The nightlife scene in New York is appealing for many reasons. People seem livelier and the air is filled with chatter tangled with the sounds of live music. The best part of the nightlife scene in New York is that there is something for everyone. Classy bars, dive bars, craft bars? You got it. But if you’re looking for an extra step of fun, the best kind of bar to visit would be one with games, and not every bar in the city has that. Here is a list of some fun arcade bars to visit in New York City.
Arcade Bars in NYC
1. Barcade
This one has multiple locations in Williamsburg, East Village and Chelsea. Each location has an abundance of classic arcade games like Frogger, Donkey Kong, Asteroids, and so on. Along with the arcade, the bar serves 20+ locally brewed beers on tap. So gather a group of friends or bring a date for this perfect casual-night-out location.
2. Ace Bar
Located in the East Village, the bar opened its doors in 1992. According to their website, Ace Bar is known for its “no pretense, no fuss, just fun,” atmosphere. They have two pool tables, two dart boards, pinball, skeeball, and Big Buck Hunter. The bar is decorated with retro decor, including a collection of retro lunchboxes! They serve 12 beers on tap and invite large groups of people to have fun.
3. Cellar Dog
Originally known as Fat Cats, the reopened bar emerged with a new name and new games. Located in the West Village, this bar is famous for its live music (mostly jazz). They have games like pool, shuffle, pong, scrabble, chess, and arcade. Because of the live music, this place charges a cover fee, but it is well worth it. Draft beers are available to sip on while listening to music and having fun.
4. Sour Mouse
At the heart of the Lower East Side, Sour Mouse is an open-spaced underground bar that includes games, live music and comedy shows. They have games like ping pong, pool, and foosball. This place also includes art from local artists that is available to check out in person, or at their online gallery. They serve an assortment of draft beers, cocktails, and charcuterie boards.
5. Freehold
This Williamsburg spot is a must visit while in the area. The place rooms several large spaces that are used for its cafe, lobby bar, and wide outdoor area. It’s the perfect place where the work day scene is able to seamlessly transition to a bustling night scene. According to their website, “In 2016 Lyft designated Freehold as the #1 destination for late night restaurants in all of NYC.” This bar includes games like ping pong, arcade basketball, skeeball, Big Buck Hunter, and pinball. However, despite the large space, this bar is known to be packed on weekends.
6. Kick Axe Throwing
Located in Brooklyn, this place is great to experience the axe throwing trend you never got to try out. It is $39 to throw axes, and this activity is completely safe. Their website says that one of their Axe Pros will go through the fundamentals of axe throwing, and then will be there to guide you through the rest of your visit, if you wish them to. You are able to compete with friends, family, and strangers with this exciting activity. They serve beer and wine, and even snacks to replenish energy.
7. The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club
Another Brooklyn favorite is the massive Royal Palms. Owners Ashley Albert and Jonathan Schnapp opened the doors in 2013, after a spontaneous trip to the Mirror Lake Shuffleboard Club in 2011. While it’s technically not an arcade, it’s still a bar where you can play shuffleboard or pick through their supply of board games. Big parties are encouraged to reserve spaces so there will be less of a waiting time. You can grab a drink in between games at the bar and there are usually food trucks parked outside the location.
8. The Bad Old Days
If you’re in Ridgewood, be sure to check out this cozy spot. This place offers board games, bingo nights, and has a Nintendo attached to a television. Although there isn’t much compared to the other bars on the list, this would be the perfect bar if you’re looking for smaller crowds and a nice atmosphere. They have good Happy Hour specials and small couches to lounge on.
9. E’s Bar
When grabbing a drink at E’s Bar in the Upper West Side, go to the back where the area is filled with board games, tables, pinball machines, and dart boards. This place also has a jukebox and a great menu of food and drinks.
10. Bar Great Henry
Known as a craft beer bar, this Brooklyn based spot is fun if you’re interested in pinball machines. The website even offers links to pinball leagues if that is something that you’re into. Their back room can be reserved (without charge) to large parties of people. Take a look at their FAQs page, it might give you a chuckle.
