If you are into classic arcade games, or your kid is up for taking a break from their phone/tablet screen and experiencing an old-school arcade parlor for a change, here are the best arcades in Washington DC.
Penn Social
Address: 801 E Street, NW Washington DC 20004
Website: https://pennsocialdc.com/
Located only a few blocks from the White House and the National Mall, Penn Social is a popular spot in Penn Quarter, where you can play arcade games and enjoy live music. The two-story location spanning a 10,000 square-foot space offers a large collection of games including Big Buck Hunter, corn hole, foosball, giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, Killer Queen, shuffleboard, skeeball, pop-a-shot basketball, NFL 2 Minute Drill, and more. The venue is available for corporate events, team building activities, weddings, and other private parties.
Players Club
Address: 1400 14th Sreet, NW Washington DC 20005
Phone: (202) 986-4730
Website: https://www.playersclubdc.com/
Players Club, “a gamer’s paradise” as its owners call it, is a perfect venue for game enthusiasts. Here you can play foosball, pinball, basketball, pool, and tabletop hockey, as well as old-school arcade games in an atmosphere that pays tribute to the music and culture of the 70s and 80s. Make sure you have cash/coins with you for the machines, and note that you must be at least 21 years old to enter. They have a great rooftop bar (Skybox) and a lounge downstairs that is available for parties with no room fee, deposit, or contract.
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Paradiso Game Room
Address: 3282 M Street, NW Washington DC
Phone: (202) 337-1245
Website: https://www.eatyourpizza.com/game-room/
Located in DC’s historic Georgetown neighborhood, Paradiso Game Room has been serving residents in the basement of Pizzeria Paradiso for years. The arcade bar features a wide range of classic arcade video games, darts, shuffleboard, skee ball, pinball, and more. The machines only accept cash, and there is no ATM available, so prepare your money prior to your arrival. You can also order beer from a special selection at their small bar.
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The Boardwalk DC
Address: 507 7th Street, NW Washington DC 20004
Phone: (202) 347-7665
Website: https://www.boardwalkbardc.com/
Easily accessible through the Gallery Place Metro station, The Boardwalk DC is a 350-person space you can drop by for its downstairs game room when you are in the mood for playing games like arcade basketball, foosball, shuffleboard, and more. It features a front bar, surf shack, carnival bar, and a main bar, where you can enjoy craft cocktails made with fresh juices, frozen drinks, a variety of draft beers, as well as corn dogs, cotton candy, hot dogs, and popcorn. You can book the venue for events like corporate happy hours and birthday parties.
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Boardwalk Bar & Arcade
Address: 715 Wharf Street, SW Washington DC 20024
Phone: (202) 481-0044
Website: https://www.boardwalkwharf.com/
Operating at The Wharf in Washington DC since February 2022, Boardwalk Bar & Arcade prides itself on being the city’s largest indoor/outdoor bar and one of its biggest arcade parlors. It is a great space for playing games with your children and hosting private/semi-private parties or happy hours with your colleagues. Games include pinball, shuffleboard, skeeball, and other arcade classics.
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