If you'd like to tip the pin-setters at Southport Lanes, you're instructed to stick your money in one of the ball's finger holes and roll it down the lane, softly. Far from the automatic reset and ball return we're accustomed to, the pin-setters at this old school bowling and billiard establishment carefully hand-set the lanes in between every turn.

Although Southport boasts four full alleys (at $20-$30 an hour), it can be hard to score one on a busy night. Luckily, plenty of other things will keep you busy while you wait. The enormous billiard room has six regulation Brunswick pool tables for those who care to compete, and there's a main bar room with a few TVs and booths for groups of friends to sit and hang—or cheer on their favorite bowling superstar.

Longer than you'd expect and chock-full of favorites, the bar menu includes appetizers ($3.95-$7.95) such as wings, nachos, quesadillas and mozzarella sticks; salads, including a "build your own" option; and mostly grilled $8 items (burgers, chicken clubs, etc.) and specialty sandwiches for entrees like The Honeymooner (turkey, mozzarella, bacon), The Cape Cod (Whitefish fillet and tartar sauce), and a Better than Mom's Grilled Cheese.

An extensive beer list tops off the lengthy menu, with over 40 bottled beers and 16 on draft. You'll also find a surprisingly impressive array of scotches including Macallan, Oban and Glendronach.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Emily Browne