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StrikeCity
Categories: Nightlife Bars Sports Bars Active Life Bowling Sports Bars, Bowling [Edit]
210 E Trade StSte D-164
Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighbourhood: Uptown
(704) 716-9300
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
44 reviews for StrikeCity
Review Highlights
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"The lanes are flawless." In 11 reviews -
"...Browns games and it is a great place to watch a game." In 3 reviews -
"...selection of beers too: Fat Tire, Blue Moon, Sweet Water..." In 3 reviews
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44 reviews in English
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Review from Nick R.
5/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pretty cool spot. I was in town for a business conference and they took about 25 of us here to unwind a bit. Tons of TVs. Not your typical "bowling alley". Its more of a nice (very large) bar with 20 or so bowling lanes if you're so inclined.
Good beer selection. Food was ok but they set up a buffet for us so I can't really say one way or the other as to quality.
Our services was quite good especially considering the large group. I have a feeling (by the the large group next to us) that this is pretty normal for them.
Place is a twin of Lucky Strike back in Phoenix but not quite as nice.
Steeeeee- rike~!
Sorry, had visions of Al Bundy and his thumb warmer the whole time is was there. -
Review from Claudine S.
Charlotte, NC
3/25/2012
Well this was my second time to the Epi Center, the first for Yelp and this one for a team building function for work.
The place was the Strike City. There was a side room reserved for us... it was a perfect size for our group as only half RSVP's.
The catered for was OK, the drink prices were incredible - $3 for a dirty martini and a good one at that! You got me there.
The lanes were in great condition and the music was ok as well...
Not sure what it would have costed should I have gone on my own, but none-the-less it was a good evening.
And the best part, parking for the night was $10... a steal from what I heard.
It was great to see more of the Epi Center. Thanks for the outing and having us Strike City. -
Review from Jane F.
3/5/2012 9 Check-ins Here
I come here quite often because they host a service industry bowling league on Sunday nights. We've also hosted our staff party here for the past few years. I'm a horrible bowler but I go for camaraderie. If it were not for that, I probably wouldn't come back. I think it's overpriced and overhyped- but hey, it is in the EpiCentre, so it fits right in. I do think it's to their benefit that it's 21+ after a certain time (I think 9 pm) but that's about it. Oh, and Libretto's pizza for munchies, that's good.
I'm giving them 3 stars because I've always had a good experience when I go- but then again, I'm bowling for free. There are other bowling alleys in the city. -
Review from Bruce K.
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Since when did bowling alleys get so expensive? Well, if it's in the epicentre, it's going to be. Walking in, it was pretty hectic as people were all up at the counter. I didn't stay too long here, but note that if you want a lane make sure to reserve some. The birthday girl reserved some lanes and yet we were still waiting for them to open up. We ended up staying for about 15-20 minutes before we got one and in that time I ordered a key lime pie martini and drank it.
I didn't stay to bowl, however thanks to yelp I got my friend some free rentals on the bowling shoes! And yet, he still had to pay $10 for $4 just to play and $6 split on the lanes for one hour (split by 8 people). So yes, the total to just play for one hour at one of these luxurious lanes is $45. But, hey if price isn't a matter go ahead and do it! (I rather drink $45 than play for $45 though!)
In the end, it wasn't bad. Really nice atmosphere and everyone there seemed to have a smile on their face. I recommend the place if you like bowling and have money to spend, this is your place to be. -
Review from Javier M.
11/1/2011
The Uptown, but specifically the Epicenter, scene is not my thing (and I am biting my tongue extremely hard by only saying that). I guess that's why I didn't like this place. It looks cool, if not trying too hard to look urban and you'll find your usual uptown crowd there. Nothing specially good, nothing remarkably bad. People were RIDICULOUSLY overdress for a friggin' bowling alley. Obviously some people can't afford the higher end bars/clubs so they just hang here waiting for leftovers, I guess (Hey, as long as we're hanging out at the epicenter it's all gucci)
On the night we went the waitress brought me the wrong beer and the lane broke down a couple of times. It happens.
A large party of rude buttnuggets invaded our lane during our second game and there was simply no getting rid of them. Oblivious to the fact that they were intruding in our game they kept drinking their Hennessy and Courvoisier or whatever the hell they had on those idiotic little cups.
We finally left and I swore not to return. Again, a pretty uneventful experience but that area and the people who frequent it are just not my thing. -
Review from Grace L.
