The place is fun and exciting, with an arcade and a bowling alley. We came on a Wed for karaoke and it was great! In addition, when I was in the ladies' room washing my hands, I observed an employee washing her hands very thoroughly. I commented how uplifting that was and how it built my confidence in the place, as it was my very first time here. Her name is Cindi, and I hope her bosses recognize her for this. It may seem like a small thing, but it's not. If someone pays attention to the "smaller things," they will pay attention to larger things. read more

Having zero expectations for bowling alley food, I was impressed. It's like bar food that ate a Flinstone Vitamin read more

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Clean and friendly bowling establishment. Went Tuesday 9-11 pm. Bowling is $11 with shoe rental. The after dark bowling includes 2 hours of bowling for $14.99. Transform into a "club-like" atmosphere with music and a light show Bar staff was great and suggested awesome drinks read more

The bartender is the best makes us feel at home always. Love Samatha come back just to see her every time. Makes amazing cocktails and makes us laugh. read more

I went to spare time for a birthday party. It was my first time inside and the workers assigned to us were attentive and helpful. The kids had a blast bowling and then doing laser tag. The arcade games naturally are pricey for little win back chance or prizes but I feel like that's everywhere now. I didn't personally try the food so I am unsure how it is. I can't give it full stars since I didn't try the whole place. It is a cute place for a visit or maybe a party. The security guard/worker was extra helpful to one of our kids as well which was sweet. read more

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We went for drinks and to hang out with an old work crew. This place has changed and for the better. Happy Hour specials, cool bartenders, decent food, the Buffalo chicken wrap was fire!! We played laser tag, it was definitely a fun time and all the staff we interacted with were amazing! This is our new Monday hangout read more

Don't go here. Dirty food is trash. Parking lot is sketchy. All around gross environment. Not one employee understands professionalism nor could spell the word. read more

There are two reasons Spare Time Bristol lost a start. They need more help in the restaurant / bar area. There needs to be a machine to buy the cards to play games on both sides of the arcade. The sign directed us to seat ourselves and we sat at least 15 min before my husband had to go up to the bar and ask for menu's. It was not at all the fault of the very nice waitress that helped us. This poor women was both waitressing and serving drinks at the bar. The bowling alley was packed and even though it was daytime it had a glow or moonlight bowling vibe. We did not bring our bowling balls with us so we did not get to check out the lanes. The video games were cool. Big versions of classic games such as Pac Man, Galaga, Space Invaders. The four of us had lots of fun at Connect Four Hoops and air hockey. There were plenty of games of skills for tickets. Of course like most arcades all the decent prizes cost Alot of tickets. We finished our day off at Axe throwing. They had rubber axes but the game was sort of broken. After we swiped our cards the belt that brings the rubber axes closer to play was not working. My sister in law saved the day by putting her leg out and pulling the belt towards us. After a few minutes of doing that the belt finally moved. Overall a fun time! read more

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fun place to come for date night or with friends. plenty to do: bowl, laser tag, arcade games. costed about $22 for a si gke game of bowling, plus $25 for a card to play the games. games can range between $1.50-$3.00 each. bowling is half off on Tuesdays! read more

Spare Time Bristol - Laser Tag Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

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We are so glad that our friend told us about this place and the Kids Bowl Free program. We signed up for the Kids Bowl Free program and I also signed up our family for a bowling program so that we can play free and just rent the shoes. Our first visit here was with two other families. We rented two lanes for five kids and five adults. We came at noon, so that we can eat lunch together and bowl a few games. The food was decent for what we paid. The waitress was attentive. The kids had a great time bowling, but they loved the laser tag and arcade games. This is a great place to get together with friends. We'll definitely be back. read more

Sparetime is a great place to host a birthday celebration. There's tons of fun stuff to keep kids and adults entertained for hours. First is of course the new up to date bowling area with lounge seating and tons of lanes. They even had cute little dinosaur ramps to help the younger aged kids be able to participate in the bowling game. There is a full dine in restaurant and bar right in the same area which is perfect for ordering drinks and extra food. The party ordered a 50-60sliced pizza that was named the "Goliath". It was ginormous! I never seen a pizza that big and thought it was so cool. After we ate and bowled, the whole other side was an arcade filled with games and fun stuff for everyone to do. They had an area for virtual reality and even a seperate enterance for laser tag. After the kids were done with the games they accumulated points on the cards and shopped at a gift shop to redeem them. They even had a scavenger hunt to find the elf on the shelf and won a 5$ game zone card for the next visit. We had a great time! read more

