If your heart does a little happy jump at the sound of a pinball machine or the glow of an old CRT screen, Dallas is a surprisingly awesome place to hunt down vintage arcades. Retro gaming has been making a huge comeback, and Dallas has leaned right into it with some spots that feel like stepping into a time machine minus the weird hair spray smells from the ’80s.
Places like Cidercade Dallas blend retro charm with a super laid-back vibe, offering walls of classic machines plus drinks for the grown-ups. You’ll find everything from Galaga to old-school fighters that still hit like they did back in the day. Then there’s Free Play Arcade, which is basically vintage arcade heaven. Pay once, play everything exactly how it should be.
Vintage arcades aren’t just for gamers; they’re this weirdly comforting space where nostalgia, neon lights, and button-mashing energy all mix together. If you want a break from adulting, Dallas has a retro escape waiting for you. Grab a friend, load up on tokens, and let those old-school sounds take over.