FunKidsActivities
Round1 Bowling & Arcade Sunvalley Shopping Center

Round1 Bowling & Arcade Sunvalley Shopping Center

185 Sun Valley Mall, Concord, CA 94520, USA

Overview

Category:Arcades
Location:San Ramon, CA

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Round1 Bowling & Arcade Sunvalley offers a multi-entertainment experience including bowling and arcades, directly connected to a shopping mall. Its value proposition lies in providing a convenient, diverse entertainment option for families, particularly for large groups who can make reservations, within a retail complex. However, this is largely overshadowed by consistent reports of poor service, broken equipment, and high costs.

Key Highlights

  • Did not wait for a bowling lane on a Saturday night without a reservation (one instance, contradicted by others).
  • Staff sometimes responded quickly to fix minor lane issues (when available).
  • Bar serves cold beer (when staff is present and ID requirements are met).
  • Ability to make reservations for large parties.
  • Direct access to the Sunvalley Shopping Center.

Standout Features

  • Variety of entertainment options including bowling and arcade games.
  • On-site bar serving cold beer (subject to service availability).
  • Convenient location with direct access to Sunvalley Shopping Center.
  • Reservations available for large parties.

Perfect For

Families with school-aged children and teenagers for bowling and arcade games.
Adults who may be interested in the bar and bowling, but should be aware of alcohol ID policies and service issues.

Ideal For

Families or groups looking for a multi-activity entertainment option within a shopping mall, provided they are prepared for potential frustrations.
Large groups who have made reservations and are willing to overlook service inconsistencies.
A quick visit for cold beer, provided you have accepted the potential for slow service and strict ID policies.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Call ahead for wait times, but be cautious as information may be inaccurate.
  • Prepare for mandatory security checks (metal detection, bag search) at the entrance.
  • Be aware that bowling and food are expensive; factor this into your budget.
  • Immediately inspect your assigned bowling lane for any issues (stuck bumpers, pinsetter problems) and report them, but do not expect prompt resolution or refunds.
  • Verify your food orders carefully, especially for add-ons, as receipts may not be itemized and staff may dispute what was paid for.
  • Foreign visitors planning to purchase alcohol must bring a passport, as other government IDs (like Canadian driver's licenses) may not be accepted.
  • Factor in extra time for getting drinks from the bar, as service can be slow and you cannot order from the bowling lanes. Be aware that your paid booking time starts when you pay, not when you start playing.
  • Do not expect flexibility in extending play time, even if the venue appears uncrowded.
  • Do not anticipate refunds or compensation for broken equipment or lost play time.
  • Consider alternative venues like Chuck E. Cheese if you prioritize a less stressful and more predictable family entertainment experience (as suggested by one reviewer).

Things to Consider

  • Confusing payment system requiring multiple cashiers depending on activity.
  • Consistently reported unhelpful, unhappy, and unresponsive staff.
  • Bowling is very expensive (e.g., $145 for 3 people for 90 minutes).
  • Widespread issues with bowling lanes: bumpers stuck, pinsetter arm knocking over pins, balls not returning, pins going on/off, and multiple broken lanes.
  • Difficulty getting assistance for bowling issues, with staff sometimes unable or unwilling to resolve problems or provide refunds.
  • Inaccurate wait time information provided over the phone.
  • Mandatory security searches and metal detection at the entrance, unusual for a bowling alley.
  • Food is 'ridiculously expensive' and orders are often inaccurate (e.g., missing paid-for condiments like ranch).
  • Inability to order food or drinks from bowling lanes, requiring a walk to the bar/food area.
  • Long waits at the bar and strict rules for alcohol purchases (e.g., only passports accepted for Canadian/foreign IDs, limits on how many drinks one person can carry).
  • Booking time for activities starts immediately upon payment, leading to lost play time while waiting for service or getting to the lane.
  • Inability to extend play time, even when the venue appears empty.
  • Management is often unavailable to address customer complaints.
  • No refunds or compensation offered for lost play time due to broken equipment or service issues.
  • Security staff may follow customers out after complaints.
  • Overall stressful experience.

Price & Value

Bowling is significantly expensive, with an example of $145 for 3 people for 90 minutes. Food is described as 'ridiculously expensive.' The overall value is low due to frequent equipment malfunctions, poor customer service, and a strict no-refund policy for lost play time, suggesting a poor return on investment for the cost.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accommodations for special needs were mentioned.
  • Mandatory security searches and metal detectors at the entrance could be an accessibility concern for some.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Food and drinks are available for purchase but are considered 'ridiculously expensive'.
  • Ordering food and drinks requires walking to a specific counter or bar; no lane service for orders.
  • Issues with order accuracy (e.g., missing condiments) and disputes over what was paid for.
  • Alcohol is available at a bar, but has a strict ID policy for foreign visitors, accepting only passports for Canadian/foreign IDs.
  • Beer quality is inconsistent; sometimes cold, sometimes warm or unavailable.

