Pinstripes invited the Oracle staff to an hour and a half of free bowling on the evening of April 21. Since I hadn’t been to Pinstripes since it opened in 2007, I was interested in checking out the upscale gaming hangout once again.

The ambiance of the bowling area is sophisticated, relaxed and classy. Soft leather sofas partition off each lane, which creates a more intimate feel for parties. One upside to bowling at a classier establishment: the shoes don’t stink like they haven’t been washed in a month.

While we waited for our turns to bowl, I nibbled on the individual cheese pizzas. The cheese was gooey and generously slathered over a sweet sauce, and ordering a larger version would certainly satisfy any group’s hunger. Although I didn’t get to try any other food on their menu, pizzas range around $15 while most of the entrees are around $10-20.

On a Friday from 5 p.m. to when they close at 12:30 a.m., it costs $7 per person per game. Shoe rental is an extra $4.

I’m not inclined to pay $11 for a single game of bowling, without including the amount I would need to spend on dinner. Let’s compare Pinstripes’ bowling prices to those of Brunswick in Niles. On a Friday or Saturday night, bowling is $11 per person (including shoe rental) for two hours of bowling.

Total cost for a Friday night outing at Pinstripes: approximately $25. If you’re looking for something new to do with friends on a Friday night, save a few bucks and head to Brunswick. However, if you’re looking for a venue for a family gathering or a birthday party, give Pinstripes a chance.