Circle Lanes

I love Circle Lanes for many reasons.
Nostalgia, retro-​divey-​feel, old-​school look, cheap drinks & of course BOWLING!
Bowling isn’t just for kid’s ya know. In fact, did you know that even classy & sophisticated people enjoy bowling too? Yes, bowling is for all walks of life that know how to let loose and have a *good time* with a ball…
Circle has been my favorite place to bowl since forever… I remember when they only used paper-​pencil score cards. This place was packed with leagues. One of which I happened to be on (many years ago). I had the best times on that league… and met some really cool people too… enjoying a few cocktails while we bowled only enhanced our experience and was always a GREAT TIME!!! (I think I had way more strikes while buzzed to be honest).
Am I a great bowler? not really, but I’m not bad either. Using my mom’s custom 1960’s swirl colored baby blue ball (w/​matching case) brought me many strikes, spares and raps. My *lucky* ball. Even mom was in a league, and she’s most *elegant*!
They have long ago updated to electronic scoring, but this place still reminds me of the old days, not much else has changed here. The lounge is still a hangout for after bowling games. The pool tables are still around, the drinks are still potent and cheap. The charm and character of Circle Lanes LIVES ON… and I wouldn’t want them to change a damn thing!!!
This is no Brunswick Zone…
This is for people who love to bowl and don’t care how outdated looks can be…
This is for people who *appreciate* classic, old-​school charm (since 1941, yes, its that old) and GOOD VIBES…
My most recent visit here was a BLAST. Keepin the memories alive with a frozen pizza, a few cocktails and great (cheap) bowling action was just what I needed…(along w/mom’s baby blue ball).
Don’t be a gutter ball and hit all those other trendy bowling spots, (get over yourself) check out this place for authenticity alone… you may find your game has grossly improved cause the ‘bowling gods’ still lurk the grounds here…
Head’s Up: **CASH ONLY — W/​ATM INSIDE!**

Bowling staff was nice, bartender was a jerk and refused service to two people I was with because she didn’t believe they were old enough. They had their ID’s verified at the front desk and she still wouldn’t serve them. Francis needs an attitude adjustment.

I should update my review, since Circle has electronic scoring! There are still some times when the place is close to empty, but call ahead to find out when the leagues will be there. Good price, balls are pretty banged up, but lots of fun.

I love Circle Lanes. Old fashioned. Independent. Easy parking. Fun.

This isn’t just a bowling alley, oh no. I mean, you can (and should) bowl here. It’s pretty cheap and delightfully old-​school in some ways yet complete with modern accoutrements like computerized score keepers that mock your failure.
But that isn’t all! It’s also a bar with dirt cheap beer and a Bosch poster in it. No joke. There’s also a cactus garden. I don’t mean a couple of pots with some cacti sitting by the door. I mean a whole enclosure with sand and everything.
Circle Lanes is full of surprises. Don’t be surprised by their cash only policy though! Bring paper money or pay their ATM’s fee.

Used to love this place. Apparently, teenage employees with cocaine habits are acceptable in this establishment. Don’t bring your kids here.

My family loves to bowl, we are on leagues and compete. We heard this place was retro and cool. We called an asked how busy they were so we could plan on bowling 3 games and get 2 lanes for 10 people. They told us no problem. When we got there they would only let us bowl on one lane and since there were so many people we could only bowl one game. We were so bummed.
They really need some grown up management instead of kids who are more worried about texting and being on their cell phones than serving the paying customers.

We were so bummed out about our experience at this bowling alley. We called during the day and were told that they weren’t taking reservations but we could come in later and they could put the bumpers down for the kids. Well we showed up and there were 3 lanes open and they told us that they could give us a lane for 45 mins, but no bumpers… and they had reservations coming in at 7pm. I thought there weren’t reservations! It’s a cool looking place, but if you can’t get a straight answer about using a lane, it’s no fun! A real disappointment ! We won’t waste our time trying to go there again.

I was planning a birthday shindig for me and my friends and after dinner, we were to meet up for bowling. After an unpleasant dinner experience, I am so thankful that I planned to go to Circle Lanes.
To be honest, there was a Big Lebowski theme with my birthday party, so having a retro kind of dive appeal was key. If you’re into that kind of scene, this is it. It has a relaxed atmosphere and an old school appeal.
The games here are cheap. For the party, I covered all my friend’s shoes and games and it was more than reasonable. I mean, $ 2 to rent shoes is a ridiculously low price.
The staff were great. We were able to drop off the cake early (before our dinner out), they checked with me about if there was a limit on the games before the started the tab, and closed out the night on a good note.
Also, cheap drinks! It was cheaper for me to have a white russian than it was for me to have a hard cider, which were both at pretty low prices.
I would highly suggest this place if you want a bowling party that is low key and at a more than reasonable price. It worked out great for my party. We all had fun and enjoyed the setting. The Dude Abides.

This place is soo retro it’s come around. I hate giving 5 stars cuz everyone is going to flock here. Cheap bowling and drinks – what more can one ask for. They don;t allow horses though.

