I came here for a work fundraising event where we all were in teams to bowl. I haven't been here in a while, but not much looks like it has changed. The bowling atmosphere was like any other typical bowling alley, kind of a weird smell, kind of retro. One thing I first noticed, was that the balls were pretty scarce. I use an 8 pound ball and had to share it with 2 other people because they couldn't find any others. The thing that really bothered me was the bartender. He was extremely rude and everyone that had to go get a drink from him also agreed. When I came up to get a single beer (after ordering a bucket earlier), another girl was getting a bucket of two different beers, and when she asked to switch one of them out - the bartender scoffed and rolled his eyes. When it was my turn he just said "what do you want." in a rude tone, like I was annoying him by wanting to order a drink. When I got my drink I handed him my card to pay, he asked if I wanted to keep it open, and I said no because it was my last drink. He kind of laughed and said "No. There's a $5 minimum. This is only $3. What do you want." So I told him that I had bought a bucket earlier that was $10 and that I didn't know that there was a minimum for cards since there was no sign for it, and he said again louder in a rude tone, NO it's per swipe. So someone ended up paying for my drink from across the room probably because they could see the bartender being unnecessarily rude to me. The situation wasn't that bad, but the way that the bartender had made me and many of my professional co-workers feel was unacceptable and embarrassing. read more

Good place for a relaxed, budget hang out. Everything including the service, food, and ambiance is pretty average here. Worth going if you want to enjoy cheap beers, cheap bowling and have good company! read more

There's a dingy smell, it doesn't feel very clean, and everything looks pretty old. Once you get over those things, the place is actually pretty fun. $11 for two games and bowling shoes! it's a fun time for cheap. No music, but that makes it easier to chat with your friends/family! Functionality wise, the lanes work, we had very few issues, and there were plenty of different weighted bowling balls to go around! There was no wait at all on a Friday night. They have about 30 lanes total! Didn't try any of the food but it seems like they have a food/snack area, and a 21+ bar area. Great fun for kids and adults! read more

I had to check this place out after all the intriguing reviews and I am very glad that I did. I went with a group of friends on a Friday night. This place is a fantastic value- I think we spent something like $10 a person for a game and shoes? woo hoo. The canned beer selection was great and I enjoyed a Mad Tree for $2. The decor is very 80's bowling alley which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. I had a cheeseburger and chili cheese fries from their old fashioned diner-very tasty for bowling alley food. I only wish they would have played music. I will be back! read more

Incompetent manager, who works the Friday and Saturday nights. Removed us from our lanes because another lane broke down and wanted to make room for other players. Made us leave even though we paid for 3 games per person and only got to play 1 game per person. Because he thought since I put my shoes on and went to the bathroom we were leaving. Guess this manager has never seen a league player do that. Only reason this place stays in business is because it's open 24 hrs on the weekends. Which explains the uneducated management they hire. read more

Hey y'all. I'm gonna let y'all finish your 3-star reviews, but let me just say this... I was looking for a bowling alley for my son and I to bowl together. I didn't want to subject him to smoke. See, down here in Kentucky, most of the "not-20-dollars-a-game-fancy-pants-bowling-excuses-to-be-at-a-bar" bowling places are still smoking. I'm not a jerk about it, I just grew up in a part of the country where smoking was never allowed in public places. Anyways, about the review - I called a couple places, all in KY insisted "you can't even tell people are smoking." Madison Bowl is in Ohio, and Ohio's laws prohibit smoking in public places. Ok, the actual bowling now. We checked in in a minute and we're on a lane immediately. They have half-size shoes, and tons for children. They have a decent selection of bowling balls to borrow, and the lanes were actually packed when we arrived - still, there was an open lane with bumpers. We had a great time. The feel of the alley is just what I remember as a young man - stuff is clean, but nostalgic. I can tell not much has changed here in 30 years or so. In a good way! The owner/manager told me that the non-smoking rule hurts his business. From my perspective, it makes me want to bowl there more. Also, check online at their Facebook page for deals. We got out, with shoes, 3 games for $14! Killer deal. read more

