Do you like arcade games? Check. Do you like drinks? Check. Do you like playing Pac-Man with a bit of a buzz? Check! It's time to visit one of the many exciting barcades Los Angeles has to offer. If you are looking for things to do in LA with friends, family, or even a date, then a barcade is a great place to spend the night. Los Angeles has barcades with retro games, cutting-edge gaming, and even karaoke. Here's your guide to the best barcades in LA, which includes their special features and unique experiences so you can find the best arcade bar for your visit.
6081 Center Dr, Los Angeles
Let's start with one of the most popular arcade chains in the country. Dave & Buster's is one of the most famous arcade chains because it is known to offer high quality arcade games, as well as serving great food, having a full bar, and a sports watching crowd. This place is also great for company events and birthday parties. You won't have to wait long because the venues are so big. There's always something for everyone and they have a lot of branches so you can always find one near you.
Photo credit: @daveandbusters
5684 York Blvd, Los Angeles
The original. They opened the first ever barcade in New York in 2004. Now, having expanded to Los Angeles, this is the classic arcade you wished for as a kid, but even better with alcohol. It's for adults only, so you must be 21 to enter. This place has a vast selection of craft beers from all over the country. Every month, they have family days on the first Sunday. They also rotate their games regularly, which means that you will always have something new to play every time you visit.
Photo credit: @barcade
369 N Western Ave, Koreatown
Koreatown has a lot of interesting arcades that you won't find anywhere else in LA. Blipsy Bar has a great vibe with old school pinball, video games, and drinks to boost you through a great night. They host live music events every weekend featuring DJs who play different genres, from Funk and Hip-Hop to Soul, Motown, House, and Disco. Their live music nights honor legendary artists, and they are also known to host album release parties. You must be 21 or older to enter.
Photo credit: @ollieproblemas
1391 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
After being closed for a while due to the pandemic, this local business is now open again, and the locals are thrilled. This is one of the few places that has classic pinball machines, as well as Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat. A taco joint is now adjacent to the restaurant, which means you can enjoy tacos and beer together. Children can experience the sensation of classic arcades here since it's a family-friendly place.
Photo credit: @lifewithashe
Barcades in LA
(TOP PICK)
707 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles
There are three parts to this barcade, one for pinball machines, one for video games and bar, and one for an ambient outdoor lounge. This is a great place for groups where not everyone wants to play video games. Live DJs play different genres depending on the day. Also, be sure to check out all the fun local murals that can make for great pictures.
Photo credit: @jacquibabyy
5126 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood
Players One falls under most people's top 10 arcade bars. It's one of the few places where you can play DDR (Dance Dance Revolution). It is also one of the only arcades that has Karaoke. With its purple and pink aesthetic, you'll feel like you're in the 80s or the 90s. They have a good beer selection and cocktails. There are quarter-operated machines here so you can fully enjoy the classic experience of this amazing retrowave barcade.
Photo credit: @traveltodayla
13625 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks
This is a 21+ "gastrolounge" and arcade that serves great food and drinks. Customers can play arcade games for free, which is one of the best things about this place. Play some 80s games, order a drink from the bar, and immerse yourself in nostalgia. The crowd vibe is trendy/casual so make some new friends too.
Photo credit: @hatsbyabbey
4680 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles
This is one of the places that is open until midnight every day and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. They offer a wide selection of local wines and craft beers. The venue is famous for hosting pinball tournaments so it's a great place for avid pinball players. Many groups host special events at this Eagle Rock establishment.
Photo credit: @silverlaketrackclub
12125 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles
Bowlero is not just known for its bowling alleys but also its arcade games as well. This is an excellent place for families and their lounge seating is perfect for enjoying a meal. There are also some locations that offer billiards too, so check out the one that's nearest to you.
Photo credit: @shannonadoyle
828 Traction Ave, Los Angeles
This is a local spot with a wide selection of craft beers paired with an arcade so the adults can get competitive while drinking. A variety of games are available, such as skeeball, darts, pin pong, and Mario Kart tournaments are held here occasionally. Don't miss out on free skeeball Mondays.