Been here about 4 or 5 times and yeah I’m a fan. So far so good. The price for games and shoes are cheap, It’s in my neighborhood, drinks aren’t expensive like $ 2 and I never had to wait for a lane to open up. I don’t mind the retro chill kinda feel it has. I don’t need a bunch of smoke and lights coming from the ceiling to enjoy this sport. Me and my bowling buddies will definitely keep coming back.

Loved this bowling alley! During a nice dinner with the boy at Chicago’s Chicken & waffles II, we used the Unilocal app to find a bowling alley nearby, and we came across Circle Bowling Lanes. Walking in I was instantly in love! This place was totally not like bowling alleys of today’s time. This place was like walking back into the 70’s –80’s. Circle Bowling Lanes has not changed anything in years, and I am not mad at that. I had the perfect date night. i will definitely go back!
They do not take credit cards! There is an ATM in there. That part kind of threw me for a loop. But I guess in keeping with the whole retro thing I get it.
Until Next time y’all!

If you love all things retro or nostalgic or old school – however you want to describe it, Circle Lanes might be right up your alley. (Pun fun!)
12 of us spent a fun Saturday evening here hanging out at the bar and then got two lanes for bowling fun. We didn’t book our lanes before hand but were able to get lanes easily. We had called earlier and we were told we don’t need to book a lane – But I don’t know if its always easy to get a lane. As the evening went on, all of the lanes were taken so I’d still suggest checking to see if you need to book a lane on weekends.
The place is old, worn and dark. The last time I was here it was still pencil and paper scoring but now it’s computer/​video scoring. That’s probably the latest update to the place. The shoes you get to borrow are super worn, the bowling balls are plentiful, but they also look worn. Even though it’s an old place, it’s clean and staff is friendly and helpful. This isn’t Pinstripes so don’t expect loungey seating or sleek furnishings. But it’s super cheap and still a fun way to spend an evening and kinda feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Now, if you’re looking for a hi-​tech bowling alley, this is not the place for you. If you’re looking for cosmic bowling and disco, I would go somewhere else.
If you’re looking for a homey place, check out Circle. It’s complete with rustic wood walls, portraits of wildlife and classic rock on the speaker system. I’ve been to Circle Bowling Lanes at least three times and I’ve only had one bad night of music (which my friends and I still enjoyed because it was top 40 and we appeased ourselves by making fun for most of our visit). It’s definitely like taking a trip back in time. I see by other reviews that this place used to have manual scoring, and I have to say I’m glad for that. I might be a library student, but math is not my strong suit… especially when there are variables like strikes and spares involved. It’s still a classic place and they even have drink specials at the bar, which comes in handy for the Dominican University crowd that I’ve seen lurking in the corners over there…

Well, it’s sad but true. Circle Bowl has automatic score keepers now. It was one of the last score-​it-​yourself bowling alleys. I still like it. It’s an inexpensive, fun bowling alley.
I like that it has the old alley feel. Reminds me the days of seeing my grandpa playing in his bowling league.

Love this place. Super old school bowling lanes with $ 2 beers. It just makes you feel like your living in a different time and I like it.

Dang. Who knew? $ 2 draft beers and $ 2 vodka lemonades. Sign me up. Plus bowling and pool? Shit’s getting serious. Games are only $ 2 each, and shoe rental is $ 4. Being a city girl, this is exactly the reason I try not to hate on the suburbs. The only downfall is that it’s in the suburbs. And it closes at midnight. And it’s all manual scoring. That could be good or bad, depending on you situation. I tend to cheat, so it’s good for me. Where else can you prove that I didn’t get a spare 3 rounds ago? Dude, you are so drunk off $ 2 vodka lemonades that you don’t even remember! That’s kind of how i do things while bowling. They said that they would be all automated by July. I’m not sure how I feel about that, I just found this old-​school place tonight.

Circle Bowl is a throw back to bowling alleys of yesteryear. No automatic scoring or black light Rock-​n-​Bowl here. Just 15 or so lanes. You keep score with a pencil and you drink beer. Most of the balls and shoes appear to be from the Eisenhower administration, but everything is well kept and in good condition. Circle bowl is clean and well lit. It’s a good time if you’re ever in Forest Park and want to do something besides drink and eat B&G fries.

Wanna bowl for cheap?
Wanna feel like you stepped back in time? Check out Circle Bowling Lanes.
Cheap Shoes… check!
Bar food consisting of frozen pizza warmed up in a mini oven… uhhh ok check!
Staff considerably friendly! Check!
An old place but very clean! Check!
A good fun time had by everyone… priceless!

Circle Lanes is one of the few classic bowling alleys left in Chicagoland. They updated to synthetic lanes years ago and I’ve never had a problem with any of their pin-​setters nor ball returns. I also like the fact that you still use pencil & paper to score your games.
The folks behind the counter have always been friendly with us … whether it’s a group of 2 to 12, we’ve always had a blast. They do a nice job of keeping some of the rowdier teens in their place as well.
The lounge has a somewhat triangular 5 sided bar and the bartenders have always been pretty damn funny!
I haven’t shot pool over there much, but they do have a bunch of full size tables & then a «bar table» in the lounge.
Long live Circle Lanes & Alleys like them … Brunzwick Zones are the worst McBowling experience ever.