Have you ever wanted to join a bowling league? What about one that’s also centered around craft beer or a “Wacky Wednesday” theme, or even one that offers bar games and trivia? Well, you’re in luck.
Whether you’re looking to join a competitive or just a social iteration of the sport, South Bowl is offering many different options for bowling leagues in Philadelphia for the winter season. And many of them begin at the end of this month.
For some basic info, leagues run Monday through Thursday nights at 6:30 and 9 p.m. start times. Teams typically consist up to six players, with four bowlers per game and games can range to three per night.
Monday nights hold the Craft Beer League (official start date is Jan. 23) which is social, and starts at 6:30 p.m. Next up is the competitive Trios league at 9 p.m. Tuesday nights, while the aforementioned “Wacky Wednesdays” come the next night and all skill levels are welcomed for bar games and trivia at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays at 9 p.m. also hold the Better Off Bowling league—another social time slot, while Thursdays hold a Thirsty Thursday league for social bowlers at 6:30 p.m. and then a competitive league rounding out the week at 9 p.m.
Rules for the leagues can be found online, and the benefits of joining yourself with South Bowl range from special pricing to food and drink specials. At the end of the season, bowlers celebrate the season at a party hosted by South Bowl and league participants also compete for trophies and prizes.
The multi-faceted event venue in total boasts 26 lanes throughout its 25,000-square-foot bi-level facility, but the offerings have also expanded into an adjacent outdoor area, which opened in 2019.
Dubbed “The Yard”, the space now features slow and fast-pitch batting cages, two 40-foot-long bocce courts, shuffleboard, horseshoes, an outdoor arcade area with billiards, and a full bar with seating. And this is all on top of the two full-sized bars, multiple lounges, and rooftop deck that makes up the popular space inside.
The main hall features 16 lanes (with access to bumpers for little ones, or first-time bowlers) but there are also two private spaces available for parties or large groups in the form of a six-lane bowling alley on the first floor, and a four-lane bowling alley located on the mezzanine level.
This multi-faceted design was intentional for the owner, Oron Daskal. As he puts it: Contrary to the venue’s sister site, North Bowl, South Bowl is an experience, and a destination. “The space is purposely designed to provide a multitude of indoor and outdoor options to keep visitors of all ages entertained for hours,” Daskal explains.
Fuel for all the activities that the space offers comes from a large menu of both food and drink options. With a wood-fire pizza oven dishing out hand-tossed pies made from locally- sourced ingredients.
Favorites include the American Red Hot (made with red sauce, hand-cut pepperoni, long hots, Fresno Chili Peppers, fresh mozzarella, Pecorino Romano and hot honey garlic oil), and the Shroomin’ Pizza (made with garlic white sauce, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella, sage, truffle oil crust and Pecorino Romano.)
The menu also boasts burgers, wings, tacos, and a selection of loaded tater tots (the options will happily surprise you), plus salads and vegetarian options. Thirsty? South Bowl serves up signature cocktails (the Rose sangria is a winner) and local brews on tap, including the Love City Unity IPA and Victory Brotherly Love. Other highlighted cocktail options include the Malbec Margarita and House Old Fashioned.
As a release states, South Bowl (19 E. Oregon Ave.) is open Tuesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to midnight. Guests can also use the free parking lot adjacent to South Bowl or complimentary street parking. A parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 18, and after 9 p.m., South Bowl is 21 and older.
For information, visit southbowlphilly.com
