Kings

Great place for bowling even thought its pricey. The karaoke however leaves much to be desired. I found the host to be totally obnoxious but maybe i went on an off night.

Posted 07/13/09

I went to Kings last night out of sheer boredom with my friends. We thought it would be funny just to go bowling like we used to do when we were kids. I had no idea how cool bowling is again. This place was packed last night! We got there around 8ish and went to get on a lane. There was a wait but luckily we didn't have dinner yet so the staff suggested we go into their restaurant and eat. Perfect suggestion. A hostess brought us over a very cool retro-y red booth and a server came over almost immediately afterwards. They had a bunch of specials but we just ordered off of their regular menu. I had the steak tips and OMG... they were so good. What do they marinate them in.... heaven? All of my friends tried something different and liked theirs too but they kept trying to steal my tips! We hung out in the restaurant for who knows how long, the time honestly flew by. Soon enough we were buzzed for out lane. We actually got one of the VIP lanes which was so cool... after all my friends and I are VIPs in our own minds. There was a server on the lanes as well. She suggested we try the fishbowl drink which was a scorpion bowl with my favorite candy - swedish fish. We played our allowed 2 games fairly fast but had such a fun time doing it while making fun of each other for every gutter ball we threw. This is definitely a cool place to hang out at. Everyone was so nice and attentive. Extra points for the great looking bathroom in the restaurant.

Pros: staff, atmosphere, steak tips

Posted 01/17/09

We had our daughters 13th birthday party at Kings last weekend and everything was perfect. I have to say, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the entire party went perfectly. The event coordinator at Kings took care of booking the party with me and was very helpful and professional. We showed up 15 minutes before the party started and we were greeted by the Kings manager and servers. They went through the flow of the event and had everything set up. The server who helped us was wonderful. She helped the kids, made sure we had everything we needed and cleaned up around us. The kids had a lot of fun. Kings has bumper bowling for kids, fun music videos and an overall fun atmosphere. I would recommend booking a party at Kings to everyone I know.

Pros: Easy party planning, great staff, clean, priced right

Posted 12/21/08

Me and my friends had a lot of fun at Kings on Friday night. The bowling was a long wait but there was a lot to do while waiting. They have 3 different bars, music videos, pool and other things. The wait flew by. I must say the one thing that stands out the most was the level of service we had from the staff. Everyone was very friendly and quick. Not at all what we expected. The food and drinks were great. We tried the Lettuce wraps because our server suggested them and we were impressed. Kings is a clean, well maintained place. We were there for about 4 hours total and I can't find anything wrong with our visit. I am getting a group together because I noticed they have Karaoke on Thursday nights in the lounge area.

Pros: Service-FUN-Bowling-Food

Posted 12/14/08

Saturday night a big group went to Kings to bowl and play pool. Everyone was impressed with the establishment. Nice TV's with the game on and a really chill lounge. The wait for bowling was very long so we had food in the lounge watched the World Series for a while and played pool and bowled later in the night. Reservations recommended. They have not 1 but 2 Buck Hunter Games and Golden Tee Live. Nice. It was much different than we expected. Nice that there were not little kids running around. They are 21 and over at night. Overall a great time and I will recommend Kings and return.

Pros: Everything for everyone

Cons: Long bowling wait

Posted 10/25/08

I went to Kings last night to watch the Red Sox game, and though they lost to Tampa Bay my friends and I had a great time. The sound was on, the game was being played on every screen. The food was good, drinks were strong, and there was a decent crowd especially considering it was a Sunday night late. (No annoying, drunken, frat boys!) The best part was that after the loss, we walked to the lanes, bowled and continuted to drink. I will defiently come back to watch the next game, and the bartender told me about free wings during Sun Pats games-can't wait to check that out :)

Pros: Sound on for the game, good service, fun atmosphere

Posted 10/19/08

I am a regular at Kings. I live and work down the street and go in at least 2 times a week with my co-workers after work. They have so much to offer. The best is the lounge. The cocktails are 1st rate. We go to Trivia almost every week on Tuesdays and Bowl after. Everyone is very nice that works there and I always see the same staff and they now know me by name. I never post reviews but had to post about Kings. Everyone thinks of it just as a bowling alley- Not the case. The food, service and activities they offer make it a cool place to hang out. Unlike most bars in the back bay- it is very clean and well maintained. Kings is #1. Keep up the great work!

