LEVEL ONE ARCADE LOUNGE
Step into a neon-soaked paradise at Level One Arcade Lounge in Deep Ellum. This spot brings back arcade classics like Street Fighter II, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and that unforgettable Time Crisis gun shooter. You’ll pay one flat fee for unlimited plays—perfect if you plan to test your skills all night long. Plush couches, dim lighting, and a full bar mean you can refuel between cabinets without losing your spot in the Pac-Man queue. Pro tip: visit on a Wednesday for Retro Happy Hour, when drink specials are as nostalgic as the games themselves.
KUNG FU SALOON
Part dive bar, part arcade, Kung Fu Saloon in Lower Greenville caters to casual gamers who love old-school pinball and arcade machines alongside billiards and giant Jenga. The collection is constantly rotating, so you might find classics like Galaga or Mortal Kombat II one night and a rare cocktail of 1980s Japanese shooters the next. Their food menu—think spicy chicken sandwiches and loaded tater tots—keeps your energy high, and the generous outdoor patio is great for cooling down after an intense round of NBA Jam.
HIGH SCORE GAME ROOM
Tucked beneath a fridge repair shop in Oak Lawn, High Score Game Room might be the best-kept secret among Dallas retro enthusiasts. Entry includes free gameplay on vintage cabinets plus a selection of drinks. Highlights include a refurbished Donkey Kong arcade, pinball machines from the golden era, and even a Claw Machine stocked with pop culture trinkets. Look out for monthly “High Score Showdowns” where winners earn gift cards or free tokens for future visits.
PINBALLZ ARCADE
With locations in Plano, Richardson, and Austin, Pinballz Arcade offers more than its name suggests. Expect rows of pinball machines alongside beloved arcade titles like Frogger and Defender. Each location boasts slightly different lineups, so it’s worth hopping between them if you live in the metroplex. Weekends bring tournaments and themed nights—from 80s prom parties to cosplay events—making each visit an adventure. Snack stands with movie-theater popcorn and ice-cold soft drinks round out the experience.
TIPS FOR A RETRO-HUNGRY GAMER
- Check each arcade’s social media before you go. Special events and machine updates are announced there first.
- Bring exact change or buy tokens in bulk to avoid fumbling quarters at the machine.
- Go during off-peak hours (weekday afternoons) for the shortest lines.
- Pack a small rechargeable battery pack for your phone—you’ll be snapping high-score photos!
- Don’t be shy about asking staff for secret settings or hidden cabinets—they love to share insider tips.
Whether you’re a seasoned arcade veteran or just curious about pixelated history, Dallas’s retro gaming scene delivers excitement, strategy, and nostalgia with every quarter. Grab your friends, pick your favorite joystick, and let the games transport you back to the golden age of arcade fun.