Video games have been a past time since the days of Pong. Booze, well, it’s been a past time since the dawn of civilization. In Houston you can combine the two at the city’s best arcade bars.
1. Cidercade
Situated a hop skip and a dash from Minute Maid Park and BBVA Compass Stadium, is the new 18,000-square-foot, Cidercade. The boozy Dallas import features over 275 arcade games, including pinball, fighters and shooters, driving, sporting games, and more. Rather than toiling with quarters and tokens and whatnot, visitors at Cidercade pay $10 upfront for unlimited gaming, or $15 for the month.
2. FAO HTX
FAO HTX is now open on the top floor of the same building that houses Pub Fiction at 2303 Smith St. The newly minted speakeasy features over 6,500 square feat of neon-lit entertainment and lounge space. Arcade-wise, guests can hit the joysticks of their Pacman Battle Royal station, Terminator Salvation rig, Game of Thrones-themed pinball, and other games.
3. Neil’s Bahr
The gamer-themed East Downtown bar is Houstonian’s place to geek out. Fit with a library of comic books, free play-arcade games and “all the Simpsons” – not to mention a full bar – the 21+ bar makes for a solid place to hang out, converse with like-minded people, and play Mario Kart. Neil’s Bahr hosts movie nights on Mondays, video game tournaments on Tuesdays, karaoke on Wednesdays, and general antics the rest of the week.
4. Kung Fu Saloon
The Washington Avenue hangout Kung Fu Saloon is a Texas-based arcade bar specializing in vintage arcade games and pickle shots. In addition to arcade games like Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam, patrons can play foosball, ping pong, shuffleboard, free skeeball, board games, and more. KFS also features a full bar stacked with craft and domestic beers as well as an eclectic pub-style kitchen menu.
5. Mr. Pixel’s Classic Arcade
As the name suggests, Mr. Pixel’s is a classic arcade like the one your parents used to go to. Being more of a family-type establishment, you won’t find much in the way of colorful shots – just good, wholesome fun. Closed Mondays through Wednesdays.
6. The Cellar Bar
Sports, game, and a stocked bar full of booze, The Cellar Bar neighborhood covers the spread. At this neighborhood bar, patrons can take a spin at hands-on billiards such as pool, darts, and arcade hoops. Additionally, The Cellar Bar offers a variety of arcade games including Pac Man, pinball, and Top Spin. The bar has a slim kitchen menu with pizza options and bar snacks; behind the bar, Cellar offers cocktails, beer, and wine with the included option of adding CBD into whatever beverage of your choosing.
7. Palace Social
A new bowling alley has rolled into town – and its vibes are smashing. Palace Social, a bowling alley with an arcade, laser tag arena, full-service bar, restaurant, lounge and more is now open at 4191 Bellaire Blvd
8. Poison Girl
As with its moody interior, deep red walls, scant lighting, and shrine of spirits, so does the Westheimer haunt offer an idyllic atmosphere for various drinking moods. Whether you want to take the edge off after a day at work, straight drown your sorrows, smooth over first date jitters, or catch up with friends – all forms are doable at Poison Girl. The bar is stocked with a proper whiskey selection with bartenders that know how to mix a cocktail. Plus there’s pinball machines and a spacious back patio.
9. Dave & Buster’s
While at Secret Houston we like to promote local businesses as much as possible, to omit Dave & Buster’s from our list of boozy arcades would just be a flat-out snub. Besides, there’s no denying the sheer amount of entertainment the Texas-based business has to offer. Find Dave & Buster’s in Houston at 7620 Katy Fwy.
10. Social Beer Garden
Vibrant patio seating, clean cut lawn, and colorful murals – Social Beer Garden in Midtown offers a vivid outdoor atmosphere by which to enjoy a variety of excellent outdoor activities including live music, steak night, dinner and a movie, backyard LAW Wrestling, and sports. Additionally, their upstairs area is fixed with a pool table, darts, foosball, pool tables, and arcade games.