Pros: Drinks & Staff

Posted 05/04/08

I have been to Kings several times in the past 6 months. With the option of bowling, playing pool, or just having a few drinks with friends, you can't go wrong. The food there is great as well. During the week there are Karaoke, Open Mic and Triva nights. If you work at a bar like I do, Monday is the night to go if you can because if you work in the industry you can bowl and play pool for free. The thing about Kings that stands out over a lot of other places is how friendly everyone is there. The security at the door say Hello every time we come in and say goodbye when we leave. The waitresses are always around and attentive, the bartenders move quickly and even the workers at the front desk are outgoing and friendly. Working at a bar myself, I can appreciate how the people at Kings are so friendly. Its nice to see a place where the people really look like they are enjoying their job, and genuinely seem that they care about you as a customer no matter what the situation.

Posted 05/03/08

Kings is awesome. Me and my friends were in there last weekend. We had an amazing time. Someone from our group made a dinner reservation for the lounge. Which is wicked cool...The music is awesome. The food is even better... Then after we finished eating we had a lane waiting for us. We went out to the bowling alley and bowled a couple of games. Who knew that there were actual servers that took care of you while you bowling... I can't wait to come back!

Pros: Food & Bowling

Cons: None

Posted 02/20/08

Try it out. You won't be dissapointed. I suggest the "Strawberry Champage Martini".
Monday night is the best night to go to Kings. They have a great DJ and the crowd is HOT.

Pros: HOT GUYS

Posted 12/28/07

I had to write a review about Kings. What a good time. The scene was great with all adults. The music was a lot of fun. I love that they play music videos with all the songs on the Big screens. We all went bowling on Thursday night and had a BLAST even though I bowled less than 100 for all 3 games.
Try the Kings Martini. We each had about 4 of them. They are SO TASTEY! The food was fantastic as well. I HIGHLY Recommend Kings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: Fun Bowling, DRINKS, Music, Service, Food

Posted 12/28/07

Been here a couple of times, only to leave saying to myself - why did I come here? It cost me over $20 for 15 minutes of crappy bowling. You get service with an attitude and it's just another dirty bowling alley. Although, it's priced as if it's some amazing place. It's not. It's a basement. It just happens to be in the Back Bay...which means they pay for a expensive lease and push prices, not service.

Pros: Location

Cons: Everything else - very pricey, weak service, watered-down drinks, dirty everything.

Posted 12/12/07

I was so sick of the night-clubs but LOVE to go out on the weekends with my friends. We decided to try KINGS Bowling and was SHOCKED at how fun and up-scale the place was. We first had dinner in the restaurant/lounge which was 2 BIG THUMBS UP and then we bowled right after. There was a big wait but one of my friends made a dinner reservation and after you go to the top of the list. The music was so fun and they play videos too. I am a horrible bowler but we enjoyed the experience very much. they actually have waitresses who wait on you while your bowling. They have college night on Tuesdays so me and my friends play to return. You bowl free after 9pm on Tuesdays with a college ID I guess. Kings is 5 stars. Not what you would ever expect a bowling alley to be.

Pros: Music, bowling & fun

Posted 12/02/07

KINGS IS SO MUCH FUN!! BOWLING, POOL, VIDEO GAMES, MUSIC & BARS ALL IN ONE! I WENT THIS WEEK WITH A LARGE GROUP OF MY FRIENDS FOR MY COUSINS BACHELORETTE PARTY AND WE HAD SO MUCH FUN! WE BOOKED A PARTY WITH KINGS AND IT WAS MY JOB TO TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING AND THEY MADE EVERYTHING SO EASY. WE CAME IN AND EVERYTHING WAS READY FOR US AND WE HAD FOOD AND DRINKS WHILE WE BOWLED. OUR SERVER WAS SO HELPFUL AND MADE OUR NIGHT BY TAKEING SUCH GOOD CARE OF OUR GROUP. I WOULD RECOMMEND KINGS TO EVERYONE NOW.

Pros: FUN FUN FUN

Cons: NO CONS

Posted 12/02/07

I had worked with the event person to plan a surpise birthday party for my sister for over a month. After deciding on a final head count it was planned to get a table in dining room rather than rent a room. As we sat down to order, an unexpected kitchen fire broke out and the restraunt was emptied out. After waiting in cold for 20 minutes with out any word on situation we were let back in. From no word from manager, our waitress told us no hot foods were being served only salads or cold club sandwhiches. Our planned party of 25 was told there is nothing they could do. We asked for maybe free drinks, or maybe free rental. Nothing! We waited to speak with manager for over an hour. Finally manager told us there was nothing as well that tehy could keep our priority lanes but that was it. After hearign other tables getting comp'd on meals, drinks and shoe rental we asked for same. Our party was moved to summershack (upstairs, it was great! 4 stars) and then finally returned to bowl after dinner. At which we were charged double for lanes, after our guest paid, My credit card was charged.. Once again i waited to speak with manager Josh. I told him customer service was outrageous and wasn't event aplogized for what was supposed to be a great night, I told him I more than likely wouldn't be coming back--- His reponse "Good . don't"
what ever happened to customers always right?

