North Bowl Introduce
For Pennsylvania residents, particularly those seeking a distinctive and high-energy nightlife and entertainment experience in Philadelphia, **North Bowl** stands out as a unique choice. Located in the popular Northern Liberties neighborhood, this establishment is housed in a former mechanics garage that has been dramatically transformed into a bi-level, 21,000 square foot "nightlife haven" that artfully combines the nostalgia of retro bowling with modern amenities. It’s far more than just a bowling alley; it’s a full-service **Bar**, **Restaurant**, and highly-rated **Event venue**.
The venue is consistently praised for its unique atmosphere and exceptional event management. As one satisfied customer noted after holding their engagement photos there, North Bowl is "an amazing place to book an event or spend time with friends and loved ones," with staff members like Manager Adam and event scheduler Mariah providing friendly and genuinely helpful service. However, patrons should note a unique operational detail: **Bowling games and shoe rentals are strictly cash only**, though card/tap payments are accepted for food and drinks.
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### Introduction / Overview
North Bowl, opened in 2006, immediately made its mark by preserving a retro bowling aesthetic—using vintage 1950s benches and classic architectural elements—while adding contemporary flair, including a sculptural bar and a glass-enclosed lounge overlooking the lanes. The venue spans two indoor levels and features a total of 17 lanes (13 downstairs and 4 in the Upstairs Loft). The two full-size bars, a dedicated café area for dining, and a selection of classic arcade games and pool tables ensure continuous entertainment for guests.
While the atmosphere is generally geared toward adults, particularly after 8 PM when it becomes 21+, North Bowl is family-friendly during the day, offering bumpers on every lane and bowling ball ramps for minors. The establishment is famous for its food menu of comfort classics, notably its signature **Tater Tots** served in various styles, along with a creative array of specialty cocktails. Pricing for open bowling is based on a per-person, per-game rate, with primetime pricing applying on Friday and Saturday evenings.
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### Location and Accessibility
North Bowl is ideally situated in the heart of Philadelphia's Northern Liberties neighborhood, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors throughout the region. The address is:
- **Address:** 909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA
The location is near major landmarks like the Piazza and is accessible via public transit, being a short walk from the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line’s Spring Garden stop. For drivers, the venue offers:
- **Parking:** Patrons can often find **Free street parking** in the vicinity, though this may require some searching, particularly on busy evenings.
Accessibility is a key priority, with the venue featuring:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance**
- **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**
- **Wheelchair accessible restroom**
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### Services Offered
North Bowl provides a wide range of services and amenities, primarily focusing on entertainment, food, and event hosting:
- **Bowling:** 17 lanes of Ten-Pin bowling, available on a walk-in-only basis for individuals and small groups (no lane reservations). Bumpers and ramps are available for children.
- **Full-Service Bar and Restaurant:** Offering a menu of comfort food classics, including various forms of tater tots and mac 'n' cheese, alongside two full bars with a wide selection of draft beers, wine, and mixed drinks.
- **Social Gaming:** Features an extensive **Video arcade** with retro games, pool tables, and a photo booth, providing additional activities beyond bowling.
- **Event Venue Hosting:** Specializing in hosting large-scale private parties, including corporate events, holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, and weddings. Dedicated event staff can customize packages that include buffet catering, drink packages, and entertainment.
- **Bowling Leagues:** Offering both recreational social leagues ("No pressure - just fun!") and USBC-sanctioned competitive leagues for all skill levels.
- **Hours:** The venue is open late, with bowling games sold until 12 AM (1 AM on Friday/Saturday) and the kitchen closing at midnight.
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### Features / Highlights
North Bowl's appeal to the Pennsylvania community is driven by its unique features and high-quality service:
- **Unique Retro-Chic Vibe:** The bi-level design and preserved retro decor, combined with modern lighting and a constant high-energy atmosphere, make it a visually striking and exciting place to visit.
- **Exceptional Event Hosting:** Voted "Best of Philly" for events, the venue and its dedicated events team (including Manager Adam and staff like Mariah) are renowned for flawlessly executing everything from large corporate gatherings to unique weddings, offering customizable food and beverage packages.
- **Diverse Entertainment Options:** The combination of 17 bowling lanes, two full bars, pool tables, and an extensive arcade ensures that every guest, regardless of age or interest, has multiple engaging activities to enjoy.
- **Family-Friendly During the Day, 21+ at Night:** The clear demarcation (21+ after 8 PM) ensures that it meets the needs of families seeking daytime fun and adults looking for an exciting late-night entertainment spot.
- **Signature Food Menu:** The menu of elevated comfort classics, particularly the various tater tot dishes and the robust drink offerings, is a significant draw for non-bowlers and bowlers alike.
