Drink This: Our Favorite Bars To Get Your Game On [Not Live]
Whether you’re a nostalgic arcade enthusiast or you want to switch up your bar rotation, enjoying a game or two of your childhood favorites with a round of drinks is a guaranteed good time. So the next time that you decide to head out for a libation, take a stroll down memory lane and unleash your competitive side at these game-friendly Dallas bars.
Cidercade | 2777 Irving Blvd., Ste. #200
Located just two miles from downtown, this arcade bar boasts over 165 arcade games and offers 24 ciders on tap. Bring $10 for unlimited plays for the night, or $20 for the month to guarantee that your high score stays put.
Bowlounge | 167 Turtle Creek Blvd., Ste. #103
You’ll definitely want to join a bowling league after visiting this spot in the Design District. Or if you’d rather sit back and watch the fun, there are over 40 taps of local and craft beers to try along with an extensive snack bar recipe.
SCOUT at the Statler Hotel | 1914 Commerce St.
Nestled on the second floor of the Statler Hotel, this 12,000 square foot space offers dinner, drinks, bowling and pool. There’s also usually a solid live music calendar, so you don’t have to barhop on the weekend to check all of your entertainment boxes.
Backyard | 505 N. Good Latimer Expressway
Need something a little more multiplayer and interactive? Head to a picnic table at this pet-friendly spot in Deep Ellum for checkers, chess, or backgammon. And if the night calls for something a little less strategic, challenge your party to a game of cornhole, ping pong, or oversized Jenga.
Barcadia | 1917 N. Henderson Ave.
With Giant Connect 4 and Lifesize Jenga, 24 beers on tap, *and* a vintage arcade, this place has something for every kind of game enthusiast. And if you’d rather kick back and leave it to the professionals, chill out on patio and grab some tacos.
Playground | 2908 McKinney Ave.
This Uptown bar is serving it up with a side of nostalgia, with swingsets, hopscotch, and even seesaws. And if that’s not enough to make you feel like a kid again, there’s an entire menu of spiked childhood favorites, ranging from freeze pops to Yoo-Hoo and Capri Sun. Oh, and street tacos.
The Grapevine Bar | 3902 Maple Ave.
Expect more than just cheap drinks and laid-back vibes at this beloved Dallas dive. In addition to their delicious-but-dangerous Frozen Pom Pom concoction and pool table, there’s also a basketball court in the backyard for a little friendly competition.
Bryan Street Tavern | 4315 Bryan St.
If you prefer to assemble a team of wits, then trivia may be more up your alley. Study up with a beer and slice of pizza on the patio and then crush the competition with your arsenal of random factoids. Or just school them at pool as Billy Dee Williams looks on.