What a fantastically awesome venue for an event! I came in here with a group of around 10 people and we were left standing outside on the street 5 minutes before our reservation time wondering why it wasn't open at 7pm on a Sunday. And then while we were all fumbling around with our phones trying to look up hours or an answer to "do we have the right place" this jolly guy comes up to us and says "bet you guys are trying to get a hold of me!". Yes I was slightly concerned as this area does not scream out "safe neighbourhood" but at the same time the gentlemen didn't seem to be crazy/threatening.
He goes on to point out that he's the owner and does not own a cell phone (Yeah I heard that audible gasp you just made!) and they only open up if there is a reservation (I don't know if he meant for just Sundays or in general) and unlocks the door leading us down this small staircase.
As other reviews have pointed out, this place is old school to the dime! Like a place from the hay days of bowling alleys it was so well maintained and clean it was as if those steps were a time machine bringing us to a place least expected (Well YOU wouldn't find it very "blast to the past"since you're reading this review presumably before checking the place out)
All I knew about this place before coming was that it was a 5 pin bowling alley, what I found out when I got here was we do our own scoring which can get complicated when strikes and spares are involved but the guy was always willing to help out with our questions (I'm sure he gets a lot of them!).
It was funny how each time a latecomer to our group naturally comes down the stairs and heads towards us he/she was screamed at for not taking off their shoes before entering. So yeah, take off your shoes right as you get off the last step!
I can't remember the exact rate but it was very affordable, there is a small bar, serving a few different beers and some hard liquor, but don't expect much in terms of food.
It was so much fun bowling at our own pace, and dictating the noise levels of the venue with no one else occupying the remaining lanes. It was like our own secret area in Toronto for a few hours.
I don't ever see myself going to a certain place entertainment district when a gem like this is just a not so short TTC ride away!