There are only two bowling alleys in the immediate Rowlett and Rockwall area of Texas.
1) Bowl-A-Rama (located at 5021 Lakeview Parkway in Rowlett).
This bowling alley was the first to be opened in the area and is under new ownership. When it was originally opened the management tried to save money by going with pin setters manufactured by a Chinese company: Big mistake. After several months of trying to get the pin setters to actually set the pins, and several lawsuits, the pin setters all had to be removed and replaced with the Brunswick brand. (If you want to drive a Cadillac, you have to buy a Cadillac.) But this is all in the past; for the most part the current pin setters work well.
The alley has 26 lanes, computer scoring, glow bowling, an arcade, and also a dancing dog for birthdays that drives me crazy (but then again; I’m not a kid).
Although the alley is geared towards family fun, its strongpoint is the adult night bowling leagues that are conducted.
For those who like their beer and bowling, there is a decent sports bar (Splits), where long time pirate look-a-like bartender Mark, holds court. Many people visit Splits just to shoot the s… with Mark. Food and atmosphere is bowling alley average.
The big drawback with this alley is dealing with the traffic on Route 66, which is constantly backed up because of the construction on the George Bush Highway. Stay away during traffic hour.
See web site for prices and hours (http://www.rowlettbowlarama.com/)
My rating 3 of 5 strikes
2) Shenanigans (located off the I-30 access road, just east of 205).
Shenanigans is a megaplex bowling facility under some 70,000 square feet that offers 24 lanes ( several of which are cordoned off with a martini bar for adults), go cart racing, mini-golf, laser tag, billiards, rock climbing, and a giant arcade ( All they need now is scuba diving.) The alley is great place for children to hold birthday parties because of the diversity of activities available. (Check with marketing for deals on parties).
The best part of Shenanigans is that they offer free bowling from 11:00 to 2:00 every day when the kids are in school. (That’s right: Free bowling.)
The staff, for the most part, is very friendly and attentive; and for those who enjoy their beer and bowling, Coors Light pints are two dollars all day.
Rozie’s Grill offers better than average bowling alley food for those looking to grab meal or a pizza.
I can’t say anything bad about this place, with the exception that they need to tone down the Justin Beiber videos (but then again; I’m not a kid).
See web site for prices and hours (http://www.shenaniganz.com/index.php?start=4)
My rating: 5 of 5 strikes