Midtown Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia: Your Local Guide to Bowling, Food, and Fun 🎳
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and searching for a laid-back, classic bowling spot, Midtown Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia is one of the city’s best-known go-to alleys. It blends old-school charm with modern touches, and it’s centrally located, which makes it easy to add to a night out, a birthday party, or a casual weekday hang.
Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what to expect, how to plan your visit, and how Midtown Bowl fits into the city’s broader entertainment scene.
Where Midtown Bowl Is and How to Get There
Address
Midtown Bowl
1936 Piedmont Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 874-5703
Midtown Bowl sits just off Piedmont Road near the Lindbergh and Piedmont Heights area, a short drive from:
- Midtown Atlanta (typically 5–10 minutes by car, depending on traffic)
- Buckhead (generally under 15 minutes)
- Virginia-Highland and Morningside neighborhoods
Getting There by Car
From most intown Atlanta neighborhoods, Piedmont Road is the most straightforward route. Things to keep in mind:
- Traffic: Evening rush hour on Piedmont and I-85 can be heavy, especially on weekdays. If you’re planning a weeknight visit, leaving a little early can help avoid the worst bottlenecks.
- Parking: Midtown Bowl typically offers on-site parking. It can fill up on weekend nights or during league play, so be prepared to circle the lot or arrive a bit early.
MARTA and Rideshare
If you don’t want to drive:
- MARTA rail: The Lindbergh Center Station is the closest major stop. From there, many people opt for a short rideshare or a bus connection rather than walking the full distance along Piedmont.
- Rideshare: Because Midtown Bowl is close to major corridors and apartment complexes, drivers usually reach the area quickly from Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown.
What Midtown Bowl Is Like Inside
Midtown Bowl is known for a retro, unfussy feel with a loyal local crowd. It’s not a high-gloss, movie-set-style bowling alley; it’s more of a classic Atlanta hangout with modern systems and updated lanes.
Lanes and Bowling Experience
You’ll typically find:
- Multiple traditional bowling lanes with automatic scoring
- Bumpers on select lanes for kids and beginners
- House bowling balls and shoes in a range of sizes
- Scoreboards and screens with an easy-to-use interface
The atmosphere usually strikes a balance between:
- Family-friendly times earlier in the day and early evening
- A livelier, more adult crowd later at night, especially on weekends
If you’re sensitive to noise, expect loud music, cheers, and the usual bowling sounds—especially during peak hours.
Food, Drinks, and Social Atmosphere
Midtown Bowl is as much an Atlanta hangout spot as it is a bowling alley.
Food Options
The on-site kitchen generally focuses on casual, bowling-friendly food, which often includes:
- Pizza, wings, fries, and burgers
- Appetizers and shareable snacks
- Non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and tea
It’s designed for easy eating between frames, not fine dining. Many locals plan to eat there as part of their visit, especially for parties or group outings.
Drinks
Midtown Bowl usually offers:
- Beer (bottles and/or draft)
- A selection of mixed drinks or cocktails
- Soft drinks and water for non-drinkers and kids
If you’re planning a night out in Midtown or Buckhead, some groups will bowl for a couple of hours, grab drinks there, then continue their evening at nearby bars or restaurants.
Pricing, Specials, and When to Go
Prices and specials can change, but there are some general patterns that Atlanta bowlers tend to notice.
Typical Cost Structure
You’ll commonly see charges like:
- Per-game or per-hour lane rental (depending on the time or day)
- Shoe rental per person
- Food and drink charges on top
Because pricing can vary by day and time (and sometimes by season), many Atlantans:
- Call ahead to ask about current rates
- Check for weekday specials or off-peak pricing
- Ask about group packages if planning an event
Best Times to Visit
Timing can make a big difference in your experience:
More relaxed / family-oriented times
- Weekday afternoons
- Early evening on school nights
- Weekend afternoons (still busy, but often skewed toward families)
Livelier / adult-focused times
- Friday and Saturday evenings
- Late nights when music is louder and groups are larger
If you want shorter waits for lanes and a more laid-back feel, aim for earlier in the day or weeknights.
Leagues, Events, and Parties at Midtown Bowl
Midtown Bowl is not just for drop-in games; it’s also a hub for regular league play and private events in Atlanta.
Bowling Leagues
Leagues often attract a mix of:
- Long-time Atlanta bowlers
- Groups of friends who play casually but regularly
- Office teams from Midtown and Buckhead businesses
If you’re interested in leagues:
- Call Midtown Bowl and ask about current league nights, formats, and sign-up requirements.
- Expect to commit to a recurring schedule (usually weekly or bi-weekly) if you join.
Birthday Parties and Group Outings
Midtown Bowl is a common choice for:
- Adult birthday parties
- Casual corporate events or team-building
- College and grad school groups from Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and nearby campuses
- Family celebrations looking for an activity everyone can join
When planning a group visit, it’s helpful to ask:
- Whether reservations or lane holds are available
- How food and drink can be bundled or prepaid
- Whether there are any minimums for group bookings
Midtown Bowl Compared to Other Atlanta Bowling Options
Atlanta has several bowling spots spread across the metro area, from boutique-style venues to more traditional alleys. Midtown Bowl stands out for:
- Central location close to Midtown, Buckhead, and intown neighborhoods
- A classic, no-frills vibe that long-time locals recognize
- Being suitable for both serious bowlers and casual social groups
If you live in the suburbs or along the Perimeter, you may weigh Midtown Bowl against closer options, but if your life or visit is centered around intown Atlanta, Midtown Bowl is often one of the most convenient choices.
Quick Reference: Midtown Bowl at a Glance
| Feature | What to Know (Atlanta-Specific) |
|---|---|
| Location | Piedmont Circle NE, near Lindbergh / Piedmont Heights |
| Vibe | Classic, casual, lively; mix of families and adult groups |
| Typical Visitors | Locals from Midtown, Buckhead, Virginia-Highland, in-town areas |
| Good For | Bowling nights, casual dates, parties, leagues, group outings |
| Best Times for Families | Weekday afternoons, early evenings, weekend afternoons |
| Best Times for Nightlife | Friday and Saturday evenings and late nights |
| Reservations / Groups | Often available; calling ahead is recommended |
| Transit Options | Easy car access; near MARTA Lindbergh Center plus rideshare |
Tips for Planning Your Visit as an Atlantan or Visitor
To make the most of your time at Midtown Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia:
- Call ahead 📞 to confirm hours, current pricing, and lane availability—especially on weekends.
- Ask about wait times if you’re planning to arrive during peak evening hours.
- Plan for parking, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Wear socks if you’ll be renting shoes (you’ll need them, and it’s more comfortable).
- Consider combining your visit with dinner or drinks nearby if you want a full night out around Midtown, Buckhead, or Lindbergh.
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Midtown Bowl offers an easy, centrally located way to spend a few hours with friends, family, or coworkers—without having to leave the city’s core entertainment zones.