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### Contact Information
For Pennsylvania locals interested in planning an event, joining a league, or checking operating hours, you can contact North Bowl using the following details:
- **Address:** 909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA
- **Phone:** (215) 238-2695 or +1 215-238-2695
Prospective patrons should note the distinction in payment methods: **Bowling and shoe rentals are CASH ONLY.** Food and drinks, however, accept **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**. While walk-ins are welcome for open bowling, private events for groups of 15 or more must be booked in advance.
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### What is Worth Choosing
North Bowl is the definitive choice for Pennsylvania residents who prioritize atmosphere, variety, and expert event service. It is worth choosing for:
- **A Unique Date or Social Night:** The retro-chic design, full bar, and late operating hours make it an ideal venue for an exciting adult night out that goes beyond standard bowling.
- **Premier Event Hosting:** If you need to book a memorable corporate party, wedding, or large social gathering, North Bowl’s reputation as a "Best of Philly" event venue and its dedicated staff guarantee a seamless and unique celebration.
- **Variety of Recreation:** The multiple layers of entertainment—bowling, pool, arcade games, and dining—ensure that every minute spent at North Bowl is engaging and fun.
- **Accessibility and Location:** Its location in Northern Liberties, combined with strong accessibility features and proximity to public transit, makes it a convenient and practical choice for city dwellers.
For a strikingly different and undeniably cool bowling and entertainment experience in Philadelphia, head to North Bowl.
North Bowl Details
Service options
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- Food
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
North Bowl Photos










North Bowl Location
North Bowl
909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA
North Bowl Reviews
bartendercashtater totscrowdbouncerhappy hourweddingmac and cheeseappetizerssliders
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1North Bowl is an amazing place to book an event or spend time with friends and loved ones. My Financé and I did our engagement photos here. We were amazed at how many fun things there are to do. We really enjoyed the photo both, arcade games, pool table, and of course the bowling!The manager Adam is genuinely one of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with and Mariah helped us get everything scheduled. The staff was so friendly and the drinks were also great!
September 24 · Stephen CardonePlace is nice only suck they take cash only to for bowling and shoes but somehow take tap and card for drink and food payments . They charge you additional money to add people to the game if you already started the game which is dumb you should be allowed to add the names . Also no real food options for when you bring your children and very small for adults . $15 for 6 wings . Very small portion of food as well . Everything was like appetizers. Servers take forever to come pick up trash or finished food once done and tables were so small. Had to keep waving our hand at server or personally get someone . She didn’t have on uniform shirt like others either , very confused women. Also there is no visible trash cans to place things in the trash to keep such small area clean. We had a good time bowling over all but everything else sucked . More so take you and your partner here do not do parties or bring children . We was there from 3-5 than decided to stay with my sister from 5-8 m. Bathroom was clean as well , good part. Food and drinks are all under $20 but add up because you’re gonna still be hungry . Menu options suck as well hot wings and regular tots was good everything else was nasty not really mixed food options. $7 per person to bowl but have to pay for each game you play is what that means . So if two people wanna play 2 games it’s $28 mine you it was 15 maybe 20 of us playing 3 rounds of bowling which would’ve been $105 somewhere else with better food . 6 for shoes . Cash Only remember
November 04 · Yaronndia MillerMy mother and family went here to enjoy a party yesterday and seen 3 mice run across them as they were eating, when a female staff member was notified of this issue her response was “we’re in Philadelphia what did you expect” LNI will be notified of this trifling matter. I’ll be personally calling because any place that serves food should not have rodents running around freely and obviously they are very comfortable and used to running around the place with no manners which lets me know they’ve been there for a while!
October 12 · Music JonesWe hosted my son’s bar mitzvah at North Bowl this weekend and it could not have been more perfect. The management staff was extraordinarily helpful leading up to the event. The day of the event, we were met outside by the owner who came inside with us with a few last minute questions to close out before the guests arrived. And the food… we’ve been to North Bowl before for bowling and other events, but for a private party, the food is simple and outstanding. Whenever a tray was getting light and other full platter arrived without us even thinking about it. Stellar job everyone at North Bowl! I can’t recommend this event space enough!
October 27 · Michael ShubertWhen I moved to Philly, this place was the first place I felt welcome. Not only are the vibes amazing, great music, but the staff is what makes North Bowl special. Everyone is so nice, friendly, and welcoming. I come here every Monday for the league night and it's always such a blast.I don't know what these other reviews are talking about. It's a bowling alley, balls get stuck sometime. It's no one's fault. It's also soooo affordable, especially given the location!
September 17 · Bhuvan Dave
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