Looking for a unique way to spend a night out with friends in Calgary? Look no further than the city's thriving arcade bar scene.
With a combination of classic arcade games, creative cocktails, and lively atmospheres, arcade bars offer an experience like no other. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which will suit your gaming interests?
In this article, we'll take you on a journey through Calgary's best arcade bars, exploring what sets them apart from the rest and why they should be on your must-visit list.
Get ready to step back in time, forget all your worries, and unleash your competitive side at some of the city's most lively and memorable establishments.
With an array of retro arcade games, craft beer and delicious eats, these spots offer something for every interest!
Check out our top picks for the best arcade bars in Calgary:
10 Fun Bars With Games in Calgary
Greta Bar
Located in the heart of Calgary's Beltline district, Greta Bar offers a retro arcade experience with classic games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong.
Their selection of 50 arcade games is sure to impress, they even feature some newer favourites like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution!
The atmosphere is laid-back and the drink selection is fantastic. Greta Bar has choices of fresh, locally-sourced street food inspired from around the world. Satisfy your appetite with their weekly specials, including $10 fried chicken Tuesdays or half-price tacos and tequila Thursdays.
PinBar
If you’re self-diagnosed as a pinball fanatic, PinBar is the place to be! With over 20 pinball machines, this arcade game bar offers a unique experience for retro game enthusiasts.
Relish in $10 pinball Sundays and a massive selection of arcade-style games, including Galaga, Donkey Kong, and Pac-Man.
This cozy must-visit spot is located in the trendy Mission district of Calgary. Grab a craft beer and challenge friends or cheer on players in one of their pinball tournaments. Sure, the menu has other things, but their pizzas are where it’s at!
The Rec Room
The Rec Room is one of the most popular arcade bars in Calgary, offering an array of games, entertainment, and events.
Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, The Rec Room is a unique entertainment venue that offers something for everyone. With 80 different games to choose from, you’ll be entertained all night long. The bar also hosts comedy nights, live music performances, and art battles, The Rec Room is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or family.
Play everything from classic arcade games to immersive VR experiences:
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Topgolf swing suite
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Video games
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Ping pong
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Pool
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Redemption games
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Shuffleboard
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Virtual reality
Loco Lou’s 2.0 Arcade Bar & Grill
Loco Lou’s 2.0 Arcade Bar & Grill is a fun and unique spot in Calgary, offering classic arcade games, board games, and yummy eats. With a friendly atmosphere and a great selection of craft beer, Loco Lou’s is the perfect place for a casual night out.
This arcade bar and grill is located in the Southeast district of Calgary. With a choice of 18 arcade games, as well as a pool table and photo booth, you’re sure to make some lasting memories here.
Games include classics like Galaga and Space Invaders, as well as newer favourites like Mortal Kombat and The Simpsons.
Boogie’s Burgers
Boogie’s Burgers is known for its deliciously bangin’ burgers, shocker alert! But it also offers a great selection of classic arcade games. With games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man, Boogie’s Burgers is a great spot for a filling bite and some retro arcade fun.
This casual burger joint in the Northwest district of Calgary is known for its cheap pinball prices, as well as its insanely awesome creations. Their menu includes burger beasts like The Boogmak and Don’t Fear the Reaper… you’ll have to see it to believe it.
Work off your full stomach by training for their annual Ms. Pac-Man tournament. The champion wins free burgers for an entire year!
Home & Away
Located in the heart of Calgary's Beltline district, Home & Away is a popular sports bar that offers a massive shuffleboard court and a wide variety of sports games.
With a noteworthy fried chicken menu and craft beer on tap, Home & Away is the perfect spot to catch a sports game and enjoy some classic arcade games. Games include Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong and newer favourites like NBA Jam and Big Buck Hunter.
Dance the night away to a DJ, challenge your friend to a skeeball duel, or indulge in their happy hour with $4 snacks, tacos, and drinks!
