HEY MAN, IT'S THE TOP 5 BOWLING ALLEYS IN LOS ANGELES

 Lucky Strike Hollywood | Instagram by @lcamacho

Hollywood Star Lanes, the bowling alley where The Big Lebowski was filmed, closed in 2002 and was demolished a year later. But not to worry, there are plenty of places to bowl a few games and celebrate Jeff Bridges' iconic character. Whether it's the Day of the Dude (celebrated every March 6), National Bowling Day (the second Saturday in August), or any day of the year, here are some of our favorite bowling alleys in LA.

1) LUCKY STRIKE HOLLYWOOD

Lucky Strike opened its first upscale bowling alley at Hollywood & Highland - now called Ovation Hollywood (6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 90028) in April 2003, and has since expanded to L.A. LIVE and locations across the country. Featuring 12 lanes, the amenities include leather couches, a private room, semi-private suites, free WiFi, full bar and numerous HDTVs. The Big Lebowski runs through the DNA of Lucky Strike Hollywood and throughout the chain - the "Hollywood" sign is the original from Hollywood Star Lanes, and it's been recreated for numerous locations. The bar has been repurposed from Lane #7 of Hollywood Star Lanes.

You never know who might be bowling in the next lane - check the celeb scores - or performing on the live music stage. Cher booked the venue as the afterparty for her farewell tour; David Lee Roth's surprise show caused Lucky Strike's first (and only) shutdown; and Alicia Keys announced her world tour from the Hollywood lanes in 2020.

2) THE SPARE ROOM - HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT HOTEL

Yes, you can bowl at The Spare Room, the vintage gaming parlor located on the Mezzanine level of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles 90028). The intimate bowling experience is unlike anywhere else: just two circa 1940s maple and pine wood lanes, which were discovered in Texas. An attendant keeps score on the chalkboards. And forget renting clunky clown shoes - local designer George Esquivel crafted the bespoke beauties offered here.

But there’s much more to do at this beautifully appointed lounge besides bowling. Challenge your friends to a game of Connect 4, fashioned from walnut. Or perhaps Jenga or Monopoly is more your thing. There’s an impressive drink menu featuring a selection of craft cocktails and punch bowls for groups. Want to take home a souvenir? A pair of those Esquivel shoes will set you back $700. Or you could find the secret photo booth and snap a strip of photos for a mere $5.

Highland Park Bowl | Photo: Wonho Frank Lee

3) HIGHLAND PARK BOWL

LA's oldest functioning bowling alley, the spectacular Highland Park Bowl (5621 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park 90042) was lovingly restored by 1933 Group and it’s a beauty. Opened in 1927, Highland Park Bowl features the original pin mechanisms, like something out of Hugo. But there's far more than eight vintage lanes here. The kitchen turns out elevated fare like authentic Neapolitan pizzas made with San Marzano tomatoes (gluten-free dough available for $3 extra). Themed cocktails include The Dude Abides, made with Tito’s Vodka, Housemade Civil Coffee Liqueur, Horchata Cream, Cinnamon Tincture - the White Russian-style slushie is worth the calories. The busy calendar includes DJs, burlesque and Sunday night karaoke.

4) SHATTO 39 LANES

Old school bowling is alive and well in Koreatown at Shatto 39 Lanes (3255 W 4th St, Los Angeles 90020), which has remained nearly unchanged since it opened in 1954. Walk up the stairs and step back in time for a no-frills, retro bowling experience that's easy on the wallet and the antithesis of a modern, high-tech venue.

Perhaps more than any L.A. bowling alley, Shatto 39 evokes Hollywood Star Lanes from The Big Lebowski, which might explain why French street artist Invader installed "His Dudeness" on the exterior of the Googie-esque building in 2018. Sadly the mosaic has been vandalized since then, but the Dude still abides in his sunglasses, V-neck tee and bathrobe.

 Photo: XLanes, Facebook

5) XLANES

Located in Little Tokyo, XLanes (333 Alameda St., Los Angeles 90013) spans 50,000 square feet of family-friendly entertainment. There's something for everyone, from 30 state-of-the-art LED lanes (including three VIP rooms) to 4 competition-quality pool tables, virtual darts, a karaoke room, and 80 vintage and modern arcade games. NOTE: XLanes is 21 and over after 7pm Thursday-Sunday. There's a dress code Friday-Saturday from 6pm to close.