Where to find the best arcade bars in Los Angeles

What is it? A North Hollywood weekend destination that’s one of L.A.’s largest arcade bars. 

Why we love it: Player One brings the old-school feel of the ’80s and ’90s to life with plenty of retro game cabinets like TRON and Jurassic Park, plus competitive favorites like Super Smash Bros. It’s also one of L.A.’s largest, with 5,400 square feet for your gaming and drinking pleasure. Speaking of drinking, catch cocktails, sakes and beer—and on weekends, food trucks to soak it all up. There’s also Tuesday night trivia with geeky prizes, plus board game nights, the occasional dance party and live music, providing even more color to NoHo’s Arts District.

Time Out tip: Player One also hosts occasional themed bingo nights; a recent one was inspired by the David Lynch masterpiece Twin Peaks.

Address: 5126 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 7pm–1am; Fri, Sat 7pm–2am; Sun 7pm–1am

What is it? A national arcade bar chain with roots in Brooklyn and an L.A. outpost in Highland Park.

Why we love it: Grab some quarters—or don’t, they’ve got change machines—because the L.A. location of Barcade boasts more than 70 games, including 12 pinball cabinets. There are over two dozen craft beers, rotating on a seasonal basis, and should you get hungry, there’s a ton of straightforward and gut-busting classics available until as late (or, uh, early) as 2am on weekends. Think: fully loaded nachos, onion rings, wings (cauliflower or chicken), burgers and sandwiches to fuel you up before you play another dozen rounds of Duck Hunt.

Time Out tip: On Sundays from noon to 5pm, Barcade hosts Family Day, so you can take the kiddos to join in on the fun.

Address: 5684 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 2pm–midnight, Fri–Sun noon–2am

What is it? A modern arcade bar in the Arts District and the city’s premier barcade option.

Why we love it: If ever there was a bar to geek out in, this is it. EightyTwo boasts over 55 rotating quarter-fueled arcade and pinball consoles with cup holders for booze-fueled sessions. If you can see the latest high score or a versus battle projected on a wall, then you’ve found the only bar in the joint. Make your way over and you can choose from cocktails with names like Princess Peach, Zangief, Gallagher and Wizard Mode. Don’t skip the pinball tournaments, held every Tuesday. Those less inclined to spend all of their hard-earned quarters can head to the tree-filled courtyard outside to nosh on food truck bites, mingle and maybe just steal some kisses under the stars.

Time Out tip: Note that no balloons, decorations or outside food are allowed at EightyTwo—so leave those birthday cakes at home.

Address: 707 E 4th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Hours of operation: Tue–Fri 5pm–2am; Sat, Sun 2pm–2am

What is it? A country-themed speakeasy arcade bar in Koreatown with a mechanical bull, skee ball and fairly affordable house drinks ($18).

Why we love it: Enter through the general store selling cowboy hats and you’ll find one of L.A’s newest arcade emporiums, complete with games like Jurassic Park, Space Invaders and Super Bikes 3. While the energy can vary on weeknights (some nights, it’s more of a relaxed neighborhood watering hole than a lively night out), the weekends are usually quite crowded at Eastwood, thanks to the photobooth, ample space for large groups and countless other amusements. Of course, people go crazy for the $5 mechanical bull rides—stay on for more than a minute, and they’ll put your picture on the wall. 

Time Out tip: Every Friday and Saturday evening, Eastwood hosts line dancing from 8 to 10pm.

Address: 611 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Hours of operation: Wed 6–10pm; Thu noon–midnight; Fri, Sat 6pm–2am

What is it? A new-school watering hole in Eagle Rock known for its pinball machines and affordable, craft-inclined selection of craft beer, wine and cider.

Why we love it: What happens when a dive meets pinball meets meticulous throwback touches and hot dogs to match? You get Walt’s, which serves locally made beer and cider, plus natural wine and eternal classics like cans of ice-cold Hamm’s. The mood is casual and the vibe is immaculate, and there’s almost nowhere in Northeast Los Angeles I’d rather haunt for a glass of beer and a giant pretzel. Hot dogs, vegan dogs and chips are all on offer, too. The casual atmosphere translates into a locals-heavy crowd and plenty of folks with dogs—so if you want a chill place to drink and bring Fido that isn’t a rowdy, ultra-crowded brewery, Walt’s is one of the best bets in town.

Time Out tip: Stop by at 8pm on Wednesdays for $5 tournament nights—and don’t forget to bring some cash; while there’s a change machine, it only takes $1s and $5s.

Address: 4680 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu noon–midnight; Fri–Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight 

What is it? A sprawling fun zone for the child in all of us and Third Street Promenade’s finest evening arcade hangout, accessible by ticketed admission only. 

Why we love it: This “micro-amusement park” combines virtual reality, escape rooms, motion-sensing carnival-esque attractions, old-school-inspired arcade games and trivia with exactly the kind of food and colorful, sprinkle-flecked drinks we would have designed when we were children. Sip your way through Ring-Pop–garnished cocktails, boozy watermelon lemonade and even the bar’s own house-made beers as you nosh on pizza, chicken wings and fries in between rounds of air hockey and pinball. The price of admission ($20) nets you unlimited gameplay, a four-player “elevator ride to space,” an interactive game show, a VR-assisted two-player wizard battle and access to a full bar.  

Time Out tip: Two Bit Circus allows kids during the day on weekends, but note that it's 18-and-over after 7pm.

