Arcade games continue to be loved by Americans of all generations. With the game industry growing larger by the day and developing new devices for gamers, the gamers will keep rising in numbers.
Arcades have become an important aspect in pop culture, and every gamer understands why it has a big impact on them, regardless of whether they lived in a time where it was popular or not. These coin-operated machines are programmed with at least one game that you can play after dropping some coins into the slots.
If you were born before the year 2000, you may remember the classic arcade games such as Pacman, Crazy Climbers, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Strider, Punch Out, Metal Slug, and more.
Luckily, you can still play these old school arcade games from your childhood while having a few drinks with friends and eating delicious food. Here is the best arcades in America.
Fun Plaza Arcade – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach has always been a summer destination for many American families that want to enjoy the incredible beach, watch fireworks, and eat great food. Myrtle Beach Arcade is also a popular reason for families to choose spending the summer vacation there.
Located on the Boardwalk of Ocean Boulevard, Fun Plaza Arcade is a haven for many gamers. Fun Plaza Arcade provides everything that is new and old, along with a good old-fashion game of skeeball, basketball hoops, and air hockey.
Fun Plaza Arcade is an incredible place to visit whenever you are in Myrtle Beach, as it offers everything from games of luck and chance to fortune tellers. They also believe in staying open very late at night to allow visitors to take advantage of every bit of their summer nights.
The 1Up – Denver, Colorado
Denver is known for its incredible scenery and luscious mountains, but you will be excited to know that it also has the best bars in America. The 1Up is considered one of the best places to play arcade games in the entire country.
Along with their cool collection of arcade games, they also offer pinball machines to give visitors and game lovers the experience they have always wanted. The 1Up also brings the community together by offering monthly tournaments and league play that create a sense of unity between local gamers and one-time visitors.
Button Mash – Los Angeles, California
If you are a fan of arcade games and amazing food, then Button Mash is the perfect place for a fun night out. Located in the city of angels, Button Mash provides an unforgettable experience by pairing old school arcade games and pinball machines with a fine comfort food.
Button Mash is a great place for families and adults to enjoy a night of lighthearted competition and eating Pan-Asian food that made them a hit in Echo Park. Their dining menu includes Korean pork belly sandwiches and tamarind chicken wings, as well as craft beer. If you happen to be a vegan, though, you wouldn’t be let down either! Button Mash also provides amazing vegan options to accommodate their guests’ dietary restrictions.
Emporium – Chicago, Illinois
Emporium is famously known to host the best arcades in the state of Illinois, but there is something that definitely makes it stand out from other arcades in America. Emporium will provide you with the gamer experience that every arcade should have by focusing on creating the right atmosphere through their décor.
Additionally, Emporium hires live DJs to play music throughout the night in case you feel like grooving.
Kung Fu Saloon – Nashville, Tennessee
The name of this arcade, Kung Fu Saloon, indicates exactly what you should expect when entering the bar. Kung Fu Saloon has an amazing collection of arcade games that are known as fighting games such as Street Fighter, Ninja Turtles, Mario Kart, and Mortal Kombat.
Other games you will find at Kung Fu Saloon are MK, Skeeball, Area 51, and Guitar Hero. This arcade bar will ensure that it triggers your nostalgia by offering vintage arcade games and playing classic music from the 90’s that will get your body moving enough to start a dance party.
Coin-Op Game Room – Sacramento, California
Coin-Op Game Room is one of the most impressive arcades in America, but the one located in Sacramento is a favorite among a lot of gamers due to its collection of popular games that came out in the 80s and the 90s.
Coin-Op Game Room’s arcade games are not the only thing that made them one of the best arcade bars in America. They are known for their craft cocktails and the Neapolitan pizza that made everyone who visited this location come back to it.
Located near the Golden One Center, Coin-Op Game Room promises to provide their customers with the best late night dining experience.
Barcade – Brooklyn, New York
If you have visited Williamsburg in The Big Apple, you may have heard of this classic spot that the cool kids love to go to. Barcade is the original arcade bar that came up with the idea of creating a place where adults can enjoy playing nostalgic games while drinking their favorite alcoholic beverage.
Barcade is full of vintage arcade games that used to rule the roost in the 70s, as well as games that are from the 2000s and after. This Brooklyn spot continues to be one of the best arcades in America.
Ground Kontrol – Portland, Oregon
Many gamers love going to Portland and consider it to be one of the best cities to visit, considering it has the top arcade bar in the country. Ground Kontrol opened in 1999 and has been known to be a tourist attraction, owing to housing over 100 arcade cabinets and hosting fun events such as Rock Band karaoke and pinbrawl tournaments.
Along with feeding your competitive spirit, you will find a wide selection of high quality drinks to choose from and listening to music that is played by DJs. Ground Kontrol is the perfect place to remember the golden age of video games.
In Closing
The time to miss the old times is gone. These arcades make sure you land right into a bygone era of your choice.
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