Donelson Bowling Center in Nashville, Tennessee has 24 lanes, a nice snack bar offering greasy favorites, and a modest arcade. But arguably the biggest attraction lies outside the building’s walls. Indeed, Donelson Bowl has become somewhat famous around the area for its awesome vintage sign!
History
The alley was constructed in 1959, meaning it has served the Nashville community for over 50 years. Over that time, it has earned a reputation as an important landmark for the area’s bowling scene. Today, the exterior may look somewhat dated, and the interior isn’t flashy either, but do not let it deter you! A classic, old-school, affordable bowling experience awaits you inside.
Classic Bowling Atmosphere
Donelson Bowl is very much aimed at traditional bowlers, as you won’t find much of anything modern except for the lanes themselves, which are kept in very good condition. Many bowlers report they much prefer this priority rather than the alley investing in the latest electronic scoring machine or sound system.
Prices are very good, as the alley offers low priced games on both weekdays and weekends, along with weekly specials. There also bowling leagues available.
The food offered at the snack bar isn’t fancy, but the burgers, fries and sodas are crowd favorites and match the alley’s atmosphere quite nicely.
You can shoot a game of pool in addition to bowling at Donelson Bowl, but one thing you certainly won’t have to worry about is the alley turning into a trendy nightclub after 10pm like so many others do…
Our Verdict:
Prices: A
Food: B+
Features: B
Location:
Photo by Brent
Have You Been to Donelson Bowling Center? What Did You Think?
Donelson Bowling Center - Nashville, TN,
John Paul Benner says
It was a great time at a great price!
Nashville Native says
Clean, well run, a bit dated but old school great customer service. Like stepping back in time where customers count and the whole family feels safe. Can’t beat this bowling alley and this is what can happen if you don’t go see the kind people at Donelson Bowling Center.
I drove over 30 minutes to take advantage of Franklin “Family” Entertainment Center’s Wednesday night special posted here: franklinlanes.com/wp-con… If they read this and delete the special before you can read it, it says $13.95 for 2 hours unlimited bowling including a food combo starting at 6PM. Good deal right?
I got there and the man at the register quickly dismissed me saying “I don’t know anything about the special.” When I told him where is was posted, he said “I am not in charge of our website and we have no lanes due to a league tonight.” No “I am sorry” or anything. No, “I am so sorry and here is a coupon to come see us again.”
The 24 lanes were completely empty as this conversation was going on.
I asked if he was the manager and he said “no”. So I asked for the manager and he gave me the mgr’s cell number. I stepped to the side and called the manger, and believe it or not, the bad customer service went way downhill from there.
I told the owner/manager via phone, not raising my voice or using bad language, that I had made a right on I440 to come to his lanes rather than heading to the other side of town due to his Wednesday night special posted. He response was and I kid you not……”You should have made a F***ing left because we are so busy I don’t need your F***ing business.”
Never again will I go to Franklin “Family” Entertainment Center even if they are offering free bowling.
What happened to the days of customer service. Its all about the money at Franklin “Family” Entertainment Center and I encourage you to spend your hard earned bowling dollars elsewhere. I know the many church groups and community organization to organized bowling events will not be happy to know that Franklin “Family” Entertainment Center is run this way.