Old school arcade

If you’re on the lookout for an electrifying entertainment experience, then look no further than Free Play Arcade in Fort Worth! This small Texas chain of barcades boasts free play games with an entry fee of $12, plus snacks and sandwiches. Speaking of free play games, they’ve got an impressive lineup featuring 12 awesome pinball machines as well as everything from classic arcade games to Dance Dance Revolution, Bubble Hockey and Killer Queen. It gets even better – visiting the rooftop Tiki cocktail and slushy venue will take your experience to a whole other level. For the legal drinkers out there, note that it becomes 18+ after 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 21+ after 9pm on Friday and Saturday. With their unbeatable selection of retro and cutting-edge games, a night at Free Play Arcade will certainly be one to remember!

The Emporium is a small barcade chain with locations in Chicago, Oakland, Las Vegas and New Orleans. The San Francisco location is located in the Harding Theater, a historic old theater. The Emporium has 10 pinball machines on location plus arcade games, air hockey, shuffleboard, foosball, skee ball and more. You can bring your own food or have it delivered. The Emporium offers frequent DJ nights and a dedicated dance floor to get your dance on. This arcade and bar is 21+, so adults only at this arcade and bar.

Up Down Arcade Bar in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a must-visit spot for any arcade lover. They have a large collection of pinball machines on location with 12 games to play. Up Down also has other locations in Des Moines, Kansas City, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Nashville and Oklahoma City so if you're ever in the area, be sure to check them out! They have a large craft beer election with 60 beers on tap as well as arcade games, skee ball, console games and more to keep you entertained. If you get hungry, they make pizza on site. Just note that Up Down is a 21+ only establishment. So if you're looking for a fun night out with friends, Up Down Arcade Bar should definitely be at the top of your list!

Do people come to Miniboss in San Jose, CA just for the craft cocktails? Yes, but then they also geek out over the old school arcade with throwbacks like Ms. Pac Man and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker. Play popular modern pinball like Monster Bash and Theater of Magic for 75 cents or free on Thursdays. This chic retro barcade also offers full table service and Asian fusion cuisine. Try the Winter on Niberu cocktail – it is like a boozy strawberry milkshake.

Prince Arcades in Bolingbrook, Illinois is a great place to get your retro gaming fix. With 10 pinball machines and a ton of classic arcade games, it's perfect for anyone looking for a dose of nostalgia. The focus at Prince Arcades is solely on the games; there's no bar or restaurant here but it's in a plaza where they are plenty around. That said, it's one of the few places where you can get that full retro mall arcade experience, as it's located in an open-air shopping center. Best of all, games are on free play with a $15 admission fee. So if you're in the Chicago suburbs area and are looking for a great place to bring the family (or just want to relive your childhood), Prince Arcades is the perfect spot. And bonus you can play an Al's Garage Band Goes on a World Tour (Alvin G) which you don't see very often in public locations.

When it comes to Cobra Arcade Bar, a 21+ only gaming and nightlife destination in downtown Tucson, Arizona, the Cobra has got you covered for all kinds of fun. As part of the small Arizona-based barcade chain that also has an outpost in Phoenix, Cobra Arcade Bar offers more than just their 9 pinball machines and classic arcade games - they also have regularly scheduled events with DJs and game-themed cocktails like 'Punch Out' and 'Princess Peach.' All this plus draft beer means Cobra Arcade Bar is the perfect place for an adults’ night out - no youths allowed! So, come on down and experience one of Tucson's most popular retro gaming and pinball hangouts.

Yetee Station in Aurora, Illinois is the perfect place to enjoy some classic arcade games. Plus you get tell people you've been to Aurora Illinois! With 10 pinball machines on site, as well as a wide selection of retro video games and dance and rhythm games like Jubeat and Guitar Freaks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And because all of the games are on free play with a $15 admission fee, you can come and go as you please throughout the day. Yetee Station is also a great place to bring the family and children, as the games are kept in pristine condition so you're almost guaranteed to have a good experience playing here. It's a great spot to play in in a historic downtown with a lot of shopping, food, and a casino right around the corner.

Emporium Wicker Park in Chicago IL is the perfect spot for adults seeking a gaming fiesta. This barcade offers not only an impressive array of 9 different pinball machines (including rare models like Chicago Cubs Triple Play and Austin Powers) but also an exciting selection of other classic arcade games like air hockey and foosball. Emporium does not have any food onsite, however you’re welcomed to bring in your own snacks! And, with a full bar there’s plenty of options to enhance your gaming experience even further. Emporium Wicker Park has all the ingredients for a fun night out in Chicago so come and check out what this pinball arcade has to offer!

