We're hard pressed nowadays to actually get a bowling alley's review in a newspaper, let alone a positive review, so I was surprised to see this in my hometown's newspaper. Now, this doesn't really go into leagues or tournaments, but nonetheless for a center to be there and still going for over 35 years that says a lot.
I bowled YABA there starting in 1987 after switching to there from a 9 year run at King Louie Rose Bowl, so this really brings back memories, especially seeing that this is one of the 9 centers that have been there for 40 years or longer (including Offutt AFB) after peaking at 18 centers in the metro area in the early/mid 1990s.
Anywho, Enjoy, and yes, they still do have a video arcade.
https://www.omaha.com/go/plus/nightlife-review-maplewood-lanes-rolls-out-wide-array-of-brews/article_7e2e94d1-7857-5b6e-b744-bd8e62bf804c.htmlNightlife review: Maplewood Lanes rolls out wide array of brews, tasty pizza in family-friendly space
By Greg Jerrett / World-Herald correspondent Feb 27, 2019 Updated 9 hrs ago
Bowling alleys are oft overlooked as enjoyable nightlife destinations, but that should be rectified. They can be enjoyed on many levels. There is choreography in the lanes. Every bowler takes a drink, dries his hands, finds his grip, feels the weight of his ball and approaches the line focused solely on the next roll. It culminates in the thunderous clatter of pins amidst cheers or groans.
Without knowing it, an alley full of bowlers perform their own ballet. The random timing of each roll creates a natural rhythm, like the lapping of waves at a lake on a windy day. There’s also a lot of high-fiving.
Maplewood Lanes is an archetype of the sport tucked away behind a strip mall off 101st and Maple Streets, within striking distance of Interstate 680. It’s possible to have lived in Omaha for decades and never known it was there. Even if one were to happen by Maplewood, he might be hard-pressed to notice it across the great expanse of its 203-space parking lot. Several semis and RVs could park here and still leave enough room for Warren Buffett’s helicopter.
Walking through the front doors of Maplewood Lanes is like entering the Narnia of bowling alleys. It’s kind of magical, especially during cosmic bowling on Fridays when the concert lighting comes up. General Manager Jeanne Belitz has taken great pains to provide a place where everyone can go on date night with the entire family, including leagues for those with special needs.
Maplewood Lanes is such a fine example of a clean, modern bowling alley that one might forget it has a fine bar, and not just “bowling alley fine.†This is no dive. Patrons could make an evening of Maplewood Lanes’ comfortable lounge isolated from the cacophony of a nine-pin no-tap tourney, but why? That would be like going to a baseball game and never leaving the concession stand. There is a party room, an arcade and bowling specials for all tastes, so check the website for that list.
The bar is not taking half measures. The taps include Busch Light, Bud Light, Coors Light, Budweiser, Michelob Ultra and Miller Lite. Premiums include 90 Shilling Ale, Brickway Coffee Vanilla Stout, Black Butte Porter, All-Day IPA, Angry Orchard, Farrell’s Irish Red, Blue Moon and rotating selections from Infusion.
Domestics come in $4.25 pints, $5.75 22-ounce mugs, $11.25 pitchers and $21 100-ounce tubes. Respectively, premiums are $5.75, $7.25, $16 and $27.25. There are a slew of cans and bottles, including a gluten-free Red Bridge. Domestic buckets are $16.95 and premium buckets are $19.45. They also have wine for $4.95 a glass.
The grill menu is impressive, featuring bar-favorite appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and tacos. Prices are in the $7 to $9 range. New York-style pizzas are a well-known house specialty, from $5.99 for a mini cheese to a large supreme for $17.99. They also have gluten-free cauliflower-crust pizzas for $10.99.
Whether you’re a bowler, a drinker or a connoisseur of Americana, you will enjoy Maplewood Lanes on many levels. Hope to see you there.
BL.
