Atomic Bowl Duckpin: Retro Lanes in Fountain Square

Atomic Bowl Duckpin is a retro, midcentury-style duckpin bowling alley in the basement of the Fountain Square Theatre Building, at 1105 Prospect Street in Indianapolis. It sits in the Fountain Square Cultural District, and the venue describes itself as one of the only duckpin bowling alleys in the Midwest. The lanes use authentic bowling equipment from the 1950s and '60s. The building dates back to 1928, when it was a 1,500-seat motion picture and vaudeville theatre with a 40-foot domed ceiling. After renovations that began in 1994, the space was transformed into a courtyard. David Letterman also featured duckpin bowling on his show My Next Guest while he was in Indianapolis. In a Netflix episode, he visited Fountain Square for duckpin bowling with guest Caitlin Clark, and that episode premiered on April 8.

Duckpin is a vintage game that goes back to the early 1900s. The ball is much lighter and smaller than a regular bowling ball, and the pins are shorter. One reviewer found it harder than regular bowling. Another said the balls get quite dirty, so it's a good idea to wash your hands after playing. Bowling shoes are provided free of charge. One reviewer paid $20 for a half-hour session, which included two games. Gift cards are available in $25, $50, $100 and $200 amounts.

The menu covers appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers and pizza, and it is available seven days a week. One reviewer specifically mentioned the Jalapeno Poppers. You can eat in the dining area, which seats up to 98 guests, or order and eat right at your lane. On Google Maps, the venue has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 736 reviews.

The venue can also be rented for private events. A rental includes exclusive use of 7 bowling lanes and the café seating and buffet area, and no other guests are allowed in the facility during the event. The host gets half an hour of set-up time beforehand. I don't have current opening hours for the venue, so check before you go. To make a reservation, call 317.686.6010. Since the bowling alley is in the basement, you'll need to head downstairs from the main floor of the building.