Newport Entertainment Center (N.E.C's)

Newport Entertainment Center (N.E.C's)

Reviews Summary

The venue offers a mix of experiences with bowling, arcade games, pool, and food, but quality varies. Positive reviews highlight friendly staff, good food (especially pizza and cheeseburgers), and family-friendly fun. Negative feedback focuses on rude service, broken equipment, dirty facilities, and poor organization, particularly for events. While some enjoy the atmosphere and amenities, others criticize overpricing, maintenance issues, and inconsistent service. Overall, it’s a divisive spot with potential but significant room for improvement.

About This Listing

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

Contact Information

Address

26 Main St

Newport, Maine 04953

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 3-8PM
Wednesday 1-8PM
Thursday 1-9PM
Friday 1-10PM
Saturday 11AM-10PM
Sunday 11AM-8PM

Customer Reviews

Decided to stop in with the kids on a rainy day, we was not disappointed! Kids had a blast and won a ton of tickets from the arcade!

What happened to this place?? It used to be the place to go for bowling, pool, and fun family times. Today, the staff was EXTREMELY RUDE!!! The place was not busy at all but was limited on availability..Also the building itself was in disrepair. Large trashcans placed sporadically around to catch roof leaks. Chairs were loose and unsafe. Obviously not being taken care of the way it used to be. If I could give zero stars it would be more fitting. Never again!!!

This place is a dive! It was filthy. Food was crushed on the ground, thick layers of dust on the floor, in the corners, around the machines. The ball machines were broken, spinning the balls at the opening, making a very dangerous situation and a very large potential for a large lawsuit, the candle pins are attached to a string(!) and don't fall correctly! It was a mess! I would never ever dare to order food here. There has got to be health code violations happening. In all the years we've done a casual f

NEC is progressively getting better under new management. Game prices went up with the cost of electricity to keep them running, Which keeps the kiddos busy, so the cheaper the games would be, the longer you can bowl, play pool, or even enjoy a few drinks. The roasted wings are amazing, pizza is pretty good, but some items could use just a little work like the burgers and fries. I tried the Waffle Fry Nacho special. I was impressed. I stopped coming here due to some management issues prior, As we were

Enjoy playing pool here. Good food. Problem is it's kept so warm in the pool hall.

I got two calzones and they was barely cooked inside the dough was all raw, and it was $61.00 I paid and food was lukewarm and I was not late at all! ????

Stopped in today and apparently, we will take our business to Skowhegan! At least the staff there are polite and know what they're talking about! Pretty rude.

Don't bring your kids here for a birthday party, wouldn't allow my child to blow out the birthday candle.

This place has seriously improved over the past year. The arcade is small, so I wouldn't go there if that's specifically what you're looking for, but the pool/bowling prices are super fair. The food has gotten way better since they redid the kitchen and the bar has a great selection/service. The bathrooms have been a little gross a few times, but that's kind of expected in a place with a lot of kids all running around. Plenty of parking and wheelchair accessible.

Zero stars if I could horrific management. We will never be back and I highly encourage you to spend your money elsewhere

If your looking for something fun to do that won't cost your group much per person, definitely bring your crew here. The have good deals on packages that include food, drink, shoe and lane rental. The was 7 of us total and as a group the total was only $33. Much cheaper than going to the movies or driving to Bangor for other options.

Great place to bring the family for a reasonably priced night of fun. I wouldn't go here for the games, the game room looked a little sad and tired, but, there was plenty of pool tables and bowling lanes! They have small balls and big balls so it's perfect for people of all ages. The food was decent and no more expensive than you would expect at an entertainment place. The alcoholic beverages were also reasonably priced. Will definitely be back for a Saturday night glow bowl with the family.

Well a lot has changed through the years. We used to go every week, in bowling leagues. This was in 2000-2005. We moved out of state and kept our house in Palmyra, we live in Rochester now. We went there recently to visit, 3 lanes were down, we liked the candle pin bowling now. Met some great friends. The bar is fantastic. Billiards are good too. Kids parties are held here too. But a lot of cleaning and work needs to be done to bring it back to it's former glory...

It was fun. Me and my fiance' did two games of bowling. I won the first game with a 115 and the he won the second game with a 97. We ate at the restaurant in the bowling alley .. the cheeseburgers were the best we have ever had in a long time. Yummy! Delicious! Can't wait to come back here again

If you are looking for employees with a personality, you will NOT find that here. If your are looking for clean, you will NOT find that here. The place hasn't seen the inside of a mop since Moses was a small boy. The employees do have an attitude problem.