Have you been looking for an amazing freeplay retro arcade experience in Richardson? Look no further than the Richardson outpost of Free Play Arcade! With its roughly ten pinball machines on location, plus lots of great free-to-play classic games like Mario Kart and Dance Dance Revolution, this barcade is a great spot for some friendly competition during the day or late at night. Not to mention, cold A/C and free wi-fi make it a great place to kick back and relax during those hot North Texas days. And don't forget about the extensive craft beer selection (note, Free Play Richardson becomes 18+ after 9pm on Sunday through Wednesday and 21+ after 9pm Friday and Saturday) and wonderful selection of snacks, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas! So what are you waiting for? Put your quarters away – Free Play Arcade in Ricahrdson is the perfect spot to show off your old school gaming prowess.

The Detour is a barcade in San Francisco California with an elevated food, beverage and cocktail program. The food menu focuses on pan-pacific street food like a ponzu salad, nori tots, tacos, and pizza (ok pizza may be a stretch on the pan-pacific part but pizza is delicious so we'll let it slide). The Detour has a mix of arcade games, skee ball, arcade style basketball games, pinball and board games for entertainment while you consume your tasty food and drink. The Detour is generally 21+ except for Saturdays from 2pm-6pm when all ages are allowed inside. The Detour has a good sized pinball machine collection with 10 machines on location. The Detour is a classic barcade style location with an elevated food, beverage and cocktail program. The mix of arcade games, skee ball, arcade style basketball games, pinball and board games for entertainment make The Detour a great place to visit in San Francisco California.

Flower City Arcade opened in Rochester, NY with favorite video arcade games from the 80’s including an assortment of Donkey Kong cabinets, PacMan and Ms PacMan, and Centipede, plus bubble hockey, darts, skeeball, and a nice lineup of pinball including Adams Family, Haunted House, Taxi, and Hercules, plus a few electromechanical pins set up outdoors. Games are all set to free play for $12 per person. Flower City was an arcade games distributor from 1940 until 1981, and this iteration of the family business is being revamped by the family’s third generation of arcade enthusiasts, Greg Grillo, who opened the arcade at the age of 20 and has been restoring the machines and improving the arcade since 2018. 

There’s an old school arcade in Indy's mall! Boss Battle Games at Castleton Square Mall in Indianapolis, IN offers video arcade cabinets, pinball, console gaming and tabletop gaming in an arcade made to feel like a gaming convention. Pay one price at this retro arcade to play all day on Mortal Kombat, Gauntlet, and Tron, but you may have to drop a few quarters to play Godzilla or Deadpool pinball. Boss is all about the games, so no food or drinks available here. 

Barcade Philly in Fishtown Philadelphia, PA is a comfortable arcade bar featuring craft beer and cocktails alongside arcade classics like Frogger, Centipede and Galaga, plus a rotating collection of classic and modern pinball games. Machines run on tokens worth a quarter and most games cost a single token. Barcade is for adult’s amusement so you must be 21+ except during designated family days. Try one of their killer tacos or a Fat Dogtown hot dog with chihuahuah cheese, braised chicken and roasted pepper aioli. 

Pinstack in Irving (Las Colinas) Texas is an arcade like no other. Pinstack, the popular Texas arcade and bowling chain with locations in Austin, San Antonio, Allen and Plano has brought its unique blend of entertainment to Irving! Pinstack features 10 pinball machines, but also offers so much more. Guests can spend their time trying out some old-school arcade games, a ropes course, laser tag and rock climbing. There’s also bowling plus bumper cars for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Pinstack is even family-friendly; no age limits apply, so everyone from kids to parents to grandparents can find something to do. Even if you’re looking for some air hockey or virtual reality gaming Pinstack has you covered - there’s something for all types of gamers. And don’t forget about Pinstack’s excellent food menu featuring bar and comfort food favorites like pizza and burgers with a full bar to boot!

Keg and Coin is a barcade in Jacksonville, FL  serving only beer – a killer selection – and coin-operated arcade games. This retro 90’s dive is packed with cabinets like Pacman and The Simpsons, plus shooters like Big Buck HD and Area 51, Mortal Kombat II and III, skee ball, foosball, darts and a rotating lineup of the latest pro pinball tables. Keg and Coin is kid-friendly up until 9pm. Sign up for Deathball or Killer Queen tournaments.

Blue Cross RiverRink is an outdoor rink next to a riverside walkway in Philadelphia, PA with ice skating in the winter, rollerskating in the summer, and a carnival atmosphere complete with year-round ferris wheel and boardwalk games and rides. Take your chances bungee jumping or enjoy mini golf, fire pits and smores, funnel cake, and frequent fireworks over the soaring views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge. Head inside the indoor arcade for video games, Skee-ball, pinball and more. Don’t worry about having change; you can load up a game card to keep the fun going. If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance, you skate for free! 

16-Bit Bar + Arcade in Indianapolis, IN is a barcade for adult kids who want to have a few drinks and play for free on old arcade classics like Donkey Kong and Asteroid, or drop quarters into a few great pinball games like Deadpool, Tron Legacy, Star Wars, Spiderman and Guardians of the Galaxy. Head up the stairs to play skee ball or plop down on a couch to play Sega. Feel free to bring food or Fido since 16-Bit is dog friendly. Everyone on two legs must be 21+. 

