Game On With These 10 Arcade Spots in Houston!
Childish as it may be for some, arcades provide great (and sometimes, nostalgic) fun! They’re great to blow off some steam, and though some might view it as a waste of time, it’s still a good amount of fun, whether you’re a fan of video games or not!
Houston is the city of fun – and that applies to all ends of the spectrum! There are plenty of arcades you can visit in Houston, and each one of them offers a different experience from each other – whether it’s with their games or with their food!
So if you’re on the lookout for some great arcades you can visit in Houston, then we got you! We went around the entire city (while definitely NOT goofing off) so we can give you the definitive list of the best arcades you can visit in Houston!
1. Eighteen Twenty Lounge
Address: 1820 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone Number: 713-224-5535
Hours: Sunday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Hidden in Downtown Houston’s oldest building lies Eighteen Twenty Lounge, an arcade that boasts more than 250 games that encompass arcade gaming all over the years. From the retro to the modern, Eighteen Twenty Lounge is every gamer’s wet dream!
Although Eighteen Twenty Lounge has a good list of games in their repertoire, their retro section is worth a second look. They have the original copy of the first-ever arcade game, Computer Space, plus a 1998 Lazer-Tron prototype of Quake Arcade
Eighteen Twenty Lounge also has a selection of retro Atari game cabinets and some oddly-themed pinball machines as well, with the weirdest one being a Pulp Fiction-based one, which is fun but still weird.
| Pro Tips: Eighteen Twenty Lounge often partners up with Joystix, the arcade next door, every first and last Friday of the month for a collab event! They offer $15 unlimited play from 9 PM to 2 AM, which we strongly recommend. |
2. Cidercade
Address: 2320 Canal St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77003
Phone Number: 281-787-2726
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Getting lost in video games is now a possibility if you visit Cidercade! After all, you’ll be visiting what’s probably Houston’s biggest arcade yet, with 275 active machines and counting!
Though Cidercade can be a bit cramped during the weekends, the variety of games they have makes up for it. If you and your friends have a competitive streak, then Mario Kart does a pretty good job at that, but they also have Pac-Man for more casual gamers.
Cidercade doesn’t have a lot of rules, except that minors aren’t allowed inside the arcade past 8 PM since that’s when they usually serve alcohol. But otherwise, you can enjoy your time and blow some stress over at any of their games!
| Pro Tips: Cidercade is owned by Bishop Cider Co. – which means that you can get some seasonal seltzers and ciders every time the seasons change! If you want something rarer, then we suggest their Mas Mosas during the spring! |
3. XVRcade Virtual Reality
Address: 5001 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011
Phone Number: 346-348-4868
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Taking the concept of an arcade to a different level, XVRcade Virtual Reality isn’t like the other arcades in Houston. Think of them as the arcade of the future – especially since they make use of VR Headsets to elevate your gaming experience tenfold!
Now, the VR Gaming world is still growing. There aren’t as many VR games out there, and such is the case with XVRcade Virtual Reality. That being said, the games they have, mainly Ninja Legends, can still be lots of fun and can keep you entertained.
XVRcade Virtual Reality’s interior can be a bit barren when you first enter, but it’s the direction where most futuristic businesses like Apple are heading, so we understand. You also get your area in the arcade, which means you can move freely!
| Pro Tips: XVRCade Virtual Reality’s staff can be a bit too nosey, which can really disrupt your gameplay, especially if you’ve become way too immersed. If they do get a bit too disruptive, feel free to tell them so – respectfully, of course! |
4. EinStein’s Pub & Arcade
Address: 16733 W Airport Blvd #290, Richmond, TX 77407
Phone Number: 832-532-0331
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
An arcade that’s targeted directly to adults, EinStein’s Pub & Arcade offers a unique (albeit limited) gaming experience to those who want to visit this family-run establishment. Think of them as a bar-slash-arcade with games and drinks aplenty!
Although EinStein’s Pub & Arcade’s game selection is on the more limited side with only 35 game machines, they make up for it by being unique. The Retro Raccoons, especially – it’s a multiplayer drinking game that makes chugging a lot more fun!
And since they’re both a bar AND an arcade, you can expect some good drinks to go with your gaming! We recommend trying out EinStein’s Pub & Arcade’s draft beer collection, especially the Angry Orchard Crisp Apple for a refreshing treat!
| Pro Tips: Although EinStein’s Pub & Arcade offers drinks, there’s no smoking inside the property. Yes, even vapes – there’s a designated spot near their parking lot though, so you can pop on over there if you’re looking for a quick smoke. |
5. Neil’s Bahr
Address: 2006 Walker St, Houston, TX 77003
Phone Number: 713-237-0644
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
If you get the pun behind Neil’s Bahr’s name, then you’re either a fan of science, or a nerd. Both are good things, of course, and visiting them means that you’ll try out some of the weirder, retro games that will remind you of your childhood!
Neil’s Bahr’s main attractions by far are the SNES and Nintendo 64 machines they have, especially the original copy of the Mario Kart 64. Fun fact, an original copy of that exact game sold for almost $2 million, so better get your game in with your friends now!
