From arcade games to pinball machines and even old-school Nintendo, there are a handful of bars in Florida that will let you indulge in your childhood nostalgia. Even better, now you can play Sonic the Hedgehog while sampling adult beverages like craft beer and tasty cocktails. For a fun night out, collect your quarters for the ultimate evening of competition at one of these top game bars in Florida.
Player 1 Video Game Bar, Lake Buena Vista
Boasting just about every gaming console you can think of, Player 1 Video Game Bar in Lake Buena Vista takes your gaming action to the next level. You’ll find PS4, 3DO, XBox One, Wii, in addition to a range of action-adventure and arcade games. You’ll be greeted by bartenders dressed up as video game characters, where you can attend a range of lively tournament competitions. There are plenty of drink specials, including a ladies night, where you can sip on drinks like Rekorderlig Pear, Motorworks Midnight Espresso and Cigar City Marshal Zhukov’s Imperial Stout.
Fire Betty's Arcade Bar, Tallahassee
Located in Tallahassee, Fire Betty’s Arcade Bar brings the fun back into your night out with its arcade games that range from vintage pinball to Pac-Man and life-sized Jenga. Live music, shows, and entertainment can be found on the center stage, while sweet cocktails like Fire Betty with coconut rum and Sweet Fighter with moonshine will knock your socks off. You can also choose from a range of craft beers, including the locally brewed PROOF 8-5-0, plus there are wings to nosh on when you work up an appetite.
Right Around the Corner Arcade Brewery, St. Petersburg
Bringing old-school fun to the Grand Central District, Right Around the Corner Arcade Brewery in St. Pete is the place to go for some throwback nostalgia. You’ll find plenty of things to entertain you for an evening of competition, from indoor shuffleboard to classic N64 and SNES games, video golf, pinball and Street Fighter II. While you sharpen your long-forgotten video game skills, sip on local brews on tap from Cycle, Green Bench, Cigar City and 81Bay.
Cloak and Blaster, Orlando
Nestled in the Waterford Lakes mall, you’ll feel like you are transported into a different world once you enter Cloak and Blaster in Orlando. Designed like a Middle-Earth tavern, this “Gaming Pub for Geeks” has a creative menu of “elixirs and liquid courage” and tons of table space for gaming. There is an extensive tabletop game library, with board, card, party games and you can even bring your own. You’ll have hours of fun here, where you can sip on a “Hogwarts After Dark” with butterscotch beer or a “Ron Swanson” with a side of thick-cut bacon, or pick from a food menu items like burgers, fish, and chips, and shepherd’s pie.
Arcade Bar, Gainesville
Boasting three stories of hand-selected arcade games, Arcade Bar in Gainesville is set in a cozy atmosphere where you’ll find two full-service bars. Boasting anything from a Game of Thrones game to Tekken 3, Zombie Buck Hunter, and NBA Jam, you’ll find it all here. The lower level is dedicated to pinballs, shooters, and fighters and has a tiki-themed bar with multiple TVs playing the latest sports games, while the second level is lined with classic arcade games and bubble hockey. The third floor is the most spacious, where you’ll have enough room to play beer ball, skeeball, foosball, pinballs and classic multicade games.
Lowry Parcade & Tavern, Tampa
A combination of craft beer, video games, and tons of live events, the Lowry Parcade & Tavern in Tampa is the perfect place to bring a bag of quarters and relinquish adult responsibilities for a few hours. Open since 2016, the arcade is full of old school games such as Galaga, Donkey Kong and X-Men, as they have been collecting 80s and 90s-era arcade and pinball machines for years. The games are frequently rotated, as is their selection of draft beer that highlights some of Florida’s best local breweries. You’ll also find plenty of events, including a weekly “Church of Nintendo”, “Nerdy Burlesque”, and “NerdBrew Trivia”.
GameRoom Sawgrass Restaurant & Arcade, Fort Lauderdale
You’ll find a smorgasbord of games to play at GameRoom Sawgrass Restaurant & Arcade in Fort Lauderdale, where you can immerse yourself in a variety of classic and cutting-edge games. Play a round of mini bowling, try the virtual reality attraction or experience the thrill of the 3D coaster simulator game. When it’s time to fuel up, there is an on-site Johnny Rockets serving burgers and shakes, while the sports bar is the place to grab 2-for-1 happy hour specials and watch the big game.
Tenth Level Tavern, Oakland Park
Creating the perfect formula of craft beer and video games, Tenth Level Tavern in Oakland Park is part arcade, craft beer bar and video-game-themed art gallery. Not your average bar, this gamer’s paradise features a lot of original classic arcade games, classic console games, where every seat has a controller in front of it so you don’t have to wait and can play right when you walk in the door. The gaming experience is made even better due to its wide range of beers on offer.
