Sammi's Family Entertainment Center

Sammi's Family Entertainment Center

Reviews Summary

This bowling alley and family entertainment center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with most praising its friendly staff, fun atmosphere, and surprisingly good food (especially pizza and fried seafood). Customers enjoy candlepin bowling, arcade games, and pool tables at reasonable prices. While some note the building appears slightly rundown, the welcoming service and nostalgic charm outweigh any dated aesthetics. Multiple reviewers highlight it as a great spot for family outings, birthday parties, and casual fun. The few critical comments mention occasional maintenance issues and limited pizza availability, but the consensus emphasizes excellent value, nostalgic appeal, and consistently pleasant experiences.

About This Listing

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.*

Features

Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

402 Friendship Rd

Waldoboro, Maine 04572

Hours

Monday 4-9PM
Tuesday 4-9PM
Wednesday 4-9PM
Thursday 4-9PM
Friday 4-10PM
Saturday 11AM-10PM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

They scam you into buying a bottle of soda just to put it in a very small cup. This isn't very cool, they told us that they "only have Pepsi in a fountain" yet last experience here I happened to have this happen with Dr Pepper.

Just awesome. Friendly and helpful staff, and bowling was super fun

I pass this place all the time and have been wanting to go for so long and we finally did! We had SO much fun! They were doing galactic bowling and the food is good. The arcade is also fun to play! Staff is super friendly as well. Highly recommend!

I went here with my family on Saturday night it was wonderful the place is super clean and the workers and the owner are the best right there to help if needed. It's nice to see a place where I grew up and had many many fun times keep on going. Let's show our thanks and keep on going and if you haven't been then try it you will love it I'm taking the whole family next week yea so happy there's a good place for family close by . Thank you so much

We had a fun afternoon here, and most of the staff was very friendly.

Have only had experience with the food here. Sammi is very nice. The food is not bad. I feel the kitchen portion of the business needs improvement and better communication and training. One order I ordered mac n cheese bites to get home and discover I was given fried ravioli. Another order was told 20 minutes, it took 50. Another order took too long because onion rings were made wrong and the person asking for help how to make them was ignored for almost ten minutes. That being said, Sammi is a go getter

This place is amazing. Good food, automatic score keeping, very friendly staff. We went when we could get three hours of bowling and pool tables for $10 a person! We ate there menu had a variety and very reasonably priced. My sandwich was amazing. The arcade was great for the children as well. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a great place to have fun and spend time with the family.

Had my daughters 8th birthday here. They were very kind and accommodating. The kids had so much fun and the place was clean and well kept. I'll definitely be bringing the kids here again.

The new ownership is awesome and extremely welcoming. The food was delicious. We played in the arcade and had a blast bowling! Very reasonable prices and friendly service! Perfect for our impromptu birthday party ??????

This place is small but cute and family oriented. bowling was a blast staff was very friendly and helpful. didnt get the chance to try the food but theres always next time! we loved it!

Great place for young kids. Candle pin bowling is fun. But the building and arcade could use updating. Arcade is still fun for a little while with younger children. Was not interested in trying the food. I think the menu could be better.

Nice place for the most part. Arcade games are a little wonky and broken, but bowling is great fun for even kindergartners. Staff are angelic, I couldn't do what they do. I'm taking one star off for the long wait for any service. One person had to cook food, take money from people, hover over the kids picking prizes, get bowling shoes, and anything else that comes up. One more person is needed. The person that was there was very patient. Will come again, but don't go if you're hungry.

Sammi's family entertainment center is a really great place to go candlepin bowling. All the staff are really friendly including Sammi the owner. The prices are overall reasonable. If you order a pizza it is made fresh on-site. This is definitely a great place to kind of been bowling and a place to bring the whole family. There's also an arcade and a few billiards tables. I would definitely recommend making a reservation to be sure that you have a lane (and/or billiard table).

FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE!!!! I LOVE this bowling ally!!! The kids love it too! I Used to go here as a wee little lad and going now takes me RIGHT back to the good old days!!! Although the inside is a bit crusty dusty musty rusty for my taste, and that party area YUCK! I feel like If I stayed here overnight I would be consumed by Living animatronic animals. Oh no lol! Anyway the arcade is cute enough for the rats that live inside the machines... but we still love coming her with meemaw and peepaw every Sunday af

For the small town of Waldoboro, this is a nice little bowling location. They have a small arcade and a small food menu to choose from as well. It is kind of out of the way and the building looks a little run down but other than that it is a nice little spot with decent customer service.

We had so much fun here! We ordered lunch and it was delicious! Good prices too! The staff is so friendly! Highly recommend!

This place is my favorite place!! Everyone that works here is so amazing. Just ask and they will help you!! I do the bowling league here and it's so much fun. Super clean, super friendly staff, amazing food. Wouldn't regret ever going here, plus Sammi is the BEST??

The service was slow but good. They looked short staffed . The food wasn't the highest quality but the prices were low. We had fun !

Good menu. Vegetarian options. Good pizza and french fries. Fresh mushrooms topping is a plus. Nice birthday area. Very friendly staff.

So much fun! Friendly, helpful staff. Very clean place and family oriented. We will definitely come again next time we visit Maine.

I've lived here for over 7 years and didn't know if existed but it was a great time and it was very clean. The staff was great

The food here is amazing and the staff is friendly. There are plenty of activities to enjoy with family and friends, overall a fun and enjoyable experience.

Sammis is great, bowling is opening by reservation only but it's so easy to get a reservation! I had a great time the food is delicious it's NOT bowling alley food it tastes so much better!! I completely recommend Sammis Family Entertainment Center!! ??

The food at Sammi?s is great! Don't overlook Sammi?s as basic bowling alley fare. The steak & cheese bomb and fried seafood are our favorites!

Best place to go , when people ask what do you do around here. if your not into outdoors things , then come here. It's close, it's friendly an always a fanfare classic.

Fun, had a few kids birthdays there allwaysed had fun, food is mediocre but the bowling is fun,the place is old so doesn't look pristine but is as good as possible for the age I suppose.

Stopped in to practice for some tournaments. She stayed open late for me . I appreciate it !!! Through some ideas ?? around for expanding on pool !! Good talk!!

Great place The people are great ,plenty of good food an drinks,love goin there.

It was fun for the kids we were there for a birthday party all the kids had a great time

Took the grandkids...very friendly staff and yummy pizza.

Sammis is expanding. Go check it out. Lots of fun.

Only one person running the whole place and there was a party with 11 boys and their parents. I felt bad for the only employee there. She was making food and getting drinks and shoes all alone. Other customers in there besides the party of boys.

Best place to bowl in the county!! Thank you for all the hard work.

Great place for a teens bday party!

Super friendly staff, pool tables AND a jukebox?? What more could you ask for

Wonderful place to host a party. Sammi made it easy and fun!!!

We drive 45 minutes just to go to this place, my son loves it!

Cheap and fun to do with friends! Honestly, you can buy beer and have a good time.

clean, fun, pool table, great bowling and GREAT food -- they know how to use a frier here ; )

Nice clean friendly environment and staff. Small town convenience

Great, food was great, and the staff friendly, also enjoyed the music

Always a good time! However usually out of pizza dough early :(

Great food, great service. Love getting food here

Awesome place lot's of fun! Food and drinks!

Awesome atmosphere with awesome people, topped with the sweetest ginger ever!

Candlepin bowling, good pool tables, and an arcade. Surprisingly good food.

Very friendly and helpful, would recommend allplay anytime, good job

Great food and entertainment. Sammi is always awesome!

Great for the kids arcade n bowling

Sucks ass They charged us for 10 mins we never played on pool

Great for gatherings ~ have had a few! Family events

Great family place. In expensive family fun.

Had lots of fun can't wait to go back

Candlepin bowling and an arcade: Great fun for not a lot of money.

Fun little place to bring your family to for bowling

Very nice, friendly employees and owner

bowling and arcade. The place has improved since I last bowled here.

Good food, fun bowling, nice employees

Best fried clam roll in the state.

Small town family run, very fun

Fun place to bring the family.

Great entertainment great staff

Great people good fun

Great time for the family!

Fun experience for cheap

Very clean and respectful

Break downs way to many

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.”