Small and fun bowling alley. I have been here twice, once for a work outing and once for fun with friends. I had no problems working with them while planning our work outing. Then when I came here with friends I had no issues getting a lane right away. They played some fun music which made bowling more enjoyable. Their website isn't as up to date for pricing. The pricing I found on their website was only for after 9 pm so we could only do two games. Other than that there were no issues and I definitely see myself coming back again read more

I always forget how much fun bowling is. Then I go and wonder why we don't go more often! Madison Bowl is open 365 days a year. We actually went on Christmas and there was a decent crowd of people who wanted to get out of the house for some fun. It's well-priced and a good time for all ages. $30 for two people with shoes for 3 games. Yes, this is the place where Adrian Broner got in a fight after some betting went wrong. So maybe not show up with the kids at 2 AM. They have a full bar and a diner with bar foods and snacks. The happy hour at the bar is super cheap - $1 beers. Bowling is a great wintertime activity and I will definitely be back. Good location right on Madison after Oakley and going into Madisonville. They have leagues and other group activities if you're into that. Fun activity. read more

I love the old school vibe. It reminds me of going to the bowling alley for school field trips as a kid. I hope they never update this place. Most recently I joined a few friends for a quick afternoon Saturday bowling session. The price was just as vintage... for 3 games and shoe rental was only $12 total. read more

After being informed that StarLanes had a two hour wait, our group called Madison Bowl to learn that there would be no wait on a Saturday night. While StarLanes is more of a club and bar with short lanes, Madison Bowl is your typical bowling alley. Their prices for drinks, shoes, and games are very reasonable, and should be a perfect venue for a casual and economical night out. read more

Madi Bowl, where everyone on the east side has wound up some random night in their late adolescence b/c they had nothing else to do and someone had a car. Place is not your star lanes or trying to be something special (which makes it special, not short bus special but awesome), its a real bowling ally, replete with shady bowling ally bar and actual real people. Which means: -cheap fair prices for both bowling and especially the bar -bar is for getting slammed and hiding from feelings, you'll prolly get shanked in the parking if you order anything like an apple martini -I would prolly be the one who shanked you for ordering that at Madi Bowl -Bartenders usually have their shit together and are surely and efficient (i.e., which you want at bowling ally) -its huge, double sided, doesn't feel crowded, usually no wait or random birthday party kids running all over your stuff -frequently waxed lanes that are taken care of, which is essential if you use a lot of spin or actually care about bowling -no disco bowling teenie club crap, THIS IS A PLACE WHERE UNCLE BUCK WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A LEAGUE if he wasn't fictitious and lived in the Nasty . -every ball is different, no standardized color coded ball set, they buy used balls from players (I think) so if you're a head case (like myself) you could spend years searching for that perfect ball. This place is a must on my tour of cincy when friends come into town. Place has changed a little bit since my youth and maybe to be a little bit more family friendly/less shady but fortunately not too much. They changed the score system things so although easier to manage, it doesnt have a that classic feeling and not as much space to throw your keys and crap all over the place when you get to your lane. Prices and quality of lanes were still right on. Please don't change Madi Bowl, I love you just the way you were read more

This place will sell you alcohol at 2:20 but they won't tell you that they supposedly have to take everyone's drinks at 2:30. Literally gave us no warning and came over and took our drinks even if they were unopened. So fucked up. read more

I'm not very pleased with my experience at Madison bowl. We had 15 people in our group, which I know can be a challenge, but we very patient and pleasant. We came in around 8 and got a number to wait for our turn. It was a great system that moved along quickly. We wanted to bowl two games but were told we could only pay for one game at a time, that was strange to me but ok. The prices were typical for Friday night bowling. The employee helping us was not very friendly when I asked him a question. Good thing we had a tech savvy guy in our group because I couldn't figure out the system where we put our names in. It was too complicated since I'm used to the type you just enter your name in and start bowling. The biggest disappointment was the fact that the website advertised glow bowling at 8:30, but that never happened. I picked this bowling alley specifically for the glow bowling. When we asked about it we were told it would start at 10 when leagues were finished. We left around 11. read more

