A poster of "The Big Lebowski" graces Timber Lane's walls, reflecting the kind of easy-going attitude the staff takes toward the game. You probably won't see guys in too-tight pants, top-of-the-line shoes and expensive bionic wrist braces wiggling their fingers over the ball return vent while staring steely-eyed toward the pins. The ancient eight-lane alley (built in 1945) caters to a casual crowd and prides itself on providing a family-friendly space where folks can forget about everyday life for a little while.

The old-school backlit pin indicators and imported Japanese pin setters date back to '78, but owner Bob Kuhn keeps the lanes well maintained. A small bar decked out in Bears and Blackhawks memorabilia serves $2.75 Coors Lights should you decide to sit out a game or two. Besides the regular Saturday night league, the alley also hosts a women's league on Friday nights, a blind league Saturday afternoons and popular weekend gay and lesbian leagues. Sunday through Thursday Kuhn runs an Open Bowl Special where, for the paltry sum of $2 a game, you and your crew can try in vain to roll that holy 300. Shoe rental is $2, and weekends see a flat-rate of $18 per hour (two-hour minimum).

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Foreman