Timber Lanes Chicago – Old school, analog bowling

Timber Lanes is a classic bowling alley that feels like a cozy neighborhood dive. In fact, when you walk in the door, you’ll notice a great little bar to your left, decorated with framed photos of old sports heroes and bowling league champs, Chicago sports paraphernalia, and a 1970s faux-wood formica bar top. Whether you're thirsty or not, you’ll have to visit the bar because the bartender is also the lanes manager. Let the bartender know how many games you’d like and your shoe size. It’s cash only. If you find yourself short on cash, don’t worry, there is an ATM just outside the building.

The dive vibe extends beyond the wood panel walls. There are no dayglow bowling graphics, the only neon comes from a handful of signs in the window behind the bar. Above the pins, the words “Timber Lanes” are painted modestly to look like wood logs (timber...wink wink) in a sort of summer camp fashion. There are no score keeping computers, but you should find a blank score sheet and a few golf pencils at each lane. If you’re not sure how to keep score, make a quick google search or download an app to help. Once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty fun to sharpen your math skills with a beer between bowls.

Also in the area: Victor Bar: moody cocktail bar; Laschet’s Inn: authentic German pub with monster pretzels; O’Donovan’s: cozy sports bar, great food & service; Begyle Brewing: beer & skee-ball!