Do you want to know why the bowling industry is in free fall? Pay a visit to Madison Bowl and you'll understand. The place is an absolute dump. Other than the lanes themselves, nothing has been updated in 40 years. The employees are surly and customer service is nonexistent. They close the bar at 9:30 PM and kick everyone out. The pin setters break down frequently and it takes 10 minutes to get a problem resolved. Looks to me like the owner is waiting for an offer to sell the place so it can be torn down and turned into a parking lot. Avoid this place at all costs. I will never return. read more

I went here with my boyfriend and my sister on Monday night. It's an older bowling alley, so it doesn't have the big computer screens that you type on or anything - it's more old school. But it's nice and clean, the employees are friendly, and on Monday night they had all-you-can-bowl for 3 hours for $9.50 per person (including shoes). We had a great time. read more

Step through the doors of Madison Bowl, and you feel like you've gone through a time machine. The whole place still looks like it's in the late 50s/ early 60s and I absolutely love it. The only hint of "new" technology are the updated video games, and the flat screen tvs that keep score. The prices are totally reasonable, and the alcohol is fairly priced too. I just wish they'd allow you to get a bucket of beers, but I can understand that can be a hassle on a busy night. The workers are friendly and helpful, and I never feel like they don't want you there, as you can feel with some bowling allies. They open at 8 am and close at 3 am (what?!) Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays they are open for 24 hours! That's pretty incredible. In my younger years, I would have been all for going to the bar until it closed, followed by some early AM bowling. read more

Made my first venture to Madison Bowl this week for a work function. The bowling alley has awesome hours ( 24/7 supposedly) and we had a lot of fun. My review is sub par because the place could really use some upgrades. It has retro charm, but it wouldn't hurt them to invest in some upgrades to the facilities themselves. Staff was friendly and helpful, and the prices were reasonable. read more

Came here on a saturday night and only half of the lanes were available. Place is a no frills bowling alley, straight out the Big Lebowski. What made this place was the cheap beers though. a bucket of pbr or high life 5for7$. I had not been bowling for about a decade and thought it was very entertaining and fun. Had everytihing that I would want from a bowling alley. A game and shoes was about $6. read more

We went bowling here on a Saturday night. There was no wait for a lane which was great but this place is really showing its age. Overall, it felt a bit run down and was not very clean, both the bowling lanes or the bathroom. The bar is cash only and the drinks a bit small (yet strong). The prices for bowling were far too expensive. $10.50 per person for 2 games. There were many children bowling at the same time we were which made it difficult to find an adequate bowling ball. read more

Good prices and a good time. Not a fancy bowling alley - just the old school basics. The staff leaves a lot to be desired. They seem not to care and are always rude. Thankfully its just a bowling alley and there's minimal interaction. Good time for a weekday night with a small group of friends. read more

A little dirty inside and the staff do not put in much effort. The older bartender gave us great service. Food is subpar

Pretty ridiculous we bowl weekly and are not allowed to start a new game at 2:20am when they close at 3:00am and we only have 3 bowlers. Do they not want our money? If we aren't done bowling then kick us out? Pretty bummed. read more

This place is great, everything you look for in a bowling alley. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles some of the newer hip places but I don't need all that. It's not the cleanest place either but it didn't bother me at all. Just good vibes and nice lanes. If I was going to join a league this is where I would do it. I attended a company charity event and the staff was very accommodating. read more

Solid little slice of Americana. Good place to roll, cheap date for you and your girl, and it gets both of you up and moving around. The bar was solid too- drank a couple Mad Tree beers, the brewery two blocks away. This is not 'nam, this is bowling; there are rules. read more

I've been bowling at Madison since I was a kid. I worked there for a while as well. My family has worked there and bowled there for as long as I can remember. Madison Bowl is a part of my family and we all love it. It's a great place to go bowl, day or night. It has that retro feel with the necessary updates to keep it modern. Work is still being done and it will continue to improve. I can't wait to see what happens in the upcoming years. Definitely check it out! read more

