Reviews of Val Lanes Recreation Center. (Sports Complex) in Des Moines (Iowa).

Val Lanes Recreation Center

452 Reviews

166 Comments

Sports Complex

Bowling alley

100 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States

Description

Information of Val Lanes Recreation Center, Sports Complex in Des Moines (Iowa)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of Val Lanes Recreation Center

Popular times

Sunday

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Tuesday

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Friday

Saturday

Reviews of Val Lanes Recreation Center

nicole riggs

Great fun! Super convenient location, friendly and helpful staff. It may not be as updated as other bowling alleys but it's very affordable and a Valley Junction area ICON.

Mark Joines

The people who I went with and myself had a good time. The Alley had a couple issues. Nothing catastrophic The pop was gross and had no carbonation. Next time I'll just drink water. I will be going back. I like the place. What can I say. It should also be said they had a big birthday party and two big groups. I heard no one complain. I WON both games too.

joseph hutchins

Sound system sounds great, great food, laid back bar, A real chill place wether your by yourself or with a group. Fair prices, Totally old school Real AMF machine's, everything was better back in the day, we all know that, come on in and check it out if you haven't yet, it's worth a trip. !!!!!!!!

Trevor Thomas

so as far as fun for the family environment.. yes for sure.. plenty of games to play.. food.. bowling... but there is no air conditioning and we went when it was 102 degrees outside... let's just say it was almost as hot inside as it was walking in.. almost no difference in feel.. other than that.. I had a great time and everyone was so friendly and helpful

Jeff Clary

I thought it was a little pricey for three games of bowling for five people. And this particular day their air conditioning was not working, but they had lots of fans. The lanes were fine, and the beer was tasty. All in all, a solid place.

Ron joe (Karma ghost)

I work there. all my fellow staff. do everything we can to make it enjoyable to bowl,drink,and eat here.

Ubanks 3

We had fun bowling - good food - good drinks and friendly service! Thanks for a great time.

Chase Reece

Either super hot or super cold, they forget orders of food if it gets busy, I waited an hour and a half for my food, and maybe only 20 lanes occupied. We have a league on Wednesdays so we frequent here once a week. The drinks are well over priced but for a bowling alley what can you expect. Not very clean inside but the lanes are tip top in my opinion.

Christine O'Brien

The staff was helpful and nice. But the facility is in a sad state of disrepair. The ceiling in lots of places had holes in it and was leaking in one part. The general feeling of Val Lanes was that it needed a lot of care, cleaning, and upkeep. However the lane worked great. We didn't have to summon help for anything technical and we were able to use bumpers and the ball ramp for our younger children. We ordered fries, chicken tenders and water. Food was cooked appropriately but was bland. Received condiments that came in little to-go cups but 2 we're even half full. I wanted to take it up and ask for more but didn't want to seem petty. One of our disposable water cups had a hole in it. The guy saw it and brought us another disposable water cup and just stacked it underneath which I suppose was fine but that cup filled with water and when my daughter tipped the cup to drink it just spilled down the front of her. I'd say we'll be back again, I just really hope it's in better condition and less expensive for 4 people for 2 games and shoe rental (around $65.00 without food costs). I understand with COVID19 that businesses is probably way down and they can't afford better rates or major repairs at this time but for the reputation of the business I hope it's a better experience next time.

Maddox Bago

Went here on a special night with a great deal. Played 3 games and had a lot of fun while doing it. The staff was easy to talk to and laid back despite it being packed to the brim in there. It was clean and felt safe unlike some places. I did not feel the need to hide my important things like in a lot of bowling alleys. The arcade portion is well stocked with games and activities to play while you wait and 5 dollars in quarters can get you farther then you think. My wife and I had a great time.

Ryan Rosenquist

Bowling! What a cheerful drunk adventure! Here it is folks: The semi bad- Paid eight dollars for an off brand Jack's pizza My buddies' 2 dollars were temporarily transported to another dimension inside of a crafty vending machine only then to return undisturbed The ceiling gives off a vibrant hue and looks better when intoxicated Names misspelled on lanes is commonplace The semi-good: Lanes are well polished and a wide variety of balls Lighting is appropriate and cosmic ventures post 10 pm are a must Decent selection of beer at bar and friendly staff Not overcrowded Overall, I plan I going back. Some may think this is sad but I must ask: Who among you is tough enough to endure Val Lanes?

Damon Bullock

A little pricey but lots of fun for me and my daughter!