Address: 1220 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Hours of operation: Fri 6–10pm, Sat noon–10pm, Sun 10am–8pm

What is it? An adults-oriented bowling alley chain in Beverly Grove, Downtown, Hollywood and Mar Vista known for its large assortment of arcade games. 

Why we love it: With dozens of bowling lanes per location, a craft cocktail menu and a glowing neon-lit arcade section, Lucky Strike is a veritable nightlife destination in its own right—and a perfect place to blow off some steam after a long week with over 60 unique games and an envy-inducing prize redemption shop. Beyond traditional bar fare like nachos, tacos, pizza and wings, Lucky Strike also serves healthier salads and grain bowls, as well as a killer cinnamon pull-apart bread or skillet cookie for dessert (depending on the location). The newest L.A. outpost inside the Beverly Center offers 22 lanes, a sizable arcade, a photobooth and even bottle service. 

Time Out tip: Given the place’s popularity on weekends, I recommend making advance reservations, especially if you’re coming in a large group.

Address: Multiple, incl. Downtown, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu noon–midnight, Fri noon–1am, Sat 11am–1am, Sun 11am–midnight

What is it? The holy grail of arcade games and bowling in L.A., complete with 30 bowling lanes, arcade games, karaoke, pool tables and a full food menu.

Why we love it: This Little Tokyo bowling alley is a virtual paradise for hang sessions. Our only complaint? Not enough air hockey tables. If you’re looking for a high-energy club vibe without the aimless standing around, plus the added exhilaration of over two dozen lanes of LED-lit bowling, this is your sanctuary. With more than 100 arcade cabinets, a billiard room and karaoke (’90s power ballads, anyone?), there’s no shortage of entertainment for your geek squad. XLanes also boasts a restaurant and a full sports bar, so you can order a round of mozzarella sticks and a pint or two, then bogart the Dance, Dance Revolution pad and make a night of it.

Time Out tip: Unlike other arcade bars on this list, XLanes is family-friendly.

Address: 333 S Alameda St, Ste 300, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 5–11:30pm, Fri 5pm–2am, Sat 11:30am–2am, Sun 11:30am–11:30pm

What is it? A quirky Koreatown dive and one of L.A.’s oldest arcade bars.

Why we love it: While relatively nondescript from the outside, the 15-year-old Blipsy Bar is a darkly lit hybrid of childhood amusements and adult inebriation. The selection of games is ample, with a focus on ‘80s classics and pinball—just don’t expect them to be in tip-top shape; in a bar where drinks are this cheap and stiff, there’s bound to be a few sticky buttons. If games aren’t your thing, there’s always dancing—from Monday to Saturday, Blipsy hosts live DJs playing everything from ’70s rock and metal to hip-hop and Caribbean dancehall, while revelers sipping on beer, wine, liquor, sake and soju bask in the divey blacklight glow. 

Time Out tip: This spot is cash only, and the ATM doesn’t always work, so bring enough cash for drinks and gameplay; most games cost a quarter, but others ring up at 50 cents.  

Address: 369 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 4pm–2am, Fri–Sun noon–2am

What is it? A Koreatown hangout by Houston Hospitality known for its private karaoke rooms and impeccable ’80s arcade vibes. 

Why we love it: While the arcade in Break Room 86 really only amounts to a handful of machines, it’s worth mentioning that they’re all old-school and tons of fun (hello, OG Donkey Kong). The atmosphere at Break Room 86 is all-immersive, so you can count on great ’80s pop background music while you’re plugging away at Galaga or Pac-Man, and the possibility of break dancers while you’re sipping on a Magnum P.I. (tequila, Aperol, peach and pomegranate) or the Rum-DMC (the house’s bright blue take on a piña colada). While it may be difficult to get a game in when this place gets packed on the weekends, consider a Wednesday or Thursday visit, when one of the bar’s private karaoke suites is open to the public (but if you’re really serious about karaoke, you can reserve a room with special packages). Okay, so you’re probably not going to come here for the games alone, but are you really going to resist one of the all-around best bars in Koreatown for a night out on the town? I don't think so.

Time Out tip: There’s usually a line outside on the weekends, and the security guards can get a little surly—so be prepared.

Address: 630 S Ardmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Hours of operation: Wed–Sat 9pm–2am

What is it? A massive arcade chain that transforms into an adults-only playground, with locations in Westchester and Hollywood. 

Why we love it: Like Chuck E. Cheese with beer (and minus the terrifying animatronics), Dave & Buster's becomes an adults-only playground every night. Yes, it’s a little more bro-y than the other arcade bars on our list, but it does the trick if you want to be playing Skee-Ball in between sips of Bud Light. You’ll find beer, cocktails and bar food here, along with billiards and shuffleboard for analog entertainment. Most of the activity is centered around arcade cabinets, chance games and ride-like experiences tied into video game, movie and iPhone app franchises—in other words, expect to keep recharging that Power Card throughout the night. For many years, trips to D&B were once confined to long excursions out to the suburbs, but in L.A. you can now find the chain both in the Promenade at Howard Hughes Center and at Ovation in Hollywood.

Time Out tip: Eat elsewhere if you’re looking for a great meal, since the food here is downright mediocre.

Address: Westchester: 6081 Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90045; Hollywood: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Suite C3-343, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Hours of operation: Westchester: Mon, Tue 11am–midnight; Wed–Fri 11am–1am; Sat 10am–2am; Sun 10am–midnight; Hollywood: Mon–Thu 11am–midnight, Fri 11am–1am; Sat 10am–2am; Sun 10am–midnight