Albany Bowl, Albany

Against the sonic background of percussive strikes and jubilant chatter, bowlers stare down formidable pins on 1 of 36 sleek lanes. The aroma of pizza drifts over the lanes as bowlers topple pins or battle digital foes in the arcade room. Albany Bowl caters to youngsters with bowling-package birthday parties, helping out players under 9 with lane bumpers and surprising them with a visit from Mr. Pin, Albany Bowl's bowling-pin-shaped mascot, who tells the kids all about his favorite sport—basketball. Committed players can sign up for bowling leagues, and spectators can lounge in the sports bar, listening to the cacophonous soundtrack from a leather-seated stool.