Nora Kirsch

It was a solid "okay". The place probably hasn't been repainted in decades, the ceiling tiles were yellow above our lanes, showing water damage. The lady running the pay line seemed to hate her job, but the guy selling the expensive concessions was friendly. The whole place felt pretty grimey and seemed understaffed for how much business there was. The actual lanes were pretty nice and have been kept up well enough. Had fun, but was expensive for what you get.

Suzanne Williams

I like the remodel. First time back since maybe 2 years ago. Nice new parking lot. Workers were super busy but tended to it all.

Colton Rodgers

Great prices for after 9:30 bowling and a beer or two. Staff is friendly enough and bartender does a solid job. If it were ethical I'd knock off a star because the pins don't all seem to want to fall down for me everytime I roll, but I'll be back to keep working on that. Also lane 29 has a generous speedometer on the ball, so if you're looking to impress someone, request 29.

Kelly Lawrence

Group of us went bowling for a birthday and it was a blast! Definitely recommend for a fun, laid back, night out with friends or even for a date night.

Jacob Drew

Great place to go have a great time! This place is a great place for families to have a little fun or just a few friends. Prices are not too steep and There a no pressure if your not very good at bowling. It can get packed sometimes but there is always enough seating and bowling balls to go around. They have a bar and pool table a few arcade games and even a photo booth. Their food there is pretty good as well. Good clean family atmosphere.

Spencer Hoyt

Decent price for what you get. Usually is pretty clean in there. Food is pretty decent. They have a pretty good size arcade area that includes a couple pool tables. They have a bowling shop inside where you can purchase bowling balls or other equipment that you might need. I've experienced very nice employees. They have several different leagues you can be apart of as well. I'd go bowling there again for sure.

Jonathan Covalt

Good: The bowling area is well cared for, the staff was friendly and helpful. Bad: The outside of the building was in poor condition, giving it a run down look. The parking lot is full of potholes and difficult to drive through. Prices are very high.

Tanner Amos

Where to start? The lanes? Absolutely stellar. Well kept. No issues. Food? Amazing. Good price. Cody prepared it amazingly. The building itself is clean and well kept! Best one in the metro!

Kevin Goehring

I bowl there.. like the place. Like Denny always helps repair bowling balls. Food I ordered some cheese balls and order of mozzarella sticks and it cost me $14. When they came. it was about $2 dollars max worth of food. And over cooked. Problem that wasn't the first time. It's like that all the time I have ordered this year.

Madison Jessen

Cheap bowling , fun Friday night activity !

Shelby Long

Fun time. The guys were super nice at the counter. The place has some water damage. It's a standard midwest bowling alley. I didn't try the food but it smelled good.

Ike Alt

They assigned us a lane that people had left food, drinks, and sox on the table that should have been cleaned up.

NL STUDIO

The older couple working up front weren't very friendly and seems agitated that they were even there. We were able to get in right away but for the prices your better off going to uncle bucks fish bowl in Altoona.

James S

Chef Trevor makes some phenomenal food. The dine-in experience was great. Killed it on the burger I had, and made a wicked chicken strip basket. Fires are fire too.

Kay-Lea Wilde

It's a typical scummy bowling alley. It looks half thrown together. There's typical bar food and a full bar and typical uncomfortable tables and chairs to sit at while waiting your turn. After 9 the prices are cheap but I probably won't to again.

John Wood

I bowled here once since its close to my house. This place is easily 20 years behind other bowling alleys in des moines, but not in price!! The facilities are in dire need to investment. From the scoring system to the carpet. I usually like to bowl on Sunday mornings or afternoon. I can roll at Merle Hay or air lanes for about $2-$3 a game. Here it's closer to $5... WHY?? Both those places have invested in their facilities, Val has not and its a real shame too.

Lonnie Johnson

Fun "old time" bowling alley. Snacks are a little pricey. But overall decent place for a few hours of family fun.

Bryant A.

I am not sure why but I bowl my best games here. The front counter is too close to the middle lanes and does cause some congestion at times to pay and such. It is an older building but the equipment seems to be fine. The parking lot needs some repair however.

Pete Wasson

great place to have fun & bowl... staff is laid back & helpful... never had any problems... balls are well organized & lanes r neatly kept...

Mike Gloden

It was an older bowling alley with a lot of lanes. Overall the lanes were kept up. We had really good time. Have fun.

Bob Redden

What's a very nice bowling alley they let me play a game and sit there while I waited for a friend really decent rates

Zephyr Everdark

Prices were reasonable and service was slow on the food side of things. Most of the lanes were empty so we could get to playing quickly.