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had come here for a company holiday party and thought it was a nice place. The environment was very nice. It has the great feel of a bar, and bowling is just fun there all around. It was dark in there, but not too dark. There wasn't too loud music as there are at some bowling alleys. The seats for the lanes were super comfy, it made me not want to get up and bowl. I felt like the lanes were a little too cramped though. I was always scared I was going to knock someone over if I wasn't careful enough.
The food was really great. I have to say their pizza was the best pizza I've ever had at a bowling alley. Their wings were a little dry, but their delicious Ranch sauce helped me forget the dryness.
I feel that I wouldn't really have come here if it was not for my company. Just to park your car around the Epicenter, you have to pay a fee. It seems like bowling there would be super expensive since it's so nice.
All in all, I say that it'd be good to experience it just once, but I wouldn't suggest my friends to go there for bowling. There are other places, and it won't scare you to go all out bowling since the lanes would be bigger than it is at Strike City. -
Review from Melinda C.
Manhattan, NY
2/4/2012
While this place may look snazzy and is upscale and flashy, its pricing options for group events is unreasonable and highly inconsiderate of its patrons. I was looking to book an event here (9 people, nothing fancy). In order to do this, Strike City requires you to pay in advance days before (which isn't that bad and understandable), but they also make you match the price of the lanes (120 not including tax and tip) for 2 mere hours of bowling with the equivalent amount in food and beverage, so you basically need to pay 300 bucks to book a lane for 2 hours before you even get to the venue. Sure, every venue wants you to spend money, but to make your customers pay for food and beverage before they even get there? Seriously? We're talking about a party under 10, not 500.
This makes it extremely difficult for those who want to book a lane for a group of friends, understandable given that there is normally a 3 hour wait on Saturdays.
This policy is pretentious, and just generally unaccommodating of its patrons, especially those who are looking to split a bill. It makes the entire process awkward and expensive. Everyone realizes that institutions want to make money, but I've never encountered a venue where they try to rip you off to this extent.
Get over yourself, strike city. -
Review from Michael D.
Charlotte, NC
1/12/2012 3 Check-ins Here
We built strike city, we built strike city on striiiiikes and spaaaaaaares. ( and not excluding ufc fights, sporting events, and general debauchery. I love to hate this place so much. They have a few events every month that are worth checking out and are free to sign up. These include beer olmpyics and free bowling! This is my favoirte place to catch a ufc fight in charlotte. The place gets packed and there are TV's and projector screens everywhere. Also, there are so many UFC fans that they place erupts on every shot. This is the way UFC should be watched. The drinks can get a bit pricey, but hell you are at epicenter what do you expect. Also, Katherine is the best bartender ever. If there isn't an event here we usually grab a couple drinks ( no cover ever!) and then head out around the city.
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Review from Demetria M.
Charlotte, NC
Attended a company event here and I must say this place is quite fabulous...we had our own private room with bowling lanes for those who wanted to bowl, plush seating for the socializers, premium bar service and lots of food(pizza, chicken, dips, etc).....sweet!
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Review from Timothey S.
ASTORIA, NY
4/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a place that you keep hoping you're going to wake up and realize it was all a bad dream. Don't get my wrong - i like bowling and I don't mind a drink or 6.
However, this place is completely built on a big pile of crazy.
The music was so loud, I thought it might trigger an aneurysm. Although there is no dance floor, people are dancing all over the place...but they all are moving like that horrifying baby in ally mcbeal.
Mix that in with an overly aggressive bathroom attendant who seems as if he just had a feature on To Catch A Predator....and you find yourself doing anything to wake up from the nightmare.
I ran far away... -
Review from Katie W.
5/2/2011
I was in town for a wedding last weekend and desperately needed a place to watch UFC after sneaking out of the reception. Strike City was just a few blocks away and the DJ at the wedding recommended it so that's where we went.
The UFC event was well under way by the time we arrived but we were able to find a seat at the bar even though the place was packed for the fights. There were plenty of TVs and big screens showing the fight so we had no problem with where we were seated/standing. There was also no cover to get in, which was nice.
The bartenders were friendly and efficient and the drinks were reasonably priced. Overall, we had a very fun time here and I would return to watch a fight here again if I was in town. -
Review from Chad E.
5/3/2011
Dropped into Strike City for a CMYE the other night. I had been in before, but this was the first chance I had for an extended stay. Also the first time I had for a good look at the place with someone else footing most of the bill. So that was sweet.
