Business Details
About
Bowling AlleySports BarEvent VenueRestaurant
River Alley is 32 lanes of bowling with a large event room for your big life moments or company events. Our new sports bar will have your favorite local drafts and handmade cocktails that will pair well with our pizza, burgers, and delicious sharable apps from the new café. Don’t forget the party room for your kids.
Details
- Wheelchair accessible entranceAvailable
- Wheelchair accessible restroomAvailable
- Wheelchair accessible seatingAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.2
330 reviews
5 stars
196
4 stars
76
3 stars
20
2 stars
6
1 star
32
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Customer Service
Many customers reported poor service, including rude staff and inconsistent communication regarding policies.
Cleanliness
The facility is frequently noted as clean and well-maintained, contributing positively to the overall experience.
Lane Issues
Numerous reviews mentioned problems with lanes being out of order or malfunctioning, leading to frustration during visits.
Food Quality
While some customers enjoyed the food, others found it overpriced and reported issues with service during busy times.
Management Communication
Customers expressed dissatisfaction with management's failure to communicate policies clearly, leading to confusion and disappointment.
- HMHeather Marcum2 days ago3.0Bowling was fun. BUT the older lady running where you get your shoes was NOT NICE. You CAN NOT bring in a Birthday cake/cookie, you have to schedule a Party through them and it is Expensive. Regardless if you buy their food and bowl you still can't. So we ended up having our birthday party outside before we left on the tailgate of our truck.
- JBJames BJan 3, 20265.0Very nice bowling alley with great food and friendly staff.
- CDCrystal DunnDec 28, 20251.0We arrived at 11:02 PM and were refused a lane because we were told lanes cannot be rented after 11:00 PM, despite the business advertising that it is open until midnight. That is misleading and unacceptable. We have come here multiple times after work as a group and have never once been told this was a rule. The employee (a man with a dark beard) stated this has been the policy since “he took over,” yet there is no signage, no website notice, and no communication whatsoever to indicate a cutoff time for lane rentals. We drove 15–20 minutes from Charleston specifically to bowl, only to be turned away due to an unpublished, inconsistently enforced policy. The lanes shut down exactly at midnight, so refusing a lane at 11:02 makes no logical sense and comes across as staff deciding convenience over customer service. Ultimately, this is a management failure. If policies have changed, it is management’s responsibility to clearly communicate them and ensure staff enforce them consistently and professionally. Advertising one set of hours while operating under another wastes customers’ time and damages trust. Until management addresses this issue and provides clear, honest communication, we will think twice before making the drive again.
- MLMarcel LazareDec 26, 20254.0Very nice bowling alley beers a little bit higher than I expected.
- CRChristy RogierNov 15, 20254.0Clean
Frequently Asked Questions About River Alley
What types of entertainment does River Alley offer?
River Alley features 32 bowling lanes, a restaurant with pizza, burgers and sharable apps, a sports bar with local drafts and cocktails, and a large event room for parties and company events.
What are River Alley's general operating hours?
River Alley is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to midnight; and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It is closed on Wednesdays.
When is the kitchen open at River Alley?
The kitchen is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Sunday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM; and closed on Wednesdays.
Does River Alley have any happy hour specials?
Yes, happy hours are offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. There are no happy hours on Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Can I get takeout or in-store pickup at River Alley?
Yes, River Alley offers takeout with hours from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday; 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday; and 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM on Sunday. In-store pickup is also available.
Is River Alley accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, River Alley has wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms including unisex restrooms to accommodate all guests.
What payment options does River Alley accept?
River Alley accepts American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Are staff at River Alley fully vaccinated and is proof of vaccination required?
Staff at River Alley are not fully vaccinated, and proof of vaccination is not required for customers.
What nearby places can help me find River Alley or complement my visit?
Nearby places like the U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer and U-Haul Moving & Storage of St Albans can assist with moving needs, while Fresh Seafood Co Market and Restaurant offers additional dining options. Venture Lanes is another local bowling alley nearby, and Jefferson Motel provides accommodation if needed.
How might nearby transit and services influence my visit to River Alley?
Nearby truck rental and automotive services like Maaco Collision Repair and Mousie's Car Wash can be useful if you're traveling by car. Discount stores like Dollar General and A To Z Outlet are close by if you want to shop before or after your visit.
Are there family-friendly amenities near River Alley?
Yes, Dunbar Middle School is nearby, and River Alley itself offers a party room specifically for kids, making it suitable for family events.