Bowl America

361 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073, USA

Address:	361 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073, USA
Phone:	+1 904-272-6400
Site:	bowl-america.com
Rating:	3.8
Working:	10AM–12AM 9AM–12AM 10AM–12AM 9AM–12AM 10AM–1AM 9AM–12AM 11AM–12AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Stewart Pierson

My wife and I decided that we wanted to experience a bit of nostalgia from our courting days and hit the alleys for our date night tonight. When we were younger and spry(er) we used to spend our Wednesday evenings at a bowling alley in Arizona for $1 bowling night and thus many great memories are attached to this activity. It appears that bowling is not a hot activity in Jacksonville because many of the alleys are run down and relatively empty during times when they should be packed with patrons (such as Friday nights). Bowl America was chosen tonight because it is one of the more conveniently located spots in proximity to my house. Less traveling on date night equals more smooching and snuggling so we opted for this location. The lot was nearly empty when we arrived which was not a good sign at a peak time on Friday. Sure enough we noted that only 4 other groups of ball-tossers were throwing the rocks down the lanes. The lobby and lanes were well-maintained and it appears that they have recently tried to refresh some of the alley so it doesnt reak of the 80s. They managed to make it look clean and tidy but didnt quite pull off much more than that. I think one day bowling alleys will realize that stepping into the 21st century may help increase business a bit. The staff was pretty friendly here which is a contrast from almost every bowling alley Ive ever frequented in my life. There also seemed to be a lot of them compared to the number of patrons (6 staff that I could see but only 10-15 or so people bowling) which didnt seem to make a lot of sense to me but at least we felt safe in a relatively rough area of the city. The bowling was fun as it always is and the lanes appeared to be taken care of. The balls on the other hand were VERY worn and had lots of chips and pockmarks and most didnt have holes drilled well for gentlemen with big fingers. I have relatively long "piano fingers" and still had a hard time fitting mine. Another small issue is the fact that the balls are found way back in a corner of the alley, far away from the lanes so you have to lug balls to and fro when you pick them out and put them away. Overall we had a good time and would go back but there are definitely a few things this location could do to improve the experience. I cant comment on the food or drink because, well, its a bowling alley and I have more respect for myself than to eat here.

Elliot Schumacher

There are many "pros" that make Bowl America an alley worth visiting over and over again... - A rather clean facility w/ qualityrental shoes - Great discounts offered all week on games and shoes - $2 Shoes & games /// - All you can bowl 9pm-close - Typical Alley Food w/ above average quality. Plus a few vending machines to satisfy any junk food cravings. - Free Ice cold water! For the frugal among us. - Ample seating per lane that seats ~6+ (snugly) There are a few Cons... - Too few Bowling balls with adult sized finger holes. There were tons of 10-15 pound balls that filled the racks (even when it was busy). So many had pencil finger holes! - Seating was ample, but not very comfortable or practical - When looking closely, there were dirty/decaying areas

A Private User

Spent $130 renting two lanes for a birthday party and they had to gall to complain that I was not allowed to bowl while the kids were eating cake. There was NO verbiage on the contract we signed that the lanes were for the kids only. A friend of ours there for the party spent almost $15.00 for a burger, fries and a drink, the burger was so bad he took one bite and threw the rest in the trash. The staffer helping (hovering) over us was friendly, but clearly there to pass the law down from "management" who were interested in nothing but how "right" they were. Did I mention we were the ONLY customers in the entire alley at 1PM on a Sunday. You would think they would want to keep the few they had.

Priscilla Graham

Personally, this is the perfect location to have this facility considering the neighborhoods surrounding it. It promotes fun! It invites any and all types of people to take part in the fun! Ive been bowling here since I moved to OP 16, almost 17 years ago. Nowadays I bring my 6 year old son and we have a blast! Theres a few items that are noticeably out of date, and/or broken down. I wish all of us here, (those of us who grew up here but moved away), in the Clay County/Bellair/Lakeside, could come together, promoting and fundraising the funds to fix and replace the items needed to make this place beautiful once again.

tomhallion

I would give this place ZERO stars if it were possible.First of all the place looked old, well overdue for a renovation. The computer system looks like something out of the late 70s early 80s. We asked to have the bumpers up as we were bowling with some really inexperienced people , and were met with a stern NO. What kind of lane doesnt allow people to have the bumpers up? We are here to have fun and enjoy the night but sadly this was not the case. I will never bowl here again and will warn others of the NO BUMPERS policy. What a joke.

Kim Hall

Thanks to the manager, Allen, my family and I had a great time. He went above and beyond to ensure our bowling experience was more than worth while. We only intended on playing 3 games due to price, but we ended up closing the place down due to the phenomenal customer service on his part. He will be the reason we will continue to go! Thank you!!

C Mackenzie

Just took my wife and 3 year old son bowling. They put the bumpers up for my son on one lane and my wife and I bowled on another lane 2 games. Cost me almost $70 dollars. They charged me full price for 3 games on my kids lane. What a rip off. This place is rediculous. Ill never go back.

A Private User

Staff is horrible. Discriminates against people with disabilities. Wouldnt give a smaller ball to someone who needs it to bowl. Now her wrist is in extreme pain. Had trouble last time we came here a year ago. Horrible experience. Would not recommend at all!!!!!

Amber Scanlon

I looked at the reviews and the only negative ones were from 6-8 years ago....I shouldve listened. Never have I paid so much too bowl 1 game for 3 people a piece for a place that still uses CRT screens. On a positive note, they werent busy!

Sheri Hatch

Bowling is way more expensive than I remembered. $15.00 for 2 games and shoes. I guess everything goes up. With the money they charge they should do some remodeling. Its very old looking inside. All that aside we had a blast bowling.

A Private User

Clean bathroom, has handicap doors on two sides of building and a bathroom for handicap. Food pricey but so are the movies...does birthday parties and always has someone to help. Very polite people.

Dave Klein

Small, simple place for a family outing. It was expensive until the manager had us sign up for the Family Blast and then it was a very cheap outing with a carrot to come back again.

Adam Hollingshead

Large facility with lots of lanes. Most the balls are pretty rough and beat up, but thats to be expected I suppose. Full snack bar l, but I havent tried the food yet.