By: Andrew Silverstein

Bowling gets kind of nerdy rap sometimes, but whatever, it's fun.  With a couple friends and a few beers to go around, a night at the bowling alley can be a nice change of pace from your typical bar or club and a great way to kill some time with a few rounds.  Here are a few of our favorite bowling alleys in Tampa.

Splitsville - Splitsville is bowling with an upscale touch.  This Channelside bowling alley boasts dining with a contemporary American menu, a full bar, live entertainment, billiards, and of course, bowling.  Heck, you could head out to Splitsville on a weekend night, not bowl a single game and still have an awesome nightlife experience.

Pin Chasers - Pin Chasers is a mecca for bowling in Tampa and a great place to socialize over a few frames with friends.  Unlike most bowling alleys where you have to pay to rent shoes, Pin Chasers provides them for free.  Food, including pizza, burgers, even breakfast, is always served fresh and not just resting under a heat lamp.  Also awesome; their full bar serving beer, wine and cocktails.

Pinarama - Pinarama is a classic neighborhood bowling alley that's been serving the greater Tampa Bay Area for over 10 years.  Bring the kids for a birthday party, join one of their leagues for all skill levels or enjoy a game or two during open bowling throughout the week.  Looking to improve your lackluster bowling skills?  Pinarama offers bowling lessons too.

Terrace Sports - Terrace Sports is much more than your mom and dad's idea of bowling. Terrace Sports boasts a black-light vibe with colorful LED pins for a spaced-out bowling experience.  Oh yeah, they've got laser tag too.  Seems like the only problem you'll have at Terrace Sports is deciding how to divide your time between these two awesome activities.

Brandon Crossroads Bowl - Enjoy open and cosmic bowling, bowling leagues, parties and more at Brandon Crossroads. A full bar including beer, wine, and liquor as well as a grill will keep you nourished for your time on the lanes.