Been bowling and hanging out here for many years now, this place is the best around. The owner truly cares about this place and does all he can to make it a great experience for all who visit. Too many corporate bowling centers these days just dont care and it shows when you visit. The one big knock on Empire is sometimes its hard to get a lane, well thats a good problem to have. Theres a reason its far more crowded than other centers in the area, its the place to bowl. read more

Love the Tater-Tot Nachos!!!! Shared them with my daughter after a daddy / daughter game. read more

Empire Bowl - Bowling Near Me - Redlands, California

Bowling is a cheap alternative to such things as gun ranges and trips to Vegas. You get a wide variety of customers here from young to old but mostly family people. Most entertaining though are the first-timer ESRI nerds. Oh so curious and scientific in their approach in learning the game. The deals here are almost nightly so check out their website. Any quarter or dollar night will be crowded so come at least 30-60 minutes early. My favorite is Thursday nights because it's $2.50 a game/shoe rental so that deters people, meaning I can casually stroll in and get a lane no problem. Speaking of lanes, number 7 is to be avoided. That lane is cursed. I'm sure there is a demon, Smeagol, or chupacabra in back of that lane that causes the ball to disappear for a long period of time. And when it does come back, there's a glowing translucent slime all over it. Weird right? Often "it" will cause the device to stop loading the pins which forces us to crawl to the service desk to have someone "take care" of the problem. Which inevitably means someone going to the back of the machine, takes out the whip, and flogs on whatever is chained up back there to continue pedaling. Nonetheless, it is worth it because the fun continues. Another event I like is cosmic bowl. The energy is pretty cool with the hip hop music, black lights, and lasers. And you can win a free voucher for cosmic bowl if you get a strike when a random colored pin happens to be the very first pin. Just make sure that your white t-shirt has nothing suspicious on it that night. read more

They have great specials for bowling on certain days and times. The only problem is this is the only bowling place in the area so the whole world comes here and never leaves. This makes it such a headache to try to even get a lane here and it's literally a zoo with so many people. The location is bad, right under/next to the freeway and the layout of the place is pretty run down. They do not keep up with the maintenance of the place. I really believe if they changed the carpet or redid some of the furniture, the place would look at least 35-45% better. I am very grateful and thankful that they are even there though, since there is no other bowling alleys in the area. I suggest that they expand to hold more alleys to be able to handle the rush during the specials. The quality of bowling and prices are great. The location and atmosphere is pretty run down. I personally like to go to places where they keep everything clean, if you're not that picky as I am, then this place is a great place to bowl. No one has specials like this place :-) Sun/Mon: 9:15-midnight - $7 for 3 games & shoes, $0.50 sodas, $1 hot dogs Tuesday Dollar Night: 9:30-midnight - all games are $1 Thursday: 4:45-6:45pm - $15 per lane up to 5 ppl, shoes included Thursday College Night: 9:15-midnight - $2.50 games, $2.50 shoes, $7 Domestic Pitchers, $10 Import Pitchers read more

We went for a team building event and everyone had a blast! The food was great, and the customer service was great as well. Thank you to our event coordinator Michael for helping us out and getting us a great package deal! read more

This place has gotten much better. It used to be a big dump, but now they've remodeled the joint. Lane are nice, staff is helpful and its packed with a pleasant crowd on the weekends, families and family friendly people... Beer is cheap $7 a pitcher... food isn't that great but who's there to eat! read more

My friends and I were looking for a nearby place to do cosmic bowling with a bar. Lo and behold, we find this place. Their cosmic bowling starts at 9:30 but you wanna get there an hour before that because there's a line that forms outside. If you're not there early enough, there's a possibility that you won't get a lane, initially. You'd have to wait. You CAN make reservations but you have to do it before 6pm. I found that out by calling the place. I guess they clear the alley before then and then bring in all those that want to do cosmic bowling. It's $16 a person including shoes and games and balls. The bowling ones. They have a bar which is cash only but the bartender is nice and engaging so not a big deal. We also got their appetizer sampler which was good. The salsa wasn't but, hey..... Nice atmosphere, good music, no real complaints about the establishment. I gave four stars because my friends and I were definitely in the minority, race wise and we got a lot of looks and stares which made me a bit unnerved but nothing further happened. It didn't come from the staff which is the important thing. I would definitely go back. read more