We booked a birthday party two weeks in advance, we get there and we're immediately met with horrible attitude and they proceed to tell us they thought it was for 3pm not 2pm, no big deal but proceeded to give us attitude about the selected time. The whole remainder of the interaction with the man was super passive aggressive and rude for absolutely no reason. Go to bowl and the bumpers didn't work and asked for help, then he proceeded to be even more passive aggressive and rude. We ended up leaving an hour

Was fun offered both types of bowling and arcade games

I enjoy coming here great place for the whole family to spend time together. The food and drinks are good and there seemed to be more staff there this time than there has been in the past so that was nice. My only complaints are that the shoes are rather worn out and the bathrooms need cleaning. I'm not usually one to complain about a public bathroom but it was VERY grungy and just plain dirty

My kids had fun. The place was packed. There was a couple parties going on. Still plenty of room for my family of 6. The carpets were really dirty. There should not be black carpeting if you don't want to vacuum for what looks like a month. They have an atm, sweet. But the change machine right next to it does not accept $20s. So I had to wait in line anyways, which was crazy since there was only 1 guy working. A lot of the games took our quarters, but it was not worth standing in line to tell the 1 guy

I enjoyed myself although our first lane was janky, but they moved us to a new lane no problem. The big balls are very very used lots of chips and now really taken care of so well. Not all of the shoes are in the greatest of condition either. The place looks very clean and the people are sweet. Will go again but I wish they were open earlier in the day.

It won't let me share a video. However I ordered 7 pizzas about an hour after I ordered a worker came out to tell me one pizza oven is down and he will bring pizzas out as they come. Well two lanes done and I only had two pizzas so I went up to ask if they would accommodate a little as we are still waiting on FIVE pizzas, kid says he has to wait for manager, manager comes in and says they always only have one (my video proves otherwise) then the kids get tickets, gives most to littles but decides he was gon

We loved it. The got bowling and pool and games and a bar. We eve saw a sign for movies but we didn't watch. We did all the others which was freaking fun as hell. As for the food might be the best chicken bacon ranch pizza ever.... it's worth a stop to have a little fun.. The woman were awesome and nice. We can wait to go back...

Fun for the whole family.. but my only problem is the ID situation. Places don't usually ask to take and KEEP your ID, but this place does. My father completely forgot his ID because they never mention it except for the first time. Why wouldn't they just take a damn picture? I mean really, you keep it as a deposit? Its just unnecessary. I suggest if you don't want to get pulled over without your license, you'd better remember it. Or you know, they figure out a new for of Identification. Sorry you have peopl

Might just be the only thing to do in Newport. They have a real pinball machine and space invaders!!!!

The place definitely has more to offer than Skowhegan which is great, if you can get past the rude man and lady working. I asked to move lanes before we started as every one was empty but 3 and they tried squeezing us in between two huge parties that left us nowhere to sit. When the man went to switch she asked what he was doing and snapped at me! I'm like I haven't even started bowling!!! I told her she didn't need to be rude. The only reason I stayed was my children wanted to bowl! Terrible attitudes made

Very unfriendly atmosphere. We were told our name would be called over the intercom and we have yet to hear an intercom. Our food was cold and she found us and said that she thought we left. We were not offered any hot food. The bar tender charged me regular price for a beer that was supposed to be $3 because it's lady's night. Then proceeded to give another woman and a dude the discounted drink. They need to learn about customer service. We were looking for a new place to go for date night. But it will def

Great company and decent beer selection but the value is priceless. Most of your domestic beer available on tap or bottle and a good selection of spirits to choose from. The bar tenders can mix almost any drink and a wide selection to choose from. Be advised, the food is basic bar food, such as pizza, mozzarella sticks, and buffalo wings. They have burgers and fries as options. Bowling, pool, and an arcade for options for people that want to do something for entertainment.

It was so much better years ago, same owners I believe. Restroom is always dirty, pool sticks are bent and a few of the big balls chipped. I have not tried the food in a long time, I will say it did smell good though. The manager was kind of rude aswell ??

Absolutely the best cheeseburgers and beer! Their chicken wings are great as well, but I recommend the Cheeseburger!

If you like pinball don't come here, if you like any decent game don't come here. All the machines are broken and some are straight up scams. (The hammer slam game they changed the rope so force is changed, for pinball most of the time the machine are broke or get this! Don't even use regular pinball! I was playing and instead of pinball there was yellow bouncy balls in their viper night drive machine). This place is trash, I've never had fun here, and their prizes are overpriced

Not too bad. Food was ok. Staff was very friendly. Lanes are a little beat down. A few seemed in disrepair. Seems a little over priced for what you get. Used to pay $25 for a family special and went in tonight to find out it's now $40. Again the price wasn't bad, but for what we got it's a little overboard. 1.5 hours of bowling, shoes included, a large one topping pizza and a pitcher of drink. If the lanes were in better shape and the ball return didn't sound like it was gonna explode, then it real