First up, we did not bowl. Even though we did not, I find that they are a bit small on the bowling side. There are like six primary lanes and four more in the semi-private room - I did not count, just guessing from my memory, and the rest of the place is a bar/gameroom. That makes it a bit like 50-50 for a business, but not exactly like most bowling alleys.
The night we were there also had a bunch of parties happening. By my count there were at least three others. That is not bad, and I have no idea if it was normal. The staff was really friendly, and kept glasses full and made everyone feel welcome, it was just interesting that there did not seem much of a view of a "normal" public crowd in the place.
Overall the space is great, if a bit on the dark side, and the music can get a bit loud for conversations, but hey, it is a bowling alley, right? What do you expect? -
Review from Melissa B.
Charlotte, NC
1/6/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I come here to cheer for my Buckeyes but geez I have never gotten out under $150 - WITHOUT the bowling!! I am a beer snob but one way to save on costs is to lower your standards a bit and get the beer buckets on special only.
Bowling here is a blast and the food is fine. I have been to several functions here and they are always well organized and the staff really takes care of you.
Love you Strike City! You sure know how to empty my pockets!! :-DListed in: Favorite Charlotte Sports…
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Review from Marty W.
Huntersville, NC
2/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Take me down to Strike City where you gotta be rich to bowl in this city...
So yeah its hella cash to bowl, like $45 per lane and hour. But if you must roll (the ball that is), you're gonna look good doing it. Fat Tire for 2 bones on Tuesday...call my drunk ass a cab and I'm calling in at work on Wednesday. The food is okay...actually comes out of the adjoining food establishment Libretto's next door unless they task Mr. One Pin Rick to rock the grill and clean the gutters too. If you want some privacy ask for the 2 lanes on the right and it looks like your in the house of some ballers game room...schawing!
Burrrpp. One more Fat Tire pa-lease! :) -
Review from Frank F.
Huntersville, NC
2/1/2012
I was going to a Bobcats game and just wanted some wings and a few beers before heading over. I originally went up to Wild Wings but they were jam packed. Every table in the dining room and bar and every bar stool was FULL. They also had a waiting list for the dining room. I decided to try another spot.
I went right downstairs to StikeCity. Wings and a few beers, how hard should it be? My first hint should've been the empty bar and tables. Mr. Manager / Owner, if the place right above you is packed with people before an event (ex. Bobcats games), and you're empty, do you not wonder why? I'll give you a hint, it has nothing to do with you having bowling alleys in your place. If Bobcats games start at 7:00, why would you do a shift change at 6:00 - 6:30? They print the schedules ahead of time so you can plan ahead. You know that right? For a 7:00 event, your bar should be turned over by 5:30 - 6:00. If you actually could fill the bar before an event that change over would be a disaster. If your bartenders don't like it, find new ones, there are no shortage of them in the QC. And why does it take them a year and a day to turn the bar over? A 3 - 5 minutes process was an agonizing 15 - 20 minutes. Maybe if the manager in the nice purple shirt spent more time on the floor, and less time flirting with his young attractive employees at the entrance, the place would run better. It's their job to sit at the entrance and look pretty, not yours. You're actually supposed to work and run the place.
Wings = tiny, burnt chicken skin on bones. Dip your pinky in hot sauce and chew it. You'll enjoy it more.
Service = What service? I got either ignored, attitude or excuses the entire few beers and chicken scraps.
I walked in excited and happy to be going to the game. I left annoyed and irritated.
After this experience I may have to go back and change some of my earlier rankings. This was by far the worst experience I've had in more years than I can remember. I waited a week to post this review so that it wouldn't be as nasty as I would've made it right after leaving, or even later that night. -
Review from Lindsay H.
Charlotte, NC
Ladies, go on Thursdays. They have this event called Strike in the City and you get free stuff, free bowling if you register online (http://strikeinthecity...) and free shoe rental and your friends pay only $5 to play/shoe rental. Also, half price cocktails, you get a coupon for a free cosmo and free appetizers. Different local business have giveaways and Strike City gives away a big prize like a designer purse or sunglasses or shoes. You cannot beat free and it was super fun, even if I did do a horrific job at bowling (I swear i'm better on Wii Bowling!)
And the DJ was freakin' awesome. So awesome, in fact, that we went up and told him so. I hope he's there every Thursday because he was picking the exact right jams.
