O.K., maybe this trend isn’t big enough to lift the entire city, but it’s something.

These are not the beer-belly bowling alleys of yesteryear, but souped-up, hipster alleys often interwoven with restaurants, V.I.P. lounges, clubs, sports bars. Dark lighting. D.J.’s and thundering music. Videos dancing over flat-screen televisions above the pins. Waiter service. Dress codes. Coolness.

Image At Leisure Time Bowl in Midtown, a bouncer turns away customers whose jeans are too baggy or gold chains too showy. Credit... Michael Nagle for The New York Times

The bowling is often a way to kill time between drink orders. The alleys rely heavily on corporate and private parties. Some customers never bother to bowl.

Meanwhile, conventional alleys continue to close. In 2008, Woodhaven Lanes in Queens fell after 49 years, and Van Wyck Lanes in Richmond Hill surrendered the same year after 48. All told, there are 23 bowling alleys in the city, according to the United States Bowling Congress, the sport’s governing body. Back in the 1970s, it figured there were close to 200. Throughout the country, there has been a continuing and pronounced decline in organized league bowling, though a rise in the number of people who bowl occasionally (which can mean once a year).

Bowlmor is owned by Strike Holdings, and at its downtown headquarters, Thomas Shannon, the chief executive, spoke about the old bowling, and the new bowling that might save New York. “It used to be that if you wanted to go bowling, you had to suffer some form of deprivation,” he said. “Bad food  you know, the hot dog on a roller. Stale tap beer. No service.”

Bowlmor and the upscale alleys typically shun leagues. They don’t want guys who show up with bowling outfits and excessive stomachs and their own equipment and want to pay $1.95 a game.

“They want the cheapest, most miserable experience,” Mr. Shannon said. “I would describe it as a Stalinist experience.”

At Bowlmor, games are generally $11 to $13.

Mr. Shannon showed plans for the forthcoming Times Square alley. Adorning the entrance will be Bowlmor Bob, a giant bowler in a red dinner jacket. The front desk will have a concierge. When you get bowling shoes, you can have your street shoes shined for another few dollars.