Ramp up your time in Austin with these Epic Arcade Spots! From vintage to cutting edge, we have something for everyone!
The Original Pinballz Arcade
4.6 ★
Let’s start this particular compilation off with one of Austin’s OG game playing spots, The Original Pinballz Arcade on Research Blvd. Known for being one of the most consistent locations for many years, The Original Pinballz Arcade is in the art of providing you with a stellar place to get all of your favorite gaming activities out the way. From the classic game machines to the newer upgrades that are regularly being added, The Original Pinballz Arcade is exactly what the name suggests. Did we mention that this establishment has a BYOB policy? That’s right, The Original Pinballz Arcade is happy to let you provide your own refreshments, so you don’t have to pregame at the house. Opening daily around noon, The Original Pinballz Arcade is the spot you want to book for parties of all kinds. While they have opened multiple locations for this business, the original location is the only one that allows outside drinks to be brought inside. Look into their events calendar to see if you can catch a live show during one of your visits. The Original Pinballz Arcade is about as “Austin” as it gets around here, so you always know what to expect when you walk in.
Cidercade
4.4 ★
When you want to take on the challenge of Austin’s largest and most noteworthy arcades, you can visit Cidercade on Riverside Dr. Folks love to talk about Cidercade anytime the topic of videogames is mentioned so expect the place to be packed at any given moment. Consistently open from 10 am – 12 am every day, Cidercade is where you can get the most bang for your buck without needing a coupon or special deal. No tokens, coins, or cards are needed at this establishment, they are all set to free for a flat rate. Consider Cidercade next time you want to host an event with a lot of people, they are a popular place for birthdays, reunions and even corporate parties. Everyone can find something to play in their selection of over 150 games. Racing, fighting, and table games like air hockey don’t even begin to explain the amount of options that Cidercade has. For only 12$ you can spend as much time as you’d like making sure you get a chance to beat every high score.
Recess Arcade Bar
4.0 ★
Throughout childhood, the idea of “recess” was a wonderful concept to look forward to every day. Breaking up a long day filled with schoolwork and gossip with an excuse to run around outside and play hard was the epitome of childhood experiences. Recess Arcade Bar knows that even grown ups need to take a break at some point throughout their day, a reason to relax and let the stress of living fade away completely for a couple of hours. Located at the intersection of 6th St and San Jacinto, you can make a trip to Recess Arcade Bar on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Consider your trip to this bar to be the same thing as recess for adults, a reason to let your stress out at the end of a long week. They have snacks, drinks, games and good vibes for anyone that wants to hang out so take a recess at Recess Arcade Bar.
Epic Fun
4.4 ★
More than your average arcade but still including all of the staples, Epic Fun turns things up a notch or ten with their immersive experiences. On top of bumper cars and laser tag, Epic Fun’s attractions include a climbing wall, axe throwing, and a high ropes course. Plan to be tired in the best possible way after taking in the variety that Epic Fun presents in the Oak Hill Plaza on State Hwy 71 from 11 am – 12 am daily. Happy Hour is Sunday-Thursday 8 pm – 12 pm and every “Terrific Tuesday” brings the promise of ½ priced games. For the people who want to exercise without realizing it, Epic Fun will have you doing the most and having the best time at any moment. Epic Fun is one place where you want to achieve at least two trips so you can get a chance at every activity. When you’re inevitably feeling ravenous after all the movement, you have the option to order from their full food menu. Pizza, wings, cheesesteaks, and decadent desserts like red velvet cake.
Zero Latency VR
5.0 ★
Throughout the years, the art of video games has been pushed and expanded to limits that a kid playing pinball in the 80s would not have been able to imagine on their own. Lately, you can’t seem to turn a corner without running into the concept of virtual reality. For those who aren’t as updated in the world of tech, buying a home system feels like doing too much. With Zero Latency VR, you can experience all the fun of virtual reality without needing to be fluent in the technical gear. Two locations in Austin are open every day with free roam style games that can include zombies, robots, or a trip to space. What makes these games more fun is that you won’t be confined to a designated square that has no leg room. Walking around is safe at Zero Latency VR and the adventure style of these games will make you feel as though you’ve traveled to another world in the time spent.