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Service- esp Management

Posted 12/02/07

been to kings a few times before, and i have to say that monday nights are the only halfway decent times to go... i went on a weekend night a little while ago and was surprised by how much of a disappointment it was. the place was basically empty and the bartenders were rude and had chips on their shoulders, the food was ok but overpriced for what it was, and the drinks were weak and overpriced. the bowling lane we were assigned to kept breaking down and it took forever to get it back up and running and once it was up and running after about an hour, we were still charged for our use of the lane when we barely got a single game in... we decided to play some pool and were yelled at by a bouncer for where our drinks were... they weren't sitting on the pool tables but he still said they were too close to the tables and could fall on them... and if they did we would be charged for the pool table... honestly, you will have more fun and better luck at an out of the city dirty bowling alley where they have cheap beer and greasy bar food... this place tries to be something its not and it fails miserably at it...

Pros: always a lane available, never a line at the door

Cons: bartenders, food, prices,

Posted 11/14/07

FUN PLACE! I had never been but was pleasantly surprised. The bowling was so much fun. More of an ADULT bowling alley. The staff were extremely attentive. Our server treated us like "Royalty". There was a group of us that went on Friday night. I LOVE the music videos- some brand new and some 80's. Good drink list. A little pricey, but well worth it considering the service and quality. The wait was a little excessive, but the girl at the desk told me we could make reservations (dinner then bowling) which I will do next time. All and all we had a great time.

Pros: BOWLING, service, drinks, fun

Cons: Wait time

Posted 11/07/07

Kings is the best. Me and my friends go at least once a month. I love the martini list. Kings is very clean and the staff are so nice. It does get very busy so make a reservation. We went last week for Karaoke on Thursday night. We did karaoke then bowled. This is a place that you should check out. My boyfirnd goes every Sunday & Monday to watch football in the lounge. They have a lot of TV's.

Pros: FUN-Clean- KARAOKE- Martinis-STAFF

Cons: None

Posted 09/25/07

We went to kings last tuesday night it was so much fun. I highly recommend doing what we did which was make a dinner reservation for the restaurant then got bumped to the top of the bowling list. While we were waiting to bowl we played trivia, and it was for free which was even better! Since were were all college students we bowled for free as well. It was really fun. They staff and the food were awesome. I can't wait to go back!

Pros: Trivia, Bowling

Cons: None

Posted 09/12/07

I've never posted a review prior to this one, but last night I was ticked enough to warrant one. The lane we were put on didn't work. It wouldn't register scores properly and the lane would automatically wipe away pins after the first roll. Needless to say, it was annoying. I must have spent 45 minutes walking to and from the front desk in order to seek some help as the problem occurred multiple times. I was told that we could not be moved to another lane. When all was finished, we were charged full price which they apparently, thought was fair. Go to Jillians for a much better scene and more friendly staff.

Posted 09/02/07

1st time at Kings yesterday and I was very impressed. I grew up in New York and all we did was bowl and I have never seen a place this cool. Kings is sheik and adult. There were many ?beautiful people? bowling in high heels and suits. The music was great and a nice mix. We ate food in the restaurant after we bowled and I can't say enough good things about the food. The drinks were good and reasonably priced for Boston. We are going back with a big group this Saturday. This is a great place, definitely check it out.

Pros: cool, good music, good drinks, hot staff

Cons: none..

Posted 05/15/07

Read the good reviews and thought my fiance and I would try something new, so went here last night to check it out. It would have to be a little more sedate on a Wednesday night, right? Two steps in the door we're assaulted by ear-splitting club music. Ducked our heads into the restaurant area (where you're supposed to sit and eat a meal) and saw a live band, but a similar environment where you have to yell at the person sitting across from you to hear. We immediately left and had a great dinner at the Prudential Cheesecake Factory, then bowled and drank in comfort afterwards at Jillian's. Am I asking too much from a bowling joint? Maybe. I could certainly come back for my bachelor party. But don't be fooled by the claims that this is a good date spot. It's not. It's a night club volume place, the type that doesn't feel it's doing its job unless it's destroyed your ability to have a conversation.

Posted 04/18/07

Me and a group of friends went to Kings this past weekend for dinner and bowling. The food in the Kings Restaurant was amazing. They have the best steak I have had in a while and it was cheap! The cocktails were great and the beer was cold. We finished our meal and got right on the lanes. The music was great and was mostly a top 40 mix with classics and some dance music. We were there for about 4 hours total and had a great time. We played pool when we were done bowling. We were already planning our next trip back to Kings next month. Make a reservation for dinner because the place was packed. We really had a great time at Kings.

