Needham Bowlaway

"We've just celebrated a kid's birthday here. There were several things that made Bowlaway stand out for me compared to other birthday venues. They let us choose the music, which my kid took very seriously and worked on the playlist for several days. It was a hit, he felt like a real DJ, when a couple of little guests came to tell us that "this is my favorite song!" They have plenty of coat hooks including some at the comfortable height for kids to use themselves. They provide a pretty tasty ice-cream cake as part of the package, together with candles, spoons, plates, a lighter and a huge knife. About the knife: I left it in the cake box, and one of the attendants, who saw it, put it away to keep kids safe! Everyone really enjoyed the party. Party package can also include pizza, but since we met soon after lunch, we skipped it."

"I love this place. I only get to visit once or twice a year (I live in California!) but I do not fail to go bowling every time I'm in Needham. The Needham Bowlaway is like a mom and pop shop in a world of Bloomingdale's...it's friendly, intimate, and just plain fun. And if you're lucky, you can have a disco party!"

"This place is a whole vibe. Eight lanes, fascinating high-tech setup for bowling in a basement (touchpad + automated pin diagrams). Our group had never been candlepin bowling before and we enjoyed the h*ck out of it for the last hour of the night. Prices as of today were $30 per lane-hour (they can do partial hours) and $3 for shoes. Looks like they'll do parties too for ~$300. Don't call ahead, don't make a big fuss -- it's lowkey and a fun little haunt. Also, yes, it's in the basement, door is on the far left of the building that Google Maps flags, signage is over the door and the stairs lead straight down (with a fun sign to reassure you that you're headed in the right direction). Can't wait to bring out-of-town friends here soon."

"Great little place. Not a ton of room, but more then reasonably priced. They are in a basement. Have about 8 lanes, the tunes are on, the lights are low and black lights help the glow of the balls and your sweet bowling shoes."

"Great experience during our wkend in Boston. Boys had fun - even if we all needed bumpers. Reasonably priced."