Classic manual-scoring lanes with retro charm for casual bowling sessions
Reservations available for birthdays, events, and group outings in our unique space
Full menu from The Nook including burgers, cheese curds, and beer served while you bowl
Affordable family-friendly bowling with manual scoring that teaches the basics
Step back in time with our vintage decor and old-school bowling alley charm
I made a reservation for an hour of bowling on a Saturday night for my birthday. When I arrived I was told we could not go to our reserved lanes because the party before us was eating. Our time got pushed back roughly twenty minutes which I let slide, however they did not give us these twenty minutes back at the end of our reservation and forced us out when the next party came.
The food is phenomenal. Definitely get the cheese curds! This hole-in-the-wall bowling alley is oozing with charm and had such a fun vintage atmosphere. We absolutely loved it and will be back!
Ran-Ham bowling connected to the Nook. Don’t bowl here. Food is alright but pretty expensive especially for what you’re getting. Bowling is about $10 per person and it’s going to take twice as long to bowl because every other person the lane will break down. The pinsetters on multiple lanes are broken/not working correctly. The wood where people drop the balls is chipped away/caving in. The place reeks of mildew and must. The balls aren’t the best. Manual scoring on paper which looks to be running out of ink. The ball return didn’t work properly on one of our lanes. No phone reception available in basement or wifi. Super sad to see the lack of maintenance on the bowling alley and even bar. Scared to see what the place would look like with brighter lighting. You’d think @ $10 a person they’d be able to do something to fix the lanes. This could be a cool retro place to bowl and get drinks/food if they actually took care of it. I don’t foresee this place staying open any longer than 15 years (and that’s a generous estimate) especially with the disarray and integrity of the building. Sad to say but they should close down the bowling lanes and use that space for something else if they aren’t going to fix the lanes. Pretty sad to see this piece of history being mistreated and not maintained. First time here and won’t likely be back unless things are changed. Saw a girl who worked here crying and leaving and the bartender manager guy was visibly stressed and frustrated. Seating in bowling alley was limited and cramped— actually the whole place was cramped. Can’t hardly walk past people. Super loud and hard to hear anything with the noise of the bowling, the music, and the game of trivia (?) going on over the speakers. Just very disappointed with my experience. The poor younger waiter/staff had to keep going and fixing our pins too.
My daughter and nephews love coming here to bowl. The environment is relaxed and the service is always friendly. Part of the charm for me is feeling like you are stepping back in time a bit. I like teaching the kids how to keep their own score. The lanes are old, so if you are a serious bowler it might not be ideal playing conditions, but it's a cool way to spend an afternoon, have a good burger (from The Nook), and enjoy a beer.
Terribly warped lanes, balls with chips, awkward hole placing and just plain heavy. Shoes that will most likely give you foot fungus. But aside from that, it's an experience.

Vintage bowling charm with retro vibes and classic fun in St. Paul!
No photos available
Ran-Ham Bowling Center offers a nostalgic bowling experience in St. Paul's historic basement location. Connected to The Nook, we provide classic manual scoring lanes, retro atmosphere, and delicious pub food. While our lanes show their age with vintage charm, we're perfect for casual bowlers, families, and groups looking for a unique, old-school outing. Enjoy affordable bowling, friendly service, and a step back in time at this local landmark.
Claim Ran-Ham Bowling Center to update business info, respond to reviews, and access analytics.