Came in Saturday 1/31/26 around 10pm after a show at the DeVos. It's pretty loud with all the bowling and music. But we could still have a conversation. Bar service was great! Very friendly. Drinks were delicious and reasonably priced! Not always the case in GR. We hope to come back and bowl another time! read more

Woodrows Duckpin - Two espresso martinis! - Bowling Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Haters will say that duckpin bowling isn't real bowling, but an astute mind will realize: Does it even matter? When you've had a drink or two, it's all just throwing balls and knocking things over. Woodrows Duckpin is the only duckpin bowling alley in Grand Rapids, as far as I can tell. It's a great place to get a drink and knock things over. In fact, you should be aware that you can only get things to drink here -- they don't sell any food. But you're welcome to bring in your own food. We opted to just get beverages (sodas for kids, beer and wine for the adults) and eat elsewhere after we played. You can reserve a lane for an hour at a time. An hour of duckpin bowling was more than enough for me and my family! Games go by quickly, and I think we played three games in about 45 minutes, then peaced-out with 15 minutes left on our tab. (But we had our fun and got our money's worth.) Duckpin bowling uses smaller balls that are more lightweight than regular bowling balls, so it's easier for young kids to play. Think skee ball, but on a slightly larger scale. Honestly, I think I prefer duckpin bowling to regular bowling! It feels more laid-back and less serious. There's a nice lounge in Woodrows Duckpin, which is pleasant to sit in when you're not playing, or if you're waiting for your lane to be ready. Woodrows is also attached to the Amway Grand Plaza, so if you're staying at that hotel, it's just a quick jaunt downstairs. read more

I've been duckpin bowling twice now, and have had fun both times. The first time I went was on a Friday a few months ago with some friends from college, and it was definitely very busy. Did not order food, but I did get a drink. The bar was very full, but I could tell the staff was doing their best. The second time I went was on a recent Thursday, and I was surprised with how empty the space was. This time, I did not have to wait for my drinks. . Both times I visited, I won the game so, that definitely enhance my experience. Hehe. Duckpin bowling is basically miniature bowling. I think the interface and programming also adds to the whole experience as it's very user-friendly. When planning to visit, I recommend reserving your spot online, as that is the easiest way to guarantee you will have a spot.... even if the space is not busy. I have had friends who have stopped in when it wasn't busy and because of the lack of foot traffic, they had closed early. Woodrows is connected to the Amway, so if you park in their garage, they do validate parking with a discount voucher. Price is $45 for one hour in one lane. Overall a very fun and interactive experience in Grand Rapids. 4/5!!! read more

Woodrows Duckpin - Bowling Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

Woodrows Duckpin hosted a business outing for us this past week, and although I never got a chance to try the actual bowling, I wanted to leave an experience review here. The location is absolutely lovely, they've done a great job with the space. Bathrooms are single, gendered rooms with plenty of space - which is helpful if you have young ones. The staff are friendly, and quick to help. Tvs on every wall surface allow you to stay on top the scores; however, they had the same game on every TV which is...interesting? They've got a great selection on tap and otherwise, but I'd stay away from handcrafted cocktails. I judge a bar by its ability to craft an old fashioned - and this was something they could not handle (neither bar tender). Would we go back? Heck yes - but stick to drafts or canned cocktails for sure. read more

Woodrows Duckpin - Bowling Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

It's about time duckpin bowling made it to GR! A group of six of my girlfriends and I went for a happy hour event, and had a great time! We went after work on a Wednesday, and thankfully made a reservation. They were pretty busy for a weekday. A larger group left right before us, and there were a few other groups while we were there. The game itself is super fun; its like bowling meets ski-ball. I didn't really like the pre-set games you have to choose from. The system was a little confusing, and you have to select while game you want to play, but it doesn't really explain the differences. And the graphics that play on the screens are weird and confusing. There is plenty of seating, but it's a little challenging for a group of our size. There wasn't a large enough table for everyone, and not enough tables in the space for us to use two. So a few of us kind of awkwardly sat on the benches to eat and chat with everyone else. Speaking of eating, there is a taco counter to order from, and also a full bar. They are separate entities though, so food and drinks will be on separate checks. For drinks, there is a bartender. For food you place your order on an app and pick up from the counter. It wasn't the most straightforward ordering system, but the food was pretty good! I had a quesadilla with a (fully not worth $3) side of guac. Overall it wasn't perfect, but was still a good time. I can definitely see myself going back! It would be fantastic if they validated parking... read more

