Ten Pins Tavern

If you like to drink alcohol while you bowl, this is your only choice in Athens. Laid back atmosphere for sure, but a full bar and food are must-​haves for a bowling alley (which the city’s other bowling alley lacks). We’ve enjoyed ourselves here. Also, the occasionally-​offered Groupon makes it a nice deal for a couple hours of bowling with friends.

I hadn’t been to this place in quite a while, the last time I was it was called Kingpins. The prices are higher (I think it was $ 20 or $ 25 per hour?), and the music was kind of blah. I really wish they’d try harder all around, like from the service to the food. But it’s the only bowling alley in quite a wide distance where you can drink, so I guess that is kind of redeeming. Not so sure I’d bring my kids here, just because of the location and the people. Maybe I’ll try them again, mainly because I like to bowl and drink.

This place really blew me away a couple weeks ago. We saw three really great heavy metal bands on Sunday (Stygian Apothegm rules!) then came back on Monday for a low-​key open mic thing hosted by Tom Eisenbraun. He’s groovy. Polar opposite vibes from night to night but equally comfortable. The palce is cozy. We didn’t bowl, but we’ll be back for that. The fired okra was tasty and 16oz PBR’s were $ 2!!!