One of the best ways to unleash your inner child, arcades are a nostalgic day or night out for all occasions. And there are countless options to visit all over the city, from colourful bowling alleys offering retro machines to trendy bars with a little extra entertainment.
We've rounded up the very best NYC arcades, from family-friendly destinations to visit with the kids to late-night haunts that are strictly adults-only. Wondering where to find them? Read on to discover your new favourites.
Best New York Arcades
1. Chinatown Fair
- Location: 8 Mott Street, Chinatown, NY 10038
- Why we recommend: this is one of the most famous arcades around, and an absolute institution of Chinatown. It's especially great for celebrations, with dedicated packages for birthdays and other similar events
A world-famous arcade in NYC, Chinatown Fair is the home of the tic tac toe-playing chicken talked about by Al Pacino in the movie The Devil's Advocate. It's open 365 days a year, until 2am on weekends, making it a great choice for both days and nights out.
They've got a huge selection of games to choose from, including fighting, driving and shooting games, from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Walking Dead, alongside classics like Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero. They also offer private group bookings for birthdays and other celebrations, with lots of deals and packages available.
Boasting all the classic games and more Chinatown Fair is one of the most popular entertainment venues in the city.
2. Wonderville
- Location: 1186 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221
- Why we recommend: this is one of the only places that you can find arcade games, DJs and $10 cocktails under one roof, and we love that they're open until late for post-midnight gamers
A home for independently made arcade games in NYC, Wonderville is a late-night arcade in Brooklyn - open until 4am on weekends. You'll find a unique selection of retro machines here, from high-speed shooter Trapped In Here With Me to KungFu Kickball, all created by small producers.
This is also a great bar, serving up $10 frozen cocktails and beers from just $4. There's also a happy hour that runs from 5 to 8pm on weekdays, making this one of the most affordable locations on our list overall. What's more, they host DJs and live musicians on a regular basis.
For late-night games and cocktails, Wonderville is our top pick.
3. Barcade NYC
- Location: multiple locations
- Why we recommend: with so many locations, you're never too far from a Barcade. And as the originals when it comes to this concept, you know you're in for a good time here
A popular choice of arcade in NYC, Barcade is the largest operator of arcade bars in the United States, and they've got multiple venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn. They're widely known as the originator of the arcade bar concept, with each location flaunting between 40 and 75 video games and pinball machines - mainly from the 1980s.
Their nostalgic games include Frogger, Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat II, and they keep a leaderboard of all the high scores. They've got more than 20 American craft beers on tap, as well as cocktails for $14 or less, with hotdogs, sandwiches and sharing plates on offer if you're hungry.
Visit the original: Barcade is the oldest arcade bar in NYC.
4. Laser Bounce
- Location: 80-28 Cooper Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385
- Why we recommend: this is our top choice for anyone planning a family day out, as there's so much to do for kids of all ages, and some brilliant prizes to be won
A family-friendly pick, Laser Bounce can be found in Queens. This place has got everything you need for a fun day out with the kids, from an inflatable trampoline park to laser tag, virtual reality experiences and bowling. It's also great for hosting birthday parties.
There's also a huge arcade to be discovered, featuring classic basketball machines, foosball and competitive racing games. Load up your cards with tokens, and work your way around this haven of fun for all ages - with the opportunity to win lots of cool prizes.
Play for prizes at the Laser Bounce arcade in Queens.
5. Dave And Buster's
- Location: multiple locations
- Why we recommend: this is affordable fun for the whole family, whether you want to watch sports and sip a margarita or go crazy on the claw machines
One of the best known arcades in the whole country, Dave and Busters has got venues all over New York. This is a restaurant and arcade bar all in one, offering games like Top Gun: Maverick, Pacman Rollers, and NBA Superstars that are fun for all ages. At certain locations they've even got a human crane, where you can hover over a pit full of prizes like a real-life claw machine.
When you're done with all the entertainment, grab a table and watch live sports while you devour dishes from their affordable menu. Think grilled chicken nachos, Cajun shrimp pasta and five-cheese flatbreads. What's more, you can secure $5 margaritas on game days.
Expect classic games and live sports at Dave and Buster's.
6. Lucky Strike
- Location: multiple locations
- Why we recommend: aracade games and bowling is a classic combination, and we love the addition of a delicious menu at their restaurant
Previously known as Bowlero, Lucky Strike is a hub of food, drink and entertainment all over the city. They've got venues everywhere from Times Square to Chelsea Piers and Queens, promising colourful arcades full of air hockey, claw machines and classic games - from Space Invaders to Angry Birds.
Be sure to visit on Wednesdays for half-price gaming, and check out their bowling lanes too. Hungry? They're cooking up the likes of spinach and artichoke dip, Buffalo chicken quesadillas and pepperoni pizzas.
With a menu as enticing as the games, Lucky Strike is a full day out.
7. Gaming City
- Location: 36-10 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11106
- Why we recommend: whatever age you are, Gaming City has got something fun going on, with a unique mix of classic and augmented reality games
After arcades in NYC for kids and adults alike? Gaming City is a Queens favorite that combines the nostalgia of a classic arcade with state-of-the-art augmented reality. There's even a cool illuminated area full of neon lights, perfect for snapping some photos before your gaming session.
Take on the dancing grid, or try traditional games like table hockey and virtual racing. You can also win some great prizes on the claw machine, and exchange your hard-earned tickets for a reward at the end.
Get your fix of nostalgic and futuristic fun at Gaming City.
8. Ace Bar
- Location: 531 E 5th Street, Alphabet City, NY 10009
- Why we recommend: we love the rich history at Ace Bar, and the laid-back decor that reflects its past. The drinks are super affordable too
Having been around since 1992, Ace Bar began as center of counterculture in a time when the East Village was filled with riots, activism and a lively artistic community. It represents the cultural past of this area today, with nostalgic decor and a fuss-free atmosphere that attracts a diverse crowd.
This is a more intimate arcade that's home to two pool tables, two dart boards, pinball, Big Buck Hunter ad skee ball, also showing live spirts on a projector. Enjoy cheap beer while you're here, especially if you visit during happy hour.
Ace Bar promises a welcoming atmosphere and lots of entertainment.
For more fun goings-on, check out our guide to quirky activities in New York City.
