Came here with a friend for a fun night of bowling. You have to track the score yourself which was a fun thing to do but also challenged my quick math skills haha. The lanes honestly worked great. Only once we had to reset the lane with the button on the ball return. Lots of ball sizes to choose from too. We came on a Wednesday night and it wasn't busy at all. The worker was super nice too and chatted with us a lot when we were leaving. I didn't give a full 5 stars because I feel like the price is a little expensive. They charge per hour for bowling. But it was good. read more

Saratoga Lanes - Bowling Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Retro bowling alley Not many bowling establishments like this can stand the test of time like this. This space is great for the area and a blast from the past. Enjoy a party or work gathering here anytime. My biggest issue is that they never made accommodations for those with disabilities. Only stairs in and out and a step up to the line. read more

Saratoga Lanes - Bowling Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I'm in LOVE with this place already! The vibes are right up my alley! I'm laidback these days. Don't need to much hype in my life anymore. Just good music, smiles, and positive energy! The bartender pretty cool too. read more

Saratoga Lanes - Pool table! - Bowling Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Incredibly expensive for a bar where the staff is hammered and abrasive. if you're not an established regular, nopoint in trying. crazy. would give zero stars if possible. Jen was drunk the whole time, rude, dismissive, and overcharged. You can't have a dive environment and run a place like that. Slurring words and acting exasperated when we needed something. Unfortunate for an STL staple. The other staff member (Mike)? Just played pool the whole time. read more

I attended a birthday at Saratoga lanes at the end of December and it really was a nice time! Saratoga lanes is very historic once you step inside. Wood paneling and a very strong smell of cigarettes (which is still allowed inside). From what I could tell, there was 1 bartender working and he was also in charge of the bowling shoes, lane set-up, and so much more. He was working is butt off that night! They offer most mixed drinks, some bottled beer and at least 1 beer on tap. They do not offer food (at least I don't think they do). They have a single stall bathroom for women. Not sure about the men's set-up. They have plenty of seating around the bar or at some of the tables near the lanes or pool tables. They have a bunch of pool tables if you do not want to bowl. Our group had a few lanes reserved and those who were bowling were having a good time. I did not bowl, but I learned how to keep score! Saratoga lanes does not have the automatic scoring, so we had to do it by hand! I learned pretty quickly thanks to a friend who bowls often. It's tricky to do, but also kind of fun to have to do math in your head! Brought me back to grade school. Overall, this was a fun night and I think this would be a good place for other group outings. I read more

