Sure, getting dinner with your friends is already a pretty fun way to spend an evening, but add in some arcade or board games in Boston and you’ve got yourselves a night to remember. These energetic arcades in Boston have some super-fun games in addition to tasty snacks. Loser pays for the table!
1. A4cade by Area Four, Central Square
A4cade is a great attraction for a fun night out with good bites (it’s part of pizza parlor, Area Four) and a plethora of games. Although A4cade has a tendency to be packed on a Friday night, it’s popular for a reason! Get here early if you want to get the best games, from classics like Pac Man to modern games like Guitar Hero.
Find A4cade at 292 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139.
2. Spin, Seaport
Spin, an upscale ping pong club, is a recent addition to Boston’s late-night gaming scene, but it’s a great spot to explore for your next outing. Spin Boston features 14 Olympic-caliber ping pong tables, two private rooms which can be reserved, and a full kitchen. The menu includes twists on local classics, like fluffernutter wontons and Boston cream pie.
Find Spin at 30 Melcher Street, Boston, MA.
3. Versus, Downtown
Versus is an arcade bar with a sweet deal: once you pay a $5 cover to get in, you can play an unlimited number of games! From pinball machines and skee ball to classic arcade games, you’ll have no shortage of things to do here.
Find Versus at 42 Province St Boston, MA.
4. Tavern of Tales, Mission Hill
Tavern of Tales is Boston’s only board game bar, and it certainly lives up to the title. Each of the games they offer is uniquely designed to be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. With bespoke gaming experiences on hand, you’ll be sure to have a memorable adventure. Plus, Tavern of Tales hosts weekly Dungeons & Dragons events and chess tournaments for even more social fun.
Find Tavern of Tales at 1478 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120.
5. F1 Arcade, Seaport
Channel your inner race car driver at the new F1 Arcade in Seaport. The British brand brough the first American F1 Arcade to the city with the best sports fans. Race on real F1 courses from Bahrain to Miami, settle which friend really is the better driver, and enjoy epicurean eats with gorgeous Seaport views.
Find the F1 Arcade at 87 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210.
6. Lucky Strike, Fenway and Somerville Assembly Row
Bowling is an underrated weekend plan — you get to wear cool shoes, listen to great tunes, and no one cares if you’re good at bowling or not! Lucky Strike is great spot for a relaxed, party vibe in the middle of a bowling alley. With arcade games and good food, you’ll be sure to enjoy the good vibes regardless of whether or not you get a strike.
Find Lucky Strike at 145 Ipswich St in Fenway and at 325 Revolution Dr #1128 in Somerville.
7. Kings, Seaport
Kings Seaport has the two-in-one combination of a bowling alley and lively arcade- and certainly you’ll be entertained by at least one when you visit! Play some games or nosh on apps in between games, and you’ve got the winning formula for a fun night out.
Find Kings Seaport at 60 Seaport Boulevard Suite 225, Boston, MA 02210.
8. Space Zero, Braintree
Hidden inside South Shore Plaza is a not-so-small gem of an arcade—Space Zero. The 8,000-square-foot arcade boasts a giant trampoline park, obstacle courses and a climbing wall! There are monkey bars and battle beams to unleash your inner kid or unleash your actual ones. Plus, the brand opened a second location under the name Gatcha in Saugus.
Find Space Zero South Shore Plaza at 250 Granite Street, Braintree, MA 02184 open daily from 11 AM
9. Level 99
If Survivor took place inside an arcade, it’d be Level 99. This massive 48,000-square-foot gaming center challenges your mental, physical, and let’s be honest, emotional strength. It includes everything from obstacle courses to player-vs-player duels.
Find Level 99 inside Natick Mall at 1235 Worcester St, Natick, MA 01760.
10. PLAY Boston
Connected to TD Garden, PLAY Boston is the spot to channel your competitiveness before game day. With over 50 arcade games in this new 6,000-square-foot entertainment space, there’s never a dull moment. The action-packed space also offers a tantalizing menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, making it perfect for a rainy day.