South Bowl

- 19 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

South Bowl is not your average, run-of-the-mill bowling alley; it is a sprawling, bi-level entertainment complex and full-service venue located in the heart of South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Building on a successful model that combines a high-end bowling experience with quality dining, extensive bar offerings, and a host of other games, South Bowl has firmly established itself as a go-to destination for casual fun, competitive leagues, and major private events in the region.

Housed in a distinctively designed former cold-storage warehouse, the venue features a cool, industrial-chic atmosphere with vintage touches and modern amenities. It offers a total of 26 bowling lanes, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive entertainment spots in the city. For Pennsylvania locals, it provides a perfect escape—a space where you can enjoy a full night out, handling everything from dinner and drinks to games and social interaction all under one roof (and sometimes outdoors, as well!).

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Strategically located in South Philadelphia, South Bowl is easily reachable from across the city and surrounding areas, including New Jersey via the nearby bridges. Its address is 19 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA, placing it conveniently near major thoroughfares like I-95 and I-76, and less than two miles from the bustling Sports Complex and Live! Casino & Hotel.

Getting there is simple, and parking is a major advantage for guests driving in. The venue offers:

• Free parking lot located on the north side of the building.
• Smaller adjacent parking lot on the south side.
• Ample free street parking in the surrounding area.

The facility is committed to being inclusive and accessible to all patrons. Accessibility features confirmed at the location include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities.
• Wheelchair accessible seating, particularly in dining and lounge areas.

It should be noted that the facility is 21+ after 8:00 PM every night, meaning all guests under the age of 21 must be out of the building by that time, transitioning the venue into a more adult-focused entertainment space for the late hours.

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South Bowl’s core appeal is the sheer variety of activities and services available, providing a multi-functional experience that far surpasses a typical bowling alley. These services cater to both walk-in casual play and organized private events:

• Bowling: A massive 26 lanes total, including 16 main lanes, six lanes in a semi-private billiard room, and four private lanes in the upstairs lounge. The lanes feature the modern BES X scoring system for enhanced entertainment.
• Full-Service Bar: Two full-size bars across the bi-level structure, offering a wide selection of signature cocktails, draft and canned beers (including local Philadelphia brews), and wine.
• Scratch Kitchen & Restaurant: An extensive food menu centered around high-quality pub fare, elevated starters, and a popular wood-fired pizza kitchen utilizing a Marra Forni brick oven. The menu includes unique items like a variety of loaded tater tots, gourmet tacos, sliders, and a full range of vegetarian and vegan options.
• Event Venue: Private areas can be booked for weddings, corporate outings, holiday parties, and birthdays (including kid’s birthday parties, subject to the 8 PM curfew). Customizable buffet and drink packages are available for groups of 20 or more.
• Indoor Games: Multiple pool/billiards tables (coin-operated and otherwise), foosball, darts, and a variety of retro arcade games are available in the lounge and billiard room areas.
• The Yard (Seasonal Outdoor Area): Open from spring through early fall, this ultimate backyard space features slow- and fast-pitch batting cages, two 40-foot bocce courts, shuffleboard, horseshoes, an outdoor arcade with billiards, and a full outdoor bar and lounge.

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Several key features solidify South Bowl’s position as a premier entertainment destination in the region:

• Superior Food Quality: Unlike most bowling alleys that offer basic snack bar fare, South Bowl boasts a full scratch kitchen and a dedicated wood-fired pizza oven, elevating the dining experience significantly. Popular items include the unique mac-n-cheese options, tacos, and the award-winning Burger Verde.
• Extensive Lane Count: With 26 lanes, the venue can accommodate large numbers of walk-in guests, leagues, and private events simultaneously. However, it is important to note that lanes are walk-in only and cannot be reserved in advance (except as part of a private event package).
• The Yard: This massive seasonal outdoor area—complete with batting cages, yard games, and a bar—provides a one-of-a-kind summer entertainment option that few competitors can match.
• Versatile Event Spaces: The facility is designed with distinct, reservable spaces, including the Upstairs Lounge (with four private lanes and a roof deck), the Billiard Room (with six private lanes), and the ability to rent the entire downstairs or the entire venue. This flexibility makes it a sought-after wedding and corporate event location.
• Cash-Only Policy for Bowling: While the bar and restaurant accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, bowling games and shoe rentals are required to be paid in cash only.
• Family-Friendly During Day: South Bowl actively caters to families and kids' birthday parties during the day, offering bumpers and bowling ramps, while strictly maintaining the 8 PM curfew for all guests under 21 to ensure a seamless transition to an adult-focused environment.

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For Pennsylvania residents interested in a visit, joining a league, or booking a private event, the following information provides direct contact with the venue:

• Address: 19 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA
• Phone: (215) 389-2695
• Events Office: The events department is available for inquiries Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM.

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For anyone in the Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia area looking for a high-quality entertainment outing, South Bowl is unequivocally worth choosing because it provides a superior "eat, drink, and play" experience. It elevates the classic bowling alley model into a multifaceted leisure destination. Customers consistently praise the "awesome time," the "great atmosphere indoors & outdoors," and the "delicious" food, noting that there is "so much to do."

The primary differentiating factor is the pairing of a vast array of activities—bowling, arcade games, billiards, and the unique seasonal addition of The Yard's batting cages and bocce—with a genuine, high-quality dining experience. You don't have to compromise on food or drinks for the sake of fun. Whether you are looking for a casual night of throwing strikes, a fun group dinner featuring hand-tossed pizza, or a unique, large-scale event venue complete with its own rooftop deck, South Bowl delivers an experience that is both memorable and conveniently located in South Philly. Its commitment to accessibility, ample free parking, and diverse offerings ensures it remains a top choice for adults and families alike (during the appropriate hours) throughout the Pennsylvania region.

South Bowl

19 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA