Dallas may be best known for its skyline and Tex-Mex cuisine, but behind the neon glow of many neighborhood bars you’ll discover a playful retro scene: bar top games. From classic arcade cabinets perched above the counter to specialty tabletop pinball machines, Dallas offers a treasure hunt for anyone who loves to sip a cold brew while challenging friends to a high-score showdown. Read on for an entertaining guide to Dallas’s best spots, hidden gems, and insider tips.
Classic Arcade Bars to Bookmark
Kung Fu Saloon
This Deep Ellum hotspot feels like stepping into a neon dojo of gaming mayhem. Thirty of the hottest titles—Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, and NBA Jam—sit on custom bar counters. Don’t miss the old-school cocktail menu: the Dragon’s Breath margarita fuels epic joystick battles and gives you the stamina needed for late-night quarters. On Wednesdays, tickets in skee-ball machines translate directly into free game credits—an irresistible midweek perk.
Barcadia
Located in Plano’s hip Legacy West district, Barcadia strikes the perfect balance between craft cocktails and retro entertainment. Every bar station features a dedicated screen loaded with classics and DLC favorites, so you can queue up Mortal Kombat or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles without stepping away from your table. Weekend tournaments draw crowds of competitive gamers vying for bragging rights and gift-card prizes.
Hidden Gems Worth the Trek
Modern Tim’s
This unassuming bar in Richardson hides a gloriously mismatched collection of tabletop pinball and video-game cabinets tucked into corners. Play a game of Galaga on an LED-lit bar shelf or take on Skeebo in head-to-head pinball duels. Seasonal beer flights pair perfectly with buzzy gameplay.
Hutchins Garage
A former mechanic’s workshop in Oak Cliff has been transformed into an industrial-chic hangout loaded with bar top games. Pour over rare Belgian ales while you challenge friends on a rotating roster of imported cocktail-table arcades. The rotating game lineup keeps everything fresh and gives you a reason to return every month.
Tips for Mastering Bar Top Games
- Keep an eye on happy hours. Many bars double game credits or offer discounted tokens during off-peak hours.
- Travel light. A backpack or purse with pockets keeps your wallet easily accessible for quick token refills.
- Scope out tournaments. Even casual dart leagues or pinball showdowns often give free drink tickets as consolation prizes.
Whether you’re chasing high scores in power-up platformers or honing your skee-ball arm, Dallas’s bar top game scene offers something for every skill level. Gather your crew, pick your favorite bar, and declare war on boring nights. Your next pixel-powered adventure is waiting just around the corner. Enjoy the games, and may the best joystick jockey win!