It honestly pains me to write this review. My partner and I chose Saratoga Lanes as our wedding venue because we truly loved the space. It's nostalgic, charming, and has a laid-back vintage vibe that felt so right for us. We weren't looking for something extravagant--we just wanted a fun, casual celebration with our people, in a place that felt special. Saratoga fit the bill perfectly. During the planning phase, we worked closely with Paige, the owner's daughter and the venue manager. She was warm, professional, and responsive throughout that process. We genuinely appreciated her. She made us feel taken care of, and she understood the relaxed tone we were going for. We didn't have tons of complicated logistics or special requests--just clear communication and a few basic expectations. We were excited and felt like we were in good hands. The night of the wedding, however, didn't reflect the care we felt leading up to it. While our guests had fun and the vibe was festive, there were multiple issues that made the night feel disorganized and, frankly, stressful. Some of it was small stuff-- staff who seemed confused about the timeline, and a bartender who didn't seem to know what was happening. But other things were harder to shake. A few guests had negative interactions with the bartender, Jen. Just to note a few things that transpired. *Jen was rude to our guests even referring to my child as a brat when he asked for a soda. *Jen was extremely intoxicated. I saw her do multiple shots. The excessive drinking led her to erratic behaviors that included rolling on the floor multiple times, slurring, and kicking at guests. *Jen invited her regulars to come up and they handed us money because she allowed them to drink on our tab. *Jen overcharged us by ringing in mixed drinks as doubles. *We asked to be alerted when the tab reached $1500, but this was never done and our tab far exceeded our budget. *Jen interrupted our ceremony after it started and asked us to move to the other side. *Jen asked our guests to leave 2 hours prior to our event being over which resulted in many of our guests leaving because they thought it was ending. What made this more painful was the aftermath. When we reached out to share feedback, it was initially met with care and kindness. We appreciated that--it made us feel heard. Paige expressed that she and her dad were mortified and we were promised a partial refund of the overcharge. Two hours later we were told that due to maintenance issues at their bowling alleys that couldn't happen. We were told that the owner would reach out. Nine weeks later we have yet to hear from him. We want to be clear: this isn't about perfection. We never expected everything to go flawlessly. We know things happen. What we hoped for--and what we feel we were promised--was a level of professionalism and care that would carry through from start to finish. This review isn't meant to tear down a small, local business. That's not who we are. In fact, we're the kind of people who go out of our way to support them. And that's part of why this feels so hard to write--because we wanted to love our experience. We wanted to leave glowing reviews and post heartfelt thank-yous. But the truth is, we left feeling disappointed, hurt, and confused by how things unfolded. There's no doubt Saratoga is a cool venue. It has character, history, and a vibe you won't find anywhere else in St. Louis. That's why we picked it. But the experience didn't live up to what it could have been--and unfortunately, we'll always associate our wedding day with that gap between what we hoped for and what we got. We still had a beautiful night in many ways--thanks to our friends, family, and the love we brought into the room. But the venue experience itself didn't hold up its end of the deal. And when we tried to speak up about that, we weren't met with the empathy or follow-through we had come to expect. We hope this review is taken not as bitterness, but as honesty. If you're considering Saratoga for your event, just go in with clear expectations--and advocate for yourself. We sincerely hope they take future feedback more seriously and deliver the kind of care that couples like us deserve. read more

Cute little vintage 8-lane bowling alley located on the second floor. You keep you own score on a piece of paper, which is easy to do. The lanes work surprisingly well. The balls, however, left much to be desired with their greasiness and nicks, but they work. On a Wed. night games were $4/ea and $3 for shoes rental. There is a parking lot at the side of the building. .|\---/| | o_o | .\_^_/..2021 read more

See all

I thoroughly enjoy bowling at Saratoga Lanes. Great place to visit but it almost certainly will smell of cigarettes. I believe it's the oldest bowling alley in Saint Louis. They only have 8 lanes, and you have to keep score manually, but they also have pool tables. Both are rented on a timer system where you pay only for the time you use at a competitive rate. They don't serve food, but they have a solid bar which also functions as the check-in for bowling or pool. Staff are great. A lot less nonsense going on compared to other alleys in Saint Louis (I've seen many) read more

Saratoga Lanes - Manual bowling score card. - Bowling Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Loved doing this with my husband! Super unique and fun to experience the vintage bowling.

THE BEST PLACE IS SAINT LOUIS!!!!. My oh my this place gives this woman some nostalgia. ITS so fuzzy and warm. The savory smell of pall malls really makes me hAppy. That American flag in the wall, jiminey crickets!!!!!!!. Those white lines on ol glory are clear as mud!!!!!!LOL THE service I will tell ya it's GREAT. Everyone is kind. The music is Loud. Need an APP to play the tunes you wanna cut a rug. I really love this place. !!!! read more

I was visiting St. Louis from LA, and this spot has it's own cool vibe! I've been to so many hip and upcoming bowling areas and this was definitely a change of pace. This spot is was just an old school, straight up this is what you get bowling alley. I've never been to a bowling alley that didn't have big screens with automated scoring. Luckily my husbands friend is part of a bowling alley that knew how to manually score. They offer soda and bottled beer and the vibes were super chill and it was a great spot to chill with friends. They also, like most bowling alleys, have a vending machine with socks, if you happen to forget yours. I was even shocked to see that you are allowed to smoke in doors, if your into that kind of thing. Overall, super fun and I would love to come back when I am back in St. Louis. read more

Bartenders were friendly. Place has a great ambiance. Would recommend it to anyone who wants a private party or a really, really good time.

