OP
Thanks for the info !

Been to many parties there for the preschool set. Very fun. Nice food and drink options for adults too. They also have an option where kids can make their own pizza and then bowl. Great fun.

If you’re doing this with 6 year olds you need a LOT of helpers. At least one full time adult helper per lane. We went to a kindergarten party there and it was a shit show. Kids flinging heavy bowling balls around, dropping them on their own feet/fingers, etc. It’s also pretty pricey. It’s nice for adults (full bar) but pricey for the parents

We've done bowling parties in the past and Pinstripes is by far more expensive than other places. I guess it depends on which package you get but their bowling and pizza-making package is super expensive since they charge an additional 30% for random service charges, chef fees. I want to say it was $50/head and any parents standing around (even if they don't bowl or eat) is charged by Pinstripes as a guest. This does not even include tipping!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone researched the costs for pinstripes in N. Bethesda vs. Bowlmor. This is for a 6th bday party/outing, & I just want to have a few friends (like 5-6) without spending a fortune.
Thanks

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Sixth birthday -- nope, Pinstripes in Georgetown would be, well, wasted on kids this young. They'd like a basic local alley better at that age and it'll cost much less.

I believe Pinstripes has a 10 child minimum. Their prices are actually slightly less than Bowlmor but the Bowlmor packages include more like a gift card for playing video games and more food options rather than choosing one item. We had 10 kids and ended up going with Bowlmor because it was not going to be a drop off party and Pinstripes wanted to charge for an extra lane to seat the parents. They don't have room for parents to stand around like Bowlmor did. That was going to be an extra $100. Plus the adult food at Pinstripes was more.

Attended 2 parties, one for a 4-year old, one for a 6-year old and we had a blast both times! I bet it’s expensive.

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone researched the costs for pinstripes in N. Bethesda vs. Bowlmor. This is for a 6th bday party/outing, & I just want to have a few friends (like 5-6) without spending a fortune.
Thanks

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Sixth birthday -- nope, Pinstripes in Georgetown would be, well, wasted on kids this young. They'd like a basic local alley better at that age and it'll cost much less.

I want to second all that the first post said. Would absolutely not go there for an elementary age party but for MS or HS kids who would like the classy vibe. Food was good and event was fun --hosts got platters of heavy appetizers for the adults and adults played bocce while the kids bowled and ate in another area.

If you have a party there I figure it must be expensive because you do need to invite parents to stay (drop off-pick up would be a real hassle) and that means food/ games available to the adults. Also heed that post about parking and ask the venue for advice (and yeah, at least offer to pay for parking). Strongly encourage carpooling to the party, too.

Has anyone researched the costs for pinstripes in N. Bethesda vs. Bowlmor. This is for a 6th bday party/outing, & I just want to have a few friends (like 5-6) without spending a fortune.
Thanks

Had not heard of Bowlmor - will research - thank you! Think there were any specific reasons why he liked it better? That is, do they have other activities, or better food ...? And thank you also for flagging the parking issue - that's big.

Thank you for taking the time to share this!

My son went to a party there. It's a nice space and less noisy and chaotic than a place like Bowlmor in Bethesda, but FWIW, my son (age 10) said he liked Bowlmor much better. And quite frankly, the parking is a nightmare. I know where to find parking in Georgetown, but a lot of parents didn't and their kids were really late as a result.

That is super helpful information - thank you so much for even pointing out the parking issue! Was imagining there would need to be some group transportation, and this definitely seems to confirm. Thank you for taking the time to respond so thoughtfully!

We attended a birthday party there (Georgetown location) for my daughter's friend. I'd never even heard of it. The parents invited the kids' friends' parents to stay since it's a hike (we are all in Northern Va). It was great -- the kids, all middle schoolers, loved the bowling, and the parents played bocce in a separate area and ate. Kids had pizza and cupcakes that my daughter said were really good, and the hosts provided a LOT of great appetizers for the adults -- more than enough to be lunch.

Parking was fine though that could be a real issue on some days; there is a garage down by the river (one block from Pinstripes) and others parked in the garage at the shopping center where Pinstripes is located. There are also street spots (paid) down by the river. I would absolutely talk with Pinstripes management about best times for your party so that folks can get parking. The idea of parking in Georgetown can be daunting and you don't want to have guests circling trying to find a spot. It was fine on the day we were there. Bear in mind that you are asking your guests to pay for parking at your party. Even the garage for the shopping center charges. We didn't mind, and the hosts even offered to pay for parking but most folks turned them down, I think.

I would not do this for a party for a young child who doesn't care about how nice the lanes are etc. and whose party should be fairly short, both in time and in driving time. I do assume it was all very expensive for the hosts, and if you are just wanting to find a bowling party and aren't picky, you can go with the local bowling alley chains. Pinstripes is definitely classy and good if you have grown-ups staying. The middle schoolers thought it was extremely cool....

Has anyone used Pinstripes for a private party (or attended one there)? Would love to hear feedback ... Thank you in advance!