AMF River City Lanes

AMF River City Lanes

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the friendly staff, fun atmosphere, and good customer service, especially noting accommodating employees and enjoyable family experiences. Many highlight clean facilities, decent food, and fair pricing, though some find it expensive. Several mention technical issues with lanes or equipment, and a few criticize disinterested or rude staff. Positive experiences often involve parties or events, while negative ones focus on poor maintenance or service. Overall, it's seen as a solid bowling alley with some room for improvement in consistency and value.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Pool Tables
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Pool Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pool table and dive into a classic, hands-on game! Expect sturdy tables with smooth felt surfaces, cue sticks, and a set of numbered balls for games like 8-ball or 9-ball. You’ll chalk up, aim, and strike the cue ball to pocket balls with precision, mastering angles and spin. Tables are well-lit, often with vibrant designs, creating a lively atmosphere. Whether playing casually with friends or joining arcade tournaments, pool offers strategic, social fun that’s easy to pick up and endlessly engaging in 2025.

Features

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Pool Tables
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

3117 6th Ave SE U.S. 31

Decatur, Alabama 35603

Hours

Monday 2-10PM
Tuesday 2-10PM
Wednesday 12-10PM
Thursday 2-10PM
Friday 2PM-12AM
Saturday 12PM-12AM
Sunday 2-10PM

Customer Reviews

Had a birthday party here today for my 11 and 8 year olds. It was a great time! All the kids had a blast. The arcade cards were a big bonus. The pizza servings were very generous. Would definitely recommend! I called the number and spoke with an event planner who helped answer all my questions. Everyone at the lanes was helpful and accommodating. We would definitely do it again!

I schedule my schools field trip every year with AMF of Decatur. Aaron the manager is fantastic, you can tell he truly loves his jobs and cares that you enjoy your time bowling. Every staff member has always been extremely helpful and polite.

Absolutely love river city lanes!! Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The manager Aaron is a delight and goes above and beyond for his bowling alley guests. Perfect place to bring the whole family for some fun!!

We took my son here for his birthday. We had a blast. It was clean. The staff very nice. Prices were decent. And we will definitely be going back. Thank you.

We went a couple of weeks ago and had a great time! Clean facility with friendly and helpful staff. We will be back soon!

It was your average 40 year old bowling alley. Pretty decent but not fancy. Drinks are $5ea which is high Pizza was good

Had a fun time. The machine is slow to set pins, but no big deal.

We went here for an end of school party. The kiddos had a blast! The lanes were nice and everything was clean. They serve food, however it is a bit expensive. The staff was very friendly and took great care of our rambunctious crowd of 4th graders with a smile. There is a fun arcade here as well. This will be a great place for a family outing over the summer!

Friendly staff and the manager goes out of his way to make sure you have a great time! I recommend the Flatbread pizzas for a snack

The staff is amazing! Very friendly and always happy to help!!! My kids loved the bowling classes here.

There was not much diversity in this alley and it was quite a bit more expensive than other places in the area for our family of 3; however, my family did enjoy their cheese curds.

Fun place to go bowling. Sunday?s would be the best bang for your buck! We went on Saturday. It was 80.00 for 3 people to play 3 games and shoe rental.

Very expensive bowling alley! We chose to do pool instead. The bar tender was sitting on his phone the whole time. We thought he was actually a customer. It compares to other bowling alleys such as Hartselle very poorly.

Went to my nephew's 4th bday party here and had a blast!! The 2 employees working on that Sunday afternoon were amazing!!

The lanes didn't work for a hill-a-beens but everything else was great!

Great Place to take your significant other and just have a great date night atmosphere!

Awesome staff! Great food and fun environment

One of the best bowling alleys around. Prices are great and the staff is excellent!

My name is Aaron Nichols I am the GM of AMF River City lanes. If you ever leave not being 100% happy with your visit please ask to speak with me. Thank you <3

We did a birthday party. The staff went above and beyond preparing and making sure everything we needed was available. Service and food all wonderful. Thank you. We will be back. Some in our party bought summer passes. Great place for entertainment in Decatur, Al.

Nice place. Good food. Great atmosphere.

Staff was excellent right before leaving some of the stuff joined me and my friend on the punching machine and we all had a good time laughing and cutting up food was good all around great experience and the girl behind the bar with the blue hair I don't know if she reads reviews but keep up the good work she is very friendly and seems like a super cool person to have around will definitely be back!