I've only been here twice, once for a SLUH graduation party, the next time for a wedding reception! Yes a wedding reception at a bowling alley! Well, if you want to get rid of the everyone sitting around a round table with a centerpiece made by the bride type of wedding reception....then this might be an option. It was fun! Open bar, buffet brought in by Vine with all healthy food, pool, bowling, a sundeck to go outside....probably more chance to socialize and talk than a regular reception. The graduation party was also a great time for the boys to hang out together and the parents mingle and socialize one last time also. I give this place 5 stars! A retro bowling alley on the second floor in a revived midtown area (Maplewood in St. Louis County). I like it! read more

See all

Not family friendly/good for kids. I felt very foolish bringing kids here. Definitely nice for a group of friends.

This place is so much fun for a vintage bowling feel. They have 8 lanes with self scoring bowling and number of pool tables. Small second story patio that's fun for events in Maplewood. Great for bowling and good time with friends. Only negatives are the cigarette smoke and limited bar options, but otherwise such a great place for a fun night! read more

This place is the last hold out for smokers. It's definitely not child friendly, but if you value your health and enter at your own risk.

Fun place for a wedding reception! Pool tables, bowling, beverages, and catered food! The place is great, but there is a downside...it smells like cigarette smoke inside! (No one was smoking at our event.). Cigarettes are for sale in their vending machine...which also sells socks in case you have forgotten yours!! read more

Saratoga Lanes - Bowling Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Saratoga Lanes is such a fun place to bowl! The staff are so friendly and welcoming. It is an "old school" bowling with manual scoring. Saratoga is a smaller bowling alley with only a few lanes, which is another reason I like bowling here. They have a small drink selection, pool tables, juke box and smoking is still allowed. No food is served. This is a fun night out with family or friends. Check it out! read more

This place is so fun! It's like stepping into a time machine. It wasn't too busy when we went on a Friday night, which was great because they only have eight lanes. read more

If I could put 0 stars I would. Customer service and communication is not there at all. We were supposed to have a private party here from 11 am - 1 pm. Which the lady I believe her name was Paige, said she put in. We arrived and the doors were locked, and no one was there. We've tried calling multiple times and still no answer. I would think that if we got a confirmation email, that the private service was a yes, apparently not. Also, someone who was invited to the party had came in the day before by mistake and even asked if there was a private party here and employee said no. I am not satisfied, and no I will not come back. If you want business, maybe learn how to run it and maintain it. read more

I got taken here by a crazy woman and a guitar playing beardo. Totally worth it. Cheap drinks, classic atmosphere, and the sexiest pool tables this side of St. Louis. Snack machines, Bowling, indoor smoking... I mean it, pregaming to get into an altercation with the lazy ass staff at the crows nest, this place is your best bet. Looooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvee! read more

I went to Saratoga Lanes with my pathways outing group for bowling yesterday. This is a very cool and cheaper place to go bowling or play with one of the pool tables. It only cost me and the others $5 for both shoe rental and the bowling game. They also have a good price for soft drink at only $3. The male employee named Billy was very nice. He helped one of my group members with turning off our lane knocking down the 9 bowling pins after she hit 9 bowling pins and accidentally reset itself back with 10 standing in the lane. He even gave us the business card for this place. I totally recommend this place if you want to take your group to go bowling or hit balls on the pool table at a cheaper price. read more

Saratoga Lanes - Bowling Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

It's so unfortunate that a great venue is run terribly. Customer service is awful. Apparently the owner Jim is the only one who books the venue for private events, which would be fine, accept that he doesn't return calls, texts, or emails. Ever. When you call the business, they tell you to call Jim. When you message on social media, they tell you Jim is busy but to call or text him. Apparently Jim doesn't want business. I think it might be time for Jim to delegate. read more

Would love to give a better review because it was kind of a cool place but the short-haired hag bartender really should be fired. She must own the place judging by how rude she was. Flat out refused to make me a Long Island ice tea then proceeded to try and lecture me about what's in them. I don't drink them for the taste sweetheart. Bothered us about where we put our drinks when we were bowling, I got the idea she wanted to spike our drinks because she wanted them behind us and out of our sight. I gave her five dollars on a super expensive 100 bill the place is overpriced. Usually I tip 25 percent and I don't feel bad about it. Won't be going back and I'm sure she doesn't care anyway. Just one way a rude employee can ruin an experience I guess boomers are entitled as customers AND employees. read more

