You can go and just listen to music, but not to bowl a few rounds on these shabby, retro '60s lanes is to miss out on some incredible fun. Arrive early, or you'll have to put your name on a waiting list and check back every 45-60 minutes to see if a lane has opened up. (You may have to do this anyway.)

It's worth it! On a recent trip to the city, we arrived at Rock 'n' Bowl around 9:30, added our names to the waiting list, and repaired to the bar. By the time we'd knocked back a few beers and listened to the musicians' opening set, a lane had opened up and the evening took off. It was the first time in my life that I'd ever held a bowling ball — let alone BOWLED — and I had an insanely great time. Abandon yourself to this one-of-a-kind place, and you'll have a fabulous evening.

The crowd is mostly in its 20s and 30s, but we also saw some families with younger kids, and a handful of 50-somethings like ourselves.

Cab fare from the French Quarter was (I think?) between fifteen and twenty bucks, including tip.

Go, go, GO, and have a ball!

A link to the site:

rockandbowl.com/

Click the "Calendar" link at the top of the page for music listings.

We caught a cab from Fiorella’s in the FQ and headed to Mid City to the Rock n Bowl for Zydeco night. I had seen Geno Delafose before there and was very excited to see him again. This is one of the places I never get tired of and love to come here for an authentic New Orleans experience. There are mostly locals here dancing with very few tourists. Cover charge was only $8 and drinks are cheap. This is a functioning bowling alley on the 2nd floor with a dance floor and stage. John Blancher is the owner and also owns the Ye Olde College Inn. He was there that night and spoke to the audience during a break for the band. I had met him in March because he was the Man of the Year for the Downtown Irish Club. He was in a parade in the Bywater (old 9th ward) and had stopped at Markey’s Bar. After the parade, we went to the Rock n Bowl and saw him there. I didn’t realize he owned the Rock n Bowl until this trip. He is very nice and visited with us. After the concert, Geno was outside visiting with people and posed with us for pictures.

Living in Pensacola, Fl. we have visited New Orleans Many times! We also have been to Rock-n-bowl several times and have wonderful memories of hearing some great bands. From the few negative reviews...well just look where they are from..enough said. To really appreciate the blues, you have to let it creep into your soul. It makes you happy and sad, laugh and cry all at the same time. I would strongly recommend everyone giving this place a try. Don't expect fancy!
Just some really nice and friendly locals... Nice change from the touristy French Quarter.

I will alwys plan my trips to New Orleans around a Thrusday nite at the Rock & Bowl - if you like to dance, and people watch, this is the place to go. I cant wait to go back!!!!