No matter what age you are, no one’s too old for a few rounds at the arcade! With neon lights, pumpin’ pop music, and perks like tickets and prizes, there’s always a reason to play. Not to mention, there’s no better way for anyone with a competitive spirit to get fired up about besting all your friends and family.
Whether you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia on the Dance Dance Revolution, or want to defeat your pal in a game of pool, we’ve put together a list of the best arcades in NYC for a few hours of fun!
1. Wonderville, Bushwick
If you’re looking for an arcade in NYC that’s more than just another gaming zone, Wonderville is your new neighborhood hot spot. With near-daily events (from music appreciation to quirky quips like “how to become the perfect human”), every trip here is sure to be unique. Plus, they also have seasonal leagues to fuel your competitive spirit, movie nights, and a full bar to keep you well-fueled while you’re playing.
Where: 1186 Broadway, Brooklyn
2. Gamehaus, LIC
This two-floor indoor/outdoor multifunctional venue is one of our favorite places to play games nowadays! Their 5,000-square-foot space includes arcade classics like Skee Ball, Pacman, Atari Pong, and Jurassic Park. Did we mention it’s a beer hall too? Grab some beers and grub and play one of their table games, like cards, tableside shuffleboard, chess, and more. Between the food, drinks, and games, we could spend a whole day here.
Where: 5-14 51st Ave, Queens
3. Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center, Chinatown
Though not the biggest in size, Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center has the biggest claim to fame of all arcades in NYC: a movie-star chicken. That’s right. The famous Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken spoken of by Al Pacino in The Devil’s Advocate once danced right here – and the friendly staff will be happy to walk you through its fabled story.
Of course, there are plenty of games for playing here as well, with five main categories including Rhythm and Dance, Novelty, Fighting, Driving, and Shooting games. The best part is you can even challenge the famous chicken himself to a round of Tic-Tac-Toe when he’s around.
Where: 8 Mott St
4. Barcade, Williamsburg, Chelsea & NoHo
Barcade is arguably one of the most well-known bar/arcade combos in the city, and it’s for great reason! Whether you’re looking for a unique date night idea, or want to have some drinks with friends, you simply can’t go wrong. Their library of over 70 classic arcade & pinball games is something you won’t find anywhere, since they have everything from NBA Jam to Super Mario to Tetris. Take a load off and grab a drink here if you’re near one of the three locations!
Where:
Williamsburg – 388 Union Ave, Brooklyn
Chelsea – 148 W 24th St
NoHo – 6 St. Mark’s Place
5. The Upstairs at 66, FiDi
The Upstairs at 66 is a speakeasy of an arcade located on the second story of the Route 66 Smokehouse in FiDi. Once you make your way upstairs to the seemingly-secret space, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best game selections this side of the Hudson.
With arcade options as high-tech as Sega Genesis and Nintendo, and as old-school as shuffleboard and ping-pong, there’s something for everyone. They even offer a selection of board games to keep every member of your party fully in the fun (no matter how untech-savvy or clumsy they may be).
Where: 46 Stone St
6. Laser Bounce, Queens
One of the best arcades in NYC for families is Laser Bounce, without a doubt. Their Arcade here comes with all the classic perks kids love, like typical arcade games, a fully state-of-the-art laser tag arena, and even a Hologate VR experience. This is only half of it too, thanks to their Bounce Park that features a trampoline park and half inflatable fun house!
Where: 80-28 Cooper Ave, Queens
7. Bowlero Chelsea Piers, Chelsea
Find everything from air hockey tables, to laser tag, to Jurassic Park arcade, to pin ball machines. And we can’t forget about their enormous bowling lanes! Perfect for an after work activity or throwing a party, their lounge seating, stellar interior design, and delicious food and drink will always make for a good time!
Where: Chelsea Piers, Pier 60
8. Game of 1000 Boxes, Midtown West
If a plain ole’ arcade just isn’t fancy enough for you and your friends, Game of 1000 Boxes is the immersive gaming experience for you. Here you’ll have an entire arcade all to yourself – along with 31 of your friends. In this social game, you’ll team up with three others against seven other teams to see who has the best combination of “teamwork, brainwork, and pure cosmic luck.”
It’s the perfect stage for corporate events, team building, birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or just trying to look really cool in front of your friends.
Buy your tickets here.Where: 248 W 37th St
9. Dave and Buster’s, Midtown West
For more of a household name arcade, Dave and Buster’s will always deliver. They have an arcade, billiards, and even bowling lanes too. Plus, their virtual reality games, selection of live sports games on TVs, and full restaurant and bar to eat and drink, it makes it the perfect place to bring a party of any size!
Where: 234 W 42nd St, 3rd Floor
10. Ace Bar, East Village
Our last pick is the most laid-back arcade in NYC: the game room of Ace Bar. Game options here include pool tables, Skeeball, darts, Big Buck Hunter, pinball machines, board games, and a 120″ HD projection screen for anyone wanting to set up their own games.
Where: 531 E 5th St