Bowl-O-Mat

Nice place for a cheap game of bowling on a rainy day or just for something to do. There’s a guy who works there who’s pretty rude, which is why I gave it 3 stars cuz he has no personality and it is a little hard to try and be nice to him sometimes. Other than that, the prices are reasonable and it’s nice to have a bowling alley near my house. The place could be updated a little bit but I can’t really complain too much.

One of the last remaining candlepin bowling establishments left on the North Shore! Well worth the visit, especially if you go with a big group as there’s tons of lanes! Bring your children because to the left of the bowling room is a large game room. If you are a frequent customer, and build-​up your tickets won at the games, there are some prizes to be won– even a go cart that hangs precariously from the ceiling!
Great for leagues, too! Whether you’re a beginner or well-​versed in the sport, they set up the leagues fairly and a fun time is had for all!

This is the best no-​frills, good olé fashioned bowling alley ever. Sure they don’t turn the games on all the time but they will if you ask and you’re going to commit to playing for a while. It’s usually not crowded which is awesome and the prices are fair. I love this place!!!

As a southern girl visiting MA, you can imagine my surprise when I showed up to the bowling alley to find all the pins were tiny sticks instead of normal pins. This is when I learned that I am much better at candle-​pin bowling than regular bowling!
The bowling alley looked old and there was talk among my family that there used to be an arcade in it. However, the guy behind the counter was super friendly and everyone had a fantastic time!

I love the Bowl-​O-​Mat I really do but I have to agree with one of the other reviewers when they say that the guy who works there is miserable. He watches tv, hands out shoes, polishes a couple of balls and seems to hate everyone.
Overlooking that though, it’s a great time with family and friends. Not too expensive and gives you something to do during a hellish New England winter.

We were kicked out! I had to talk to the owner the following day to get compensated. They decided to close early and told us we had to «wrap it up» even though the guy knew we had just walked in and paid for 3 rounds!
Unbelievable!
Before this had happened, we were impressed with the facilities.
Make sure you ask them if they plan to close early!!!

«Where are the fingerholes… but more importantly, why are the pins the size of pencils?»
«We’ll put the bumpers down for you.»
«Uhm…»
Seriously, I find regular fat ass bowling difficult enough, but this candlepin business was even harder to grasp. In any case, it was a hysterically fun time. The Bowl-​o-​Mat was a total 1950s throwback, and the equipment still worked fine.
There is a small section for pool and arcade games. Save up a ludicrous amount of tickets and you too could be the proud owner of the Go Kart hanging from the ceiling.

A bit out of the way of the major streets of Beverly lies the Bowl-​O-​Mat, a candlepin lovers paradise.
I’d only bowled candlepin once before at the Milky Way and I definitely think this is a step above their set-​up. Tons of lanes, all in good shape from the looks of it. We didn’t have any technical issues, and even if we did the staff was ready to help us out if needed. It was pretty empty around 8:30 pm on a Tuesday, a little eerie actually. I felt like I was throwing balls with the ghosts of candlepin past.
Shoe rental and 2 games for 3 people came to $ 29, not too shabby. I spotted a pool table and a few video games in a side room but didn’t explore as the lights were turned off. I didn’t get the impression they served food or alcohol, but there’s a full service restaurant next door. I’d definitely hit up the Bowl-​O-​Mat again, and hopefully next time hit a few more pins.