It's been a long time since I've had to check for it, but I am disappointed to say this alley still allows smoking. I get that people still smoke, but their website advertises as a family friendly atmosphere. I don't consider exposing my child to second hand smoke family friendly. read more

Bowling at Saratoga Lanes is a historical experience. Saratoga, which turns 101 this year, is one of the last upstairs alleys remaining in the country. Bowling at Saratoga takes visitors back to an era of Americana that simply doesn't exist anymore. Smoking is still allowed and the environs contain enough second and thirdhand smoke where you might as well smoke them if you got them. The electro-mechanical pinsetters from the Eisenhower administration clatter and wheeze behind the scenes, occasionally malfunctioning and requiring the owners to make a trip to the back for a quick reset. Its chrome plated cigarette holders and fiberglass seats are a throwback to a blue collar, working class culture that died with deindustrialization and the rise of white collar yuppie gentrifiers. If you close your eyes you can almost imagine the alley packed with union guys after their shift at the GM or McDonnell Douglas plant. Even if you don't like bowling you should go to Saratoga Lanes at least once to experience what the Rust Belt was like before it rusted over. read more

We are regulars at this place. We played pool there often, but on one night (March 31st, 2021) we got over-charged. They told us that they just recent increased the pool prices, which is completely bullsh*t. We call the next day and ask about the pricing, and they said it is the SAME, no changes. They told us that why we made just a big deal with just a couple of dollars. It's not about the money, it's about the integrity of an longstanding establishment in STL. We will never coming back to this scam of a place!!!! read more

If you went to Saratoga lanes on the 12 of October it was closed till 9pm for a private party. I attended the party. This is a second floor no frills old time bowling alley. Old Brunswick pool tables that have been well preserved and alleys that are one step from the days of pin setters. I have been in this area for years and never knew the place existed. The person of honor of course grew up just down the street from Saratoga and I obviously never knew to look up and see there was a bowling alley. Wow. As mentioned no food but plenty of booze to be had. So if you are looking for something that is a big part of Maplewood history this is a must see. read more

This place is a blast. It'as a second-floor 8-lane bowling alley and has half a dozen or so pool tables. Games are $4, shoe rentals are $3. Scoring isn't automatic, which seemed annoying at first, but wasn't an issue at all -- I might have even liked it better. The staff is awesome and they have plenty of cold beers. We will definitely be back. Pros: friendly staff, down to earth place, tons of fun Cons: only 8 lanes so there might be a wait, smoking is allowed read more

This place is very unprofessional. We play here often so we know how much they charge an hour. The other day they charged us 50% more an hour. When I asked the guy checking us out why does it cost more than before, he said they increased their price. I did not buy it so I called back the next day and was told they still kept their old price. When I explained what happened yesterday to the manager, he rudely said "did i really call to complain about a few dollars" instead of apologizing for overcharging us. Be careful when checking out to make sure you are being charged right. Never coming back. Horrible customer service! read more

Scum of the earth establishment. Will literally scam you for everything you have. Jen will ask you if you want double drinks, will proceed to put 0 alcohol in it, and then charge you double. Absolutely trash bowling alley, bottom of the earth hell scape. Unless you want to get robbed don't go here. read more

Looking for a bowling alley that smells of tobacco, rental shoes, and a bygone era? You've found the place. If the smell of cigarette smoke really bothers you, you're going to have complaints. But if you can settle into some chairs that were made before Carter was in office, slip on some quintessentially old-school bowling shoes, and take in the special magic that only timeless dives can provide, then you're going to love it here. There is NO automatic scoring (some people find that needlessly complicated, some people find it charming). This place has pool, drinks, classic bowling, and lots of character. Oh, and really, really kind staff/proprietors. Bottom line: if you need fancy, keep movin'. If you can appreciate relics of a time when doctors told us to smoke, motor cities were booming, and people drank scotch at lunch, then it's a must-visit. St. Louis classic. read more

