Van Nest Lanes

Visited Van Nest Lanes with a few friends of mine one night for a couple quick games. The place is very old school and if you’re used to the more updated, newfangled bowling alleys with neon lights and automated scoring on TV screens, you may not like this place. But if you just wanna have a good time with some friends without spending an arm and a leg for a simple game of bowling, then you’ll enjoy it here. Yes, you do have to keep your own score with paper and pencil, and if you don’t know how the scoring goes it might be a little confusing. I can understand that. However, calling it «ghetto» is quite ignorant. Old school, yes. Classic, yes. Simple, yes. But ghetto? If you want a different bowling experience, then go seek the experience that you’re looking for. Don’t disparage a perfectly good business for not being something that it’s not claiming to be.
The food is pretty decent, I had a hot sausage and fries which I had no complaints about. The menu is typical — hot dogs, wings, burgers, fries, etc. My friends have tried other menu items that they say are good. If you want a fun time for literally only a few bucks and don’t need the fancy accouterments of more contemporary bowling alleys, then you’ll have a great time here. Don’t let the «ghetto» comments dissuade you.

Such a classic spot. Great people, great times and great prices.

Real old school bowling alley. Old wood lanes that play tricks on your hook. All depends on the amount of oil. I love the fact you have to keep your own score. The people who call it ghetto probably can’t add 2+2. If that’s why you call it ghetto then I’ll take you around other areas of the city and show you what a real ghetto looks like. Nothing fancy and a little outdated but that adds to its charm. One of the very few alleys that has survived. And for good reason.

Went there on a Saturday night. Five dollar games, two dollar shoes, three dollar beers. No electronic scoring, so you need to know how to score by hand. The place was pretty busy with a relatively young crowd and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Staff friendly.

SUCH A CLASSIC PLACE. calling it ghetto is a little insensitive to all that live in the Bronx and enjoy it. Yes, the décor is dated, and there aren’t automated score keepers, but that adds to its charm. It’s been in three movies, so it can’t be that bad!

My first and last time coming to this place was a year ago. I’m not from the Bronx but I do have friends there and I already have the idea that everything in the bronx is a little on the ghetto side.
This place isnt different. Its uncomfortable. I had fun BUT its so weird to me that you have to keep track of your score with pencil and paper. Its soooo old school. If you like that, fine but not me. I’d prefer to save time and watch it on the little TV above me with little animations. I dont want to do math while bowling.
Seriously needs an update!

A great old school family establishment. The people there are nice.

Should be named ghetto lanes! Everything was old and lanes were reseting messing up the flow! NO FOOD! the food area was completely close! It was horrible! The Guy at the front desk that gave us our shoes completely had a nasty attitude and vibe! He must hate his job. OH AND THE MUSIC SUCKED TOO!

Ghetto isnt good for a «Never been to lane». After months, my trip was great.