And the plus size, it's not terribly packed on a Thursday, which makes it fairly easy to get a lane.
They have a decent beer selection (with craft and local brews) and the pizza is fantastic (I think they share a kitchen with Libretto's).
They also have a $6.95 lunch every day, which in uptown, you can't beat. -
Review from Brian L.
10/20/2010
The waitress was really nice. The inside of the place was chic, modern, urban.
But at $7/game of bowling during the daylight hours...can't say I'm a fan. You can get people to do almost anything when you're visiting (read: me), but ever again? Most definitely not. It's a nice change of pace, but I'd rather spend it somewhere else.Listed in: I've Been Here Once - Travels!
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Review from Leanne C.
12/7/2010
Bowling balls and alcohol doesn't seem like the smartest mix.. Ignoring that fact: I thought the environment needs work.
The DJ played too much Britney Spears and even played *NSYNC at one point. It hurt my brain.
The beers they have on tap are acceptable- Shock Top, Sam Adams Winter Lager, and Blue Moon are the better ones offered.
For the location, on the weekend at least, this is the place to go if you want to not bother with a cover charge. -
Review from Nicole W.
9/4/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Oh how I wish this place were more affordable because I would for sure come more often. Listen, my game was taken care of for a bday party and it was a really good time. If I had to pay my own way it would have been a little nuts...it's still bowling, folks. I guess I come from the belief that bowling should be a bit grimy, beer should flow cheaply and freely and the shoes should smell. Basically, it should put the ass in classy.
Anywho, Strike City is indeed a nice, clean bowling alley with a large bar smacked in the center. While the aforementioned bowling and drinks aren't cheap, it is a convenient place to get together with buds to watch a game on their umpteen screens or get together at the Epicentre. Service has been spotty each time I've visited - our server within our private party was friendly and ran around like crazy to make sure we were taken care of. Conversely, the servers at the bar have seemed a little entitled, almost snarky, at times. Listen, dudes and dudettes, I'm sorry I need a minute to look over your drink menu for a moment. I felt like I kept inconveniencing them with my (basic) drink order.
As other reviewers have mentioned, it's a nice, convenient space but it can get cramped and a bit noisy with douche bags and super drunks from Alive After Five. I will say, though, their pizza comes in from Libretto's - a major positive note there! If you can get your lane paid for, it's definitely a go!Listed in: Excellent Epicentre
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Review from Dan C.
Charlotte, NC
3/27/2011
Very uninspiring to write about Strike City considering I just stopped in here for a drink before going to Mez/Kazba/etc.
The drinks were decently priced and it wasn't too crowded even considering that the UNC game was going on this particular night.
Fairly young crowd and looked like a fun place, but as I'm Asian, there isn't many Asian people here - let alone Charlotte as a whole. I definitely should have made eye contact/chatted/grazed arms with the only other Asian girl I saw within a 75-foot radius, but I'm a nervous fool so I didn't.
I finished my double shot of whiskey and it was ....
dmo out. -
Review from Lucy G.
Lake City, FL
7/20/2010
Ridiculous prices!
This will be my first and last time coming here. I dont think the combo of alcohol + bowling + tv + dim lighting is so rare that I would pay their inflated prices. They don't make up for it with their average bowling alley food either.
I had a much better time at the more affordable bowling alleys where I can just focus on my game and have a good time with friends rather than feeling rushed by the timer on the screen.
Also, they didn't have a large selection of smaller balls- I asked for a 8 pound ball, and they couldnt produce one. Bleh!
If you want some REAL bowling fun- avoid this place. -
Review from Todd W.
9/6/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Been here several s, but never bowled until my most recent visit. Is it bad that I wanted to steal the bowling shoes and make them part of my wardrobe? They seems very new and fresh and went with my outfit that night...ok, at least that's what my wife said. You can play up to 8 bowlers per lane, which makes for a fun night out with a group and also helps disperse the cost of bowling. Make sure to order pizza, as it comes from the pizzeria next door!
The bar is big and it usually has a great crowd because of the amount of TV's! There's a ticker that runs around the place for up to date sports scores, and later in the night they play the music videos on some of the TV's that you hear throughout the place...long live Def Leopard! Great beer specials too!Listed in: Bars to watch the game
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Review from John H.
2/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
$2 drafts on Tuesdays!!!! Why was I the last to know?
