Philly. Bowling. Me. You?

January 30, 2008 10:30 AM

Philly. Bowling. Me. You?

Finally, the much anticipated bowling meet up thread.

I'm thinking late February or early March. I think a Monday or Tuesday night or Saturday or Sunday afternoon would be best to avoid the crazy drunken lane-hogging crowds.

Lucky Strike is out because it's a lounge with some flooring that looks like an alley and it sucks.

Any suggestions for a good alley in or very near the city that's close to public transit?

So, let's throw out some dates and locations and we can go from there.

posted by misanthropicsarah to MetaFilter gatherings at 10:30 AM (83 comments total)

You might consider Strikes, which is a few blocks from the 40th Street trolley stop.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:37 AM on January 30

I will attend if it's on a weekend afternoon.

Be forewarned, though: I'm pretty sure I stink at bowling.
posted by amro at 10:47 AM on January 30

I vote Strikes.
posted by dmd at 11:19 AM on January 30

I've heard good things about North Bowl at 2nd and Poplar; some colleagues of mine used to be in semi-official league there for ad agency types...
posted by Mister_A at 11:22 AM on January 30

Whoa, a bowling meetup? This might be worth using some vacation time for.
posted by Eideteker at 11:23 AM on January 30

I will be there wherever it is held. (I will not be around the weekend of Feb 16 or Mar 8. Please schedule accordingly.)

Strikes may be easier for our 'burbian friends.

I can't wait to show you all how much I suck at bowling! Whoo!
posted by desuetude at 11:27 AM on January 30

North Bowl's gotta be the hands down favorite. It's brand spanking new, has a large seating area complete with pool tables & a bar. But I haven't made any of the meetups except one so far so my vote shouldn't count for much.
posted by scalefree at 12:19 PM on January 30

i also suck at bowling. that's part of the fun.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 1:15 PM on January 30

I could do one of the evenings or pretty much any Sunday afternoon. My Saturdays are tied up until April with high school speech and debate - whoo-hoo!

I, too, suck at bowling and I agree that's a huge part of the fun.
posted by chihiro at 1:22 PM on January 30

If the day's right, I'm in.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 1:25 PM on January 30

sorry, I don't live in Philly. thanks, though!
posted by shmegegge at 1:48 PM on January 30

My vote is for North Bowl and Saturday afternoon. Great bars, decent food and lots of bowling (and relatively inexpensive too). But not March 1, that's Philly Craft Beer Fest 08!
posted by LilBucner at 2:08 PM on January 30

Analog Wii Bowling? How retro.
posted by potch at 4:10 PM on January 30

Sounds like fun. I could make it in the evening, but not on a Saturday afternoon.
posted by ludwig_van at 4:19 PM on January 30

I agree with Saturday afternoon...easier for the suburbanites to take the regional rail in and not risk missing the last train back.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 6:20 PM on January 30

I have yet to actually make it to a Philly meetup, but North Bowl is awesome. The bowling is fun, but the lane-side drinks and tater tots rock.
posted by mothershock at 6:47 PM on January 30

(Do we need a pair of meetups? 'Cause that way, by the second one I might bowl a three-digit score.)
posted by desuetude at 7:53 PM on January 30

I move into Philly in early March. So, I vote early March.
posted by Deathalicious at 8:58 PM on January 30

As long as no one is _really_ good at bowling ...

I'm in, and I have no time preferences. The video store next door to Strikes hates them and has petitions and stuff about how they suck, but since I never go there anymore I'm sure I can sneak in without any dirty video store looks.
posted by 31d1 at 8:22 AM on January 31

I think I may have just been swayed by "lane side tater tots".

I'll do some investigating of prices and possible group discounts (I am cheap) at Strikes and North Bowl.

It looks like weekend afternoon is winning so far.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 11:20 AM on January 31

I'm pretty sure I love you, misanthrophicsarah. I agree that a weekend afternoon would be better.

Can we get some votes on dates?

Feb 16
Feb 17

Feb 23
Feb 24

Mar 1
Mar 2

Mar 8
Mar 9
posted by miagaille at 7:47 AM on February 1

I vote Feb 24, Mar 2 or Mar 9.
posted by chihiro at 10:02 AM on February 1

2/16, 2/17, 3/8 or 3/9.
posted by amro at 10:04 AM on February 1

Or 3/1.
posted by amro at 10:05 AM on February 1

Not Feb 16-17 or March 8-9.
posted by desuetude at 10:11 AM on February 1

I guess March 1-2 would work. It means I move to Philly earlier, I guess. :)
posted by Deathalicious at 12:49 PM on February 1

I vote 3/8-3/9.
posted by LilBucner at 12:54 PM on February 1

also ... Strikes on 40th st. only has 4 bowling lanes. My vote is still squarely for North Bowl.
posted by LilBucner at 12:55 PM on February 1

It looks like weekend afternoon is winning so far.