Texas Toy Museum and Arcade
4.5 ★
Located right in the middle of downtown Austin on Congress Ave is the Texas Toy Museum and Arcade, a classic piece of this town’s history. Featuring a full collection of games that you can play as long as you want with the purchase of a day pass, The Texas Toy Museum and Arcade even keeps plenty of free parking nearby so you can spend as much or as little time at this location as you would like. Along with the large collection of video games that keep growing with every passing year, the Texas Toy Museum and Arcade allows a variety of displays to come set up at this location. For lovers of toys that go back through history, this establishment takes the time to book many different collectors in an effort to keep folks talking about the classics. While you are experiencing the vastness of this collection, you can order a beer or two while you’re at it. Generally, admission to the Texas Toy Museum and Arcade does not break the bank for just tickets so plan to bring the whole family out and don’t forget to look for their massive GI Joe display. These people love toys and that shows with every bit of nostalgia covering any inch of space. Check into their events calendar to find out when specific displays will be coming through town. No two visits to the Texas Toy Museum and Arcade are exactly alike so plan for multiple trips if you get the chance.
Terra Toys
4.7 ★
Locally owned and operated since 1978 is Terra Toys, one of the largest selection of toys you are going to find in Texas. Featuring a selection of toys from all over the world, they are likely to have an old favorite on the shelves that you haven’t seen in years. Art supplies, classic games, and toys that have more history than most kids can even comprehend are all over the shelves and walls of Terra Toys. This is the kind of store that you will have fun in whether you are making a purchase or not. Even if you just walk around to take a trip down memory lane, you can find more than your fair share of nostalgia to bask in. Located on Anderson Ln, Terra Toys is open from 10 am – 8 pm every day except Sunday when their hours are from 11 am – 6 pm. When you want to visit a store that has remained the same since the 80s (aside from adding more to their collection) you can be certain that Terra Toys is ready to have your business. Don’t be shy about asking their employees for help either. This crew is the kind that is as passionate about toys as you are.
Pins Mechanical Co
5.0 ★
Opening late in 2024, Pins Mechanical Co will be a brand new addition to the Austin gaming scene. This oldschool gaming establishment will offer duckpin bowling, which is like regular bowling but smaller. Less weight to throw in the ball leaves more room for controlling the toss. Classic pinball machines, quality cocktails, and craft beers will be served inside of this St Elmo establishment. You will be able to try your hand at ping pong, beer pong, and giant Jenga among a number of other choices. Keep an eye out for them towards the end of 2024 and have fun at the brand new Pins Mechanical Co.
PINSTACK
4.1 ★
Located inside of the Tech Ridge Center mall area is PINSTACK, a massive bowling alley and restaurant that covers nearly 50k square feet in space. Every inch of this bowling alley feels high class when you walk inside, but you will quickly feel comfortable at any of their lanes. Unlike most average bowling alleys where they separate the restaurant from the game, PINSTACK will deliver any of your food orders right to the lane that you’re playing at. You won’t have to give up your playing area to chow down on any of their menu items. Not only do they offer bowling, but also a full arcade and a rock climbing wall along with bumper cars. PINSTACK is more than a bowling alley, more than an arcade and beer. This establishment is truly a getaway for anyone who is in the mood to close off the outside world completely. From 10 am – 12 am (2 am on the weekends) PINSTACK is a place for groups of all kinds. Heck, you can find plenty to keep yourself busy on a solo trip to this Canyon Ridge Dr establishment.
CONCLUSION
At The Austin Insider, you can always count on us to provide you with the information you need to make the most out of a visit to Austin, Texas. Don’t hesitate to click through our previous articles. We cover everything from food to venues and more in our articles section of the website and are regularly adding to the collection. Next time you have any questions about what makes this area special, you can depend on AustinPedalParty.com to have the details covered for you.