See all

Duckpin bowling has arrived in Grand Rapids! I'd heard of this game while visiting other cities so it's exciting to have something different in town. Duckpin bowling uses smaller pins and smaller balls with no holes. The pins are attached to strings and each player has three rolls per frame. The lanes are shorter than regular ten pin bowling as well. Woodrows Duckpin is located in the former GP Sports bar in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel downtown. Our group of six people arrived around 3 pm on a Saturday and there was about an hour wait. We put our name on the list and got a text when our lane was ready. Our lane had a designated table and was also next to a chair rail with bar stools which was great to hold our jackets and drinks. I think each lane gets their own table. Each lane can accommodate up to six players and the venue has seven lanes total. They charge $30 per hour, not per game, and the timing was very strict - it started counting down on the screen at 10 minutes. We had a couple of people in our group who didn't get to finish out the final frames as the lane totally shut down. Nate wasn't thrilled about that, but now we know for the future. It took us a little time at the beginning to get settled, order drinks, figure out the game, etc. so just know that it does cut into your playing time on the lane. There's a taco counter inside the bar where you can get food, but they also say you can bring food in. They have a full bar and some cocktail options listed on the website, but we weren't offered a cocktail menu or given those options when we were there. Beer prices are higher than at most local spots ($8 for a White Claw, $7 for a Bell's Two Hearted), but I guess that's to be expected for a downtown hotel establishment. Beware as their beer menu was really difficult to read on a phone (small red text on a navy blue background). The screen on our lane mentioned something about an app that you can download to apparently reserve a lane ahead of time, which might be a good idea since it was pretty busy when we were there. We saw lots of families with kids, older couples, and groups of friends all enjoying this fun activity. I had a blast and can't wait to go back and bring some more friends. It seems easier than regular bowling and goes a little quicker. read more

See all

I went on a double date here this past weekend, and had a good time!! We stayed for an hour, and were able to get 2 games in during our time. This is a fun and unique place for a night out in Grand Rapids. My 2 "complaints"... it is so, so loud... it seems louder to me then an actual bowling alley. And it can be really crowded on the lanes. I had 4 people in my group, but the group next to us literally had 12 people in their group. It made us feel really squished, and honestly didn't give us any free space to move around. There should 100% be a limit to the amount of people on each lane. If it wasn't so crowded, I think it would have been a much more enjoyable time!! read more

Woodrows Duckpin - Woodrows Duckpin located in the Amway Grand in downtown Grand Rapids. - Bowling Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

I wasn't at all familiar with duckpin bowling prior to our visit. We were invited to a birthday party where I discovered duckpin bowling is smaller on the bowling and larger on the fun! The lanes set up are shorter than your typical bowling lane, and all of the balls are the same size. This is a game more of skill than of strength, which is perfect for someone like me who struggles with arthritis in her hands and can't always lift a typical heavy bowling ball. The Saturday our lane was reserved was Art prize and we expected it to be busy but to our surprise we found out that we had the place to ourselves. After a brief check-in, where we were warmly greeted and set up to play. Playing is pretty straightforward with the only exception being instead of only two tries duckpin bowling allows you three tries to knock down 10 pins. There were six of us, and we almost finished in the hour we were allotted, but did end up needing about 15 extra minutes to complete the 10 frame game. They have a bar area and you have the option of ordering food from the nearby Wolfgang's kitchen. It's not the easiest place to get into located inside of the Amway grand and parking downtown can sometimes be challenging but overall it was a lot of fun and I would definitely return read more

See all

Stopped in on a Saturday around 12pm with my two young kids and my sister. There were open lanes and we thought why not!? The space has been redone very nicely since its GP Sports days. There are lots of seating options and nice couches / benches near the lanes. They have 3 lanes downstairs and I believe 4 upstairs. Lanes are pretty tight together but unlike normal bowling lanes, these are half the size and so are the balls. This is a fun and unique take on bowling and my boys loved it! There are no bumper options for small kids, but you get 3 tries for each turn. I like the fact that they have different games or ways to place and it's all virtual and easy to maneuver on the screens. I love that you dont have to rent nasty shoes to do this, either! They have a nice alcohol menu with all sorts of beer, cocktails, wine, etc. Our server did let us know they had mimosa flights, too. Service was great - very attentive and helped us with the lane when we had any issues (mostly the 3 year old not throwing the ball hard enough and it getting stalled in the middles). I was pleasantly surprised at how cheap it was! For 2 adults and 2 kids it was only $30 for an hour (you pay per time frame). The ONLY downside I see is their lack of food. They have an inhouse taco truck but it doesn't open until 4pm. However, they do allow you to bring in outside food. I'd prefer a small finger food menu to graze on while playing, especially for kiddos. Regardless of food, we will be back! read more

Points for new fun activity and venue. Not the best first date option but definitely a group spot. Be warned that it's LOUD. Between the crowd and the open space reverberating the sounds of the bowling balls hitting the lanes or was tough to hear anyone talk but the bowling itself was a really cool experience. There were a ton of bowling game options to choose (maybe too many), but the direction from the host for using the tablet controller was really helpful. The staff was hospitable and friendly and the lane was affordable for the hour especially for a group of 4 at $42 an hour. Well worth trying. Reserving a lane online was really simple. read more

Fabulous venue! We had a 50th surprise party for my husband at Woodrow's and I was beyond impressed. Alex made the planning process so easy and stress free. I loved that I had several options for catering. I chose Kitchen 67 and they too did an amazing job and provided the most delicious and affordable buffet for my guests to enjoy. If you have a special event coming up or if you are just looking for a fun night out, Woodrow's is definitely a must try destination in Grand Rapids! read more