Spacebar Arcade is a fun space-themed barcade concept with a mix of classic arcade games, pinball tables, and more. When they were last open, Spacebar had a collection of 8 pinball machines focused on a handful of newer Stern Pinball titles and a mix of classics like Bally's Paragon and Williams' Space Shuttle. Spacebar also offers a full bar with craft beers, cocktails, wine and more.

​

Spacebar is a strictly 21+ adults-only location, so no kids here. 

​

Note: Spacebar is currently in the middle of a location move so they are not open to the public. We'll update this if/when that changes.

As one of the few independent theaters in New Orleans, LA, The Broad Theater attracts locals from Treme to Slidell. Step back in time inside this small theater to enjoy real butter on your popcorn and fresh lemonade, a few bar offerings, and the Mystic Krewe Pinball Parlor with nostalgic games like Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man and a rotating line-up of pinball machines belonging to the Mystic Krewe. Now, lean in and we’ll whisper a local legend: Mystic Krewe actually does operate the best pinball parlor in New Orleans. It’s just not in this spot and it isn’t open to the public. However, if you’re a serious pinhead and a regular around these parts, you may be extended an exclusive invitation. 

Round1 Bowling and Amusements in Philadelphia’s Fashion District Mall is an anchor of amusements for the entire family. Enjoy bowling, professional-grade billiards, karaoke, ping pong, darts, and a small gambling area. In the arcade, you’ll find Dance Dance Revolution, basketball, claw machines, redemption games, skeeball, air hockey, exclusive Japan imports and a few pinball machines. Round1 also offers a variety of favorite snack foods – such as pizza, wings, ice cream– and a fully-stocked bar with beer, wine, and cocktails up until 8p.m.

Randolph Beer Dumbo Brooklyn is a one-of-a-kind spot to experience all the best of modern Brooklyn. Located in the heart of Brooklyn's trendy Dumbo neighborhood, Randolph Beer offers an upscale setting combined with a classic brewpub environment. You can grab a pint of craft beer and sit back to enjoy some classic pinball machines, pulled from Randolph Beer's small yet unique collection which includes both modern and classic machines. To ramp up the fun even further Randolph Beer also has classic arcade games, skee ball, shuffleboard, foosball, and Belgian Feather bowling courts. The tap selection at Randolph Beer is top notch with an ever-changing list of house-produced craft beers while their menu features favorites like shareable appetizers, burgers and sandwiches made fresh to order. For real convenience Randolph Beer also has a self-pour system where you simply swipe your NFC card at the tap and pay by the ounce.

Come get lost playing vintage games like Galaga, Centipede or the classic Ms. Pacman at Lost Weekend in West Palm Beach, FL. This pool hall features darts, skee ball, pinball and vintage bowling, skeet and shuffleboard games, too. Lost Weekend has an amazing modern Mexican taco menu with killer elote and a full bar with classic cocktails. Lost Weekend is kid friendly during daytime and becomes a hip and popular spot for adults only at night.

Barcade in Manhattan is a must-visit for anyone looking for classic fun. Founded in 2004, Barcade opened its first location in Brooklyn and has since expanded to Detroit, Philadelphia, and Jersey City among other places. The Barcade Manhattan outpost is located on West 24th street and features five classic pinball machines along with a variety of retro video games and board games. But Barcade isn't just about the classic gaming experience - they also specialize in craft cocktails and local beers. And, thankfully, it's strictly adults only here - so you don't have to worry about constantly getting swarmed by a group of energetic children. Barcade serves snacks and meals too, with options including shared plates, sandwiches, salads and other tasty treats. Whether you're new to Barcade or an old pro stopping by the Big Apple outpost after visiting one of Barcade's other locations, the Barcade Manhattan location will give you that same sense of nostalgia and entertainment!

Pinstack Plano, Texas is a great place for family fun. A location of the popular Texas arcade and bowling chain that also has spots in Austin, San Antonio, Allen and Irving, Pinstack Plano serves up plenty of entertainment for its patrons. With 4 pinball machines and lots of other classic games like air hockey, shuffleboard and foosball to choose from - plus bumper cars, laser tag and a ropes course - there’s something for everyone! Of course Pinstack Plano didn't forget the adults either - they have a full bar plus food menu with bar food favorites like pizza and burgers. It's all set in an environment that welcomes kids of any age - so plan your next family arcade outing at Pinstack Plano.

Golf N' Stuff in Tucson, Arizona is a family-friendly entertainment destination that tee-s up mini golf and drives home excitement with amusement arcade attractions. Offering everything from go-carts to batting cages and bumper boats, Golf N' Stuff also has four pinball machines on site. So when you want some classic pinball action alongside your other family activities – Golf N’ Stuff will show you how to get it! Can't persevere with all that fun? You can break out of the spiral at the old school snack bar. Fuel up on hot dogs and soda, and get back to Golf N' Stuff's retro arcade style, complete with video games, redemption games, and a few pinball machines for good measure. Golf N' Stuff is here to make sure your family enjoys a real ace of a day out.