🚗Parking Info

  • Located within Sunvalley Shopping Center, indicating mall parking is available. No specific details on cost or ease of parking were provided in reviews.

👥Crowd Levels

  • Experiences vary: one review noted no wait on a busy Saturday night, while another reported a 40-minute wait after being told there was 'no wait'.
  • Information about crowd levels seems unreliable; staff may claim the venue is full even when it appears empty (e.g., for extending play).
  • Can be busy on Saturday nights.

🛡️Safety Features

  • Mandatory security searches and metal detection are conducted at the entrance.
  • Security staff have been noted to follow customers out of the venue (in a negative context following a dispute).

When to Avoid

  • If you expect high-quality customer service, clear communication, or efficient operations.
  • If you are on a tight budget for family entertainment.
  • If mandatory security checks at entertainment venues are a concern.
  • If a fair and competitive bowling experience is important, due to frequent reports of faulty equipment.
  • If you are a foreign visitor relying on non-passport IDs for alcohol purchases.
  • If you require responsive staff or expect refunds/compensation for service failures or broken equipment.
  • If you are easily stressed by frustrating customer experiences, as multiple reviews describe the venue as stressful.

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

All Inclusive Party

Duration: Throughout your event

Our all-inclusive party package has everything you need for a fantastic time. Enjoy unlimited access to activities.

Includes:
  • Unlimited Arcade Time-Play (non-redemption games like racing, dancing, fighting)
  • Bowling / Shoe Rental
  • Karaoke / Party Room
  • Billiards / Ping Pong (check location for availability)
  • Pizza & Soda
  • Group Photo

Spo-cha ALL YOU CAN PLAY

Duration: 90 minutes, 3 hours, or all day

The ultimate indoor sports complex, offering basketball, volleyball, arcade games, and more! Perfect for family, friends, and all around fun!

Includes:
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Arcade games
  • Airtrack (at select locations)
  • Pedal Kart (at select locations)
  • Pickleball (at select locations)
  • Ninja Warrior (at select locations)
  • SisyFox - Physical Gaming
Ages: all ages

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

Kaiju No. 8 at Round1 (Collaboration)

10/14/25

Exclusive items available as part of a collaboration.

Metaphor: ReFantazio at Round1 (Collaboration)

10/10/25

Exclusive items available as part of a collaboration.

Moomin x Round1 (Collaboration)

10/7/25

Exclusive items available as part of a collaboration.

Ado x Round1 (Collaboration)

10/1/25

Exclusive items available as part of a collaboration.

Chainsaw Man at Round1 (Collaboration)

9/30/25

Get an Exclusive Makima Figure with any purchase/reload of game credit, subject to conditions.

Rilakkuma at Round1 (Collaboration)

8/26/25

Exclusive items available as part of a collaboration.

Naruto at Round1 (Collaboration)

7/14/25

Exclusive items available as part of a collaboration.

Jujutsu Kaisen at Round1 (Collaboration)

7/7/25

Exclusive items available as part of a collaboration.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby at Round1 (Collaboration)

6/30/25

Exclusive items available as part of a collaboration.

Ultraman Rising at Round1 (Collaboration)

5/14/25

Exclusive items available as part of a collaboration.

🍎Food Policy

  • Outside food allowed for parties: Only cakes and dessert-type items.
  • Food can be brought in for guests with dietary restrictions and allergies.
  • Bringing Kosher foods from outside requires pre-approval from the store.
  • Notify your party coordinator if any outside food would be brought in for the party.
  • Food Allergy Warning: Speak to staff about ingredients before ordering.
  • Kitchen opens at 11 AM, food service starts then.

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Sparklers, confetti, and Silly String are not allowed as party decorations.

📅Booking Policy

  • Party changes must be made at least 3 full days prior to the party date.
  • Accommodating additional guests for parties may not be possible due to space/food availability, especially on the day of the party. Additional participants may purchase their own food, bowling lanes, rentals, etc. separately.
  • Most party decorations (banners, balloons with weights, table toppers) are acceptable.
  • Only tape provided by the store is permitted for hanging wall decorations.
  • Party supplies included: Plates, utensils, napkins, and tablecloth.
  • Party supplies NOT included: Knives, candles, and lighters.
  • Credit card payments are accepted for online reservation requests.
  • Cash and card payments are accepted in-store.
  • Check payments require confirmation with party coordinator and must be sent 6 weeks prior to party date.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Oct 15, 2025

Photos

Round1 Bowling & Arcade Sunvalley Shopping Center photo 1
Round1 Bowling & Arcade Sunvalley Shopping Center photo 2
Round1 Bowling & Arcade Sunvalley Shopping Center photo 3
Round1 Bowling & Arcade Sunvalley Shopping Center photo 4
Round1 Bowling & Arcade Sunvalley Shopping Center photo 5
Round1 Bowling & Arcade Sunvalley Shopping Center photo 6