Can't beat the price of the beer, and the lanes were waxed perfectly. Will make this my home bowling alley.

one star, because I can't go lower. had a terrible time here recently... equipment is so out of date... had to get help after every bowl... heard reasons as being: need to change the oil, need to clean the bowling balls, etc.. i was even told, "i'm off the clock; you'll have to find someone else to help you." one game of bowling turned into a 2-hour nightmare... and no refund given, no anything, other than trying to pass the blame on to someone else... arg. too many other options to go bowling... i won't be back! no clue as to the food... not sure i'd give it a shot, though, after the experience bowling. read more

I stopped in to take a break from the 5 o'clock traffic jam, to show my 5 yr. old what a bowling alley looks like, and to try a burger from their diner. She loved it immediately. She couldn't take her eyes off the bowlers and wanted to sit near them while we ate. We sat at the table closest to the bowlers, and unfortunately too close to the men working at the front desk. They spoke loudly to each other using as many F-bombs as possible and one mentioned he wanted to vomit as he looked our way, I have never felt so unwelcomed! Fortunately one of the bowlers started a conversation with them. The guy at the desk bragged about renting a houseboat with 6 beds for $2000/week. This is a good example of people with money but no class. The burger was good but we won't return because of the warm reception from the front desk. read more

I love the little dinner in this place the lanes are nice but the house balls suck they are the worst anywhere they hurt your hands they are completely miss cut. They suck. This really should improve. Sad! read more

Love this bowling alley! The gentleman at the front desk was friendly and helpful. My husband and I bowled 3 games each and paid $20 including shoes! The food from the diner in the back of the alley was delicious. Try their bean soup! The building seemed clean to me, just older decor. We had a great time bowling today! read more

I bowl in a Senior League on Fridays. Our League starts up in August. Call if interested , its a lot of fun.

I spoke to Debbie the (general manager) on October 18, 2016 and booked a birthday party for my son to be held on Jan 7, 2017 from 3-6pm which included 3 lanes plus the party room. I called to confirm the party on 12-15-16 only to find out that Debbie did not book my party for the date/time requested. I was told to call back and speak with her directly. When I spoke to Debbie, she was very rude and said "so what do you want me to do about it, there is another party being held on that day." This place lacks professionalism and I was pissed to say the least as I have planned for this day since October and she was not even competent enough to book the party correctly. I even asked if I could leave a deposit to ensure my son's spot and was told no. I will NOT patronize this establishment again!!! read more

I had been to Madison Bowl about two weekends ago and I'm happy to say that I had a really good time. It was safe clean, and a very welcoming environment. I am also happy to say that I will be having my 21st birthday party there this Friday. Let's see what you have to offer me now. read more

could use a good renovation, updating and better ball selection, but if your looking for a cheap place to bowl and dont care about the crowd or surrounding, this is the place! read more

Ive been to this bar three times in the past 2 months,the first time my drink was $7, the second time it was $9, the third time it was $11, i complained about fluctuating prices and the 80 year old bartender seemed to have forgotten everything, he looked at me as if i was speaking a different language, i didnt want to be rude to my elders, so i paid and left. But i hope the management sees this and will fix the price fluctuation problem for future patrons because i will never be going back to this 70s deco dump. read more

Terrible bowling alley. After our first game, the computer froze so they had to move us lanes, which we understood. Then at the new lane our bowling balls got stuck and it took them a very long time to fix the issue. We went to the desk to ask them for the third time to get our balls back and the guy there LAUGHED IN OUR FACES and said 'well what do you want me to do about it? That isn't my job" He was extremely rude. We said it was a shame that we paid and have were treated that way when he laughed again and said "you really want ME to give YOU your money back?!" Another guy came over and tried to blame it on the fact that the balls there aren't really there balls so they aren't responsible for them. I'm mean, who cares, just take of the issue. He also said another factor of our balls being stuck for so long was the weather. We eventually got our money back but we will never go back there. I mean, an emoter laughing in our faces when we were trying to be polite to fix the issues? Very lame. read more