There’s really nothing like a good arcade, is there?
Standing at a machine, hands at the controls, and people around you cheering you on can give you a rush like nothing else.
In Calgary, there’s opportunity aplenty to play arcade games at many locations across the city.
While some are dedicated arcades, others are pubs fun enough to have a machine right in the building. Take a look at our list to see where you can play an arcade game in YYC!
- See also:
The Rec Room
View this post on Instagram
To start off this list is probably the biggest concentration of games and entertainment in the city.
From the classics to racing games, first-person shooters, and even roller coaster simulations, The Rec Room has countless games to choose from. Something cool about this place is that there’s more to it than just the arcade. If you don’t feel like playing video games, you can come here to play pool, watch a live music performance, or even scale an augmented climbing wall.
Location: 901 64 Avenue NE
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 am to midnight. Friday to Saturday, 11 am to 1 am. Sunday, 1 pm to midnight.
Pinbar
View this post on Instagram
Have you ever wanted to get a drink and play some pinball? Of course you have, because who hasn’t? Pinbar is just the place to fill that craving, and you will not be disappointed in either regard.
This cool gaming spot just opened last year and has already made headlines with its “no jerks allowed” policy. In the bar itself, there is a sign that reads, “We do not tolerate homophobia, sexism, racism, transphobia, harassment, ableism, general hatefulness.”
The emphasis of Pinbar is that anybody can come in, have a drink, play some pinball, and have a good time, no matter who you are.
As far as the pinball machines go, there is an almost overwhelming number of options to choose from. Want to play an Elvis-themed machine? They’ve got it. Want to play a zombie-themed one? They’ve got that too. How about a Batman-themed machine? You know they have one.
Location: 501 17th Avenue SW
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 11 am to 1 am. Thursday to Saturday, 11 am to 2 am.
Revival Brewcade
View this post on Instagram
What do you get when you mix a microbrewery, great food, and a retro arcade? You get Calgary’s Revival Brewcade.
Calgary’s first and only craft brewery that is also an arcade, Revival Brewcade is an awesome place to get a drink (either made in-house or hand-picked from other local breweries) and play your favourite games. It’s also friendly for minors until 6 pm!
Location: 1217B 9th Avenue SE
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 3 pm to 11 pm. Friday to Saturday, 11 am to midnight. Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm.
Greta
View this post on Instagram
So you want to play arcade games and get something to eat, but you’re not feeling like pub grub? We’ve got just the place for you.
Greta is an awesome bar and arcade that serves international street food dishes like American New York pastrami, Jamaican patties, Chinese ginger beef and bao buns, and Brazilian fruit salad.
It’s not just the food selection that’s awesome. There are tons of games to choose from as well, so you’re bound to find something there you’ll have a lot of fun with.
Location: 213 10th Avenue SW
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 3 pm to 2 am.
Tubby Dog
View this post on Instagram
This little gem in Calgary is a must-visit regardless of your feelings about video games.
The story of this great lunch spot starts in the Alberta College of Art and Design, where founder Jon Truch started making hotdogs in his basement sculpture studio.
Jon founded his restaurant Tubby Dog in 2005, and it’s an awesome hub of great food and fun. Complete with projected cartoons and arcade games, including the all-time classic Pacman, you’ve got to check this place out if you’re in the mood for a bite to eat and some serious gaming.
Location: 1022 17th Avenue SW
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 9 pm. Friday to Saturday, 11:30 am to midnight.
Boogie’s Burgers
View this post on Instagram
Like the previous entry to this list, Boogie’s Burgers is a casual and fun restaurant with a laid-back attitude.
This awesome place has been a Calgary staple since its location in Renfrew opened in 1969, and another location opened up in 2017 in Marda Loop.
The claim to fame here is the myriad of options for burgers and milkshakes, but both locations in the city are also home to retro arcade games like Joust and Donkey Kong.
Location:
Marda Loop, 2129 33rd Avenue SW
Renfrew, A-908 Edmonton Trail NE
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm. Sunday, noon to 9 pm.
Atlantic Trap and Gill
View this post on Instagram
Founded back in 1998 as the Tap and Grill, this pub serves up traditional East Coast seafood and pub grub, as well as a great selection of eastern beer. Not only does this place serve some of the best fish you can get this far inland, but they’re also an awesome live music venue.
At the Atlantic Trap and Gill, there is a side room where every wall is lined with beautiful, flashy pinball machines. This is cause enough for celebration, but that’s not all. This Calgary pub is home to the Stampede City Pinball League. Sounds impressive? Well, it is, especially when you consider that it’s the biggest pinball league in the entire country.
Location: 510 Heritage Drive SW
Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 11:30 am to 11 pm. Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 am to 2 am. Sunday, 11:30 am to 10 pm
Follow Channels and Categories