Board games may be a fun group activity, but aren’t everyone’s speed. If you’re looking for something more flashy but still competitive, arcades in the Philly area offer excitement and sometimes a chance to win a prize. Whether you’re looking for classic pinball machines or to hop in the driver’s seat, play on at these arcades.
📍 1330 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA
This Formula 1 Racing establishment is the newest addition to Philly’s gaming ecosystem. Channel Lewis Hamilton and rally with your friends in 80 full-motion racing simulators. And if you’re feeling hungry, enjoy some wagyu burgers or chipotle tiger shrimp tacos from the menu.
📍 Multiple Locations
Barcade credits itself with introducing the arcade-bar combination to several cities in the U.S., including Philly. Gamers and beer-lovers can visit locations in Fishtown and Center City and play games from Donkey Kong to Street Fighter to Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker.
📍 1001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Located inside the Fashion District, this arcade is decked out with claw machines and memorable games like Dance Dance Revolution. There’s also bowling and karaoke.
📍 Multiple Locations
This well-known entertainment chain is a tried and true option for a night out with friends. Rock out with Guitar Hero or play Mario Kart at their Fishtown location on the Delaware River Waterfront or in Northeast Philly at the Franklin Mall.
📍 4006 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA
This entertainment center in University City is filled with family-friendly activities. Enjoy classics like Ms. Pac-Man, air hockey, and pinball while earning prizes along.
📍 129 S. 30th St., Philadelphia, PA
An alternative option for adults in University City, this beer hall and game parlor offers drafts, cocktails, food, and wines with games like shuffleboard, skeeball, and other arcade classics. Are you good at trivia? Swing by Quizzo on Tuesdays.
📍 123 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Known for its extensive board and card game library, this restaurant also houses a basement video game arcade.
📍 Mutiple locations
Whether or not you’re the next Tiger Woods, this place will make you feel just as competitive. Locations in Fishtown, Rittenhouse, and Logan Square offer vibrant, arcade-mode golfing simulators for all levels of play.
📍 140 N. Pine St., Langhorne, PA
Sesame Place isn’t the only spot to have fun in Langhorne. The game gallery offers a range of classic arcade games, and hosts both pinball tournaments and a co-ed pinball league.
📍 81 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, PA
If you’re really searching for the classic arcade experience, head to Malvern. The Pinball Gallery has over 100 pinball machines, arcade games, and old-school console games to play. And the best part, no quarters needed!
