Find your inner Lebowski at Leisure Time Bowling

Martinis are 2 for 1 on Thursdays (Ladies Night) -- Photo by Jessica Costello

The entrance to Leisure Time Bowling is hidden deep within the Port Authority, by gate 230. As my rowdy group of friends enters, we pass by the velvet rope and bouncer, looking like he is screening those waiting to board a bus to Jersey. Inside, past the flowing white curtains and club lighting, we hear the sounds that are so familiar. The ball whizzing down the alley, then CRASH! go the pins.

Leisure Time Bowling is a hip bowling alley that has all the makings of a great night out -- bar food, giant gravity beer dispensers, a DJ with good taste in music, and best of all, 2 hours of bowling for only $35 a person, which includes shoe rental. We also happened to luck out and had the pleasure of 2-for-1 martinis because it was ladies night (which is every Thursday).

We opted to go to this bowling alley after pricing some of the other options -- yes, there is one in Union Square, but the prices were way too high. The one at Chelsea Piers was also way too high, and I had been warned that you couldn't just walk in and get a lane. Thus, the Port Authority won out, in all its transient glory.

Armed with my new pink bowling socks and a 2-for-1 martini in my hand, I was ready to have some fun. My score left much to be desired, but I had the time of my life bowling with my goofy friends. The service at our lanes was quick, and the 2 hours of bowling time seemed to pass in an instant. After we were done, the 9 of us bellied up to the bar and had the last drinks out of our giant beer dispenser.

I would whole-heartedly recommend Leisure Time Bowling to anyone who wants to have a great night in the heart of the city. Kick back with a drink and watch the pins fall. It's inexpensive, has great drinks and bar food, and you're guaranteed to have at least a few laughs when you realize that bowling is just as fun as when you were a kid.