Rod Elam

Lanes will most likely break and are not consistent. Staff is nice though!

Sadie B

The lanes are in decent shape and the price isn't bad. I went into the restroom and found underwear on the floor though. That was super gross.

Nate

Good old track. Facility could use some maintenance but most older ones do.

Mike Larkin

I have been going there since I was a kid. Great people and one of the few establishments where you bowl on actual wood. I always have a great time!

Jacob Gregg

Used to take my kids here all the time when they were little, kind of a shame how it has fallen into a state of disrepair over the years. Wish they'd fix it up.

michelle johnson

Had fun with my kids a bit on the expensive side

Andrew Elges

Friendly service and the lanes are always clean and well-serviced. Games are inexpensive during the week if you go in the afternoon.

William Dennis

Best place to get a bowling ball. Denny is a true pro in the sport and will fit you perfectly.

Tyler Sward

We had a large group, and after some technical difficulties, it went great and all had a good time. Would definitely do this again.

Frederick Krick

Great visit; Fantastic service!!! Purchased a new Storm Physix bowling ball for my son Elijah. Thanks guys!!!

Carol Hyslope

Lots of fun. You don't even have to worry about keeping your own score! It does everything for you but roll the ball!

KEVIN TJADEN

Great time. Met a very nice guy in there tonight that gave me some free chicken strips.

brian drake

Staff wasn't real cognizant of what was happening on the lanes - my party started on two lanes that both broke down, and then we had to wait and wait because they seemed to be understaffed, and had no clue that our lanes were acting up until we said something

Bob Osterhout

Great staff! They totally made our bowling experience awesome!

Alicia Moon

They didnt have room due to league but they ended up squeezing us in somehow... No matter what my son had fun and thats all thats all i care about!!

Cor2ran

Akash is really bad at bowling

Robert Dumas

The food was nice and fried as expected. Beer was cold. Service was slow. Pins fell. I like.

colt white

The dine in experience was exquisite. What a menu to choose from! The best food I’ve ever had!

Mike Cindy Cleaver

Fun but not for good competitive bowling lanes were bone dry

Jac Geffert

It's what you'd expect from a bowling alley. Clean enough, a bunch of things just a little bit broken. Staff tired-looking. Like, it's a bowling alley.

Shawn Sturtz

Had a great time! Special thanks to the owner, great guy, really knows bowling and willing to help anyone.

Odd Fellow Consultant

I was looking for more and got less. I will try one more time for my two friends.

De E

Typical old bowling alley, bathroom could really use some work, but prices are decent.

Sarah Jackson (LadyOfSlytherin)

Completely open, friendly staff, not too busy. Had a lot of fun there today.

Troy Green

Pricey but the lanes are really well taken care of. Some fun arcade games as well.

Joseph Farley

fun place good atmosphere. Bad plumbing. Water all over bathroom floor.

dan toti

Wonderful place to have your kids burn off some energy. That's about all I can say about this business.

Jacob Kalkwarf

Outdated, but maintained well, prices are good if you go in the evening.

Melissa Bazley

Nice place, historical alley...great staff...

alan perez

We went there and customer service is the best you can do bowling anywhere but customer service is what makes the difference we'll go back again

Joey Davies

Great place!! Great prices. Opened nice and late.

Robert C Evans

Well the price was right but the over/under left me wanting more.

Kristina Carbaugh

Nice staff, well maintained. Had a fun time for a low price

Jason Krull

Good friendly service. Anthony does a great job making sure everything gets taken care of

Ryan N. Ludwig

A lot of lanes so it's not crowded, pretty clean and a great bar selection.

Merrill Leonard

Really like this place atmosphere is great the people there always give a warm welcome

Jason Kems

Clean and everything worked as it should. Great place to have a group event.

Scott Holman

Looks old outside but really kept nice inside and good prices

Brett Piatt

Synthetic lanes, modernized equipment, auto score keeping, black lighting late nights, great people and sound system

Sarah Martin

Love this place the arcade is fun bowling great place to take kids

Kai Smith-BUI

I go there about every month and I love the workers and the lanes are perfectly oiled

Megen Schminkey

Staff is super friendly and the prices are very reasonable we are here every week

Dwayne Christensen

Food was expensive for what got. Also served slow. Lane had several Malfunctions.

Lydia Peka

It was fun but no air conditioning!

Jacob Tipton

Just got a ball drilled here, I love it! Denny knows what he is doing!!

David Triggs

This was definitely a place with a family friendly atmosphere.

