland Park Bowl is the definition of hipster. At times, so is the crowd. The drinks are all a solid B, but youd expect better paying the high end of the Highland Park price point. The pizza is quite good. Better and cheaper pizza can be found across the street at Follieros, and drinks across the street at Greyhound. The bowling is cool but in limited supply and the price reflects that. There is cheaper bowling in town, but without the ambiance or charm. The bowling definitely feels like a VIP experience, reminiscent of the Spare Room but (barely) cheaper. Patrons sitting in the open second level silently judge all bowling performances. I highly recommend getting a drink in the second level. Overall, I had fun the four times I visited, but the novelty wore off and I see myself frequenting other HP spots more often. However, go if you havent been yet because the restoration really is something. Also, there are a lot of great spots in walking distance that can be strung into a crawl.

Andrea Dandino

The gem of this renovation by the 1933 group (Idle Hour, BigFoot West, Sassafras Saloon) is the rediscovery of the 1930s mural of a forest that hangs behind all the bowling lanes. It is a grand, but subtle nod to the history of the building, created back in 1927. The exposed pin wheels that collect and resort your stack for your next turn is my favorite aesthetic other than the mural. Theres an allure to see what goes into the mechanism of "bowling" and seems like a bit of a reward to those paying attention to the details (hint: look up. Yes, those are original skylights restored) Ive been told to go bowl near or at sunset, allowing the skylights to play their own game - adding natures romance. In general, bowling before 7 or 10pm may be your best bet if youre looking to spend not too much money, night bowling is pricey, but if shared with a group, its not too terrible, plus you the nightlife ambiance. Cocktails are playful nods to bowling pop culture in name such as their White Russian named "The Dude Abides" and with ingredients like my personal favorite the FuzzyLand because I love all things tiki. If anything, go grab a cocktail and take in the view. Historic buildings should not be overlooked.

Ltg CTL

Fantastic atmosphere, great food, and great drinks, what else can you ask for? This is a historic gem which takes you back to how people bowled 60 years ago. And so it stands out among so many average/boaring bowling alleys. Words can not describe the atmosphere, just go there and experience it for yourself. Quality of the food and the drinks matches the great atmosphere. I eat gluten free Vegan and I seldom get to eat good Pizza. They have a great gluten free dough pizza dough at this place. So I ordered a custom-made Gluten Free Pizza with their fresh made tomato Pesto sauce, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, basil, and Portobello Mushrooms. It was the best gluten-free, cheese free pizza I have had in the longest time. If they only add a Vegan-cheese to their Pizza menu and add Bards gluten-free beer to their bar menu Ill go there every week :-) By the way, the people who restored this place deserve recognition and awards for their work (If they have not received several already). Attention to minute details in designing and restoring the space to better than its original glory reaches perfection. All of that greatness makes it work a few extra bucks.

Allen Aquino

Its a great place to come by to have a drink with friends. Im a fan of the refurbished industrial aesthetic and it helps elevate the very chill mood you experience when you walk in. The Drinks are pricey but delicious and there is a great selection of local and out of state beers to choose from. Renting the lanes can set you back, which is why you should always come with friends who can pitch in. Plus it makes the small place much more intimate. I havent tried the pizza next doo yet, but Ive heard great things and I plan to try it when Im back in LA. Overall, great vibes, great beers, and great aesthetic. Bring your friends, you wont be disappointed

Tony Nauta

The mood and ambiance were pretty good, enjoyed the live DJ, and the pizza and calamari were really tasty! Bowling on the other hand was above average. Aside from the amazing looking vintage items all over the place, and the neat looking visible mechanics going on at the back of the lanes, unless youre a fan of bowling or with a large group of friends, $60/hr for bowling may seem a little steep. Still, totally enjoyed the atmosphere! Didnt get a chance to bowl tho cause the wait times for a Friday night are still crazy long. Arrived at 8p, but wait time was 4 hours! Will definitely come back again to try to bowl next time lol.

Jon Morales

Now Los Angeles oldest existing Bowling alley. Very cool interior with the most amazing steam punk vibe of old bowling machinery and memorabilia. Fun to hang even if your not bowling. The bar is excellent and all of their cocktails were great. A far cry from the dive bar this place used to be. I didnt try the pizza but it looks amazing. To our surprise a mini burlesque show began out of the blue! We went on a Friday night. Highland Park has become one of my favorite neighborhoods in Los Angeles!

Ron Quan

Gorgeous restoration of a bowling alley from a bygone era. The level of detail from the working bowling lanes to the bar areas is truly unique. We came on opening night so both bars and all the seating areas were packed. Volume levels were very high around the bar and bowling areas. If you want to hold a conversation without screaming, youll want to be seated in the dining room near the front entrance instead. Parking is behind the bowling alley and at the nearby Highland Park Metro station.

Zachary Espley

Fantastic atmosphere. It is set in a warehouse with a really old fashion bowling system and two bars. Amazing lighting and ambiance. The upstairs area feels like you stepped back into and old noir film. The cocktails are really good and the pizza is top notch. Even if you dont want to bowl it is worth coming here for the food and drinks. The typically only let six people per Lane but if you ask yiu can do more. Excellent spot for birthdays, you wont be disappointed.

Ron Khoury

Amazing design and vintage. looks pretty much like the old times which is the biggest cool factor about this place. BUT the prices are expensive. $60 per hour without the shoe rental. Food options are limited also. you have a pizza or salad. Maybe its a good thing. depends on your perspective. Service is great though and it could be a fun place to hang there with a group.

Wilson Tang

Awesome vibe and great decor to breathe the feel of this location. However the drinks are just average. The small amount of lanes means on weekend you can be waiting 2 or 3 hours (from 2 of 2 experience) when they say only 1 hour. Food service is okay, nothing special, but not bad. I would recommend to check this place out but it isnt a must go.