The Game Palacio – Delhi’s newest and swankiest arcade centre – brings to bowling a sense of high-endedness that forces your wallet wide open before you can notice. Located in the prime territory of south Delhi, the place isn’t as massive as some of the other arcades in town – a welcome change that could mean the plush seating and shiny surfaces stand a chance of being decently maintained over the years. It’s spread across two compact floors, with the bowling lanes and bar on the ground floor, and the arcade machines on the first.
The ambience feels very slick and sexy, helped along generously by the mood lighting, attentive service, and of course, the ridiculously priced alcohol and snacks at the restro-bar. But you’ve got to shell out what you’ve got to shell out if you want a bowling alley with score screens that don’t glitch out every time someone takes their turn.
The lanes themselves feel private because they’re cordoned off to the side, and equipped with little bar tables for your group to sit and chat or drink at. You’re also not allowed to enter unless you switch out your shoes for the ones they give you. Upstairs, the arcade centre’s equipped with all the latest games and VR experiences, and the space also comes with separate VIP sections you can rent out for private parties.
On top of all this, the Game Palacio also regularly hosts themed nights, DJ sets and live screenings, opening the space up to a wider audience from time to time.