The 10th Frame

Step through the doors of The 10th Frame and you’re greeted with the kind of throwback charm that’s getting hard to find in the era of digital scoreboards and Instagram-ready bowling alleys. Here, old-school lanes line up under fluorescent lights, their glossy wooden surfaces showing the patina of decades’ worth of strikes, spares, and gutter balls. The scoring system is manual—yes, pencil and paper—giving every game a touch of nostalgia and a chance for friendly ribbing if someone flubs the math. The crowd is a lively mix. On any given night, you’ll spot local regulars catching up at the bar over generous pours, families teaching kids the fundamentals, groups celebrating birthdays or simply blowing off steam after work. The staff keeps the place humming with genuine midwestern warmth—quick with a story, faster with a fresh drink. While the lanes are undeniably vintage, it’s the kitchen that surprises: baskets of piping hot fries, burgers done right, and a Friday fish fry that locals swear by. No one leaves hungry. Beyond bowling, there’s an energy that spills from the bar into occasional live music nights—a small stage at one end hosts local bands or themed events. This isn’t just a venue; it’s a gathering place where Appleton’s community threads together: league bowlers next to college students next to families out for a treat. The 10th Frame doesn’t chase trends; it embodies them in its own unpretentious way, holding tight to rituals that turn strangers into teammates over rounds of cheap beer and shared plates. Sure, it might feel a little rough around the edges if you’re expecting sleek amenities or neon-lit luxury—but it trades polish for soul every time.