We've always had a good time here and always have my daughter's birthday parties here.. never again after last night. Within the first few minutes of being there, we were made to feel like we weren't welcomed. Employees looked to have cared less to be there. Ask for a drink or food and got attitude for everything. Within two hours they started to close up the kitchen and bar. 2/3 through our game of bowling they announced they were closing the lanes. These employees were unprofessional at best. Also, they c

Decent place plenty of space, variety and lanes but need more attendants on Sat wien many parties going. They had 3, 1 making pizzas slowly, 1 chilling in the bar with 1 customer ignoring the lines out front and 1 lady taking orders, getting shots helping 4 large birthday birthday parties birthday parties worth birthday parties worth of birthday parties worth of kids pick what to but with their tickets.

Want a place for family,food and fun? If so then this is the place!! With a large family of 7 this is cheap entertainment for adults and children of all ages!! The older kids could have a game of pool while the younger kids play the arcade games. The whole family can take part in the bowling. They offer food and drinks even drinks for adults ;-) you could reserve a spot for a birthday party if you would like. The staff are friendly and very patient as your child ponders over what to get with those tickets t

Birthday party was really bad. There was no coordination or concern with the birthday party I attended. Nothing happened as scheduled. Pizza was 45 minutes late, and was literally brought to the table during the "happy birthday" song when cake was about to be passed around. Technical problems with the scoring system, too. Not at all impressed.

Visiting from out of town. Staying locally and found NEC. Great drinks, food amazing and our bartender, Rachel, was awesome. So great to talk to and we had so much fun talking to her. There's arcade games, bowling and pool tables. We just sat in bar and ate and chatted with Rachel. If we are ever in area again, we will definitely stop by to eat and hopefully, Rachel is working!

Bowled with 6 people pluses shoes for 3 hrs. 2 LG pizzas and 2 sodas. All in all cost just under $40. That is a great price!! The employees there were very friendly and helpful!!

Absolute blast. Ignore the few bad reviews here...those folks weren't even trying to enjoy themselves apparently. Food was on point, clean environment, bowling was a blast. We'll be visiting most weekends going forward. Wholesome fun, for everyone.

They were poorly staffed. Long waits to be served. And no one was able to figure out our bill. They tried to overcharge by $10.00...three different people. We had to explain to them how to add. Needless to say, I have no intention of returning.

Went to grab a couple drinks. We sat at the bar with empty cups for about 30 mins. Absolutely no acknowledgement from the bar tender. She had an attitude with other customers. We left and went somewhere nicer.

Place was packed.....with only one employee working the desk. She tried to reach another employee while I was standing in line however they apparently did not answer. I felt bad for the poor gurl. Anyway-as me and the 5 people I went with approached the desk...she just sighed n said "sorry I have a waiting list, with 3 people in front of u, I have no idea how long it could be of a wait." And that was it. She didn't say another word and began speaking to the next person in line, behind us. Since all 3 of us

I didn't even know that they were open again but, they are and better than ever. Had a great time with my oldest daughter and plan on going again on a regular basis. Bowling, a massive amount of pool tables, new video games and more!

My family loves this place. We have held one of my sons birthday parties there and the kids had a blast. Just recently I took the wife out to date night and we had a blast bowling candle pins and laughing at how terrible of bowlers we are.

Went to the bar to see friends, had a great time. Jennifer Kuespert is a very experienced, well rounded customer service person.

N.E.C's Is pretty good. They have a candlepin and regular bowling alley. The alley is well maintained and you don't have to input your score manually which is nice. They serve food and drinks. There are pool tables if that's what you're looking for and there is also a pretty decent size arcade. The cons are that people tend to smoke in the covered entrance during the winter so it has a pretty gross smell. But other than that. I enjoy bowling here.

Shoes had seen better days. Lemonade was gross.We had dinner there and it ended with stomach cramps after. Not eating there again.

They need someone much quicker running front register, I feel bad for the old guy. It tookway to long when you have little ones waiting in line.

Birthday party didn't go well. They were almost an hour late on the pizza and brought it right when we were singing happy birthday and cutting the cake. Really careless, poor service.

Not enough staff! School vacation week and there were a lot of families there. One person trying to check people in, set up the lanes,put up and take down bumpers. People starting in the wrong lanes.At least 10 people waiting to be checked in while the attendant was down getting balls unstuck. Waited for 20 minutes for someone to make coffee and then I had to go back and ask again.

Clean. Automatic score keeper. Big balls and candle pin bowling, arcade games which earn tickets, and pool tables. Small bar area and separate eating area with tables. Food all made from scratch! Chicken tenders coated in panko bread crumbs, meatball sliders, pizza...YUM!

I love the idea, I really do, but the organization just isn't right yet. It can be over stimulating for sensory sensitive individuals. Wonderful customer service and always fun.