Very fun bowling alley. They have quite a few lanes which was great. They were busy but the staff was still on point and we didnt have to wait to bowl. Highly reccomend them!

Absolutely amazing!! We had my Granddaughter's birthday party and everything was perfect! The staff was so nice and attentive. They made us feel very welcome!!! The food was amazing...... not what you usually get at bowling alleys.

I haven't been here for 7 years. Just came here with my dad. Had a lot of fun!!

Lanes and building is a little old but the people who run it were top tier! No problems with the lanes or anything bathroom a little dated but very clean- food and music were good. We had a good time!

My children had a great experience at AMF. Very accommodating, and customer service was top tier. Thank you AMF

Done a tournament there and the lanes were junk. 1 pair was destroying balls and another pair the 3 pin was placed on top of the 1 pin. This caused there to be no pocket to shoot at.

Our company comes here every year for our Christmas party. Aaron and the rest of his team are the absolute best. He always knows my drink upon arrival. Thank you Aaron for all you do!!!!!

The staff is real helpful and friendly,lanes are oiled well

We had an absolute blast! The best part for us, which contained ages 18-38, was the lights and the best of the music. The music is a great way to loosen up and just have a great time!

Typical bowling alley, needs an update and they were out of most of the food we tried to order. But if you're just looking to bowl with some friends, this place will do the trick.

We just finished up my son's 8th Birthday Party here and the staff was very helpful and courteous. Andre and Kennedy took such great care of us! Quick to respond to requests and constantly asked if there was anything else we needed. So pleased with our experience!

The staff and management are continuing to exceed our expectations with each visit !!!

Staff was chill. We got beer, pizza, pretzels, and the fries. Everything was pretty good! We had a great time. will be back for sure

Great place to take your family for an fun day or night of bowling. Staff and management is as good as it gets.

Need to update the bowling equipment kept messing up on us. There was one employee who was very rude but everyone else was great. Had a great time

If you wanna go bowling this is the place! It was very clean, the bathrooms were completely stocked at all times. My server was a lady named destiney. She was fantastic! She showed so much enthusiasm being at work! This was my families first time visiting here, and she made our experience fun and convenient! We will for sure be back!

They were so accommodating and very nice. Super helpful. A great fun family place in Decatur. Highly recommend

New paint and flooring. No smoke or perfume smells. Lanes are kept clean. Manager was extremely nice and informative. We played two games and had a great time on a Saturday afternoon. They charge by the game which is great especially if you have little ones who may need more time to figure it out. Bathroom stalls could use a wipe down especially the walls. But other than that we had an overall great time.

Great Experience all around, staff is always very friendly and helpful. I'm definitely proud to say this is my favorite place to bowl, and recommend it to all my friends/family and coworkers

We had my nephew's birthday party here and the kids had a ball (haha). Very laid back environment and lots of activities for them. They have a little contraption that kids can use to help them get the ball rolling, if they are having trouble doing it by themselves. I was much impressed with the food they had for the party as well...It was delicious! Wasn't expecting that. They have handicapped parking and an accessible ramp as well. It is kept up very nice and clean. The staff were quite gracious, even pati

This the worse Bowling alley I've ever been too. ??

Clean well kept older bowling . My first time in since we moved to Ft. Walton Beach on 1993. Till we moved bowled four nights in league play And in Huntsville at the Pin Palace. Great improvements to snack bar !! ????

Absolutely love this place! It was so much fun and a great place to take your family! My server was a lady named Destiney and she gave the best customer service we could ever ask for. She was so kind and polite and extremely helpful!

This isn't like any other bowling alley to me, my husband, and my children. This is our second home. We used to live in Florida and was in a bowling league there. We moved to Decatur in 2019.. wanted to be in a bowling league here but was a little nervous because we didn't think anything could beat our Florida alley. Man, were we wrong! Aaron was the first person we met asking about the league and just meeting him and his crew we instantly knew this going to be amazing. Fast forward 4 years and this alley i

Very nice and professional staff! Plus the food was good as well

Great facility, the staff is very welcoming. They run a great deal on a summer pass, 3 free games a day from mid May through the beginning of September for $37.99+tax. Definitely worth it if you enjoy bowling, it pays for itself after about 4 visits.

It was great, food was good, staff was good, thank u all so much!!!!!