As their name suggests, Neil’s Bahr is also a fully functioning bar – and that’s not just some pun to make their name make sense. They have a good selection of craft beers and, on some occasions, craft beers for you to choose from as well!
| Pro Tips: Neil’s Bahr doesn’t have any cameras on their property since they don’t consider it to be much needed. We strongly suggest keeping your valuables with you at all times, just to be sure. |
6. Dave & Buster’s
Address: Marq-E Entertainment Center, 7620 Katy Fwy Ste 100, Houston, TX 77024
Phone Number: 713-263-0303
Hours: Sunday – Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
As you may or may not know, Dave & Buster’s is pretty much a staple when it comes to arcades in the US. They’re the most famous arcades in the country for a reason – they’ve been in the business for decades, and their Houston branch continues that!
Dave & Buster’s in Houston is, as we’d like to describe it, a lively mess. There are arcade machines and kids everywhere, but it’s an all-American fun for everybody, especially with their Spongebob Machines!
Best part is, you can save the tickets that you’ve gathered by far for their lucrative prizes! Fun fact, Drag superstar and Drag Race All-Stars winner Trixie Mattel famously has a necklace that says “Winner” she won at Dave & Buster’s, so that’s a good sign.
| Pro Tips: Dave & Buster’s bathrooms aren’t the cleanest out there, especially during the peak dinner hours (9 PM – 10 PM). We suggest bringing your own wet wipes with you to keep yourself clean! |
7. The Game Preserve
Address: 473 Sawdust Rd, Spring, TX 77380
Phone Number: 281-353-5189
Hours: Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
A love letter to the times when games were a lot less complicated, The Game Preserve on Sawdust Road is dedicated to retro throwbacks that will remind you of your childhood – or make brand new memories with your loved ones!
With The Game Preserve, you’ll be getting games like Dr. Who, and, if you’re a fan of the yellow family that has been on television for a long time, the Simpsons arcade game. We recommend the Simpsons though, since it’s tons of fun even if you’re not a fan!
We also have to give credit where credit’s due with The Game Preserve’s decor. Everything’s a throwback and can really put you in the mood for some good ‘ol retro gaming.
| Pro Tips: If you’re really unlucky, you might find that most of their arcade machines are unavailable or broken. The games that we’ve mentioned above are mostly available though, which is why we recommended them in the first place. |
8. FAO HTX
Credit: @saintsblockparty on Instagram
Address: 2303 Smith St #300, Houston, TX 77006
Phone Number: 346-360-8294
Hours: Monday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday – Sunday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
With a logo that’s strongly reminiscent of Sega, FAO HTX has already passed the vibe check right from the get-go! We’re happy to report that their presentation is way more than just skin-deep since they also have a pretty well-rounded games collection to boot!
Where FAO HTX stands out compared to other arcades in Houston is with the fact that they offer multiplayer versions of old arcade games. Yes, you can play Pac-Man with your friends and sse who’s better at chasing ghosts away.
This gives them an approachable vibe that’s missing from other arcades. Combine that with their bar atmosphere that makes partying seem like a breeze and you’re pretty much set for your next game night.
| Pro Tips: Although FAO HTX has a pretty decent bar, you’re mainly visiting them for their arcade. The bar’s service can be slow and wonky, although they can produce a killer Spicy Margarita. |
9. MechCorps Entertainment
Address: Inside Battlefield Houston, 11755 W Little York Rd Ste 202, Houston, TX 77041
Phone Number: 832-356-7637
Hours: Monday – Tuesday: Closed for Private Events
Wednesday 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
If you’re a fan of mecha anime (or you’re a fan of science fiction in general), then MechCorps Entertainment is your next “Mecca” (see what we did there?)! It’s a robot-themed VR Arcade that takes arcades to a more immersive and personal level.
Yes, unlike any arcade ever, MechCorps Entertainment only has one game at their disposal – that being their BattlePod. But it’s insane fun, especially since unlike other arcades, you can really feel like you’re taking part in the battlefield yourself!
MechCorps Entertainment’s overall vibe really makes you feel like you’re in the military with their entire staff dressed in camouflage. You’ll also need to be trained before you play, with each of the training modules being a lot more immersive than the last.
| Pro Tips: Though MechCorps Entertainment is open during the afternoons, we strongly recommend visiting them during the evenings, ideally between 6 PM and 8 PM. It becomes a lot more fun – plus, you’ll have night vision on some missions! |
10. Speedy’s Fast Track
Address: 11440 Hempstead Rd, Houston, TX 77092
Phone Number: 713-957-8803
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Although Speedy’s Fast Track is known for their go-karts, their arcade contains plenty of underrated gems that you can easily miss! After all, they have games like the first generations of Tekken, along with racing games to keep up with the Fast Track theme!
Most of the games at Speedy’s Fast Track are on the retro side, which is good for nostalgia’s sake, while still being tons of fun. However, they do put it on an HD screen which kind of makes them look a bit too weird, but it’s manageable.
Speedy’s Fast Track’s arcade’s atmosphere also keeps up with their game’s retro vibes. The checkered floor is reminiscent of those early 90s arcades, and though it can be a bit too overwhelming at first, it’s a pretty easy environment to get used to.
| Pro Tips: Although Speedy’s Fast Track’s arcade is on the smaller side, there’s still lots of space inside, even when there’s plenty of people. We strongly recommend you to visit them during summer afternoons for maximum fun! |