We had a great time celebrating Colbys birthday with bowling, games, and yummy pizza and root beers!

Great place for family fun. They got something pretty much for everyone. Arcade, Billiards, 10 pin and candle pin bowling. Pretty decent bar as well.

I'm only giving Nec 5 stars because my best friend works there and she makes it worth coming in haha.

Ever since Wendy quit because Patti took all her hours at work I have no desire to stop in and order food or drink any more like I use to do other than on a Sunday when they are open the only day that Patti does not work. I know one person spending only at least a hundred bucks a week means nothing in the world of business now but just to explain the reason for this lack of desire to stop in on week days is because of the treatment recived at the hands of Patti she provided poor service at best and to finis

Less ppl..kids enjoyed themselves. Tickets was a waist of money for the limit of prizes we got. It was the fun that counted. So guess no complaints.

Great place to bring the family. Very friendly staff and nice atmosphere. My little one loved the tiny balls for bowling and the older kids loved the arcade games.

Nice place to go and have a couple beers and bar food. The pool tables can be nice and private. Some staff could be more friendly.

Went for a date night. Machine quit partway through first game. Maintenance person out doing something in town. Employee discounted the game. Should have been no cost. May go back. Maybe not.

My kids love it here. Only thing is they need some help on the weekends , we wait in line alot . Other wise it's a great time !

They had kid sized bowling balls, which made my son have an even better time. They have a lot of kid friendly events during the summer! We love this place!

The worst bowling alley I have ever been to.. building is dingy, most of the arcade games are outdated and don't dispense tickets, the prizes are not worth playing for, the bowling balls and lanes are old and dented, but the worst part of the whole experience was the lack of clear communication of payment. None of the employees told us what each game cost or that we were being charged per game and would have to pay at the end. Maybe this is standard, but I can tell you we would have thought twice about play

Had a birthday party with 12 children and they only gave us 3 balls, we had to go up a number of times and they only gave us two more. Asked for an end lane due to three autistic children and was told they were broke then saw people on the lane playing.

My daughter found someone passed out from the bar inside the photo booth. Poor quality everything and rude staff.

Despite everything being planned and arranged in advance, this place could not manage a small child's birthday party. Timing was terrible, and they were completely unapologetic about it.

Come here quiet often to eat very clean and what I love and trust most they check temp must wear mask till get to table They care and take precautions for covid cause noone what that w social distance AAA Plus

Good service,friends,and good cold beer and drinks

In serious need of repair. Bartender over pours and doesn't know how to make drinks. Bathrooms are filthy. Costumer service is awful. Employees are rude and unprofessional.

The place was ok. The kids had fun but pricing was a mess and the guy got pissed as we was talking to him because we wasn't understanding how I with 6 kids paid less then my friend with 2 kids.

Great family entertainment center. A lot of improvements over the last few years and more to come. Compete in 10 pin or candlepin bowling for fun or join a league. Arcade rooms for the kiddos.

Food was good, above average pub food. Good drinks, great and friendly service and customers.

A great place for birthday parties, their pizza is fantastic. The little ones bowled their hearts out and really had fun.

We had a great time. Pizza was awesome and everyone was friendly. Definitely will be going again.

I think this is a great place for the community especially where it is rural. It would be nice if people weren't smoking right by the door. But it is a nice place to hang out.

A lot of games have disappeared over the last few years. Otherwise their prices are still great and the place is always clean when we go.

Good food and fun games. They have an arcade and deals for birthday parties. The place doesn't look that clean, but I think that's just aesthetic.

It is a nice clean place, to bring kids and such. They offer meals and appetizers. As well as offering birthday party events.

Love the atmosphere, the staff are nice and friendly, the chicken wings are awesome, I like that I can sit down watching bowling, having a nice cold beer waiting for my order, thanks

Seemed fine clean and a lot of flashing lights and wow factor, just finding someone that works there that can help you is very difficult.

Everything has been great I'm only not giving them a five star because it seems to early to deem it perfect but there hasn't been a single thing to complain about in my times there

Great location and really good food

Out dated and not the best at anything but kids enjoy bowling and the small arcade. They also have food but dont do birthday partys anymore.

The best part of nec is the bar and pool area. Arcade games seem to be out of order half the time. Highly recommend the cheesey fries.

Had a great time with my family playing pool and candlepin bowling. The pizza was pretty good.

Only bowling center around, so we don't have much choice. Patience is key when coming here.

Been bowling here for 6 years! Love it! Also because they are only 1 of 2 bowling alleys with candlepin and 10 pin in the State,

Pricing was great, had some skee ball which was nice. No gluten free options for food though ??

Great for children or groups of people. Decent prices. Plenty of games for the kids and adults of any age range.

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.