We wanted to have a family get-together of about 25 people on relatively short notice. In this area, that might be a Mexican restaurant since they are accomodating to large parties which is fun but we've done that too many times. So we had the idea to go bowling. None of us bowl regularly. It turned out to be great fun. It was not cheap but I think it was fairly priced. It was about $22 per person which paid for the bowling, shoes and buffet for 3 hours. We did not get drinks included, everyone just bought

I work for a non profit organization & they were so wonderful to us. They opened early so we could take our clients there safely (covid). We all got to bowl two games & had pizza & a drink! Staff there was very friendly and professional. Definitely recommend!

The place looks great!! They did a great job with the recent remodel. The staff are always courteous and helpful and the food is great as well!! They are always running different specials so make sure and call or check Facebook before you go to save some money.

Love taking friends and family here! Customer service and snacks are always great! The cookies are HUGE! Always hosting events here!

Love this place since I was a kid .Not to brag, but the folks that manage this place, keep it absolutely immaculate. Great bar, nice clean grill kitchen. If you're interested in bowling this is the place. The have bumpers for the little guys. Nice overhead score boards. I am sure you'll find fun here (Non- paid customer)

Jessica is awesome. She makes the experience very enjoyable. She goes above and beyond. Perfect customer service. 5 stars

We bowl often at River City and always have a great time but can I just say during COVID in the last year the employees have worked so hard to keep everyone happy. They seem short staffed but are always so nice and run themselves so hard. Thank you River City for trying to make sure we all have fun.

Had an absolute wonderful time bowling. It was the first time I have ever bowled. The people at the service desk, bar and food counter were very respectful and professional. The food was really good. The prices were fair, considering its a bowling alley. Yes they were pricey, but no where near theater prices. If you're looking for cheap food, get fast food. All in all, I'd highly recommend spending the evening here with your family.

Balls stuck several times. No oil on the lanes. To warm in the building. Food was great though.

Not the best or the worse. I think 50$ is a bit ridiculous for two people especially when your lanes aren't top notch but nonetheless I still had a good time. Friendly bartender. I would not order food here again.

We had a great time at AMF River City Lanes for my son's birthday. He wanted something small, with just a few friends. We were able to rent a lane for 2 hours and shoes for everyone for a really reasonable price. The boys had a blast bowling and playing in the arcade. They won about 5 small size basketballs in the crane game!! The adults enjoyed bowling too. The building, including the bathrooms, was very clean and the bowling equipment was in really good shape. The pizza and nachos were excellent!! We will

Had a blast here on my birthday. I do have one PRETTY BIG complaint. I went up there on a Tuesday at around 8:30ish to bowl with my family. Once I told them I wanted three games maybe more later (only three of us playing so these games would fly by), they told me I wouldn't have time because they were closing early due to lack of people there. I totally understand not having enough business to make profit and closing early. But I checked ahead of time to see when they closed and was told 11pm. I'm upset but

We have a great time every time we visit! You will see many people fuss and critique this alley but, it is a simple bowling alley. If you want to have fun, there is nothing stopping you but you! The people are nice, the place is clean. Have fun!

Always enjoy coming here! Its not expensive and it's a great atmosphere!

This guy come up amd took my ball from my lane the ball I was using told the management they didn't do anything told them I wouldn't not be back the s?med like they could care less I payed money to play amd with the ball I picked the fact they did nothing about it is un acceptable

Good fun, ample space, snacks.

Great service! The staff was very friendly, and when I wanted to get food they sent a server over to take our order who would come and check on us even after we got our food. It's very lively, and a great place to spend time with people. They also often have deals for unlimited bowling!

The place was jumping, and everyone was having a blast with the lights and sound activated.. The employees were very nice and helpful..... I will say this about this place. The manager Erin is the most effective manager I've ever seen in an AMF bowling alley. He is always working all over the building and doing anything that needs to be done. He cares about the customers and is always willing to excite the public with events to come and enjoy the facility . That's a big reason why people go there alot

My favorite place to take my daughter and her friends!! They always have a blast. Friendly staff and overall great environment!

Went bowling with friends. Was told it was $16 for the first game and $8 for the second. Was never told it was per person. I was shocked at price when it was over. Other then the pricing issue, it would of been a pretty decent place.