What People Say

What's Great

  • Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 5 reviews)
  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Pricing can be high (mentioned in 3 reviews)
  • Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 3 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Alejandro

Alejandro

2 weeks ago

I dont know how it's in other locations, but this one is terrible... you have to pay on multiple cashiers depending on what you want to do. The staff is not happy but it's understandable due to how the place operates. The bowling is expensive, and to get assistance on it is a pain. The beers were either not available or they were warm. The whole experience had me stressed. I will not come back in the future. Honestly, i dislike Chuck E cheese with a passion, but i much rather go there than this Round 1 location

Ash Purcell

Ash Purcell

9 months ago

We met a friend to bowl on a Saturday Night. We did not have a reservation. It was busy but we didn’t wait for a lane. I will say Bowling is more expensive than I remembered. For three people for 90 minutes it was about $145. There is a bar. They do also serve food. We didn’t get food but did order drinks. The beer is cold! Always a plus. The staff was good. If we needed help due to something with the lane - they came quickly. Overall- fun experience and will come back. The food looked pretty good too. You can make reservations for large parties. More details on the website. There’s a ton to do her outside of bowling and arcade. There is also direct access to the mall. Thanks for a fun night!

Melissa McDermott

Melissa McDermott

2 months ago

We called ahead to see if there was a long wait for bowling, we were told no wait. It took us about 15 minutes to get there where we are searched and metal detected at the door... never in my life have I been searched to go into a bowling alley but okay. Then we go to get a lane and are told it's 40 minutes wait for a lane unless we want to use a lane with the bumpers stuck up. We decided to go for it, but there was all sorts of problems with the lane, not just the bumper. The arm to clean the pins kept knocking over pins and giving people a ton of free points. We still had fun bowling but it's impossible to be competitive when the game is totally rigged. We bought some ridiculously expensive food from the food area, where when I ordered, i asked for ranch with each dish (so 3 ranch) and paid for my order, of course the receipt is not itemized, only shows the order number and order total. When my order is called, I go to pick up the food and there's no ranch. I ask the guy behind the counter ( a different one than who took my order) for one and he gives me one, I ask for two more as I had ordered them and he says he will have to charge me. I explained that I ordered them with my order and paid for them then. He said he could only give me one more. It's not a huge deal, but it's super frustrating when you don't get what you paid for and are hassled about it. I would pick another bowling alley if you have the option.

Kelsey Stevenson

Kelsey Stevenson

6 months ago

Honestly, this is only the second time I have rated a place on google and this is coming from someone that travels every week of the year (from Canada). Firstly the people that work here are super unhelpful, don’t let you know the rules. We paid for an hour and no one was at their bar for 10 minutes then continued to tell me that Canadian/ foreign IDs are not accepted to buy alcoholic beverages and only passports are accepted (most Canadians can enter USA with just their licences). Luckily my girlfriend had our passports (Canadian/ Czech). We finally got our beer after a while and when we arrived at our lane we had booked for an hour they had said we were 10 minutes into our hour (they give 5 minutes to get there so taking a beer took 15 minutes). No one told us that. You can’t order from the bowling and they force you to walk to the bar to get anything so I then went to order 2 more beers (no one was at the bar again when I arrived) and they told me I couldn’t have 2 beers and I had to take mine then send my girlfriend over to pick hers up by herself. Place is nice and has tons of stuff to do but if I am back around this area ever again I won’t come back. At 3pm we wanted to extend and play another game. They told us we cant because it is full. We have been sitting here (it is now 3:22) and the place is empty other than 1 lane. Honestly I have gone to these sorts of places all around the world and service is really the worst I have ever seen. Disgusting

Charles Oncena

Charles Oncena

4 months ago

Went there today with family in bowling alley. Fun was cut short of multiple broken lanes and pins. Balls won’t return, got stuck, pins were going on and off. Had to move to another lane. A couple of customers also had to move lanes. No visible tech seen to try fixing the issues. Just a few staff on their head pieces. We waited for several minutes for any action and updates. Nothing. After a long time waiting, this lady staff named L… said they cannot do anything. We still have 1 hour to play which we paid. They said they cannot refund us for the lost hour. Our kids are getting frustrated. Our time lost and wasted and still have an appointment to go to. Lady L also said they have to refuse service but we were already there waiting for help. Lady staff said manager is busy to come out. Even for a while to discuss the issues. Won’t even give the manager’s name. We felt helpless. My wife was on the phone with customer service to report these incidents that ruined our family day. No sincere apologies heard and even security followed us out though we were civil in talking to the staff. I think there are more 1 star or low ratings for this place. I’m not surprised. We felt the staff is not willing to help their paying customers. They gotta fix their bowling lanes especially how they handle issues with customers. Terrible experience indeed!!!

Contact Information

185 Sun Valley Mall, Concord, CA 94520, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.0
Total Reviews1624
Recent Reviews5