Bowlium Lanes

The inspiration

Bowlium Lanes opened in 1958 on Holt Boulevard in Montclair, when bowling alleys served as community centers for the new postwar suburbs^1,2 . The building was designed by the architecture team of Powers, Daly, and DeRosa, whose Googie-style work made the alleys of the era impossible to miss from the road^3,2 . Its AMF pin-setters and automatic scoring made it one of the modern bowling emporiums of its time, and today the venue leans into that heritage with a mid-century-vibes-meets-modern-fun tagline^2,4 .

Who's behind it

The alley is owned by Scott and Teresa Poddig, who were running it when local columnist David Allen profiled the place in 2014³ . The original architects included Pasquale DeRosa, who also designed Covina Bowl and Java Lanes in Long Beach² .

What to order

• Diner fare: the coffee shop serves burgers, chicken fingers and similar fast casual food to eat at the counter or carry to your lane .^3,2
• Cocktails: the Splits Lounge bar pours drinks under a vintage-style sign .^3,2
• Arcade time: party packages include arcade cards for every bowler, and the game room sits right alongside the lanes .³

What people are saying

Writers keep returning to how well the 1958 architecture has survived, from the original parabolic concrete canopies to the retro interior signs^3,2 . Columnist David Allen calls it possibly his favorite local bowling alley, praising the preserved style and the well-oiled lanes³ . A 2024 photo essay by the blogger behind Avoiding Regret describes the alley as lovingly maintained, with updates that keep the historic feel intact² .

Why you should try it

If you are staying nearby, an evening of cosmic bowling, diner food and a lounge cocktail lets you time-travel without leaving Montclair^5,2,3 .