I agree that likely works best. I'm watching this thread to see what date you all settle upon, so I can try to make it.
posted by edverb at 12:28 AM on February 2

Let's get the date discussion back on track. How about March 8, 1 p.m., at North Bowl?
posted by sjuhawk31 at 6:32 AM on February 4

I vote

Feb 23
Feb 24

Mar 1
Mar 2

I can't to the 8th because I'm going to a con. And I would be very disappointed to arrange a meet up and then not get to go....
posted by misanthropicsarah at 10:37 AM on February 4

Still voting for a Sunday; forensics is a harsh mistress.
posted by chihiro at 1:00 PM on February 4

But I definitely think it should be a day that misanthropicsarah can do.
posted by chihiro at 1:01 PM on February 4

misanthropicsarah, your presence is totally required. How's everyone feeling about Mar 2?
posted by desuetude at 4:51 PM on February 4

March 2 would have been my first choice. I'm in.
posted by miagaille at 5:13 PM on February 4

Oooh, I have no opinions about where or when we do this, but I am really looking forward to going whenever it is all arranged!
posted by greekphilosophy at 7:03 AM on February 5

I can probably do March 2 if it's in the afternoon; I have dinner plans that evening.
posted by amro at 8:52 AM on February 5

it's settled.

March 2nd is the date

How's 1pm that day for everyone? I think we should do North Bowl.

Here are the prices:

Saturday and Sunday – All Day: $5.95 per person/ per game
Shoe Rental– $3.00 per person

If we get 8 people who definitely will show up, I'll call (ugh) and reserve a couple lanes.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 9:31 AM on February 5

March 2 is great for me. I'm definitely going.

1 p.m. is good...the only commitment I have that day is college basketball at 7 at the Palestra.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 10:07 AM on February 5

I'm in, of course.
posted by desuetude at 10:38 AM on February 5

dmd & I are totally in. What's the best public-transporty way to get to North Bowl?
posted by miagaille at 2:55 PM on February 5

I can possibly go. I may be (hopefully!) moving into an apartment around that date, so I'm not sure.
posted by ludwig_van at 8:33 PM on February 5

miagaille--it's on 2nd a few blocks above spring garden. i think best way would be to get into the city however you suburbanites do it, then take the MFL to the spring garden stop. then it'll be about a 4 block walk north to the alley.

there may be a better way, but that's what comes to mind first.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 6:42 AM on February 6

Anyone know what the parking situation is around there?
posted by amro at 7:45 AM on February 6

I'm going to take the R3 into Market East and, if it's a nice day, walk, if you'd like to join me.

Amro, parking is not great.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 5:33 PM on February 6

I can make no promises...I am moving to Philly somewhere around that time and would love to participate, but if things get too busy back home and I need to delay moving for some reason, it will be a problem.

It looks like you have 5 definites so far...I will do my best to make it but don't make a reservation on my account.

Sorry.
posted by Deathalicious at 2:49 PM on February 7

Agh! I really want to make it but things are in flux so I can't commit. It's on my calendar now, though, so hopefully...
posted by chihiro at 4:44 PM on February 7

I don't think parking is so bad in Northern Liberties. (This is because I live in South Philly. Add appropriate number of grains of salt.)
posted by desuetude at 7:19 PM on February 7

If you Google Map North Bowl, you can use street view to check out potential places to park.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 5:44 AM on February 8

plenty of parking on N. American Street (between Poplar and Brown), a block away from North Bowl.
posted by gac at 1:33 PM on February 11

I just chanced upon this thread--- I think I'd like to stop by and meet other Philly MeFites if there's still room, and if you'll have me (and if I'm not massively hung over from the Beer Fest). Especially if it's at North Bowl.
posted by supercres at 7:48 AM on February 12

looks like we still have room supercres, no worries!
posted by misanthropicsarah at 10:38 AM on February 12

I should be in house, possibly with a friend.
posted by LilBucner at 11:32 AM on February 12

My husband and I will be there if you've got the space. Hope you can make it, chihiro!
posted by lagreen at 12:45 PM on February 13

We get to meet your husband, lagreen? Oooh. Does he know what he's getting himself into?
posted by desuetude at 3:11 PM on February 13

To clear up some stuff:

I used to work at Strikes. They have 12 lanes, thank you very much.

Bowling is cheaper at Strikes: from 10-12, it costs only 3 dollars per game per person. After noon, it used to be 5, but now apparently (according to the site) it's 3. 3 bucks for shoes. If you have any form of college ID, you get a buck off each game (so only two dollars a game). Plus, since it's in West Philly, there's more parking.

Having played pool there for many hours during boring Sunday afternoons, there is a good chance that it will be emptier than North Bowl. Which is full of hipsters anyways. If you go to Strikes, I will probably go, which means our group would most likely get a substantial discount (cause they like me) although that's not certain. Depends on the manager there.