Pros: FUN-GREAT FOOD-LOTS TO DO

Cons: None

Posted 02/28/07

... BUT great group experience. If you just go there to get drunk and throw a bowling ball at some pins and laugh about then HIGHLY RECOMENDED!!! I had a great time... but if you go there to bowl, then you are going to be angry as HELL!! The lanes basically "s" "u" "c" "k" and the pins jam in the collector arm and at least 5 times the #1 pins didn't even come out!! So, don't go there to bowl.

Don't bring your date, cuz it is loud and the music is blaring (and too many distracting hotties to look at *wink*)

Good service... almost too good. Our waiter was so anxious to remove our empty bottles that he/she took ones that still had beer in them... other than that, the waitress was nice and fast.

GREAT BAR!! anything you want.

OVERALL: Fun experience. Would go again with a group of freinds!!

Pros: Really fun, tasty nachos, and fast service

Cons: don't bring your date, HORIBBLE BOWLING!!! DONT GO TO BOWL!!!

Posted 01/09/07

Our office party this year was held at Kings in the Back Bay of Boston. WOW! I had never been there before-nor have I ever been to such a cool place. Not like what you would expect- Bowling, Pool tables, Video games, air hockey, 3-4 bars,
The whole place was AMAZING! From the time we walked in and checked our coats until we left-the staff treated us like royalty.
The food was unbelievable! I was expecting something totally different- but they started passing trays of sushi, scallops in bacon, gourmet pizza and bruschetta- along with some other food I don't remember- But EVERYTHING WAS SO TASTY!
The music was fun and upbeat with top 40 and some classics mixed in. They also have about 50 TV's 5 of which are HUGE projection screens which was perfect because the football game was on.
The bar staff are very good. They were quick with drinks and made PERFECT martinis just the way I like them.
I can't say enough good things about Kings- I am just happy I found it and plan on returning soon with a group of friends. They take Reservations- so I will definitely call ahead as it was very busy when we went.
I wonder if there are more Kings or if this is the only one?
I LOVED IT!!

Pros: SERVICE-FOOD-BAR-GAMES

Cons: Nothing

Posted 12/03/06

If you are at all an experienced bowler, then the lane conditions will infuriate you. The lanes were completely un-oiled. The staff is unfamiliar with simple bowling terms such as having lanes cross. Because of this our group had to be divided into two separate games. Also, one of the two lanes jammed EVERY fourth shot! Our intercom did not work and so we had to go to the office or the bar to get it reset so often it interfered with our enjoyment of the evening.

Our non-bowling friends seemed to have a fine time. Our server in the bowling area was very nice and we never went without a drink for long.

The restaurant had good burgers and good service, though some of our party's orders were not understood by the kitchen. Go ahead and skip the bland desserts.

On the whole everything was VERY EXPENSIVE. It was over $100 for our group to bowl a single game. Pool is also expensive given the poor condition of the tables.

Pros: Service

Cons: Expensive, lane conditions

Posted 08/03/06

Don't write off the food because this is a bowling Alley. The burger here is outstanding. Quality meat cooked perfectly, fully melted cheese, crips bacon and fresh hand cut french fries. I've had all the "best" burgers in Boston and would put this 2nd to the Four Seasons Bristol Bar Burger, at a fraction of the price!

Posted 10/19/04

For my wifes 40th birthday, I planned a night at Kings. I am really I that glad I did. Upon arrival, our party of twelve was quickly seated and served drinks in the deVille Lounge. The music, food and most importantly, the service was terrific. Our server, Patty, was knowledgeable and personable; she made our dining experience one to remember. As soon as we were finished eating, our lanes (2) were ready as if they'd been waiting for us all night. Once on the lanes, we were again greeted in a timely manner and served by yet another attractive and witty young lady. My wife and our friends had an unbelieveable time bowling and drinking. We wouldn't have changed a thing. Big ball bowls for everyone!!!

Pros: Service and service., Food and drinks., Bowling and drinking.

Posted 06/01/04

I have been in Boston for 4 years now and I'm always looking for something different to do at night. I went to Kings as a recommendation from a friend and I was thoroughly impressed. My friend told me about their dinner and lane reservation policy and it was more than I expected. The staff was knowledgable and greeted us with smiles. The manager (Patrick) visited our table on a number of occassions to make sure everything was going well. He escorted us to our lanes and made us feel like kings (pun intended). The food was phenomenal (and inexpensive) and I highly reccommend making dinner reservations because we didn't have to wait to bowl at all!

