Who doesn’t love a great bar space where you can enjoy drinks and get your game on? Arcade games are a favorite pastime for many Austin locals and we’ve compiled our favorite spots for a little friendly competition. Whether you’re nostalgic for your favorite game as a kid or trying out the latest electronics, our guide to popular arcade bars in Austin is exactly what you need.
See why we love the epic fusion of bars and old-school arcades. This guide to our favorite gaming bars across Austin neighborhoods will get you gaming in no time!
Ready to exercise your competitive side? Vigilante Gastropub & Games boasts a large setting for all board game lovers to congregate. Before you arrive head to their website where you can either reserve a table OR book a private room for some serious gaming privacy. Explore their expansive library of games in their comprehensive database. When your glass is empty simply request your server without any game interruptions. Enjoy drinks, food, and your regular game night at one of the most frequented Austin arcade bars by gamers.
Enjoy a variety of your favorite video game titles at one of the best arcade bars in Austin. Whether you’re an Xbox person or a Playstation diehard, Valhalla Esports Lounge has just about everything. Indulge in a few brews or a few of their signature cocktails while you go on an epic gaming adventure. They offer many titles for PC games, Xbox, Playstation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Try their Candy Crush(ed) Pop Rocks Paloma, loaded tots, and escape reality with your favorite game title.
TUE-WED | 4PM–12AM
THU-FRI | 4PM–2AM
SAT | 12PM–2AM
SUN | 12PM–12AM
Get ready to play an unlimited amount of classic games. Located in the Riverside neighborhood, Bishop Cidercade features 150+ games, personal artisanal pizzas, and 48 taps offering various hard ciders, hard kombucha, and hard seltzers. One of the most popular arcade bars in Austin, you can find just about any type of game! To enjoy the facility it’s only $10 for the day to enjoy the entire barcade and lakeside patio space! For the serious gamer, they even offer a recurring $15 monthly membership. You really can’t beat a classic pizza, brew, and your favorite arcade game.
SUN-THUR | 10AM-12AM
FRI-SAT | 10AM-1AM
If you’re planning a gaming party, then Pinballz Arcade in North Austin is your best bet! This venue offers one of the largest collections of carnival-style games in Texas. Great arcade bars in Austin must feature the classic pinball machine, so check out this space which celebrates the retro favorite. Pinballz Arcade isn’t just pinball, they feature cutting-edge VR gaming, bumper cars, mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts, and so much more! Satiate yourself with pub classics and brews from Mikki’s Tavern inside North Austin’s Lake Creek Pinballz. Bring the entire family for a day of gaming or plan your next event with their online booking system.
Nothing beats all the options at one of the leading arcade bars in Austin. Dave & Buster’s is a timeless venue to enjoy all sorts of video games, watch sports, and enjoy your favorite brew. A popular event they have is trivia night put on by the renowned Geeks Who Drink group. You can plan interactive birthday parties for your kiddos at Dave & Buster’s. Book your next event or party with Dave & Buster’s for the ultimate afternoon in gaming.
SUN – TUE | 11AM-2AM
WED-FRI | 11AM-1AM
SAT | 11AM-2AM
This larger than life venue is a gamer’s heaven. High Five Entertainment features several bowling lanes, state-of-the-art VR systems, laser tag, and an expansive arcade area. This barcade is perfect for meeting up after work with your co-workers or spend an afternoon with the entire family. There truly is something for everyone to play at one of the best arcade bars in Austin. They even have a 21+ lounge area for you to escape the kiddos.
Photo Credit: Kung Fu Saloon
Get you party crew together for a night of drinks combined with some old school gaming. Kung Fu Saloon brings together the fun of hands-on games like shooting hoops, with some of the classic arcade games, like PacMan and Donkey Kong. Feeling competitive? Get your crew together at one of the most popular arcade bars in Austin. You can totally have an old-fashioned Mario Kart cup tournament on their upscale racing simulators. If you find yourself at Kung Fu on West 6th, take a peek behind the curtain near the bathrooms for a speakeasy surprise.
Multiple Locations
Photo Credit: Pinstack Facebook
Enjoy a night out with your group of friends, co-workers, or family for a night of games and meals! This multifaceted space offers bowling alleys you can reserve or walk-in and play! Pinstack also features plenty of old school arcade games, laser tag, high ropes course, bumper cars, rock climbing walls, giant foosball, and so much more. Host your parties there or whatever you’re celebrating at one of the best arcade bars in Austin.
SUN-THURS | 10AM-12AM
FRI-SAT | 10AM-2AM
500 W Canyon Ridge Dr, Austin, TX 78753
Photo Credit: Unplash
Try out a life like gaming experience unlike anything else. Virtual reality has caught like wildfire as being the new way to game. When you visit Originator VR Studios you can choose from a variety of worlds and gameplay modes to curate a world for whatever type of adventure sparks your interest. Check out one of the best arcades bars in Austin. featuring state of the art machinery paving the future of gaming! The studios are BYOB, so don’t forget your favorite refreshments and beverages for your gaming session.
MON-FRI | 9AM-6PM
718 Northwestern Ave, Austin, TX 78702
We hope this cured your longing for esports gaming and arcade bars in Austin! For more places to check out in Austin, make sure to download the UNATION app, and be sure to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. Subscribe if you want fresh guides delivered straight to your inbox.
Tag us @StuffToDoInAustin so we can see where you explored your favorite games in Austin!
Style Blogger | ATX Writer | Flight Attendant