Recently went here on a Tuesday night on a night out with one of my co-workers in from our Austin office. Just wanted to show him some of the city and we walked in and decided it was time to bowl. I know random, on a Tuesday night, but it ended up being pretty fun.
We started out at the ticket counter and paid for 2 games/shoes. Once the girl collected our money, she asked us all of our names to enter into the computer. My co-worker decided that he would like to be called "Mufasa" for the night. Little did I know there was a bowling style all his own to earn the name that came with it. This was also after a couple beers at Mac's earlier. High gravity = silliness.
Get to the lane and our first bowler was up. Normal warm-up gutterballs... but my co-worker was up next. The name "MUMFASA" flashes on the screen and we all die laughing. I guess the girl never watched the Lion King. It's really sad to think about since we are getting to the generation where I am starting to feel super old and younger kids don't know what I'm talking about anymore.
Our two games were pretty fun. I end up coming from behind with some last minute strikes on the 10th frame. Gotta represent the Charlotte Office - otherwise I would not have lived it down the next day.
Have not tried the food here, but the pictures and stuff I have seen on other people's tables look pretty decent. I did not know that Libretto's pizza was connected. I have not had the pleasure to taste their pizza, but it sounds highly recommended. -
Review from Michael E.
Asheville, NC
1/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Living in center city one must have a go to place for cheap drink specials...this is it.
On Tuesday nights they have $2 drafts....even Fat Tire!?!?!? Wow.
I've bowled here with folks from my company and if you are considering doing it, try and get the 2 private lanes on the far right of the place....its like your own priviate room or for a bigger event, reserve the big daddy room in the back with its private 2 lanes, private bar, and pool table.
I haven't tried the food, but the drinks and entertainment are good. Service at the bar was not as good as I would have liked it to be...they seemed a bit disinterested...was it me or that I was ordering their $2 beers???
Regardless, a great place, good prices and fun to boot. -
Review from Jess C.
6/23/2010
Great bowling, I wish they had more small balls! Minus 1 star for charging $3.75 for socks.
THE BOWLING:
The lanes are cool and have TVs in front. There are some booth and open bar seating. Additionally, they have a private room for corporate events if you need to reserve for a small party. If you contact them they will set you up with whatever food/drink needs your party may require.
THE FOOD:
I highly recommend the...
- Pizza (yum, thin crust NY style!!)
- Garlic cheese bread (SO GOOD).
- Chicken wings are ok, and the spinach triangle pastries are really flaky.
Do not recommend:
- Brownies (because they taste worse thee grocery store)
- Roast Beef on bread appetizer. Tasteless on stale bread, ick.
- Champagne/"Cava" (it tastes like the $3 Crystalino kind from World Market and costs $6.50 per glass). -
Review from Tim G.
Charlotte, NC
12/16/2010
It's me snitches, IM BACKKKKKK. Sorry for going a bit MIA the last couple of weeks. It's been crazy this time of year, so I wanted to get some yelps in before I got back to the U.
Before you read this review, please note that I did not go there to bowl, I went for the booze.
It was a cold saturday night, so we decided to stop into Strike City to watch the UFC battle that was taking place. I clearly was not the only person that did this, as I feel this is more of a bar than bowling alley.
Anyways, I was standing around and the place was PACKED. It took me about 10 minutes standing 3 people deep to finally get something to drink. The drink was made OKAY, it wasn't heaven-sent compared to other places here in CLT, but it was doable.
This is where I'm going to end my review and pick it up at a later date, once I bowl there. I cannot give a complete review at this moment, so I will not fake it.
Holla. -
Review from Ian M.
10/4/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Classy bowling?? Isn't that an oxymoron like jumbo shrimp or girly man?? Well guess what, somehow it works and works beautifully.. Now, I didn't get a chance to bowl because we came in around 8pm on a Friday, but everyone that was rolling the rock looked to be having a blast (I will update this review when I do BOWL). We just sat up at the bar and looked around at hundreds of huge TV screens. (Phillies were on TV!!) SWEET!! Great selection of beers too: Fat Tire, Blue Moon, Sweet Water, American Domestics, Guiness, etc. All on draft. Only reason I didn't give it 5 starts was because the cost. I mean, it is in the Epicentre and and in a really cool location but really pricey..
Best part of Strike City: The pizza comes from Librettos next door (see review). It is the best pizza in Charlotte. Easily!. ENJOY!!
