Chacko's Family Bowling Center

- 195 North Wilkes-Barre Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

For over 50 years, Chacko's Family Bowling Center has been a staple of recreational entertainment in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). Located in Wilkes-Barre, this established venue is far more than just a bowling alley; it is a sprawling, modern entertainment hub designed to deliver a complete "bowl, eat, drink, fun" experience for the entire family. With a massive 40 synthetic AMF lanes, Chacko's offers one of the largest and most robust bowling facilities in the region, ensuring that it remains a top choice for casual bowlers, serious league competitors, and large group events.

The commitment to being a family center is evident in the features designed to accommodate all skill levels. The lanes are equipped with BES-X computerized scoring systems, and crucially, "bumpers that come up automatically for the right players," ensuring even the youngest bowlers can participate without frustration. This emphasis on inclusivity, paired with a lively atmosphere and dedicated customer service, solidifies Chacko's reputation as a cherished local spot in Luzerne County.

Beyond the lanes, the facility operates as a full-service bar & grill and pizza takeout destination. This integration means that patrons don't have to leave the premises to enjoy high-quality food, specialty drinks, and snacks. The on-site eatery specializes in homemade, fresh-made "Brick Oven" Pizza, Stromboli, and wings with over 30 flavor options, adding a significant culinary draw to the recreational outing. This comprehensive offering is why Chacko's is often highly recommended for its "lovely atmosphere, friendly service, fair prices, and a nice bar with quick service."

Chacko's Family Bowling Center is conveniently situated on North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, placing it in a highly accessible location for residents traveling from various parts of Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding NEPA communities. The address, 195 North Wilkes-Barre Blvd, ensures it is easy to find and reach, making it a reliable destination for planned outings or spontaneous visits.

The center provides several features designed for guest convenience and accessibility:

• Parking: Guests benefit from multiple convenient parking options, including a free parking lot and free street parking, which is a major advantage during peak hours and large league nights.
• Accessibility: The facility is 100% handicap accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and designated wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that all community members can easily enjoy the fun.
• Payments: For smooth transactions across the lanes, arcade, and restaurant, Chacko's accepts modern payment methods, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for customers during their visit.

As a multi-faceted entertainment center, Chacko's offers a wide array of services that cater to social, competitive, and culinary interests:

• Bowling and Lane Rentals: Featuring 40 Synthetic AMF Lanes equipped with BES-X scoring and automatic bumpers for children's bowling. Guests can reserve lanes in advance or enjoy open bowling, as they "usually have lanes available" outside of heavy league times.
• Full-Service Kitchen and Bar: The on-site Bar & Grill, including the Memory Lane Lounge, provides a full food menu specializing in fresh, brick oven pizza, Stromboli, and wings (with over 30 flavors). It also offers a full bar service, serving beer, liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Dan Chacko's Pro Shop: A full-service Pro Shop is available for serious bowlers, offering expert advice, equipment sales, custom ball drilling, and accessories to help league members and enthusiasts improve their game.
• League and Competitive Play: The center hosts robust Junior, Adult, and Senior Leagues throughout the winter and summer seasons, accommodating bowlers of all skill levels, from beginners to pros. Exclusive perks are often provided to league members.
• Glow Bowling: Popular themed events, known as Glow Bowling or Cosmic Bowling, are regularly held on weekend nights (typically Friday and Saturday) with light shows and music to create a high-energy social experience.
• Party and Event Hosting: Chacko's specializes in hosting children's birthday parties (for ages 2 to 12) with all-inclusive packages (bowling, shoes, food, signable pin, and more). They also host adult parties, corporate team-building events, school group field trips, and fundraisers.
• Arcade and Redemption Center: A dedicated arcade area is available, providing a fun distraction and the opportunity to win prizes, though patrons note that "not all machines work" all the time.
• Takeout Service: The restaurant component offers Pizza Takeout and to-go orders, allowing the community to enjoy their specialty foods even when not bowling.

Chacko's stands out in the Pennsylvania bowling scene due to its historical roots, its sheer size, and its successful combination of recreation and dining:

• 40 Synthetic AMF Lanes: This large capacity is a major highlight, minimizing wait times and ensuring the center can accommodate large crowds and multiple leagues simultaneously (though availability can be limited during prime league seasons).
• State-of-the-Art BES-X Scoring: Modern computerized scoring systems enhance the user experience, making game tracking easy and engaging for all ages.
• Automatic Bumpers: The ability for the bumpers to raise and lower automatically based on the player on the lane is a highly praised feature for families, ensuring a frustration-free experience for young children.
• Full-Service Brick Oven Pizza: The quality of the on-site food, specifically the homemade pizza, Stromboli, and wide selection of wings, is a significant draw, elevating the dining experience beyond typical bowling alley fare.
• Memory Lane Lounge: This dedicated bar and lounge area provides a comfortable, social space for adults to relax, enjoy drinks, and potentially catch live entertainment.
• Longevity and Community Presence: Being established since 1972, Chacko’s has deep roots in the NEPA community and a reputation for being a trusted, family-owned institution for over 50 years.
• Pro Shop Expertise: The presence of Dan Chacko's Pro Shop signifies a commitment to the serious bowling community, offering high-level equipment and professional service that casual centers lack.

For Wilkes-Barre and NEPA residents planning a visit, reserving a lane, or booking an event, Chacko's Family Bowling Center can be reached using the following details:

• Address: 195 North Wilkes-Barre Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USA
• Phone: (570) 208-2695

Chacko's Family Bowling Center is the ideal choice for Pennsylvania users seeking a comprehensive, high-capacity, and full-featured entertainment venue in the Wilkes-Barre area. What makes it truly worth choosing is the combination of its size—40 modern, synthetic lanes—and its exceptional food and beverage offerings, effectively blending a competitive sporting facility with a quality restaurant.

For families, the center offers unparalleled convenience with automatic bumpers, a fun arcade, and great deals for birthday parties, all in a place that is noted for its "friendly service" and fair prices. For serious bowlers, the presence of various seasonal leagues (Junior, Adult, Senior) and the specialized Pro Shop makes it a serious hub for the sport. Despite occasional reports of long waits during peak times due to lane usage, the consensus remains that Chacko's is a "great place!" that provides excellent value and a lively atmosphere, offering a dynamic way for the community to "spare" their time.

Chacko's Family Bowling Center

195 North Wilkes-Barre Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USA