First thing I could say about Empire bowl Redlands is that they got really good deals. The bowling lanes are perfect. The staff's are nice and welcoming. The only down side is that the bowling ball sometimes get stuck in the machine but that's not really anything serious. But from all that I would recommend anyone who likes to hang out with friends and play bowling. read more

Empire Bowl - Nice form bro - Bowling Near Me - Redlands, California

Met up with 2 friends for a couple pitchers of beer. We were excited to see they have modelo on tap and now serve Jell-O shots. Fun afternoon in bar with friends read more

Empire Bowl - Place is busy today. Can't beat the kids bowl free special. Had an ice cold bud light on draft for $2.75 - Bowling Near Me - Redlands, California

Rarely have lanes available. Even if you call ahead of time to verify availability, when you get there you are almost always turned away.

So management reached out to me within 24 hours of my review. They put me in touch with the bowling alley manager, Wayne, who listened to my complaint and assured me they would work with their staff to improve communication with customers. I really appreciated it. Additionally, I still wanted to host my daughter's birthday party there so he went ahead and set everything up for me. He checked in with me prior to the event to confirm everything and things went smoothly on the day of the party. Desiree was super helpful and had everything under control, which was good because with 20 kids under the age of 6, it was a bit chaotic. Kids had a great time. The only thing that could have been better is the size of the party room - it's really small. With 20 kids and some parents milling about it was tight and it got very hot. They have 2 rooms and I almost wish they were connected and could be utilized as one large room for bigger parties. read more

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The bowling is decent here, but after playing a couple of games, on the way out I played a claw machine to try to win a prize for my son. It wouldn't take my dollar, but it claimed it also took tokens so I bought two dollars worth of tokens. As it turns out, it refused those as well. The machine was broken. I tried to get help from an employee and he refused to give me my two dollars back. I asked him: "so, I guess I'll have to find a new bowling alley"? He said: "sorry; I guess so". What a shame, I had been coming here for years. If customer service doesn't matter to you, this place may do. But if care about that sort of thing, I'd bowl elsewhere. read more

Me and my friends come here every Wednesday we made it home the employees to the bar , one Wednesday we came up here and they kicked us out because done guest that was (black) was bring in outside drinks and their where bowling next to us so we got the blame, we always Treated empire great but our balls back and buy liquor and food from the snack bar and bar we been doing this for 8 months no problems but it's a problem since that new lady came in it's not fair , but hey sad to say a place we called home treated us wrong ‍! read more

Never experienced such bad customer service. I get not all jobs are ideal, but damn. The man behind the counter was so rude I almost wanted to leave. read more

I come here in the afternoon for the $5 special; I can usually get through 3 games and get back to work without anybody noticing. I'm sure it's pretty great at night too. read more

3-24-19 is our second stay at the Ayres hotel and for more than 1,600 miles I was wondering if I walk up here after my last experience I'd have the bartender with the Man Bun that gave me attitude over me wanting to watch MNF over dancing with the Stars and HOLLY SHIT she's here again. I'm not talking trash about this place but to have the same bartender after almost 2 years was shocked when I walked in. I had some drinks and walked back. read more

We had my son's birthday party here this afternoon. Our party was about 25 people and our bowlers skewed younger so we had regular assistance needs. The staff was helpful, friendly, and took care of us promptly. There were plenty of smaller bowling balls available, which was great. We also used the VIP room. It was clean and ready for us when our party arrived (it even had velvet ropes - too cool!). Empire Bowl was a great place to have a birthday party. I would recommend this to anyone looking for birthday party ideas for their young ones. In planning for this party, we visited and contacted Empire Bowl several times and we always found the staff to be helpful and friendly. Thanks Empire Bowl! read more

