Bowling on two vintage lanes from 1908 with manual pin-setting, recertified annually for authentic play.
Full bar with 40+ beer selections, Polish ales like Zywiec, liquor, and cash-only transactions in a cozy setting.
Guided insights into the bar's Polish heritage, rare memorabilia, and stories of famous visitors and bowlers.
Private bookings for parties, tournaments, and special occasions in a unique, historic venue.
Immersion in Milwaukee's southside history with Polish flags, signage, and a friendly, family-owned atmosphere.
Best bowling alley and bar in the country, hope it sticks around another century! Thanks for the great time!
To say that my husband and I were treated like royalty when we visited Holler House would be a complete understatement. I surprised my husband with a trip to Milwaukee for our 10 year anniversary for one reason and one reason only, to visit this gem of a place! Tom made us feel right at home from the moment we walked in the door. I loved the history, I loved the hospitality, I loved the bowling. The only part I hated was having to leave.
The oldest, sanctioned bowling alley resides here, resides in this very old, southside Milwaukee tavern. The place has deep Polish roots, heralding the once large Pole neighborhoods which were found all over the southside. You'll see signs in Polish including one on top of the men's labeled "chlop" (pronounced kwope) , meaning boy youngster. There are even Polish flags and painted ones in the tavern that do not have the crown above the eagle's head. They are very rare to find these days and actually illegal to fly or display in Poland, as that era of the flag represents the Iron Curtain years Wynn it was a communist country. The bartender owner, a super sweet lady, still sprite and joyful at 71 years old, is super welcoming. The bar has a big liquor section as well as 40 different types of beer, including, Polish ale, Zywiec. Let's not forget the many bras that are dangling from the ceiling, gifted over the years by female patrons probably getting too "drinky" at the bar. It's crown jewel, however it's the two lane, bowling alley which will relies on a hired teen, pin setter. Many a legendary professional bowler have tourneyed here including Earl Anthony. Many a famous celebrity have also come here to bowl inclyding, Larry the Cable Guy and Jack White. My buddy and I got too meet Cypress Hill when we were there. B Real and crew happen to be bowling enthusiasts.
Had the BEST time at the Holler house last night. The owners could not have been nicer to us. We were late for our bowling reservation and they welcomed us with open arms, adjusted our time slot and told us great stories about themselves, their family and their bar/bowling alley. The bowling was a blast. After bowling we went upstairs and chatted some more with the owners and left them with hugs and a promise to return. SO FUN!!!
Bowling lanes installed in 1908 but the wood is stamped 1904 when it was purchased. It was warehoused until it could be installed. The lanes get recertified every year. A selection of local bottled beer at the cash only bar. Super friendly owner operator staff. There was a family playing and a group waiting when I visited. Normally closed on Sundays but since there is a bowling tournament on the North side they were open so some folks could play on the historic lanes.

Step back in time at America's oldest sanctioned bowling alley, where history, hospitality, and fun collide in a classic Milwaukee tavern.
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Holler House is a historic Milwaukee landmark featuring the nation's oldest sanctioned bowling alley, established in 1908. This family-owned tavern blends deep Polish roots with a welcoming atmosphere, offering two vintage lanes with manual pin-setting, a full bar with 40+ beers including Polish ales, and a unique collection of memorabilia like bras dangling from the ceiling. Perfect for locals, tourists, and bowling enthusiasts, it's a must-visit for an authentic, nostalgic experience where legendary bowlers and celebrities have played.
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