Family Bingo Center

     Oh, Family Bingo Center, how I love thee.  I was sincerely getting tired of the normal routine of walking into some bar where the crowd was either too stuck up or too energetic.  I wanted a place to go have a good time and enjoy the company of my friends and the people around us, and just relax.  Family Bingo Center provides a fun, family friendly, and entertaining environment for people of all ages.  When you first walk in, it can definitely be a little intimidating.  Once greeted, the attendants behind the counter are extremely helpful and provide you with plentiful knowledge on how their games are run.  Once seated amongst the big-haired senior crowd, the anxious "20 Somethings", and the few kids running around, you feel a sense of comfort and welcome. 

     If you get hungry, they have a pretty diverse menu located in the back of the bingo hall named Chuck's Cafe.  You know it's going to be good when they have an entire section of the menu dedicated to "Fried Foods".  I personally recommend the deep fried burrito with chili and cheese.  They have everything from salads to shrimp plates and homemade desserts to funnel cake.  Everything on their menu is at a really low price and is delivered at a quick pace.  Thirsty?  Have no fear, they offer $7 pitchers of beer as well as an assortment of soft drinks.
 
     They have many options and ways to play, which can be a little daunting to the newbie bingo goer.  I usually settle with the "12 pack" for $10.  This gives you 12 playing cards on 1 sheet of paper for 7 of the 9 games played each night.  The regular games aren't your typical "I've got 5 squares in a row" kind of bingo.  They spice it up by trying to acquire a predetermined shape like the "small picture frame" and the "double chevron".  They also host two coverall games which are $1 a piece per playing card.  This place gives away over $5000 each night.  5 $500 games, 3 $600 games, and 1 $700 are the payouts.  The payouts alone make it worth going.  I can go here and spend around $20 and have hours of fun.

     Recently, the Houston Chronicle posted an article about a competing bingo center in the heights called Lodge #88 (Chron.com on Lodge #88).  They just raved and ranted about how amazing it is, etc.  I appreciate what they have going at Lodge #88, but with the long lines to get in, beer lines, rowdy crowds, and cheap payouts, I feel like there is no comparison.  I go to Family Bingo Center because it's a relaxing good time and I don't have to get there hours in advance.  Most importantly, I NEVER have to wait for my beer.  Also, at Lodge #88 they pride themselves on boo'ing after another player wins.  Not at Family Bingo Center.  We cheer them on and stand and applaud with phrases like, "good game" and "well played".  We do get the occasional complaint that we're being too loud, but it's all in good fun.  They joke with us about it and would never actually kick us out for having a good time.

     I've been to the Family Bingo Center with a wide variety of people.  I've gone with clients, skater friends, roommates, my mom, my girlfriend, the hipster Austin crowd, etc.  I've never been and not had a good time, which is why I keep coming back for more.  Family Bingo Center really is doing bingo right.

Family Bingo Center
641 W. Crosstimbers
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 692-4640