Best of Boston

2004 Best Bowling Alley

Lanes & Games

Bowling is enjoying an indubitable renaissance as of late, with funky alleys attracting a quasi-hipster bar crowd. But as much as we enjoy our fancy drinks, bowling is at heart a sport of beer in plastic cups and no-glam atmosphere. Lanes & Games in Cambridge has never had an identity crisis about what it is: a legitimately retro bowling alley (note the circa-1947 interior) with 54 lanes of candlepin and tenpin, a pro shop, and lots of leagues. From the “Grip it and Rip It” stickers to the bowling bag-sized lockers in the restrooms, this is the real deal.

195 Concord Tpke. (Rte. 2 East), Cambridge, 617-876-5533, lanesgames.com/