-Ian M. -
Review from Ryan B.
9/27/2009
I went to Strike City to watch the OSU Vs. Illinois game because the Charlotte chapter of the OSU Alumni Association recommended it as a THE place to watch THE Ohio State Bucks. I was not let down.
Strike City is HUGE, in both seating space and spirit. I was amazed at the sea of red and grey. It was like being in Columbus, with OSU flags hanging from the ceiling and the staff sporting jerseys for my team (for the most part, I was impressed with the few who elected to wear other teams from the region such as NC, SC, and others).
The special is $12 pitchers of anything on draft, which is a mighty good price for everything from Guinness to Sweetwater 420. The menu is minimalist bar food. Nachos, hamburgers, hot dogs and the like. We had the chicken nachos, which were fresh, gooey, and flavorful. It was the perfect snack while watching the game.
TV's were everywhere. Strike City has more TV's than a Best Buy, and I'm not kidding. If you miss a second of any game their showing it's your fault because it's impossible to look in any direction and not see the screens.
I have a feeling we'll be going to Strike City a lot this season to root for my team and to enjoy the scene. -
Review from George B.
Charlotte, NC
3/30/2010
Upscale bowing? It is an oxymoron but I still had a good time here....
Strike City is upscale bowling at its finest. What does that really mean? I means you pay way more than you normally would at a family bowling alley. A group of us were in the VIP bowling room. It was nice but I would have preferred hanging out with the crowd.
Our server was tremendous in taking care of our needs. We ordered beers, pizzas and apps. The food was really good for bar food. It also doesn't hurt to have part of the establishment connected to a pizza parlor. I would have to say the Buffalo Pizza was mighty spicy but still had a great taste. The dough was thin and chewy just like a NY slice.
The only negative of the night was the left lane would act up and we spent more time trying to fix it instead of bowling. I would have to give Strike City a 8/10 split for the evening. -
Review from Gina M.
New York, NY
4/4/2009
Bowling with friends is fun, fun, fun, fun -- so all the establishment needs to do is not to interfere with that fun and provide a clean atmosphere with some decent food choices. The rest will be taken care of.
I was there at a corporate function and we did have fun bowling -- the lanes are new and clean, the music selection is what you expect in a bowling alley. We had some artichoke dip and pizza to share -- the pizza was waaaaaay greasy and the pita chips for the dip were deep fried. Really? You really needed to deep fry even the pita chips? The waitress was friendly and the beer selection was the usual.
So, nothing really horrible to say about this place but nothing outstanding either -- which qualifies exactly for 3 stars. -
Review from Will A.
6/9/2009
So, we had to wait forever since there aren't a heck of a lot of lanes. However, it has the whole neon glow thing going, too. The great thing, and this is a total guy thing, was that they have huge-ass (technical term) projection screens showing sports above the lanes. For the multi-tasker, this is very efficient.
So, you could watch ESPN and well as your friend bouncing one in the gutter... that, my friend, is why the US is a pretty cool country. -
Review from Garrett F.
Long Beach, CA
I have no idea if the bowling is fun since it was not available but the racing game was good. Not terribly crowded but for a sunday night, not bad and the drinks were good.
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Review from Stephen K.
2/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have come here a couple of times, once to bowl and once to drink. I'll start with the bowling, because that's what they advertise. For the price (north of 60 bucks for a small group) you would expect a premier experience. They bill themselves as an "upscale bowling alley", after all. But it's really not. As the bowling goes, it is cramped and noisy. The bowling is meant to be a bit of entertainment while you drink - it is not viable as an activity on its own. But at that price, don't waste your time with the bowling. Enjoy the bar.
Now, the bar is alright. It can get pretty crowded on big game nights, but you can't hold that against them. It is a sports bar, and towards that end the place is bursting with TVs and projectors. There is no chance of missing a second of the game, even by accident. Hell, the bowling lanes have screens above the pins. The central bar is enormous, and even on the busiest nights is still (somewhat) accessible. It also gets loud - really loud - during big games. I was there once during a UFC fight night, and although that's not usually my thing I couldn't help but get into it. The atmosphere is contagious.
If they sold themselves as a bar I would rate them higher, but pretending that the bowling is anything more than a gimmick is just dishonest. -
Review from Justin V.
Huntersville, NC
10/13/2009
I attend Strike City for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns games and it is a great place to watch a game!! This place has ton's of plasmas and large projection screens. My only complaint with the projection screens is that picture is average at best unless it is extremely dark.