Kyle Holleran

Just here for the hot dogs!

terry weaver

Nice place to bowl. Good prices.

Keith Williamson

We were there for high School bowling and the manager was very rude.

johnathan alberty

He eat old fashion bowling alley but not very busy

David Floden

Fun spot to bring the kids, pool, bowling and food

Justin Reed

Great service getting set up and helping when lanes had issues.

Dustin Baudler

Good place to bowl except my wife always beats me

James Brock II

Larry's Pro Shop is NOT located here but they are drilling 24/7.

Angela Welcher

Good family fun here. Enjoyed the family time here.

Cheyenne Van Gundy

Will always love coming here! Lanes are in good condition and

Alex Larson

Disappointed with the hotdog supply.

Andrew Liesland

Fun place to go bowling but the building is very old

Aaron Houghton

The place is worn down and the family next to us smelled like cat pee.

Nathan Olin

Very friendly staff and clean sanitary lanes!

Jada Wierck

A little pricey in my opinion, but fun nonetheless.

Matt Berens

Friendly customer service and great well kept lanes.

Josh Howard

It was fun but their equipment needs updated.

Stephanie Cleaver

Great place. Customer service was awesome

Christina Harwell

Yes!!! This place is awesome. #nerdartfacepainting #staynerdy

Miranda Woods

Nice clean and friendly and very pleasant inviroment.

Anthony Knowlton

Come see the Torgersons, who doesnt love bowling!!!????

Mike Mathews

Sandy Kay & me Gold Medal in mixed doubles.

Dan Hills

Wonderful people running the place, great experience.

Luis Fortin

This is great place to have fun with family and friends

Judi Roux-Bohn

Great music and fun atmosphere!

Francis Butruille

I mean you can buy balls shoes and food and use the lanes

Kerigan Creighton

it was a pretty nice place ngl but bad

Eric Donielson

Really time to do some repair and cleaning to the place.

curt covington

Great lanes and service. Awesome place

Eric Hyde

Friendly staff, good music

Rakesh Veldhana

Good Discounts on non peak hours

Alice Cater

Roof was leaking over table.

Ashley Sheeder

Old, but it works and is still fun.

Timothy Kirchoff

Beer is cheap and the atmosphere is nice

winter Chase

Nice place to bowl on weekends

jezzianna martin

Always a great friendly environment.

Rosa Zaragoza

we like to play with our friends and family,

E R

Always a great place for an event

Aren Honeick

Bartender on sunday nights is the best!!!

Lydia Walker

Nice, family friendly environment.

malcolm smith

favorite bowling spot, hands down.

mirela hadziomerovic

well kept lots of fun

Shawn Venosky

Fun place to bowl.

andy crounse

Great place, awesome staff!

Michael Miller

Nice place too bowl

moses n nikki killen

Great people

Robert Davidson

Checking out strat time for league time

Bill Privett

A great place to bowl

Nawras baniata990

Fun place

Michael Haarhues

Enjoyed very much.

Hardy Whiteman

Fun times

Michael Rand

We had a blast!!!

Big Moe

Great fun

Kyle Shimp

Good location for bowling

Tyler dominator

I lost

Matthew Buckley

Affordable bowling ally

Chris Lawson

You can bowl here.

Krishna Reddy (chintu)

Not a good place to spend time

Wael Hassan

Always available and friendly

Tyler Roberts

Needs good shoes

sudhansh chinta

Good tennis courts

Isaiah Eckert

Prices are too high

The Iowa Archer

Good lanes and service

Shawn Santana

Great staff!

Davis Nell

Let's play :)

Sandy White

Watched the ladies bowl

Chris Hare

Needs remolding finished

Phillip Peacock

Great place.

Fred Boutchee

Great place

Mandy C

Music was on fire.

DJ UK

Great staff

Corey Pline

Great service

False Aesop

It was fun.

mike james

Fun with your friends

Hugh Sheppard

Fantastic!

Paul ODonnell

Break time bowling

Gordon Allen

GREAT lanes!

Justin Shaw

Big bowling alley

Sandy Ballard

Family fun

Tony Delfrano

Hanging out!

Sydney Airbnb

The “dive bar” version of bowling alley’s! In the best possible way! The duct tape on the ceiling really put a smile on my face! Cheap drinks and family-owned vibes it’s perfect and all the Iowa charm one could possibly hope for!

Timothy Gilbert

Had a great time.

Charles Broderick

Brandon Oakley

Dorothy Hanson

Kristy Morse

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