Paul Kushner
LA is known as the entertainment capital of the world, not just due to the film industry but also its diverse nightlife that caters to all interests.
For those seeking a unique and nostalgic experience, arcade bars perfectly combine classic gaming and adult beverages.
I’ll share my favorite spots, from retro classics to modern favorites, to level up your nightlife game. Check out my list of the best arcade bars in Los Angeles below!
Walt’s Bar
4680 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Phone: (323) 739-6767
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Located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood, Walt’s Bar is a cozy and casual retry dive bar with a laid-back atmosphere. The bar is tucked away on Eagle Rock Boulevard near the Situation Room.
Walt’s serves a variety of beer, wine, and cocktails at affordable prices, so I love to go there on random weekdays with friends.
They have plenty of cool arcade game machines, as well as pinball, to keep patrons entertained all evening.
The One Up
13625 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone: (818) 849-5181
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The One Up is one of the best arcade bars in Los Angeles, thanks to its retro-themed digs, hip atmosphere, and incredible food and drinks.
This bar is located in Sherman Oaks, near the Charles & Lotte Melhorn Overlook, and is the perfect spot to hang out with friends who enjoy some friendly competition.
Although many game bars sell average drinks and beer, The One Up has surprisingly impressive crack cocktails.
And the best part? All of the games are free to play!
Blipsy Bar
369 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: (323) 461-7067
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If you’re wondering where to get a drink and play arcade games in a super casual, relaxed environment, check out Blipsy Bar, located in Oakwood, between Hollywood and Koreatown.
I love playing pinball, drinking tequila cocktails, and dancing to old-school jukebox jams at this no-frills bar.
Blipsy has such a nostalgic feel to it and doesn’t try to be anything more than a classic bar with retro games.
EightyTwo
707 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013
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EightyTwo is one of the most fun places to go out if you like retro video games because they have a wide array of options.
Located between the Kobe mural and the Global Angel Wings Project mural, this trendy bar offers pinball machines and a lineup of games, making it the perfect spot to suggest in your large group chat.
I love going here with a group of friends, and we opt for the second room that’s solely dedicated to pinball machines. The games aren’t free, but you’ll just need to carry a few quarters (as well as money for cocktails, of course)!
Button Mash
1391 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: (213) 250-9903
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Button Mash, near Victory Memorial Grove in the Echo Park area, is a fun bar that’s relatively spacious for LA. It has an array of vintage arcade games as well as an extensive list of tasty craft beers.
I love that they have X-Men and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle games here because I always get a rush of nostalgia when playing those games in particular.
They also serve some delicious dishes, and I highly recommend trying their garlic noodles or Dan Dan noodles.
Barcade
5684 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Phone: (323) 274-4798
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Barcade, a bar, and arcade located near the 4th Quarter in Highland Park, is as classic and no-frills as its name suggests.
I like going to this laid-back bar on the weekdays when I want to blow off some steam by sipping on a cold craft beer and playing several exciting video games.
It’s the perfect place to go with a few friends when you want to relax, not take life too seriously, and act like a child again!
Player One
5126 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Phone: (818) 358-4451
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Player One is one of the most fun places to get drinks because their cocktails are truly incredible, their bartenders are so attentive and friendly, and their 80s and 90s games are so amusing to play!
In my opinion, Player One’s games are also some of the most well-maintained games out of any arcade bar in the city. They’re never broken or horribly dirty.
I like that they have pinball, air hockey, and Mario Kart video games as well. Plus, if you’re feeling extra playful and want to sing, you can attend the karaoke night and have at it!
In terms of the cocktails, they’re nothing super fancy. But I like them so much because they are creatively made, such as a grapefruit rum mojito. Play One also has a decent beer selection, which never hurts.
Two Bit Circus
634 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Phone: (213) 599-3188
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Two Bit Circus, close to the PRJCTLA art gallery and The Rendon Gallery in the Arts District, is more of an amusement park than a bar, featuring arcade games and virtual reality and escape rooms!
Because of all the multiplayer-option games available here, I highly recommend Two Bit Circus if you’re looking for a fun game spot to celebrate a birthday or event with a group of friends or family.
Plus, they tend to give people a free drink ticket on their birthday!
Dave & Buster’s Los Angeles – Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd Suite C3-343, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 603-2400
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If you’re looking for a place with the biggest selection of games, look no further than Dave & Buster’s. Located near the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre, Dave & Buster’s offers a wide range of games for all ages.
You can play classics such as Pac-Man and air hockey, or you can try their newest games like Jurassic World Pinball.
They also have better drinks and food than Two Bit Circus, in my opinion, but it’s worth checking out both places!
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