Just saying.
posted by nursegracer at 8:45 PM on February 13

Sorry for the delay in responding. I'd love to join, too, but unfortunately am out of town that weekend. Keep me posted with other meetups - it's been too long since I've been able to make it out to one and I really want to get back into it!
posted by galimatias at 6:59 AM on February 15

....aaaand wouldn't you know it, I'm now scheduled at a work function on 3/2. Have fun everyone, see you next time.
posted by edverb at 9:15 PM on February 17

Yeah I will not be able to make it into Philly until the 8th or 9th, so I will have to show up for the next meetup whenever that is.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:45 PM on February 19

So, are we still doing North Bowl or are we getting swayed to Strikes by nursegracer? What say youse guys?
posted by desuetude at 6:52 AM on February 20

Thanks, lagreen! Still working on it, I may need to be out of town that weekend. :(
posted by chihiro at 8:49 AM on February 20

i still vote north bowl. and if it sucks, lesson learned for next time.

i think we have about 5-7 people who've said they'll definitely show up. i don't think that's enough people to warrant a reservation. i don't even think we'd be able to reserve just one lane. so....yeah.

i'll have some kind of metafilter signage and when people show up we can get a lane or two as needed.

to review:

march 2nd
1pm
north bowl


i hate to be all dictatory, but with such a large group, someone has to take charge or nothing ever gets decided. sorry if i'm coming across bitchy.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 9:10 AM on February 20

Misanthropicsarah, it's cool. Decisive is good.
posted by desuetude at 1:48 PM on February 20

I'll be there. Unless it snows or something.
posted by amro at 4:32 PM on February 20

Arrgh. 3/1 is the Craft Brew Festival at the Navy Yard, and 3/1 is also the SRAM Red Bowl (a benefit for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia) at, you guessed it, North Bowl. Too many choices....
posted by fixedgear at 4:33 PM on February 21

I'll be in sunny Clearwater that weekend checking up on our Phils. Sorry no go, but have fun!
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 4:32 PM on February 24

i reserved us two lanes for sunday at 1.30. because i know that as mefites we all run a bit late. i think it's a requirement for being a mefite. see you sunday!
posted by misanthropicsarah at 4:14 PM on February 26

I'm so sorry, but I won't be able to make it. I have an unexpected job interview on Monday that I have to prepare for today. I hope you all have fun and see you at the next meetup!
posted by lagreen at 9:02 AM on March 2

I also couldn't make it at the last minute. Hope you had fun!
posted by amro at 1:41 PM on March 2

Evidence.
posted by dmd at 2:59 PM on March 2

I can't believe I missed the bowling. *sniff* What was the verdict on North Bowl?
posted by chihiro at 6:23 PM on March 2

North Bowl was quite nice. It is bigger on the inside than the outside and there were, as advertised, lane side tater tots (with queso cheese!)!
posted by miagaille at 6:53 PM on March 2

Sorry I couldn't make it, I was moving in. But I live in south Philly now! Looks like it was fun, though.
posted by ludwig_van at 8:34 PM on March 2

i have some pictures too, but have to get them off the camera.

north bowl was better than i expected it to be. i'd go there again.

and yes, the tater tots were AWESOME.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 6:58 AM on March 3

North Bowl was a pleasant surprise...easy to get to, clean and roomy inside (except for the seats around the lanes themselves), and generally quiet.

Great tots.

Thanks to the meetup regulars for welcoming me into the fold.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 7:38 AM on March 3

ludwig, where do you live now, neighbor?!

Do we need bowlings, part deux? Dare I predict that next time, someone will score into the lower three digit range?!

31d1, where the hell were you? I wuz sad. (Don't worry, I compensated by scarfing tater tots with queso cheese, getting some snarking practice in, and getting cozy with dmd and miagaille as per usual.)
posted by desuetude at 7:54 AM on March 3

Hey! miagaille and I both got 103 in the second game. It's still pathetic, but it's triple digits.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 8:38 AM on March 3

Oh, I conveniently blocked that out, crushed by my staggering defeat at the likes of you people. Next time, perhaps *I* will score into the lower three digit range?
posted by desuetude at 9:11 AM on March 3

Thanks for coming, sjuhawk31! It was nice to meet you and reassuring to know that we're not too terrifying (or too, um, lame) for newcomers.
posted by miagaille at 5:38 PM on March 3

Hey, why isn't the little photo icon next to the meetup on the MeTa sidebar?
posted by desuetude at 7:21 AM on March 4

hey. i got a 43 the second game. i rawk!

i think you have to add the photo thru the photo thingum up there to get the icon to show up. i'll get my photos off the camera tonight and add 'em.

i'm also disappointed that 31d1 didn't show up. i was sad about lagreen too, but at least she had a viable excuse!
posted by misanthropicsarah at 9:33 AM on March 4

Aww, thanks, misanthropicsarah. It looks like you guys had a great time and I'd definitely be up for, as desuetude suggested, "bowling, part deux!"
posted by lagreen at 6:23 AM on March 5

:(
posted by 31d1 at 5:58 PM on March 5