Feel like a kid again at the best arcades in Philadelphia

Whether you’re looking to play some serious pinball or merely relax with friends at an arcade-bar combo, we’ve ranked the best arcades in Philadelphia.

Some arcades are monuments to arcade history, with classic machines offering games like Ms. Pac-Man and Mario Bros. Other arcades fill their spaces with modern games, like the rhythm games that have taken Japan by storm. Some have full bars to bring in adults, while the biggest bash at other arcades may be Jimmy’s 5th birthday party next Saturday morning.

We’ve ranked the four arcades in Philadelphia where you can spend a great day of gaming. And if you want to venture out into the Philly suburbs, you have even more arcade options.

Arcades in Philadelphia, ranked

1. University Family Fun Center – University City, Philadelphia

University Family Fun Center started out as University Pinball in the 1970s, and back then, the locally owned Philly institution focused primarily on quality pinball machines. Fast forward to today, and the place has expanded to include much more than pinball, making the University Family Fun Center the only traditional arcade in Philadelphia. The old-fashioned fun includes pinball machines (of course), the original Ms. Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, basketball games, and that classic Jurassic Park game where you sit in a Jeep-like arcade cabinet to shoot at hungry dinosaurs. Like at any great arcade for families, you can redeem tickets to earn prizes.

2. Barcade – Center City and Fishtown, Philadelphia

Barcade claims it is the original bar-arcade, and there are two Barcade locations in Philadelphia — Center City and Fishtown — where you can experience the fun of the combination for yourself. Each Philly Barcade is focused on nostalgia, with both locations home to dozens of arcade games and pinball machines from the 1980s and 1990s. Each location also has a full bar with more than two dozen craft beers on tap, as well as a restaurant kitchen serving traditional bar food (burgers, wings, fries, etc.). Besides the Philly shops, there are a handful of Barcade locations in other cities across the country. 

3. Dave and Buster’s – Delaware Riverfront and Franklin Mall, Philadelphia

Dave and Buster’s is the quintessential eat, drink, and play arcade, with more than 150 locations of the so-called Chuck E. Cheese for adults in North America (though kids are welcome, too). There are two locations in Philly, with one Dave and Buster’s near Old City along the Delaware River and the other at Franklin Mall in Northeast Philadelphia. The arcade games lean more modern than nostalgic, and you can win tickets to redeem in the prize room. Besides arcade games and a full kitchen and bar, Dave and Buster’s also advertises itself as a great place for watching sports.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy the games, food, and prizes at the two Dave and Buster’s locations in Philadelphia. (Dave and Buster’s)

4. Round1 Bowling & Arcade – Center City, Philadelphia

Sort of like Japan’s answer to Dave and Buster’s, Round One is a Japanese-owned chain of entertainment complexes with opportunities for gameplay while eating and drinking. Round1 Bowling & Arcade is Philadelphia’s Round One establishment, and as the name suggests, it is not merely an arcade. Round1 also has a bowling alley, pool tables, and karaoke. The arcade is filled with lots of Japanese arcade machines like Dance Dance Revolution and other rhythm games, and you can win prizes if you play well.

Round1 also has a full bar and kitchen menu with eats like Japanese ramen and bao as well as American pizza and burgers.

BONUS: The best arcades in Greater Philadelphia

Looking for an amazing arcade experience in the ‘burbs? We’ve got you covered with our favorite arcades in the five-county region.

Montgomery County

Retroware – Lansdale 

Retroware has nostalgic arcade games like the original Donkey Kong as well as modern Japanese rhythm games. 

Uncle Joe’s Arcade – Plymouth Meeting

Uncle Joe’s Arcade at Plymouth Meeting Mall is an old-fashioned arcade with pinball machines, retro arcade games, and a giant wall of potential prizes.

Arnold’s Family Fun Center – Oaks 

Arnold’s Family Fun Center is a massive, family-focused complex with mini golf, laser tag, go-karts, an arcade, and more. 

Tilted10 – Willow Grove

Tilted10 is a family-focused entertainment complex that features bowling, laser tag, mini golf, and an arcade. 

Chester County

Pinball Gallery – Malvern  

Malvern’s Pinball Gallery is a classic arcade of mostly pinball machines ranging from vintage games (including one from the 1930s!) to today’s modern machines. It also has a number of arcade games. Plus, Pinball Gallery hosts a monthly tournament for pinball enthusiasts.

Fun Dungeon – Phoenixville 

Located in Phoenixville, Fun Dungeon is a “brewcade” with more than 30 arcade games that you can play while enjoying a craft brew or the rest of the full bar. 

The Pinball Place – West Chester 

The Pinball Place in West Chester has more than 30 pinball machines, and it only has pinball machines! It hosts both open play opportunities and pinball tournaments. 

Bucks County 

TNT Amusements – Southampton  

TNT Amusements is different from many other arcades in that TNT Amusements is primarily a seller of arcade games. But you can also pay to enjoy its wide selection by simply booking time for a private group — and you can book for as few as one person or as many as 10!

The Game is Afoot – Warrington 

The Warrington arcade The Game is Afoot has a bevy of retro arcade games and pinball machines. At The Game is Afoot, you pay per time block rather than per game!

Game Gallery – Langhorne 

The Game Gallery in Langhorne charges one admission fee for access to all arcade games, both vintage and modern. It also sells arcade games.

Delaware County

Game On State – Media  

Media’s Game on State describes itself as “everybody’s arcade,” where kids and adults alike can enjoy retro arcade machines as well as modern games. It’s also home to a candy store with more than 350 types of sweets. 

The Oasis Family Fun Center – Glen Mills

The Oasis Family Fun Center in Glen Mills is a giant entertainment complex for families. It features a maze, a soft playground, food, and an arcade with more than 60 games.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.