Arcade Bars are a magical combination of two of our favorite things.
Drinking and video games!
A Bar and an Arcade?
Don’t know who the genius is that came up with that combo but they deserve a medal!
Arcade Bars are perfect for those of us who like to drink like adults, but play video games like when we were kids!
From Dive Arcade Bars to High-End Arcade Bars, the Los Angeles area has plenty of options for all of our beer guzzling geeks.
Some come equipped with newer games but most are filled with the iconic button-mashing video games from our childhood past.
But one thing you can count on is that all of the ones on our list are a fun way to spend a few hours.
Let’s take a look at some of the top Arcade Bars in Los Angeles.
1. Button Mash
DESCRIPTION:
This generously spaced vintage video games arcade bar is located in Echo Park.
If you are a 30 plus who enjoys playing 80s and 90s video games, then this is the perfect spot for you.
But even if you are not an old school video game expert, you will have a great time at this arcade, as there is something for everyone.
Button Mash is just a few blocks from Dodger Stadium, it’s very popular and typically attracts big crowds.
The design of the place is very modern which somehow fits cooly with the display of golden age arcade games. Perfect for when you want to go casual with a group of friends or a date.
For your drink options enjoy a broad list of tap beers, a tasty dish of ginger wings or a glass of wine!
It’s true, Button Mash offers a list of wines and most of them are natural and more high quality than what you would expect to find at a Arcade Bars.
You can choose from Fiction Red, The Prince in His Caves, and a Sauvignon blanc; and the prices are really good.
Location:
1391 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
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Make sure you order some food! Button Mash has an excellent Asian food inspired menu. I think you will be surprised by the quality and how tasty their menu is considering this is an Arcade bar.
2. Eighty-Two
DESCRIPTION:
Pinball tournaments and competitions! Eighty -Two is one of the most popular arcades bar in LA, it has been open since 2014 and it always has a line of fans waiting for the place to swing open the doors on Fridays and Saturdays.
It’s equipped with more than 40 classic consoles. Entry is always free of charge and you can play on a first-come-first-serve basis.
A DJ inside the arcade bar, a food truck in the parking lot and weekly arcade and pinball competitions for those legendary players, makes Eighty-Two a go-to spot for people in LA who love Arcade Bars.
Also, the cocktail game is on point! 🙂
At their bar, you can find a fine choice of tasty cocktails with unique names like the Princess Peach and the Power Up.
Location:
707 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013
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Eighty-Two has a heavy emphasis on the “Bar” part of Arcade Bars and does not allow kids.
You must be 21+ to enter so if you want to take the tykes for games while you smash back some beers you will need to try another spot on our list. Reserve this visit for your adult night only.
3. Free Play DTLA
DESCRIPTION:
Free Play DTLA is one of the newest spots on this list but has quickly become a favorite arcade bar that is also a slash sports bar with plenty of flat screen TVs, displaying the games for multiple different sports.
This upscale hotspot has a small selection of arcade, pinball and table games, along with classic American food, craft cocktails, and beers.
There is also foosball and pool tables available and a semi-private lounge area. Happy hour is every day from 5-7 pm with food and drinks specials and FREE(!) arcade gaming.
Also, at this arcade bar, you have a choice to reserve a table for dinner as the food is excellent.
Happy play!
Location:
3939 S Figueroa St. Downtown Los Angeles.
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Free Play is an amazing location to hang out before or after a game. it’s adjacent to the Banc of California stadium (Los Angles Football Club) and next to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles Rams).
Free Play is located directly above The Fields LA, Downtowns amazing new high-end food hall so you will have an incredible choice of tasty dishes and drinks to choose from.
Also, there is a LOT of FREE going on here. As mentioned the games are free at FREE Play and kids eat FREE at the Fields downstairs! (non-game days only)
If you plan on coming to Free Play make a day of it because there is so much else to do nearby.
4. Blipsy Bar
DESCRIPTION:
See the neon Pac-Man ghost? Then yes, you are in the right spot!
Just like the greeting ghost at the entrance, inside this arcade, your skin will feel illuminated although the place itself is super dark.
At this fun spot, you will find the old skool retro arcade games, a DJ and a dance floor.
Known as a Koreatown style party joint, this Arcade Bars has the booze, the food and the games you are looking for.
The happy ambiance is provided by the energetic dancers and enthusiastic gamers that keep the Blipsy-Bar hopping.
Bring that jar of coins and meet your friends for an evening of casual fun.
Location:
369 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
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Blipsy is the most “dive” bar choice on our list. So if you want strong drinks for cheap this is your best bet.
Of course, this means the spot is not as polished or high end as some of the other Arcade Bars and many of the games are a little older.
Also, note that this bar is Cash Only!
5. The One Up
DESCRIPTION:
In the mood for food and games in a more upscale environment? Yes, Please!
Then get over to the One Up in Sherman Oaks.
Generous drinks and beer menu plus poke-tacos, parmesan fries, sliders, turkey meatballs and plenty of other choices are on the menu of this gastro-lounge and arcade bar.
Come and play tons of old school games and did we mention it has a killer happy hour?
Yes, my friends, it does, from 4 pm to 7 pm every day and ALL day on Mondays!
After 7 pm the spot becomes 21 and over only, so be sure not to bring your little brother if you’re planning on hanging at the bar past that time.
Location:
13625 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
hack:
The One Up has a smaller selection of games here BUT they are FREE to play!
6. Two Bit Circus
DESCRIPTION:
Looking for something a bit different than the golden age arcade games? Don’t think twice and head to the Two Bit Circus.
This monster warehouse has plenty of games that you haven’t seen before and was designed by ” their own mad scientists” as Two Bit Circus describes them.
“A warehouse with 50,000 square-foot, displays carnival-style games that have been updated to use big screens that are touch sensitive, Oversized video games that will keep you moving and more stuff to blow your mind.”
Known also as the worlds first indoor micro amusement park, Two Bit Circus is located in the spectacular Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles.
And when all those mind-blowing games make you hungry? Their menu offers carnival food with a twist which includes sliders, corn dogs, flatbread pizzas, fries, ice cream sandwiches and much more.
Also, you can head to the large bar for booze with plenty options of beers, wines, and signature cocktails.
Location:
634 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
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Two Bit Circus is more than just a Bar with Arcade games. They also feature many different kinds of VR experiences, escape rooms, experimental games, and even a Robot Bartender!
If you are looking for that something “extra” to impress your gamer friends then you have to bring them to this futuristic hotspot!