Pros: great service, validated parking, location

Posted 05/30/04

My friends and I had a great night. The music was wonderfully eclectic with classics from every decade. Our server on the lanes was top notch. Never did I have an empty glass. We did have to wait over an hour to bowl, but that is part of the part of the experience, to eat, drink and take in the scene before our competitive streak gets the better of us. The bartender was incredible. I never met someone so knowledge and never quite realized how many different bottles they stock. Certainly more than most of bars I have been to in Boston. The calamari was better than any I have had. As for value, it is the Back Bay. But $17 for two games and shoes is not unreasonable and draft beer at $3 a pop is a real deal.
All in all another TOP NIGHT AT KINGS..

Pros: Fun, fun , fun, great drinks, great staff

Posted 05/29/04

I decided to give Kings a second try, knowing that they had just opened a couple months ago and were still working out the bugs. I am so glad I did. Me and my friends had a great night of drinks food and fun. The menu has become more diner friendly(especially since it's non smoking now in the lounge) and the staff is on top of things. I definately recommend this place if you and your friends are looking for something new to do on a friday night.

Pros: Beautiful girls, More girls, Lots of girls

Posted 06/11/03

Recently was at Kings with a few old friends, had a total blast - great food, awesome service (seriously she was so personable and attentive), the place looks so fantastic. I was a little bummed when my dear Cheri closed its doors but this is absolutely the best incarnation possible. This is a great addition for Boston's somewhat same old same old night life. Plus as a bonus the night we were there Antoine Walker was in the next lane - he's good! If B'Ball doesn't work out - this mans got a future on the lanes!!! Bowling was a little pricey but the resonable food and drink made up for it. A great night out!!

Pros: good crowd, great vibe, fun

Cons: it closes at 2am

Posted 04/24/03

High school bowling afficionado, glad to see a real bowling alley open up in my neighborhood. Great cuz my bar hopping/club going friends can enjoy it while I slam down the beers and see my bowling score drop 50 points in a matter of hours.
Quite expensive and long wait. If you can't pop to put your name in and return, you're stuck there.
Service not so bad, clueless and cute waitresses. The management has a lot to learn, cut people off too easily.

Pros: Bowling, Drinking&Bowling, Friendly guests

Cons: Long wait, Expensive as s%#t, Limited Bowling time

Posted 04/15/03

Bowling is amazing. I remember going as a kid but it was nothing like this. This is a bowling alley and a fun bar too. I never thought the two would go together but they definitely do here! I had such a good time. I will be going back very soon.

Pros: Ambiance, Bowling

Cons: Long Wait

Posted 04/13/03

This place is awesome. I read all the reviews and hype before I went. I can't believe it lived up to everything I've heard. This place is super cool and trendy. Oh - and go see KingPin. They have tons of movie paraphernalia there. Who knew bowling made a comeback? I guess I know now!!

Pros: Atmosphere, Atmosphere

Cons: NONE

Posted 04/09/03

I went to King's on a saturday night to meet co-workers for drinks and a few rounds of bowling. We sat at the bar in the bowling room for 3.5 hours while waiting for a lane, but didn't mind the wait because we had a great bartender who kept the drinks coming. What else should you expect.... they open a place like no other in the city and people are going to flock to it, so yeah, there's gonna be a line no matter what you go there to do! I definitely plan on returning soon and would recommend it to anyone... just don't go there if you're in a rush, make a night of it!

Pros: Great Atmosphere, Great Drinks, Great Music

Cons: Long Wait for Lane

Posted 04/09/03

I'm not sure what everyone else is tlaking about here but we wnet to King's and had a blast!! Our waitress was super sweet and we didn't have any problems with service. The food was very good and for a downtown restaurant, we thought the prices were reasonable. We just had dinner in the Deville but we definitely plan on going back for bowling.

Pros: Service, Food, Ambiance

Posted 04/08/03

My friends and I went bowling on a Wednesday night. It seemed like the perfect time to go because we had heard how busy it was on the weekends. Well our timing was perfect. It wasn't that crowded and we had tons of fun. The lanes have blacklighting which is very cool. What a great way to spend an evening after work.

Pros: Bowling

Posted 04/08/03

Went with some friends on a weekend night. For the short time we were there, it was QUITE an expensive evening. We also were spoken to harshly by management about the two game rule, which we were not made aware of. Even though it was fun, not sure if I would go back to be yelled at and shell out so much $$$ for two strings of tenpin.

Pros: Location, Atmosphere, Memoribilia

Cons: EXPENSIVE, EXPENSIVE, Rude Management

Posted 04/07/03