The staff is very friendly and it is great to see the majority of the staff wearing OSU Buckeye gear as well. The DJ even plays the Ohio State fight song during commercial breaks along with playing some of the more popular Best Damn Band in the Land music as well!
I highly recommend all Buckeyes and Browns fans to make this your permanent location to watch the Scarlet and Gray on Saturdays and the Brown and Orange on Sundays!
O-H... -
Review from Tamar G.
Charlotte, NC
1/30/2012
I came to this place to experience the great atmosphere & bowling that I kept hearing about. I was very disappointed. I called several times to inquire about pricing and was told that it was $35 per hour. When I got to the cash register to pay with the group that I invited, I was told that the price was $45. The cashier basically dismissed my concern and was adamant that no one could have told me that. Oh well since we were there, we decided to stay. We get to lane # 9 and 10 and we are beside a large group who was not required to rent shoes because they were friends of Doug the manager. I was disappointed again because there is a reason why patrons are required to rent shoes....I think it is called Safety!!! To me that showed a disrespect and a lack of judgement. I will not bowl here again knowing that the manager Doug gives preferential treatment to his friends and does not honor the safety of paying customers.
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Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
9/29/2010 5 photos
My group and I went for a work team building event today . I have only been once before on a weekend (with Michigan people--not a good move seeing it's an Ohio State bar) and it was a complete 180 from the weekend madness. There were only a few people eating there and we were the only group bowling, which I thought was a little odd since it was lunch time and at the EpiCentre. Very chic bowling alley (if you've been to Lucky Strike it's comparable to there) with lots of tv, three full bars with high top and booth seating. They had a great selection of food from standard apps to pizza to entrees. I had the nachos, they monster and loaded with guacamole and cheese so I was a happy girl. Sadly I couldn't finish them but with some beer and a nap after wards I could've! Some co-workers had the veal Parmesan sandwich and buffalo chick wrap and they said they were tasty as well. Server was efficient, friendly and quick to fill refills, another plus in my book.
I'm happy we have this uptown, it's a nice alternative instead of going to Jillians or Dave and Busters and light rail accessible as well. Since work was paying for us to bowl, I didn't get a look at the prices but I hear it's costly for bowling so it may be a special occasion thing or go on a night they have specials. I saw they had a BOGO coupon in my Citipass book so that would be a great value to use that baby soon. They also show UFC fights there but that may come with a cover charge. I was expecting snazzier shoes but it didn't look like there has been much creative progress in the bowling shoe design world in the past 20 years. Sadface.
Some notes
Monday 9P-2A All you can bowl for $15 Bud and Bud Light buckets $12
Thursday Nights Ladies Night 1/2 price martinis, pampering (sounds saucy!!), free shoe rental and Skinny apps (which is just wrong seeing you're at a bowling alley)
Saturday $3 Bloody Marys and Mimosas all dayListed in: Citipass Love, I Heart Nachos
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Review from Courtney P.
Boston, MA
9/6/2009 5 photos
So my review is inflated because I didn't go at night. I took my little brother here during the day on a Sunday. The place was dead, so we were able to get a lane easily of course. I thought $35 an hour was pretty steep, but with 4 people it turned out to be a deal.
We didn't order any food so I can't really say much about that, but the service was excellent. We wanted beer but got there at 11:45, so the waitress took our order and by 12:01 we had our beers on the table. She was also really friendly and gave me a round for free because it was my birthday.
I would love to come back sometime and experience it at night when I am sure it is way cooler, but then again I probably don't want to have to fight the huge crowds that come. If I'm ever in the area looking for something to do, I will probably suggest coming here. -
Review from Michael K.
Charlotte, NC
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best spots in Uptown to watch a game. There are tvs everywhere so grabbing a seat without a good view is nearly impossible. The food is above average for sports bars and the bowling can get expensive on the weekends.
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Review from Adam F.
Charlotte, NC
5/5/2011
I have been here a few times and I usually have a decent time. Although I havent been there in awhile, this is the only bowling alley that I have ever been in with a dress code. They actually made me remove my baseball cap to enter the establishment. The bowling was rather pricey and the lane broke down a few times, but the waitress was rather attentive to our group's needs (we had about 10 people).