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I wish I could rate these separately. I would give the arcade 5 stars. We had so much fun. Great selection of games. The VR is super cool! The restaurant however was a debacle. We (a party of 2 people) were the only ones in the restaurant at the start. There were maybe 10 other people by the time we left. Hardly bustling. It took over an hour for us to be served a snack and a sandwich. Food was mediocre and brought at separate times so one was cold before the other was served. Never once did the server check on us to see if we needed anything or offer to refill a drink. I had to go to the bar to track down our check because she wasn't coming around. I left no tip, something I have never done, and it was warranted. I was waiting patiently at the bar to explain why but our server just kept walking right by me ignoring me. Made me certain it was the right choice. We'll be sure to eat elsewhere before we go back for the games. read more

All I can say is WOW. I went to spare time today (a Saturday afternoon) for a kid's birthday party, and I expected your typical, dingy, run of the mill bowling alley. This was not that at all! Walking in, it is immediately clear that there were significant renovations. Everything looks new and is very clean, a word I never use in connection with a bowling alley. When you walk in the front door, there is a huge arcade in front with a laser tag area as well. This arcade isn't quite as big as say a Dave and Busters but it's pretty close! To the right is where you check in and beyond that is a very modern and clean bar/eating area. The bowling lanes on the left are just as nice with huge tv screens above the lanes playing music videos. The bowling was great, my son loved the arcade, and the pizza was good (excellent for bowling alley pizza). The atmosphere is five stars! So much better than expected and probably the nicest bowling alley I've ever been in. Highly recommend! read more

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The staff was very friendly! Had a ton of fun in the arcade. The drinks at the bar are always amazing, i highly recommend the pineapple mule. The bowling is always fun, we went with a group of 12, took two lanes. We had a great time and our server was AMAZING! All the food came out quickly and was cooked fresh and hot! read more

It's exactly what you expect at a bowling alley - nothing to recommend Games are fun and place is clean read more

This place has great updates. Love their salads. I have had the pizza before and it was decent but it was different this time? Definitely not very good. I think it was the cheese. Need to revamp. All the other food I've had has been good, better than bar food. Kids had a great time loved the color changing straws. read more

Super clean and vibrant place for friends and family joy. Lot of kool activities. Friendly staffs and delicious food. Highly recommended. Laser tags closed earlier than bowling.check out their promotions. read more

This was the best bowling alley I have been to. Great food and drinks at the restaurant. The service was top notch. Loved my waitress that assisted us right at our bowling lane. My kids had a good time . The arcade was also amazing. This place was clean and presentable. read more

Updating- had a wonderful visit tonight. We were placed in lane 20- more than 10 lanes away from the nearest bowler. I realize it was dead tonight- but it worked out well for me and my son. We ordered food- everything was excellent- homemade flatbread, hand. Breaded chicken tenders and southwest egg rolls. Everything tasted great! We will return read more

Spare Time Bristol - Southwest egg rolls and personal pepperoni flatbread. - Laser Tag Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

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A amazing experience at spare time bowling and entertainment! If you book a party it will come with 4 pizzas with 2 buckets of chicken wing and tenders! You will also get a staff member for the whole party!! Their arcade is a great place for your family members who will love their selection of games! Great time at Spare time! read more

First time at Spare Time, fun but service at the restaurant was s l o w. There were 3 people working from what I could see and one host who was doing his best. We left after 20 mins because a waiter/waitress hadn't come to the table. Good for bowling, laser tag and arcade games though. read more

This place is so fun! Clean and ample parking! Great place to bowl! Wish they had more bowling specials.

I had a birthday party for my 6year old son. I paid for the 2 hours of bowling package only and let me tell you, two hours was too many hours for 6 year olds. The bowling was set up by staff. She input the names into the screen. The food was brought out fairly quickly. The chicken tenders were surprisingly good. They WEREN'T encrusted with layers of bread crumbs and hardly any chicken. The pizza was slightly below avg. nothing special about the pizza but was good enough for 6 year olds that care less about what they are eating. What stole the show was actually the bowling pin souvenir!! I was very impressed by it. I didn't expect an actual bowling pin. I expected something cheap and light and probably plastic. Tip: I wouldn't buy a birthday package for 6year olds or less. Maybe a 8 year old and above would appreciate the bowling option for 2 hours but if YOUR 6 year old would like to bowl for two hours than rock on! I also bought 5 cards for the five kids and they played video games. Some games are worth the amount they ask for and some are just highway robbery. Another sad moment was the gift shop for the tickets you win for playing the games was closed. Who's honestly going to save these game cards and NOT lose them? The likelihood of me saving them until I return again will be unlikely. :( Overall it was a good time. They were clean. They were neat and in order and the place looks nice and is appealing. It's not a rinky dink kind of place. read more

Spare time has underwent a lot of great new renovations. The game room offers a ton of classic and modern arcade favorites. The laser tag arena is SWEEEET and hosts a large action packed floor for laser tag groups of 2-32 or so. Bowling is an American tradition. They do it well! The new restaurant is modern looking with a very hip feel, and the food is really done well (I had boneless wings) read more

These lanes are dog water....no oil.. ball is doing nothing.I have expensive high profile balls.

