Who doesn’t enjoy going to the arcade and playing some of your favorite games from your childhood? Arcades are not as popular as they were back in the 80s but have been growing in popularity within recent years. Here are a few arcades in Dallas that all gamers should know about.
This unique arcade bar is located just 2 miles northwest of downtown Dallas. Bishop Cidercade is one of the many arcade bars that have been popping up in Dallas recently. What makes Bishop Cidercade stand out from the rest is the fact that all the cider on tap is brewed in house by the Bishop Brewing Company. This really makes it a brewery taproom/arcade. The cover charge is only 10 dollars which includes unlimited play of all the games in the arcade room.
With over 170 different games and 30 ciders and wines to choose from makes this an adult gamers paradise. In fact, Bishop Cidercade was voted best cider bar in the United States in 2018. It also hosts many events such as video game tournaments and league play for the hardcore players. The arcade bar is all ages until 8pm so it is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family.
Food is not served inside the Cidercade but food trucks are available on most weekends. They also offer tours of the cidery on the first Saturday of each month for people who want to see the ins and out of their cider. Bishop Cidercade is a must for anyone with a passion for video games and good drinks.
Free play arcade is another arcade bar that has become very popular in the DFW area. Free Play has 3 locations throughout the Dallas metroplex with the newest one opening last year in Richardson. Much like Bishop Cidercade, Free Play Richardson also has a 10-dollar cover charge to play unlimited games. With over 90 arcade cabinets and pinball machines to choose from, there is something for everyone at Free Play Richardson. They are family-friendly until 9pm and 21 and up until 11pm weekday and 2am weekends.
Free Play Richardson also has one of the largest beer menus in Dallas and a vast number of other adult beverages. They were also voted one of the best bars in the Dallas area by D Magazine. Free Play Richardson also has a kitchen with a great food menu that is perfect to eat while beating the high score on your favorite game cabinet.
One thing that makes Free Play Richardson special is that you can buy an arcade cabinet or pinball machine from them if you have enough cash. This helps the company rotate new games in their collection and keep things new for regular customers. If you are in the Richardson neighborhood, Free Play is definitely worth checking out.
NickelRama is an independently owned arcade that is a blast from the past. This place keeps the old school arcade style with retro games and décor but also has up to date game cabinets that will appeal to the younger generation. The entry fee is only 3.50 all the game cabinets and pinball machines take nickels (hits the name NickelRama).
Not all the games at NickelRama are 5 cents to play. They tend to range from 5- 20 cents which is still a great deal. 5 dollars will get you a cup full of 100 nickels which you can make last most of an afternoon. Most of the games pump out tickets that you can exchange for prizes. Most of these prizes are aimed towards children but there are a few that adults could enjoy as well.
NickelRama does not have a food or drink menu since it is strictly an arcade, but you are allowed to bring your own if you would like. Just make sure you plan ahead though because you will have to repay the entry fee if you decide to leave and come back. If you are looking for a great way to entertain your kids while having fun at the same time, NickelRama is the place for you.
SpeedZone is one of the more popular arcades/amusement centers in Northwest Dallas. This place truly has something for everyone. SpeedZone has a wide variety of go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games and even a bungee jumping park across the street. To play the games you need to put money on a gamecard that keeps track of your credits. Most of the games pump out tickets to be traded for prizes just like NickelRoma. The only difference is SpeedZone has way more adult prizes to win than NickelRoma. They even offered an Xbox as a prize back in the early 2000s.
SpeedZone has always had great modern arcade games as well as a big Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) following. I even used to go to DDR tournaments here back when I was a kid (very embarrassing I know). There is a bar that overlooks the DDR machines where adults can order drinks and watch the crazy DDR players run wild all over the machines.
The thing SpeedZone is most well-known for is the many go-kart tracks along the back of the building. They have 5 tracks including a track for kids to race. People can choose from drag racing, drift tracks, and more to race their friends and gain bragging rights. SpeedZone also has 2 mini-golf courses to choose from. One for beginners and one for more advanced players. It is very easy to spend hours playing all the courses and driving all the go-karts. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and a great place to nerd out, then SpeedZone is worth the trip.
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