I'm not so sure what the hype is all about. Okay, this place has been open since... um, before my time. It smells like lung cancer and there is no automatic scoring... which I guess has its pros and cons. I don't know why, but it just doesn't do it for me. read more

And on the 9th day, there was bowling AND pool! Saratoga Lanes is Epiphany Lanes bad-A older brother. He smokes, lives upstairs, above the garage, drinks alcohol, open late. Sometimes there's cops outside searching a car. You want to come here if it's Friday night, 10:30pm and you just don't FEEL like sitting still in a movie theater and you kind of want to here Cheap Trick on the Juke box, ya know? Play some pool, have a cheap drink, score your own bowling. Air your clothes out before you walk into your parents house after last call though, cause it's smoking all over this joint (sic). *cough* read more

My work throws their "Ring in the New Year" party here every year since I've been employed and I have to say the venue is just a lot of fun. Probably one of the best hybrid's of bar and bowling in the Saint Louis area. There are plenty of pool tables that are in relatively good shape, darts, jukebox for music and plenty of TV's around the bar to catch the game so if you don't bowl or you just came up to have a drink there is plenty for you to do. Since I've never actually paid for a drink at this place I'm not sure about the prices but the bartenders pour like masters and the service was excellent all night and all of my co-workers enjoyed themselves, some more than others. The bowling lanes are kept in pretty nice shape and it is almost like somewhere I'd find The Dude, Donny and Walter hanging out together drinking some Colt 45. Only downside is the stairs. After party's where drinks are paid for it may be a little bit of a challenge to negotiate those on the way down to Sutton to hail a cab. Also, now a non-smoking venue now. read more

Fun authentic bowling lanes in one of the only upstairs bowling alleys left in the nation (The Post-Dispatch commented on this before). They have an awesome jukebox and a nice set of 5 (or 6?) quality 9-foot billiard tables - some of the nicest and fastest billiard cloth in town. The people that work here have ALWAYS been friendly when I have been here. There is a snack vending machine, but otherwise, no food served here. But Tiffany's Diner and The Wood is just a few doors down, Maya Cafe is across the street, and Jimmy John's and Boogaloo are just around the corner. Bowling and billiard leagues are also available. read more

Most authentic kitchy-cool bowling alley I've been to! It's incredibly smokey, but it seriously feels like you stepped back into 1972. The drinks are incredibly cheap, there's pool and bowling - without any laser lights, dry ice, or britney videos. I love this place! read more

Finally finally made it to Saratoga last weekend! Talked to the guy at the bar/shoe rental, he says they are booked for private parties like 47 weekends out of 52. So this is a difficult place to just show up and bowl. Call ahead. I loved the old ball return and the vibe, did not love the smoking but it was ok when I was there. Also the balls do not list what weight they are. Hope you are good at math or have a bowling score app, you do the scoring yourself. Overall great place, and at least now if the bowling is full you can walk down the street to Orbits pinball! read more

Fun place to hang out with friends or family! The pool tables are $10/hour, so you're free to play as long or as little as you'd like. They have a Touch Tunes machine which allows you to pick your own music. Only complaint is that when no one has put money in, the whole place is silent. You would think they would at least have a radio station on that would automatically turn off/on based on the Touch Tunes machine. Bowling is always fun here! Self scoring and has a vintage feeling! The bar is great, plenty of options from draft beer and bottled beer to wine and spirits. read more

The Saratoga Lanes is small, smoky, and yet, still a whole lot of fun. The Saratoga Lanes is located up on the second story, yeah; it's on the second floor. That's awesome. The first time that I went to the Saratoga I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Here I was in Maplewood away from the other restaurants and bars, parking beside an old huge brick building, walking around and going up a narrow staircase. My first thoughts of the place were more or less, "What is this that we are walking into?" Well, we ended up walking into awesomeness. The Saratoga has only eight lanes for bowling, but they also have pool tables and a good size bar, so if you are not able to get a lane, there are other things to do. The Saratoga is a great place to go with friends for some fun. I have always enjoyed myself each time that I've gone there. Of the times that I've been there I think that I have only bowled once or twice, but that does not really matter because of the fun that I have had there. The Saratoga fun place to spend the night with friends. read more