Seemor
Back Alley Bowling - Northridge
9118 Balboa Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325
· Bowling alley, Bar & grill, Bowling supply shop
· 4.4/5 Google (1369 reviews)
Fun, clean Northridge bowling center with a full bar and solid bar-food menu; great for groups and families, but service consistency and price complaints show up enough to note.
Restaurant Summary
The scene leans lively and family-friendly, with clean lanes, upbeat music, and lane-side service that keeps the games moving. One guest summed it up as, "We were checked on at the lanes and never felt rushed." However, expect occasional policy rigidity at the desk and some variability in how issues get handled. Food sticks to classic bar favorites—burgers, wings, fries, and flatbreads—suited to casual groups more than culinary adventures. Think shareables and cold beer over chef theatrics; several diners praised the garlic fries while noting drinks can feel pricey at peak times. Families do well here: bumpers, birthday groups, and a kids-bowl-free promo make it easy for parents. Menu standbys like tenders, flatbread cheese pies, and fries fit picky eaters. Noise rises on weekends, so earlier hours suit sensitive kids; the arcade is a bonus, though machines are not always reliable.
At a Glance
- Clean, updated lanes with lane-side food and drink service
- Weekday pricing and kids-bowl-free deals offer good value
- Weekend rates and bar drinks feel expensive
- Front desk and manager interactions vary; problem resolution inconsistent
- Occasional food safety and cleanliness complaints amid mostly positive notes
What Sets It Apart
- lane-side food and drink service
- black-light weekend sessions
- kids bowl free promotions
What People Love
- Fun, upbeat atmosphere
- Clean lanes and organized setup
- Convenient lane-side ordering
- Reliable bar-food staples for sharing
Points of Concern
- Pricing spikes on weekend nights; drinks are often called pricey
- Front desk and management rigidity frustrate some guests
- Arcade reliability is uneven; some machines reported down
- Isolated but serious cleanliness and food safety complaints
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair a flatbread and garlic fries to share between two and add a pitcher to control drink costs
- Choose weekday sessions to balance food spend with lane value
Perfect For
- Casual birthdays and group nights
- Weekday family outings with kids
- Student hangouts near CSUN
- After-work bowling with bar snacks
Location Insights
Area: Suburban San Fernando Valley hub near CSUN; mix of students, families, and locals seeking casual entertainment.
Safety: Generally safe, car-oriented corridor with steady traffic and lighting; typical Valley strip-mall environment.
Nearby: Near CSUN, retail plazas, and residential neighborhoods; draws birthday parties, leagues, and casual night-outs.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–00:00
Tuesday11:00–00:00
Wednesday11:00–00:00
Thursday11:00–00:00
Friday11:00–01:00
Saturday09:00–01:00
Sunday09:00–00:00
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