Ellsworth’s Candlepin Bowling Alley

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Overview

About This Establishment

Retro lights glow as the tray of hot calzones and blistered pizzas slides by. The Big Pig sandwich packs ham, bacon, pepperoni, and provolone, each bite delivering a brine-kissed snap through the melted cheese. Crusts crackle with grease and cheese pulls stretch like a well-loved arcade joystick. It’s loud, lively fuel for lanes that stay hot all night long.

At a Glance

Best For

Vibe

What Makes It Special

A retro candlepin bowling alley with glow bowling and family-friendly arcade ambiance in a park-adjacent town

Must-Try Items

Signature Dishes: No single signature dish highlighted on the menu

Wings, cheese breadsticks, and mozzarella sticks are popular shareables; pepperoni chips also frequent orders

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons or non-glow times for lighter crowds; winter is busiest and lanes book 1-3 days ahead. Saturday glow bowling fills lanes; plan ahead or book online.

Tips & Advice

Book lanes 1–3 days in advance, especially in winter.
Order the Big Pig sandwich or a 10" pizza for robust lane fuel.
Use Toasttab for takeout pickup and plan around glow bowling timelines.

Skip If

Seeking fine dining or a quiet, romantic dinner

Family Info

Kid-friendly lanes and menus; supervision near lanes recommended; plenty of casual seating

Details

Menu & Food

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Signature Dishes: No single signature dish highlighted on the menu

Local Specialties: No distinct local specialties documented; the menu centers on classic American bowling-alley fare served via the Strike N Slice restaurant.

Insider Tips: Try the Big Pig sandwich; pair with a 10" or 16" pizza; share wings or cheese breadsticks for group fuel

Dietary Options:

Drinks & Beverages

Bar: Malt-only beverage program with Pepsi products

Local Beers: Not listed

House-Made: Not specified

Signature Cocktails: Not listed

Experiences: Tours Available

Tour Info: Behind-the-scenes kitchen and bar tours offered on Mondays and Wednesdays; times vary by event schedule

Happy Hour: No dedicated happy hour listed

Dining Experience

Service: Counter service for food and drinks; table service possible during peak times

Reservations: Bowling lanes require reservations, especially during peak times and weekends. Other activities (ping pong, cornhole, pool, darts) are walk-in.

Dress Code: Come as you are

Noise Level: Moderate to loud

Outdoor Seating: 1

Family Info: Kid-friendly lanes and menus; supervision near lanes recommended; plenty of casual seating

Age Policy: All ages welcome

Hours & Timing

Hours: Monday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Seasonal Hours: Winter is the busiest season; hours shift around tours and leagues; check event schedule.

Closed: Tuesday

Busiest Times: Winter; Saturday evenings with glow bowling

Amenities & Services

Parking Available (On-site parking available; spaces may be limited during peak events and glow bowling.)
Takeout Available
Accepts: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card

Accessibility:

Public-facing accessibility details are not documented.

FAQs

Is lane bowling reservation required?

Yes. Bowling lanes require reservations, especially on weekends and in winter.

Are vegan options available?

Is there a full bar or only malt beverages?

Is takeout available?

Is there a gift shop?

📖 mainepreservation.org 📖 seesimplelove.com 📖 ellsworthcandlepinalley.com 📖 candlepin101.com 📖 reddit.com 📖 visitmaine.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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