Westside Bowl

Alright, folks, gather 'round, because I've got a tale of a place that serves vegan pizza so good that even your carnivorous friends will want a slice, gluten-free hot dogs that will make you question your life choices, and wings so crispy, they might just be the eighth wonder of the world. Welcome to Westside Bowl--a glorious mix of dive bar, bowling alley, and quirky restaurant that feels like it was designed by a mad scientist who specializes in both food and fun.Let's talk food first because, let me tell you, this place has vegan and gluten-free options that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about food. Vegan pizza? Yes. And not just any vegan pizza--this stuff is top-tier. The crust is perfect, the toppings are loaded, and it's so satisfying that you'll forget it's vegan. The pickle pizza? I know what you're thinking: "Pickles on pizza? Are we sure about this?" And to that, I say, "Yes. Yes, we are." It's one of the best pickle pizzas I've ever had--salty, tangy, and surprisingly perfect with the cheesy goodness.Now, the vegan hot dogs--they have these magical little things that taste like they've been kissed by the gods of grill. Honestly, if you didn't know they were vegan, you'd just think they were straight-up delicious hot dogs. Mind-blowing. And their wings? Let's just say you'll be licking your fingers and possibly questioning your entire eating philosophy in the best way possible.But enough about the food--let's talk about the atmosphere, which is where Westside Bowl really shines. It's like a quirky, retro dream with an eclectic staff who are... well, let's say "memorable." The owners? Incredible. They run this place with a vision and passion that's contagious. And then there's the staff--oh boy, the staff. They are the kind of characters you'll either love or love to hate. But let's be real: they're the kind of eclectic personalities that make the place fun.Now, here's the thing. One fateful evening, I had a run-in with a security guard/bouncer that I'm not proud of. To put it lightly, I got embarrassed to the point where I haven't exactly rushed back in. This bouncer? Let's just say he took "security" to a whole new level--like he was personally invested in my awkwardness. He created a level of second-hand embarrassment for me that I will carry to my grave, calling me out for coming in with "various friends," insinuating to a full bar I was of unsavory character but wasn't dating any of them.But honestly? The food, the drinks, and the overall vibe are so incredible that I'm willing to forgive the odd awkward encounter and keep coming back for more. And let's be clear: the drinks here are almost as amazing as the food and atmosphere. They've got cocktails and beers that fit the energy of the place--fun, eccentric, and definitely a conversation starter. If you haven't tried the signature drinks, you're missing out.So, if you're looking for a place that's alternatively quirky, fun, and delicious, Westside Bowl is where you want to be. Just maybe check the security situation before you get too comfortable. The food alone is worth the occasional "oops" moment. And besides, if you're looking for a great time and amazing food, the occasional embarrassment just adds to the charm.Trust me. Go for the wings, stay for the pickle pizza, and let the vibes do the rest. Just avoid making eye contact with the bouncer or coming in with friends as he may accuse you of being a harlot for no reason.

Amazing owners, staff and asset to our town. Great bar food, venue and fun place. Can't say enough good things!

The first time I visited this place, a stand-in bassist for a Scandi metal band stuck gum on my forehead in the middle of the set. He came back a riff later and slurped it back off; a process more involved than you'd think and much longer than I'd hoped. It was disgusting but worth the story, and from that moment I knew this place was going to be legendary.Westside Bowl has somehow eked out a place as a miniature Mecca of metal in the Midwest -- seemingly every new or up-and-coming band my group has wanted to see in the last year has had a show here in the wilds outside of Cleveland. Unassuming from the outside, this venue has two levels and possibly two stages, though I've still only seen performances at the one in the basement. Inside it's decorated in a mix of late 20th century Americana, band merch and typical bar fare, the hallmark of the lower level being their impressive collection of tees from all the groups who've graced their stage. They draw a great crowd and have one of the best happy hours I've seen this decade: 4-8pm every weekday with $1 off cans (making the usual $2 PBRs & Gennys just $1), $2 draft 'Gansetts, $1 hotdogs, and $2 pizza by the slice (among other specials).The pizzas sell as fast as they can come out and taste as good as handmade (they very well may be). The meat-eaters in my party commended the hotdogs and chicken wings, and I had no problem finding plenty to eat as someone who doesn't eat anything that walks for flies. Everything was delicious, though I wish more came in an order given the prices the appetizers are sold for. There are even vegan and gluten-free options for those who need them.Our most recent visit ended with us upstairs as the final songs of the last act (who we only left because we'd just seen them recently) vibrated up to us through the floorboards. We'd all had a bit too much and were giggling and making jokes and not worrying about the bill being too high or rushing to beat the crowd out of the parking lot. That's a feeling you can't get at many places anymore. Somehow we also got roped into playing bingo -- I won a mug, but Plan B was another tempting option. I love the implied paradox of someone being irresponsible enough to go home and hit it raw after a rousing, rowdy round of BINGO (of all things), yet having the foresight to choose the morning after pill as their night's prize. Wild.If I lived closer I'd be here all the time, but I guess I'll have to settle for retreading the 2.5 hour trek from my home in Columbus from time to time. It's well worth the trip and I would argue the same is true for you if you live in a similar vicinity. Oh yeah, you can probably bowl here too, though I've yet to witness it actually happening. The posted pricing ($10 for unlimited) is pretty good though!

Really awesome place got to preform stone temple pilots and it was so fun the food was yummy and who doesn't like bowling?

Always great food and environment here! The vibes are immaculate at the West Side Bowl Pricing is decent. Service is fast and efficient.

This place is amazing! The pizza is phenomenal, the staff are so friendly, and the vibe is perfect. Bowling, arcade, pinball, live bands, old school Nintendo, great bar, you really can't lose. I love this place. Can't wait to come back, highly recommend.

Went there for trivia night last week. We were sitting at a table in the back, but we noticed the bartender was vaping. Along with a bunch of others sitting at the bar. So my girlfriend and I took one hit from our vape. Immediately the "security guard" came over and told us we can't do that so we apologized and said we wouldn't do it again but we thought it was OK because the bartender was doing it in front of customers. He went to the bartender and informed her what we said, and then the second bartender came over to us and talked crap. Just an over all unprofessional and bad experience. Won't be going back there.

i'm a regular and have been going and having a great time. Great staff and atmosphere, they could be more professional at times but it is what it is. The food is decent and free refills is a plus. What bothered me most is that it's my friends birthday and they had a staff event, but listed it as a normal event online. We go there with a huge group and supposedly, they closed for the day because of a DRAG QUEEN SPELLING BEE. Nothing much else to say but F that and I won't be going there as frequently as I did. Staff mean mugged as and the main bouncer was awesome about it but the bald tattooed guy and fat bearded SG need to get their shit together

Super cool atmosphere - art, good music, friendly staff... FANTASTIC pizza...have been there for live music... great sound quality - lighting is always top notch - no excessive fees on ticket prices. Costs in food and drinks very reasonable. Highly recommend this awesome place. Wish it was a little closer to my home!

Went for a concert and waited in line for 50 minutes to enter the venue, missing the band I wanted to see. The venue obviously was not prepared or staffed for handling the crowd that they sold tickets for. Once we got in it was a really cool place, drinks were good, service was good, pizza was yummy. Would be 5 stars if it was possible to get in.