Southwestern Lanes
HomeBowling Alley BlogBowling Alley Near Me
ConnecticutDelawareMassachusettsNew JerseyNew YorkPennsylvaniaRhode Island

Southwestern LanesBowling Alley Near MePennsylvaniaPhiladelphia CountyPhiladelphiaNorth PhiladelphiaBowling Alley in North 2nd StreetNorth Bowl
North Bowl ico

North Bowl
- 909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Bowling alley, Bar ★4.0·$$

909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA

4.0
North 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! - Stephen Cardone
North Bowl Overview Intro Detail Photos Location Reviews

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.

---

### 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.

---

### 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**

---

### 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.

---

### 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.

---

### 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.

---

### 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 Picture 1North Bowl Picture 2North Bowl Picture 3North Bowl Picture 4North Bowl Picture 5North Bowl Picture 6North Bowl Picture 7North Bowl Picture 8North Bowl Picture 9North Bowl Picture 10

North Bowl Location

North Bowl Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 1601 user reviews.

bartendercashtater totscrowdbouncerhappy hourweddingmac and cheeseappetizerssliders

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

More Bowling Alley Near Me

  • Brooklyn Bowl PhiladelphiaBrooklyn Bowl Philadelphia4.0 (534 reviews)

    1009 Canal St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA

  • Round1 Bowling & Arcade Fashion District PhiladelphiaRound1 Bowling & Arcade Fashion District Philadelphia3.0 (1128 reviews)

    1001 Market St APT 3010, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA

  • Lucky Strike PhiladelphiaLucky Strike Philadelphia4.0 (1519 reviews)

    1336 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA

  • South BowlSouth Bowl4.0 (1474 reviews)

    19 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

  • St Monica Bowling LanesSt Monica Bowling Lanes4.0 (68 reviews)

    1601 W Shunk St, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

  • Pinsetter Bar & BowlPinsetter Bar & Bowl4.0 (1710 reviews)

    7111 Maple Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109, USA

  • Thunderbird Lanes Castor AveThunderbird Lanes Castor Ave4.0 (609 reviews)

    5830 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149, USA

  • Westbrook Lanes Family Bowling CenterWestbrook Lanes Family Bowling Center4.0 (956 reviews)

    1 Creek Rd, Brooklawn, NJ 08030, USA

  • Lucky Strike Cherry HillLucky Strike Cherry Hill4.0 (1120 reviews)

    1536 Kings Hwy N, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08034, USA

  • Tony Rado’s Pro ShopTony Rado’s Pro Shop4.0 (30 reviews)

    2825 rt 73 south (Laurel Lanes, Maple Shade, NJ 08052, USA

  • Splitz Bar & GrillSplitz Bar & Grill4.0 (266 reviews)

    2825 NJ-73, Maple Shade, NJ 08052, USA

  • Laurel LanesLaurel Lanes4.0 (1895 reviews)

    2825 NJ-73, Maple Shade, NJ 08052, USA

  • Categories

    Top Visited Sites

    Trending Bowling Alley Blog Posts