2001 Northwest Highway 7
Blue Springs, 816-220-7722
We love the spaced-out Lunar Bowl. It beats the heck out of the usual run-down Big Lebowski bowling-alleyvibe, and its score consoles are even this decade's model. This place is light-years ahead economically, too: On weekends, the lights dim and a lunar-themed backdrop blinks while speakers blast Top 40 anthems for Cosmic Bowl, which runs from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday nights and 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays. Bowlers pay a flat rate for four hours of lane time. Whereas most places charge about $4 a game, Lunar averages about $4 an hour -- a better deal for the novice tossing speedy gutter balls. Yeah, the place is so high school, but in that idyllic way in which everyone is self-deprecating and supportive. A low moon the size of a Buick hangs over the full-service bar, and the place packs with twentysomethings who aren't shy about fraternizing with middle-agers.