I went to this bowling center on a Friday afternoon. I am happy that there was open bowling especially on a Friday. Certain bowling centers didn't happen to have open bowling due to league play, so I was impressed with Empire bowl. The bowling lanes are well kept. The facility runs very well. I enjoyed coming here. read more

Horrible customer service. People at front did not inform us we could reserve a spot instead told us we had to wait outside for an hour. They also charge for water. Wouldn't recommend. read more

What a great bowling center always a fun time. I recently met Wayne the manager and he was a true pleasure to work with. We have had several great times here. The cafe was recently redone and I love the burger and tater tot nachos. My kids also love the kids bowl free that they have during the summer months. Thank you Empire bowl for a great time. read more

Empire Bowl - Bowling Near Me - Redlands, California

Went in there a few months ago to bowl with friends, restaurant was pretty good so I stopped in for a burger today at 11:30. The cook was by himself, when I first walked in he said he was kinda busy, he did have one guy at the counter, after 15 minutes and now a total of 2 customers in restaurant without any acknowledgement, I got up and walked out. I will never go back, and last time I was there with about 50 friends, guess most of the 50 won't go back again either... read more

Worst Bowling Place EVER!!! Such a dump!!! It is super filthy, employees that work there do not care about their customers and are super RUDE. Probably because they don't make enough to care. Restrooms are disgusting and food is no better. Their lanes do not light up and the seats look like they were donated from the Goodwill. I feel like if I was to sit on them I might catch a disease. I will never let my kids go back there ever again. So sad that Redlands is such a nice upscale city and does not have a decent bowling alley for locals to spend quality family time. Someone needs to open a REAL BOWLING ALLEY. I would be willing to pay double for something nice. I would give no stars if I could!!! What a waste of time. read more

Been to this place several times and it's always by reservation and no lanes available. Place is small and I won't waste my time coming here on by reservation only. read more

Update: What lies?!? It smelled so disgusting yesterday!! It was horrendous. I couldn't stand it. A friend was with me too. She even swallowed her gum from the cough that the smell of your alley caused. Pay me if you want me to give you more business advice. Clean it up!! Person who replies to reviews: stop lying to yourself and pay for a descent cleaning of your alley. It is disgusting!!! I gagged when I went in there, had to walk right back out. I find it disrespectful that you think customers should endure such filth. Help yourselves!!! read more

Today we had a celebration for my Fathers passing. He wasn't a church guy but a pool hall bowling alley guy. I want to give my most sincere thank you to Desiree Buell. She was so helpful and really made our experience one to remember. I definitely recommend this place for party's read more

I've bowled at many different venues over 20+ years, and all of them have been quite good, but Empire by far has been the best I have experienced. From the front desk, the management, lane staff, all have been 5 Star worthy and more. Shelly, their gracious and friendly bartender, not only greets me with a smile but also treats me as if we've known each other for years. She is so lively and attentive, and she takes care of myself and everyone else around that I noticed very quickly with the biggest and prettiest smile. One million stars from me! read more

We went on a Sunday and took all of our kids! It was so much fun! Not to mention the food is delish!! If your trying to get your Sunday funday on the bloody Mary's are phenomenal!! At empire bowl the whole family will have fun I highly suggest making a visit! We will def be coming back in the near future! read more

Came here last night with my wife and had some drinks before we bowled. The blonde bartender, I forgot her name, was FANTASTIC. Very nice and outgoing, and makes a killer cocktail. Only issue is they didn't have my regular beer on draught, Mango Cart!! But will definitely be back. read more

Empire Bowl is an excellent place to relax and enjoy with friends and family. They have incredible Leagues even for the Youth on Saturday Mornings. My Children joined the Junior league, and they have improved and enjoyed bowling at Empire bowl they have learned a lot from the coaches, and they take the time to work with kids who are having a hard time, Coaches encourage you to have fun. My children have earned scholarship money for college to further their education while participating in the programs. Special thanks to coaches Art Guzman Mike Raddeman Shane Strickland Jerome Hill and Joseph De La Torre at Empire Bowl for their wisdom, patient and willingness to volunteer their time to help the children. Special thanks to the proprietor Will and his effort to support the Youth program. read more

