Best of 2003: Best North County Bowling Alley

AMF Eagle Lanes
945 San Marcos Boulevard, San Marcos
760-744-7000

Eagle Lanes is San Marcos's secret landmark. Secret because it's a half-block off the main drag of San Marcos Boulevard, back behind some other, more recent retail buildings; landmark because it's been there for nearly 20 years. Some things have changed -- the hills behind the bowling alley are now covered with houses, and a game is $4.25 instead of $2.50. But other things have not. There are still 40 lanes of gleaming hardwood. The Regal Eagle Lounge still opens at 6 every night. The snack bar still overcooks the hamburgers. And late on weekend nights, when the doors to the parking lot swing open, the comforting clatter of balls and pins from the oldster leagues still cascades out.