Photo credit: @artsdistrictbrewing
634 Mateo St, Los Angeles
This is one of the modern arcades in LA that offers VR gaming. Classics like Pinball, Ms. Pac Man, and Street Fighter 2 are still available, but what really makes this place special is the "Arena," where you can play futuristic games individually or as a group. They also have several escape rooms to choose from.
Photo credit: @twobitcircus
3110 Santa Monica Blvd
Busby's West looks like your local sports bar from the outside, but it will surprise you that once you step inside there are lots of fun games to play while you eat and drink. It is mostly packed with happy hour crowds since they have specials almost every day, including $2 draft beers, $1 tacos on Tuesdays, whiskey and wings Wednesdays. There's also pool tables and darts.
Photo credit: @camillacolbro
130 Pine Ave, Long Beach
If you're looking for great food and drinks, stop by The Harbor. The venue is only 21 and over but there are arcade games here that will make your evening here more fun. Throughout the week, they host fun events like Karaoke and taco specials. Since this place is open until 2 am most nights, it is a great spot to spend an evening with a fun crowd, while dancing to live DJs on weekends.
Photo credit: @arianna_rod
121 W 4th St, Long Beach
With its dark, dystopian theme, this pizza spot will certainly transport you to another place. It has a small but fun selection of arcade games that you can play here. They are known to serve unique pizzas that must be tried. A number of celebrities have also made appearances in this venue, including Ozzy Osbourne. It's a great place to hang out with friends over some games, beer and pizza within the apocalyptic vibes.
Photo credit: @brittshotts
1020 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia
The futuristic experience you'll have at this barcade will blow you away. There is a full VR gaming experience available on site along with other modern day video games you wont see anywhere else. And don't miss the living room pods, designed to make you feel like you're just hanging out with your friends playing PS5 or Nintendo Switch. Board games are also available to play while watching TV.
Photo credit: @arieltuzi2
921 W Riverside Dr, Burbank
This bowling alley offers arcade games, a pool table, and TVs to watch a game, making it a great place for friends and families to get together. They also host bowling leagues and have a full service bar. Find out more about bowling leagues on their site.
Photo credit: @jefftakesphotos
135 S Glendale Ave, Glendale
This casual bowling and arcade spot in Glendale is family-friendly. They host Karaoke on Sundays and have a really great food menu. Here you can play pool and arcade games while drinking with your friends, and family, or a hot date.
Photo credit: @babglendale
21516 Golden Triangle Rd, Santa Clarita
MB2 is a huge gaming space with a variety of activities to choose from. They have both indoor and outdoor attractions. Besides indoor bowling and a large variety of arcade games, this facility has tons of outdoor activities like laser tag, golf simulators, axe throwing, bumper boats, and go-karts. You can easily spend an entire day here and it's great for birthday parties.
Photo credit: @_kimberlyarevalo
21915 S Western Ave, Torrance
It's hard to go wrong with this bowling alley chain. There are both old school and new games at the arcade. It boasts the world's largest Pac-Man that you must check out. The restaurant also offers a wide range of food and drinks as well as billiards, beer pong, and corn hole for adults.
Photo credit: @laurenmcdonaldtv
396 S Thomas St, Pomona
Owned and operated by two women, Paradox, features a classic arcade and is known for having a variety of specialty beer glasses that are video game themed. This is a really fun place to hang out in Pomona, with an ambiance that is very relaxing while you sip your cocktails and draft beers. Occasionally, they host art exhibitions and you can also play board games here. Jenga anyone?
Photo credit: @eyeddam
3477 E Gage Ave, Huntington Park
Gabe Bowl is a family-friendly bowling alley and arcade that you can visit in Huntington Beach. In addition to a food menu and a bar, you can also reserve billiards tables in advance so you don't have to wait when you arrive. There is a $3 fireball shot offer on Fridays, so be prepared to start off your weekend with a lot of fun.
Photo credit: @gagebowl
What's your barcade in Los Angeles? Did we miss one of your favorites? Comment below and let us know. If you are looking for more spectacular things to do in Los Angeles, be sure to subscribe below to the LA Today VIP list to stay up-to-date with the newest attractions, hidden secrets, and best events. 🌴 LA TODAY