On a personal note, I really get frustrated that every new bar in Charlotte is either claimed as an "Ohio State" or "Steelers" bar. The fact that whenever I feel like watching a game somewhere that I have to deal with these knuckleheads is quite frustrating.
The food was good and had an average/high price tag, and the drinks were about the same selection/quality/price as the rest of the bars in the epicentre.
Overall, the crowd is pretty decent and the bartenders are attractive. But this is treated more like a club than a bowling alley, and I would plan on dressing up if you plan on being there anytime after 8pm. -
Review from Megan V.
Charlotte, NC
1/30/2009
I don't know where to start. This was one of the worst evenings out I've had in a while. We went for their grand opening "exclusive" party. The only people who apparently weren't invited to this event were my friends. We actually thought that this was going to be some sort of VIP event because we had tickets, and they advertised "passed hors d'oeuvres" (which apparently they only gave to you after you were seated and eating your dinner--btw, don't get the garlic knots if you want to be within 50 feet of other humans.) We waited in line in the cold for about 10-15 minutes to get in--and this wasn't the worst part of our evening.
We got inside, and got seated immediately, so that was good. But in a basically empty section, she chose to seat us next to the waiters' section--rookie mistake! This is considered one of the worst seats in the house, and my husband actually got hit by a flying tray! I asked for the drink menu, and our waiter told me that "they could make any drink you want". I think it's a terrible idea not to have a special drink menu, especially in a kitschy place like a bowling alley in uptown. Then I kept seeing all of these specialty drinks around with names like "Strike City fishbowl", so they must have a menu somewhere--and they need to tell Tyler about it soon. So I ordered a Cosmo, which is a pretty easy drink that everyone can make. Well, apparently, the bartender wasn't informed that there is VODKA in a f*cking Cosmo. Mine was cranberry juice with a splash of triple sec and lime--completely awful!
I had a burger, which was pretty good. My lettuce was brown and white, which isn't good, but it caused no harm. My husband thought his buffalo chicken pizza was really good, and it was a decent size for a personal pizza. Our waiter Tyler was attentive, so that's good too.
The bar area is far too large. There are tons of TVs, which can be good, but was a little overwhelming this night. There are 12 lanes in the bar area, lots of music, and lots of people. It's crazy loud!
We pay our bill ($78 for okay food, a shit drink, and 2 double vodka tonics--hmmm...)
So our beeper goes off that it's our turn for bowling. We go up to the front desk and pay for 1 hour of bowling and 2 pairs of shoes (another $56). Here comes my favorite part of the evening. We get our shoes, and the man at the shoe counter ASKS ME TO GIVE HIM ONE OF MY SHOES!!! Which means that I will be walking half-barefoot through a bar. This is totally unacceptable to me. First of all, I will generally have on very nice shoes, and I don't like letting them out of my sight. Second, I do not want to be barefoot in a bar--let's just say, it didn't make my bucket list. I asked him, "So you really expect people to walk through a bar with one shoe on?" And he points to a bare wall (which is currently occupied by people waiting in line) and says, "well, we envisioned people changing shoes over there, but it's full tonight." Dude, CHANGE THE VISION! I would rather give him my license or keys or something, but not my shoes. Luckily, I have a very sweet husband who gave up both of his shoes so I could keep mine and go to our lane.
We get to our lane and it's against a wall with not a lot of space to move around. Apparently they've never been to a real bowling alley before to see how they do it. They let all of the extra space get turned into the bar area, and skimped on the bowling lanes. There is only one bench per lane, and it was really hard to see what you're friends were bowling. They should have thought that through a little better. We were in the smaller room by the front--it looks like there's more room for spectators in the main lanes. And it didn't help that a family who was waiting for their own lane commandeered our entire bench so we had no seating whatsoever.
The bowling was fun--the waitress could have been more attentive, but they were busy so I'm willing to forgive that. And like I said, I could have used some more room. A tad expensive though--I'd prefer to go to AMF next time. (another $27 on 4 beers)
Then I went to the bathroom before we left, and couldn't even squeeze past a woman on her cell phone---the bathroom is another place they skimped on space. When all of the people in the huge bar have to go to the bathroom, where will they go?!? The lights are blinding. The police need to hold interrogation sessions in that room, since they definitely get people talking too. Every woman in there (and there were about 7-8) was talking about how terrible the lights were.
I would recommend staying home, playing Wii bowling, making yourself and friends great drinks and saving yourselves $150 and a lot of frustration. I will not go back there again.