I went there to play duckpin bowling, which was a blast. I didn't eat or drink there but the servers kept checking in. However I think it's crazy that they charge you 10.00 for reservation for duckpin, it's expensive enough without being charged a reservation charge. Has anyone ever heard of that? I haven't read more

Met here for a birthday gathering. The pricing is $40 per hour for reservations however $30 per hour for walk ins, don't quite understand that, with a recommended 6 to a lane. You are allowed to bring in food however they have a full bar to order from. Their prices for cocktails/shots we felt was overkill, $18 shot of cognac?! The drinks were also VERY watered down or filled with juice and minimal alcohol, recommend drinking canned beer there. It's a small place and gets crowded very fast. Don't like that you have to walk in the front of people playing their games anytime you walk from the bar area to entrance. The actual activity is pretty fun, shorter lanes than bowling and fast paced. We will have no reason to return however there were plenty of people with their kids and the kids seemed to be enjoying the experienced. read more

Woodrows Duckpin - Bowling Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

We came here on a Thursday at 7pm and there was no availability until Friday at 11pm. Would have been awesome to know on their website before we drove two hours to come here with this as the main event planned. read more

Not a bad spot downtown if your looking for something to do. $30/hr for a lane for 6 ain't bad at all. Stocked bar with almost any drinks you could want. Staffed to the max right now, half the staff wasn't doing sh!t when we were there. Definitely add this in the Rotation for downtown. Also cute little taco joint in there too. read more

Despite the hefty price on an hour of bowling and sometimes, very long wait- the drinks are yummy, great wait staff, and a very fun way to spend an evening on a super cute date or with your kiddos. I did notice when we were there that most were adults or teens. Parking can be a bit of a mess as it's part of the Amway, however we went on a Tuesday evening and was super easy to make reservations and find parking. read more

We had a party of 10 at Woodrows Duckpin last night. It was so much fun, the serves was excellent, very clean, and the food was very good! I would highly recommend this establishment. read more

Woodrows Duckpin - Duckpin Alley - Bowling Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Awesome atmosphere, super fun place and extremely happy bartenders. Highly recommend!

This place is amazing! Connected to the Amway hotel it's so easily accessible. It's an affordable night out and the drinks are very yummy. My boyfriend and I went and it was the perfect date night. We played multiple games and our server was fantastic. Highly recommend this as a date night or meeting a bunch of friends. read more

Super fun! Duck pin bowling is not your typical bowling. Staff was great, drinks and tacos were good, definitely recommend!!

I have been to woodrows several times since it first opened. The staff are very attentive and respectful. Knowledgeable on their drinks and take time to meticulously put together the garnishes. I've always enjoyed the atmosphere woodrows has created and strived to maintain. It's fun and laid back. All the best parts of bowling without throwing your arm out trying to get a strike with a heavy ball. I will say that out of the dozen or so times I've been here I have never experienced what the other reviews have stated. In my personal opinion it seems to me more of an entitlement issue than a staffing issue as I have always had nothing but the best experience everytime I've hung out here. Weather it being for the bowling or just for the drinks. As for the noise, well it's a smaller place so noise is to be expected. This place also doesn't burn and turn employees like many other bars so everytime I've gone in its been the same smiling faces and the utmost respect towards me and anyone I bring in. I've also never had a single watered doen drink at woodrows. I always look forward to the new cocktail menu drops in order to try new things and have walked out of there more than happy with my cocktail adventures. I will continue to go here for many of my occasions. read more

Great space with friends and delicious cocktails! Way more fun than regular bowling... I can actually knock down a few pins! Super fun staff! read more

Submitted the form for a private event online and heard nothing back so I called and they said "sorry the only way to contact private events is through the contact us on the website so you will just have to wait." If this is any insight into their service level, no thank you! read more

Very fun place! They definitely take good care of you. We recently took a large group. And had a great time.

We were SO EXCITED to try this place out! We discovered duckpin bowling while on vacation in Nashville and were so disappointed to find we had nowhere to play once we got back home. So, of course we jumped at the chance to give Woodrows a try on their soft opening. They weren't taking online reservations yet but given it was a soft opening this was in no way a big deal. We got to Woodrows about 30 minutes after they opened and were surprised to find they already had a long wait. Again, not a big deal. Im always happy to see a new business doing well and catching on. We were told our wait was 2hrs and we happily went on our way to grab an early dinner and waited for our 15 minute warning text that our time slot was nearing. We never got a txt. So when our quoted time had passed we went in and were told we still had another hour to wait. Unfortunately, we had another child that needed to be picked up from a birthday party and we didn't have an additional hour. For a blended family that only has everyone together a couple times a month it was extremely disappointing to have wasted an entire evening waiting for a time-slot that didn't actually exist. Not to mention the $15 we paid for park (by the hour). We missed an opportunity to have a nice night with our kids, spent money we wouldn't have otherwise and left a little salty. If any effort had been made to remedy the situation we would feel differently. But the slightly indifferent acknowledgment and "sorry" we got wasn't great. It looked like everyone who got a lane was having fun. But I'm not sure when we'll go back for a second try. read more