I would give a Zero star! I have known this place for many years and have done many event and Birthdays! I want to do a Birthday party for April 2023 and they don't even want to talk on the phone or in person!!! all they say is go online.. and the options over there are limited or not there. VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE EVEN BEFORE I GIVE THEM MY BUSINESS!!! I will stay away from this place and also advice others to stay away! Some of my friends told me they had a poor experience with SPARETIME and I thought it was just one off.. till I experienced it first hand. Seems like a Nasty management or people. There's Tons of other better places !!! Stay away from SPARETIME especially Bristol CT location read more

I go here pretty often. It's a nice place the atmosphere is always good. But I went there today and the lady working at the register wasn't really friendly. She was an older blond lady I think she's one of the managers she's usually here very often. She always seems to have an attitude when my friend and I come in even though we're nothing but friendly and patient. Maybe she should be retrained in customer service. read more

We've/I've been going to sparetime since way before the face lift. The food was decent bar food, nothing special but pretty good. Go here generally for the arcade for the kids. Stopped there to have dinner tonight in the new restaurant are which looks nice and all. Got a cheese pizza and this pizza came out looking like it had baked to death but that wasn't it. The dough was thinner than paper. Cheese was crusted like it was baked for eternity. And not just mine. Our friends pizza as well.. it was comically bad! read more

My med school class had a large event here in the spring, and it was seriously the highlight of our graduation week! Between the bowling, the food, the laser tag, and the arcade, we all had a blast! We started off with a few games of bowling. The bowling lanes look new and work great. It was easy and quick to get our bowling shoes. We had a snack food buffet, and everything was surprisingly delicious (I say "surprisingly" only because no one goes to a bowling alley expecting good food). The mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, chicken tenders, and nacho bar, among others, were a junk food delight. We also had a signature drink, which I heard was fruity and perfect, but I opted for an Icee instead, and it hit the spot. We also got to play a game of laser tag, which was a riot. I can't remember the last time I played laser tag, but we were all screaming, laughing, and having a blast. Finally, we all got $10 worth of arcade games on preloaded cards that were easy to swipe and use. They have a seriously large arcade with a great variety of games (some better than others), and we enjoyed not only the games themselves but also getting to buy prizes with our tickets like the seven-year-olds we secretly are. I went home with four warheads and two fun dips, while my husband got the coveted Chinese finger trap! Overall, a really fun way to spend a whole afternoon. read more

Spare Time is a great family friendly establishment to bring your kids to on a lazy afternoon. While the kids enjoy the arcade or bowl a few games, I can enjoy a grown up drink at the full bar. Everyone wins! read more

I would have loved to give this a great review, arcade is great and we love bowling, but I brought my 8 year old daughter there to bowl for a father daughter night, and there were many other families there as well. They were playing videos that were basically pornographic. Zooming in on women in g strings and cameras zooming in closely? Videos like this consistently playing and apparently this is the norm here. It was basically like taking my family to a strip club. Paid 100 to have my daughter see things I can't allow her to unsee. Should be illegal. Don't recommend this to families until they don't want play dirty videos for kids. read more

I go here pretty often. It's a nice place the atmosphere is always good. But I went there today and the lady working at the register wasn't really friendly. She was an older blond lady I think she's one of the managers she's usually here very often. She always seems to have an attitude when my friend and I come in even though we're nothing but friendly and patient. Maybe she should be retrained in customer service. read more

So it was a gross day outside and we went to spare time to play laser tag. It was early afternoon the laser tag wasn't open until 5pm. The games were ok but nothing special. Super disappointing that the laser tag opening is very limited. How can you advertise something that isn't even open? read more

