This Retro Bowling Alley In Louisiana Is The Perfect Place For A Dose Of Nostalgia
By Jackie Ann|Published July 10, 2024
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Some places become more than just a business. They become a thread in the fabric of the state’s culture—a tightly woven braid that not even a hurricane can undo. I’m sure many of those places popped up in your head just now—like Lea’s Lunchroom in Lecompte, Herby-K’s in Shreveport, and Willie Mae’s in New Orleans. The list could go on and on, but today I want to add a very special bowling alley in Louisiana that’s become more than just a place to bowl.
Rock ’n’ Bowl has been a local favorite for New Orleanians for over 80 years.
The original bowling alley was opened in 1941 and called Mid City Lanes. It was purchased in 1988 by John Blancher (current owner) who began turning it into the hybrid live music-bowling experience that we know today.
As time went on, Rock ’n’ Bowl expanded in that same space to include a downstairs area many will remember as “Bowl Me Under”.
Although largely (but not entirely) spared from Hurricane Katrina, a new space was eventually needed. Rock ’n’ Bowl was moved to its current location on South Carrollton Avenue in 2009.
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Bowling is $25 an hour per lane with a maximum of six people per lane.
Tuesdays are Latin Nights, Thursdays are Zydeco nights and often host Zydeco dance classes in tandem, and weekends always have some of the best musical acts in the city. Check out the calendar to see what’s on the horizon.
Tickets to any of the shows can be purchased on the Rock ’n’ Bowl website.
Classic bowling alley fare including chicken tenders, burgers, and pizza are always a hit. You can’t go wrong with the boudin balls and that delicious housemade Boss Sauce. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the fried bread pudding po’boy is in a league of its own.
Rock 'n' Bowl is perfect for large krewes or date nights.
You can also rent multiple lanes for birthday parties, work events, or special occasions.
Visit the Rock ‘n’ Bowl website for more information and be sure to follow Rock ‘n’ Bowl on Facebook so you never miss out on any upcoming events or special announcements. If you’re in Cajun Country, check out the Rock ‘n’ Bowl in Lafayette!
Have you ever visited this bowling alley in Louisiana? Share your memories with us in the comments!
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