St. Louis On The Cheap : Saratoga Lanes

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If actually entering Saratoga Lanes doesn't scare you, there is a hidden jewel waiting for you in downtown Maplewood. Just a few steps from the corner of Sutton and Manchester roads, through an unassuming door up a flight of rickety stairs an unpretentious evening of cheap drinks and bowling awaits. There are only a few beers on tap and a handful of bowling lanes but it is one of those places where you feel like a regular even if you haven't pulled up a bar stool there in months.

Saratoga Lanes (or 'togas') has been attracting St. Louis bowlers and social butterflies alike who looking for a laid back night at the lanes for more than 90 years. While eight lanes might not seem like a whole lot compared to some of the larger, hipster alleys around the city the wait for a lane at this Maplewood favorite never seems painfully long. Bowling a game here is super cheap, too - $3 during the week and $4 on the weekends.

This alley isn't just for bowling; arcade games and pool tables flank the other side of the large, center bar. Saratoga's meets or exceeds all of the traditional dive bar expectations: cheap drinks, come-as-you-are atmosphere and they draw a solid, loyal crowd on just about any given night.

Saratoga Lanes is located in downtown Maplewood at 2725 Sutton Blvd. They are open Monday through Friday from 12pm until 1am; Saturday and Sunday from 2pm until 12pm. On Saturdays and Sunday they rent out th entire bar for private parties so make sure you call them at before heading down there.