I feel it is most necessary to leave an updated review, as Spare Time just reopened with an entirely different looking entertainment center! They closed for a few weeks and when they reopened, I was excited to bring my family for their Sunday $12 unlimited bowling and shoes from 6 to midnight deal (Yes I said Midnight! They extended their hours :) ). Now, for anyone who remembers this as the Bristol Ten Pin, it will be super shocking to go in and see they're operating with approximately 1/3 of the lanes that used to be there. They changed the look from wholesome family bowling to a swanky, club like atmosphere- still family appropriate, but also now date night appropriate, girls nite out appropriate, bachelorette party appropriate... just overall more adult. Leatheresque wraparound couches and mocha colored coffee tables replaced the old gray swivel chairs and tables with 50's retro style bowling design at each lane. No longer are there banners and leaderboards at the end of the lanes showcasing local bowling achievements, but rather there are gigantic TVs at the end of the lanes playing music and advertisements. (I wonder if during league time those screens can turn into digital leaderboards? I'll have to go and check.) Now, bowling is only a small fraction of what Spare Time does, versus it being their main gig. For patrons of City Sports cafe, the longtime sports bar attached to the bowling alley, they will be in for a shock to see the new changes. City Sports is now a full-service restaurant. They broke down the walls barricading the establishment from the bowling area, and now the restaurant feels like it is part of the building and not a side-venture. It looks beautiful and fancy, but to be honest it was dead when we went. No patrons at the bar or tables (maybe that's how Sunday evenings go, or maybe people didn't realize they've reopened as a full service restaurant?) made it appear like a ghost town in there. Upon looking at the menus, it appears their prices are aligned with similar establishments like Dave and Buster's. The arcade area has also expanded and now features an area where you can play virtual reality games. It seems really cool, except the area is in the open, so customers can see as you aimlessly flail your arms into the air, but can't see quite what you're doing. I would try it if it were offered in a more private area. They still have Laser tag like before, and I am unsure if they made changes inside the laser tag arena, as we did not do laser tag. Overall, Spare Time definitely made some upgrades, and I think it depends on the person if those upgrades are worth it. I doubt those who utilize the lanes for serious league bowling enjoy the lessening of the lanes, but for people looking for more fun activities to do in one location, I think Spare Time will truly suit their needs. read more

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They have one heck of a redemption and amusement arcade. However, what got me in was the word pinball was in here. Sadly, the pinball machine, which was released just five years ago is trashed. I've never seen a pinball machine in worse mechanical or visual shape in an arcade or bar. Don't go there for that. However, do go for the arcade games! Monopoly is a great time, the Wizard of Oz coin pusher is expensive but also fun. I can't speak for the bowling lanes or the bar, but as far as the arcade goes, wonderful. People at front desk were very nice as well. Temperature in the establishment was very comfortable. read more

Spare Time Bristol - Laser Tag Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

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Super fun but also very expensive. I do think it's with the hit to the pocket book every once in a while

Staff is friendly. Pizza and Stromboli (all flavors) are delicious! Salads are just okay. . . Premade.

I don't often re-review places, but after Spare Time's recent renovation, it's almost an entirely new place and is now a must-visit in Bristol! Gone is the old layout of City Sports Grille which often drew a less-than-desirable clientele and atmosphere. In is a newer, sleeker, better dining experience that's less "loud, open sports bar" and more "intimate, modern bar/restaurant that also shows sports" which is a huge plus in my book. There's no longer an open space for live bands to play, and I'm totally okay with that. City Sports is now much more a part of the larger Spare Time location. Previously, it was closed-off almost as a separate entity that just happened to be attached to a bowling alley. Now, it's more opened up to the alley and the also recently updated arcade/laser tag/gaming area that I believe does a much better job at attracting parties and crowds who want to do more than just bowl. In a town with not a ton of entertainment, Spare Time & City Sports Grille is worth checking out! read more

Lanes are really heavy on the oil. Great for just having a good time. Doesn't not even compare to Thomason lanes Thomason lanes on top Left after 45 minutes and went straight to Thomason lanes read more

TLDR Version - Easy reservation process, good communication with their party coordinator, good food and well organized. Remodeled beautiful and clean facility with very nice bar, restaurant, bowling and arcade. Kids were very happy. We had our daughter's birthday party at Spare Time this past weekend (11.9.19). I set up the reservation through their website and was called soon thereafter to confirm. I was contacted a few days before by Callie, their party coordinator, to confirm guest count. We arrived just a few minutes before the party started to find our bowling lanes were ready to go. Our assigned staff member wrangled the kids and got them entered into the bowling system. She got them each shoes and they were able to play for quite a while. Pizza and drinks were served. All the kids really enjoyed the pizza and there was even enough for the parents. After bowling the kids were taken over to laser tag. The staff member took care of returning shoes and even getting them all over to the laser check-in. They all had a great time playing laser tag! After they were each given an arcade card, pre-loaded. Again, they all had fun. The biggest thing for us was not having to worry about anything. Our staff member (wish I remembered her name) had the party down to the minute. It gave us parents the time to catch up with friends and even have a beer (of which the bar had a great selection)! I have been to Spare Time before their remodel and they really did a great job with it. The bar and restaurant are really nice. The video games are all current and in great shape. Laser tag is always such a great time. We would definitely host another party at Spare Time. My daughter is already asking if she can have next year's there! read more