4 stars because I am a Fan.
Why? We've never had the problems like the other Yelpers have seem to run into and I used to bring the kid to CEC just to play so I could study.
Most recently, I booked a party online and it was executed pretty good by the staff. Some of the invitees didn't show so we had to reduce the numbers & learned of their policy but they worked with us. I can't control how tweens perceive this place but they stayed away for whatever reason. Regardless, they offer the following:
1) Beer - I remember when I heard this a few years back and about died.
2) Wings
3) Sandwiches and healthy fruit and vegetables as an alternative to all the candy & pizza
4) The SALAD BAR IS THE BOMB!!! I didn't use to eat salad but CEC salad bar made me pay attention to things can be better. Well, this day proved no different... still fresh, still a good variety.
NO WI-FI but the two neighbors have a signal strength that can be picked up.
5) They went on about the new games. I don't think that'll win over tweens and teens but I know my brothers 35+ and gamers always get into the groove.
6) Pizza still just ok for where you're at.
7) Soda fountain is PEPSI now, but they offer Twister Orange and a juice.
8) You can buy tokens at the vending machines and rather than have the coins spill everywhere and fend for yourself in picking them up without being stepped on - they finally offer cups to cradle the coins. Heather C's review sounds like Juarez Mexico.
9) Safety is still present and I do worry about molesters/abductors/weirdos and just general creepy dudes and dudettes. So to Dave J. maybe they slacked when the other Yelpers were coming through but from 2003-2007 I had no issue. Those stamped barcodes had better match or the teenager working the door makes you stand to the side.
*Regardless the other reviews are funny. =)
10) Found quality is about the same as you'd get from frozen wings and cheesesticks from your freezer section but Ledo's/Lido's pizza in Maryland on the U of MD campus tastes like the old school CEC - so real issue there.
11) The fries are baked. YAYYY! and they're are super skinny.
12) We tip for birthday parties. The ticket blaster is what brought us back at this age. THE KID WAS TOLD NOT TO REACH DOWN AND GET THE 1,000PT TICKET AND I DON'T LIKE THAT AS OTHER KIDS WERE ALLOWED TO REACH AND GET IT. For the money I paid; all rules/policies should be equally enforced not arbitrarily applied. I'd dock another star for this but oh well, not today.
13) Book a Friday or Sunday party - get another 100 tookens. Deposit requirement for a party has gone up to $30 down no refunds. Changes allowed on the reservation, though.