Schanks Sports Grill
Located in the Northwest district of Calgary, Schanks Sports Grill is a popular spot for sports fans and arcade game enthusiasts alike.
Patrons can enjoy a unique blend of entertainment options with mini-golf, billiards, arcade games, virtual golf simulators, video lottery terminals, and even off-track betting! Never miss out on a big play with their giant 25-foot projector screen and 11 smaller screens.
Arcade games include classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong and newer favourites like NBA Jam and The Walking Dead.
Cold beers, tasty cocktails, and crisp wines accompany an extensive menu of delicious food.
Revival Brewcade
Revival Brewcade is a unique spot in Calgary for beer, games, and grub. This retro arcade bar is located in the bustling Inglewood district of Calgary.
With a rotating selection of pinball machines and arcade games matched perfectly with award-winning small-batch beers, Revival Brewcade is a fantastic spot for a fun night out. Games include classics
The cool atmosphere is perfect for unwinding and getting your fresh pint and pinball fix. Tuesday nights are comedy nights, and every day from 4 to 6 is happy hour… sign us up!
Southland Yard
This animated spot in Calgary's Southeast district offers a vibrant selection of games, beers, and cocktails.
Play bocce ball, foosball, shuffleboard, skeeball, billiards, and board games. Arcade games include classics like Asteroids and Donkey Kong and newer favourites like NBA Jam and The Simpsons.
We’ve got to give an honourable mention to their menu of artisan food. Check out delicious options like the Pork Belly Bao or their Braised Shortrub Poutine.
With a relaxed atmosphere, neon lights, retro decor, and a mantra of not taking yourself too seriously, a good time is virtually guaranteed!
The Banquet
The Banquet is a popular spot in Calgary where you’ll tempt your tastebuds and test your skills in the lanes.
Located in the Northeast district of Calgary, their bowling alley and arcade bar will keep you entertained all night long. This hot spot for entertainment features bowling, pool, ping pong, spin-to-win, and shuffleboard. Arcade games include classics like Mario Kart and Street Fighter.
Enjoy signature cocktails, over 30 beers on tap, and a custom-built menu with new specials every week.
Why choose arcade bars for a fun night out in Calgary?
Head to one of the bars on this list and the answer will be clear to see… arcade bars have a vibrant and animated setting that feels like a never-ending party!
The combination of classic arcade games and a lively bar atmosphere have been a match made in heaven for decades. It's no wonder why they've become increasingly popular in recent years.
One of the main draws of an arcade bar is the chance to relive childhood memories with a range of retro games. From Pac-Man to shuffleboard, there's something for everyone's gaming style.
We also can’t forget, the combination of cocktails and competition is unbeatable! Patrons can sip on a cold drink while battling it out on their favourite game.
But arcade bars are not just for nostalgia seekers. They offer an opportunity to escape the monotony of everyday life and immerse yourself in a fun, carefree environment. There's something thrilling about the neon lights, the sound of electronic chimes, and the energy of duking it out in a room full of people smiling and having fun. It's the perfect setting for bonding with old friends or making new ones.
Apart from the entertainment factor, arcade bars often have a creative ambiance. With retro-themed decor, specialty drinks, and music that sets the mood, it's an experience unlike any other. Some arcade bars even offer food and drinks that match the theme of the games, adding an extra layer of fun to the experience.
All in all…
Calgary arcade bars are always a fun time! From Greta Bar's mix of nightclub and street eats to The Banquet's bowling, billiards, and arcade games, there's something for everyone no matter your interests.
Whether you're looking for an energetic night out with friends or a chill way to unwind after a long day, Calgary's arcade bars have just what you need. With a variety of games, craft beers and delicious eats, these bars are sure to become a tradition.
Spending a night out at an arcade bar offers a thrilling combination of nostalgia, competition, and creativity. It's a perfect way to break out of the everyday routine and connect with friends.
Don’t take our word for it, get out there and explore these incredible spots! Create some unforgettable memories with your friends and loved ones.
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