Upscale Bowling Alley Has Eyes On Queens

It's been the year of the bowling alley throughout Brooklyn and Queens, the later of which has been hearing rumors of a Lucky Strike outpost unlocking the doors to the recently shuttered Woodhaven Lanes in Glendale.

This feeler-announcement however is facing soft criticisms as Lucky Strike's Manhattan location doesn't offer lanes, and neither does Strike, a competitor which is said to also be scoping the Queens location.

Woodhaven, a 60-lane alley open since 1959, shut down May 18 after years of hosting Hall of Fame athletes and the 1959/1960 TV game show "Jackpot Bowling." Woodhaven offered leagues, being a real-deal bowling alley complete with smelly shoes and worn balls.

Lucky Strike and Strike are far from this less-than-glamorous version of the bowling alley. Featuring club music and fine dining, the newer boutique alleys cater to a different crowd, leaving diehard bowlers in the slow lane.

In Brooklyn, the borough's first bowling alley in 50 years opened in Greenpoint last October. The Gutter features a handful of lanes and a small bar with a great micro-beer selection.

Another alley, Brooklyn Bowl, plans to open early next year. Featuring 16 lanes and a 600-capacity performance space, the spot caters to a hipper, more eventful demographic. I don't have word on any leagues for Brooklyn Bowl or The Gutter, but knowing the competitive demographic down here I'd guess they'd be welcomed with open arms.

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