Brought my family here. The person at the counter was not in the least interested to have us walk in. When trying to make small talk cause the person was so disinterested and I asked him if he was doing alright, he said "nope". And I could definitely tell he didn't like white folks. But that's ok. We won't be back. #amfbowling

The staff was great but it's so hot in the building. I swear it feels better outside than in ??

Family and I had a good time together bowling. Bowling bowls are in ok condition as well as the lanes. First lane we were on stopped in the middle of our 1st game so we had to swap over to the lane next to us. Messed up a few times calculating some of the scores too. Price was a little high for a Sunday afternoon we felt like. But all in all it was a good time together.

We had a problem with our lane not giving my son his strike. I went to get a lady to fix it and she said that the lady that knew how to fix it was in the bathroom. So we waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and nobody showed up. So I walked back up there and it appeared like the young lady that I had spoke to was telling the other lady to fix our lane. So I went back over there and I waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and they all were just standing over there laughing and nobo

The staff is super friendly, and there is a great family atmosphere there. If you haven't tried their new menu yet, you should! We personally love their steak quesadilla!

Kind of spendy ($58 for two people to do the friday night all you can bowl) and the approach for the lanes seemed short. Also there's only 2 seats per lane so a lot of standing around. Otherwise had a lot of fun

Understaffed at times, but it's normally not a problem. Equipment is in good working order. The bar has fair prices. It's not a standout by any means, but I would rate it equal to most other bowling alleys in the north Alabama area.

This place is really fun! I bowled a couple games while eating amazing tasting fries. The employees there are really friendly and kind. They always treat us as friends rather than a customer.

We spoke to a gentleman about my son getting in a league. He stated there were many spots left that he would have the opportunity to join. He ask us to come back on Mon and he would get him on a team. Monday came then he told him there were no space left Needless to say my son was upset and felt he had led him into believing he was on a team then dropped him.

After last week i must say management turned this place around. Fast friendly customer service and when we hit the drinks needes button they were there in seconds. Thank you aaron amd everyone who worked tonight definitely 5 stars.

We booked 2 lanes for a children?s gathering for our church. Our package included: pizza, chicken fingers, fries and pitchers of soft drinks. I can easily say that the bowling alley accommodated all of our needs and went above and beyond to ensure that we had an incredible time. They were also kind about 2 spilt drinks ??????? I look forward to working with AMF Bowling in Decatur very soon!

This place is amazing my daughter has had a birthday party here several times and she loved it and so did we and the people who works there is always nice iv never had a problem I would recommend this bowling ally for sure

Several friends and I went last night to have a fun night out bowling. The lady at the counter talked us into buying passes which seemed like a good deal. Halfway through our first game the same lady who sold us the passes walked out and started yelling at us about underage drinking (I don't remember her name but her name tag said "team lead".) She said "I know for a fact the girls aren't old enough to drink." By the way, I'm 24. After showing her my ID she looked at my friend and told her if she saw her dr

Had a great evening there renting 3 lanes for a birthday party with food provided . Very friendly and helpful employees that work with you to make sure everything runs smoothly. Nice folks

Premium card was a waste of money

I love the atmosphere of this place. It's fun for just two or even the whole family.

We just spent almost $50 for bowling one game on a Sunday afternoon and we didn't even get to finish our game. First we had to switch lanes because the #10 pin was not setting up on our lane. After switching lanes we played a few frames and the lane turned off. Bowled another frame and the lane turned off. We told the attendant but she didn't bother to fix it the 2nd time so we left. We won't ever be back to this place.

WILL NEVER GO AGAIN! One of our two lanes stopped working twice while it was resetting the pins. The girl at counter gave a lame excuse about why it is they don't accept member rewards discounts and NO MILITARY DISCOUNTS, which all of it is bs!!! Our AMF in Huntsville honors our reward member discount and gives us the military discount we deserve. This is one of the reasons I refuse to give my business to Decatur, because they're still stuck in the past.

We haven't been bowling in a few years until recently and had the best experience at AMF River City. Everyone was very professional and it was super clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are pool tables in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, pool tables in arcades remain a fantastic draw in 2025! Games like 8-ball or 9-ball offer tactile, skill-based fun that blends strategy and precision. Modern tables feature smooth felt, responsive cues, and vibrant designs, enhancing the classic experience. Arcades foster a social vibe with casual matches or competitive tournaments, appealing to all skill levels. Unlike digital games, pool’s physicality—lining up shots, feeling the cue’s weight—keeps it timeless.