Maine Silverball Tavern in Saco features large selection of pinball games

SACO — Gather up your quarters and get ready to show off your pinball skills.

A new pinball arcade and bar, Maine Silverball Tavern, is set to open 4 p.m. on Wednesday at 35 Scamman St.

Inside the tavern is a collection of about 40 machines, curated by owners Don Viger and Jeremie Remian. The lineup of pinball machines spans decades – from a 1970s pinball machine with a score reel to modern models with light shows and  HD LCD screens.

“I don’t really have a favorite. They are all great games,” said Viger.

The modern machines are faster and more challenging, though the older ones, without the bells and whistles, can be more relaxing to play after trying to master a newer model, said Remian.  

Many of the pinball machines were from Viger and Remian’s personal collections, and the two pinball enthusiasts are not only happy to now have more room in their homes, but also are excited to have a space where they can share their love of pinball with others, meet new players, and maybe introduce some new people to the sport.

Yes, sport. Though it hasn’t been open to the public yet, the Maine Silverball Tavern has hosted weekly tournaments for the New England Pinball League. Many of the players know each other or recognize each other from other pinball establishments.  

“There’s definitely a cult-like following,” said Remian.

Viger said his obsession with pinball games started with Diner, a pinball machine manufactured in 1990 by Willams Electronic Games. He was also intrigued by the mechanics of the machines and now does all the repairs on his games.

For Viger, pinball machines will always trump video games. Video games have patterns, but with pinball, every game is new.

“With pinball, one time you’re a king, another you’re crying,” he said, “Every game is different, every ball is different.”

When asked how long they typically played a game, neither Viger or Remian could give a definitive answer. It’s all about the final score, they said, and they often lose track of time or how many quarters they’re dropping in a machine.

Pinball machines can be hard to score, in more ways than one. There are only a handful of companies currently making pinball machines, each introducing a few new models every year with a limited supply. It could take a lot of searching to find a particular machine, and it’s not unusual to be on a waiting list for a new model, said Remian.

“They’re really pieces of art. Even if a game isn’t working, it can make a nice centerpiece,” said Remien.

Maine Silverball Tavern will have water and soda for sale, and will soon also have local craft beers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Hours on opening night, June 1,  will be 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Going forward, Maine Silverball Tavern will be open Thursday and Friday 4 p.m, to 10 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and will be closed Monday through Wednesday.

For more information on specific machines at Maine Silverball Tavern, check them out on Facebook or Instagram.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.