I'm sure when the manager sees this he will know who this is but we as a group was Penalized for others actions now I get you have to respect all rules which I understand but if we was comforted ONCE about a issue and it got corrected and discussed among everyone why get banned??? There was no other issue that we was told about no one came to us with anything!!!! Now shows there old slippery I even slipped and busted my ass so if I got a pair I wore a regular shoe and a bowling to so I wouldn't slip and I did that for months so if that was a issue why wasn't we told!!!!! I bowl every Wednesday to release stress and to have fun I drive fun to come to the establishment and never had no issue with a working no one I just feel like most of us who got penalized the reason wasn't fair especially when the manager gave his reason why which absolutely made no sense... read more

Recently had a bday party for my daughter and Brittany was the employee who helped us with the party. She was fantastic. Not only did she help set things up before the party started she also was available for anything we needed during the party. She was very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend having a bday party at Empire bowl read more

Empire bowl is a family friendly and loving place. The employees do the best they can when they are working. Derrick is amazing during cosmic bowling. He has a great attitude and is ready to help. Everytime I go I have an amazing experience. Everyone has a smile on their face when they greet you and are always helpful and ready to answer any questions you have. I recommend to go to empire bowl when you can. read more

Great Fun! Saturday nite specials are good for family or adult nights out for fun entertainment. read more

Lisa the bartender is great!! She is super nice and makes great tasting drinks!! Thank you Lisa for a good time! read more

This is a FANTASTIC place to visit! Very Family Friendly. Prices are reasonable and fair. Always have such a great time. Staff is awesome and very welcoming! If you aren't bowling here..you are missing out! BTW..don't forget to sign your kids up for the KIDS BOWL FREE Program they offer! read more

TERRIBLE is all I have to say about this place! Shut off in the middle of our game, no advanced warning, and NO REFUND. Absolutely awful customer service if you ask me. Save your time and money and go somewhere that cares more about their customers. read more

customer service is a 10/10, super awesome employees (Daniel, Fay & Evan), they play some poppin jams and always give a good time. Hottest place to bowl in IE. 100% dig it! read more

I just enjoyed my daughters 13th bday party at empire bowl which they let us do cosmic Bowing which was an amazing time for my daughter and her friends. We will be back so much fun. read more

today I went to empire bowl at 11:15. It was busy because of their summer program. The front desk lady (who I've had issues with before) said to wait an hour. So, my group of friends and I waited for an hour. We waited in the lobby, the arcade, then we went outside. When we came back inside, because it was now 1:00, the lady informed me that there was no lane open. I told her, "you told me to wait an hour and I've waited the time limit you've given me". She insisted that I "changed my mind" and had to wait an additional 45 minutes because there was no available lane and my name wasn't on the list. She did not inform me that there was a waiting list when I spoke to her at 11:15. At 1:00, the family in front of me did not have any issue with getting a lane and they had just walked in. I tried very hard not to assume this situation was occurring because of race. Though, I have had countless problems at this location with this same worker. This type of treatment is absolutely disgusting and I think it's time that I addressed it. read more

Came for cosmic bowling... if I could but 0 stars I would. My group and I did not have a reservation but we're the one of the only 2 groups waiting in line, since 8:45. Multiple people came in through the door, now it seems without reservations. I know this because a group (obviously drunk) asked us what this was and said it sounded fun, saying they were coming for the bar. They finally let us in at 9:45, then when we get to the counter they tell us they only have one lane and our group would not fit. So as we are on our way out we see the same group bowling at a lane, who obviously did not have a reservation. I went to speak to the man at the front desk and he tells me, " I don't know what to tell you, they must have had a reservation". But we have proof the group did not have one. They proceeded to tell me we are basically screwed and we can just wait till someone leaves. Then someone else behind the desk adds, " That it's just one of those situations where it sucks". so don't come here unless you want to waste your time AND get screwed over!!! shoutout to the guy at the snack bar, he's cool read more