Portland, Maine, is a gorgeous coastal city with a vibrant history and modern sports entertainment. If you are looking for the best bowling alley in Portland, don’t forget to explore the incredible bowling heritage tied to the city. The city retains the New England tradition of candle bowling, a variety that is native to the northeastern United States.
This technique has its roots in Worcester, Massachusetts, since the 1880s. Maine’s alleys have tried, tested, and perfected the art of candle bowling.
As local keglers, we’ve spent a good amount of time exploring the town and present the list of best bowling alleys in Portland, Maine.
Top 7 Bowling Alleys in Portland Maine
Portland, Maine, is home to some of the best bowling alleys, known for its family-friendly ambiance and professional bowling culture.
With old-school candlepin lanes, a modern bowling center, and everything in between, Portland offers the right bowling experience for all ages, skills, and occasions. Browse through the list below to find what suits you the best.
1. Bayside Bowl
Blending the old and new, this former 19th-century warehouse-turned-bowling alley will charm you with its modern bowling features.
Bayside Bowl has twenty USBC-sanctioned ten-pin lanes in pristine condition to give you a smooth and consistent experience every time you bowl. The fine-tuned vintage Brunswick A2 pinsetters enhance the lanes for smooth results.
If you prefer the classic bowling, head upstairs to the retro-theme lanes. Beyond the lanes, Bayside Bowl features a bar scene with local craft beer.
Pair your favorite drink with some delicious tempeh reubens and Korean chicken wings. Bayside Bowl gives the best retro ambience ready to transport you to bowling’s golden era.
2. Spare Time Entertainment
If you need a fun spot for family and friends of all ages, Spare Time Entertainment is the best option in Portland.
It features bowling, arcade games, laser tag, a bar, and great food. For bowlers, the neatly maintained and oiled lanes will help improve their technique. The staff are on hand to help the kids, and you can even get your customized jumpers, equipment, and balls.
After your bowling game, the delicious pub fare served in the diner-style cafe will be a welcome treat for your taste buds.
Spare Time Entertainment provides the best ambiance for family and group get-togethers, date nights, and more, all under one roof.
3. Round1 Bowling and Amusement
Looking for Portland’s best bowling experience with Japanese high-tech sports entertainment? Round 1 is your go-to spot.
Round1 Bowling & Amusement combines bowling with lights, sounds, and energy that has turned it into a global phenomenon.
For bowlers, the scoring system is an added advantage, the interface is modern yet easy to use. It has nine bowling lanes with tracker technology to update your progress. The lanes are well-maintained throughout the day.
With great food and accommodating staff, this venue is perfect for family get-togethers keeping bowling as its prime theme. Round 1 is a paradise of continuous fun for kids and kids at heart.
4. Westport Bowling
If you’re looking for a unique and old-fashioned bowling experience, Westport Bowling Lanes is the perfect place for you.
You can immerse yourself in doing things the original way with good old scoring by hand and manual reset of pins. They have 10 well-maintained bowling lanes accompanied by friendly and knowledgeable staff.
For kids and amateurs, the alley provides lightweight bowling balls and bumpers. Westport bowling alley can be a haven for candlepin bowling fans.
Get ready to spend quality time with family and friends in this budget-friendly venue. The facility is well maintained and attended by staff to create a fun and safe space for your family.
5. Big 20 Bowling Center
If you are a passionate bowler with a deep interest in bowling’s history and its evolution, you shouldn’t miss the grand ole “State O’Maine.” Now renamed “The Big 20 Bowling Center,” the lanes have been witnessing pins getting knocked down for the past 70 years.
The Big 20 Bowling is a beloved community fixture tied to the rich bowling tradition of Maine.
The 20 well-maintained lanes accommodate both candlepin and tenpin styles. In addition to candlepin bowling, Big 20 Bowling Center also hosts leagues, tournaments, and events. You may just end up finding a new favorite hangout in Maine!
6. Junction Bowl
With 12 bowling lanes, an arcade, a full bar, and a restaurant, Junction Bowl is THE entertainment destination in Maine.
If you are a serious bowler, the electronic scoring interface will help you track your game better and help to improve your technique. Junction Bowl’s arcade features over 100 games, with classic games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a corporate event, or a wedding reception, the alley can accommodate your needs.
The Bowl is conveniently located near I-95 and can accommodate groups of all sizes. The staff are super friendly to make your event exciting and memorable.
7. Garden Street Bowl
If you fit in the rare subset of bowler who is also a foodie snob, Garden Street is your right stop. This alley offers one of the finest bowling experiences topped with zesty cuisines. The alley is a hit among locals for its great food and entertainment options.
For bowlers, the lanes come with the latest tech for interactive user interfaces. This lets you focus on bowling your best game without worrying about the technical details.
Garden Street Bowl offers different lane conditions to select from, so you can find the perfect lane bowl and improve your technique.
Conclusion
Apart from its rich tradition, Maine can cater to everyone with its pristine spot for birthday parties, church functions, and corporate and team get-togethers.
Whether you’re a serious bowler looking to explore bowling techniques or a casual bowler interested in the city’s rich history, this city will immerse you in its rich fabric of bowling history and modernity.