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Mission Bowling Club
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Mission Bowling Club
7.8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Bowling lanes plus a lively brunch menu make this a playful, ultra-Instagrammable outing. Expect craveable burgers alongside classic brunch plates in a bright, industrial space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mission Burger, Fried Chicken & Waffle, French Toast
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Non-traditional brunch with bowling lanes and photogenic plates.
Who should go: Groups and birthday crews
When to visit: Weekend 11–12 to snag lanes and tables
What to order: Mission Burger; chicken & waffle; French toast
Insider tip: Reserve a lane window; bowling shots elevate the grid.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on 17th and adjacent lanes; nearby paid garage at SF General Hospital is the most reliable option on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and playful—athleisure or jeans work fine; bowling shoes are provided for lane reservations.
Noise level: Lively—expect ambient music, lane sounds, and chatter; conversations are easy but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a lane reservation; brunch tables turn faster but fill by noon.
Weekday lunch: No wait; often half-full and relaxed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—solid coverage including veggie burger and several brunch plates.
Vegan options: Limited—one or two adaptable options; confirm with kitchen for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free bun available, but fried items share oil.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun for casual dates with an activity twist, but the noise level and group energy make it better for second or third dates than an intimate first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early in the day, but lane reservations are essential for groups. Walk-ins can grab bar seating or wait about 30 minutes for a brunch table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—bumpers and lighter bowling balls available; families with young children should book early to avoid crowds and louder groups.
Best For
Better for: Group brunches where the vibe matters as much as the food—few places blend playful energy with quality plates this well.
Skip if: You’re after a quiet or romantic brunch; the bowling atmosphere and noise make it better suited for celebrations than calm catch-ups.
Mission Bowling Club
8.2
Boutique bowling alley with a famed Mission Burger and a full dinner menu that runs late on weekends. Come for a lane, stay for one of the city’s most talked-about burgers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mission Burger, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Garlic Fries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: An activity venue where the burger is a headliner, not an afterthought.
Who should go: Groups wanting lanes plus serious burgers
When to visit: Fri–Sat 9–11pm for late kitchen hours
What to order: Mission Burger, onion rings, house sauces
Insider tip: Reserve lanes; you can still eat at the bar without bowling if lanes book out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 17th Street and South Van Ness is metered and competitive after 7pm; no valet or lot, but nearby garages on Mission and Shotwell are options for backup.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans and sneakers fit right in, especially if you plan to bowl.
Noise level: Lively with background music and lane activity; conversation is possible at the bar but challenging near the lanes.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes for a table without a reservation after 8pm; lane reservations book up well in advance.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quieter midweek with open seating and bar space.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - the menu includes salads, fries, and a vegetarian burger option.
Vegan options: Limited - can modify certain sides and salads; main entrees are not fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial - some dishes can be made gluten-free upon request, but shared fryers are used.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going for a fun, casual vibe—bowling breaks the ice, and the burger impresses. Not ideal for intimate or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—bar seating and communal tables are available for walk-ins, but expect to wait on weekends. Lane reservations are strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime and early evening hours, yes—kids can bowl and enjoy the food. After 9pm, it skews adult with a bar-heavy crowd.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for groups wanting an activity with quality food—few places blend fun and food this well.
Skip if: You’re after a quiet dinner or fine dining experience; the energy level is high and the focus is social.