Cherry Lanes Arcade Bar

Cherry Lanes Arcade Bar

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise this retro arcade-bar for its fun atmosphere, vintage games, bowling, and good drinks, calling it a "hidden gem" with a mix of adult and family-friendly appeal. Many highlight friendly staff, great service, and enjoyable food. However, some criticize broken machines, inconsistent service, and occasional issues with children disrupting the bar atmosphere. The venue is generally seen as a unique, nostalgic spot, though a few note it has declined in quality. Positive experiences outweigh negatives, with most recommending it for casual fun.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

What to Expect from Retro Games in Arcades

Step into the glow of retro arcade games and expect a nostalgic rush! Classics like Galaga, Donkey Kong, or Mortal Kombat await, housed in vibrant cabinets with joysticks, buttons, or trackballs. You’ll dodge enemies, chase high scores, or battle opponents in fast-paced, pixel-perfect gameplay. Modern restorations include sharp CRT or LED screens and authentic controls, preserving the 80s/90s vibe. Games are easy to learn but tough to master, offering quick sessions or deep challenges. With leaderboards and arcade crowds cheering, retro games deliver timeless fun in 2025.

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

127 N 4th Ave

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235

Hours

Monday 4PM-1AM
Tuesday 4PM-1AM
Wednesday 4PM-1AM
Thursday 4PM-1AM
Friday 4PM-2AM
Saturday 12PM-2AM
Sunday 12PM-1AM

Customer Reviews

Super happy with this place. The games are all reasonable to play. Most are $.25. Lots of fun vintage games. The bowling alley looked fun . Bar was great with affordable drinks and the pizza looked pretty good. Great spot for all ages. Both my 5 year old and myself had fun playing the vintage arcade games and pinball machines.

Have such a great time every time I go to Cherry Lanes. The owners and bartenders are kind and fun people that add to the experience. There is lots to do for family and a good night life. I have came here for bowling, cancer benefits, my bachelorette party, and just casual drinks. A great stop!

90% of the games are broken, based on other reviews it looks like they have been for a while. Probably would have stayed to eat had most of the games not been broken.This used to be a good place to take the kids on a cold, rainy day. It has turned into more of a pool hall than a family arcade place.

Adorable vintage bowling alley and arcade. The bar makes it a great atmosphere for adults, but kids are definitely welcome as well. We didn't get to bowl. There were only a few lanes, so plan ahead. But the bar, arcade games, and darts were enough to make a fun evening for our family.

Looks like a great place. Unfortunately, we didn't get to bowl as we were pressed for time. It had a great vibe and great atmosphere, so I would assume it would be a great place to hang

What a cool little business. Free bowling. Free WiFi. Cheap arcade games. We hade so much fun.

Fun place to visit. Very old school and had lots of old school games. The bowling lanes were outdated, but it went with the vibe. Super cute. Great service.

Great atmosphere! Fun for all ages ( littles seemed to leave early ??) We were able to play so many retro games!!! Pizza & mojitos we're awesome !! Bartender Dude was Spot On!

Most of the games are broken, the bowling is very poorly maintained making it hardly useable. The atmosphere at the bar is boring

Cute spot. Be prepared to bring a ton of quarters from the bank or something. Change machine is one of those dumb quarter slider games, which was broken. Service was friendly. Bowling lanes aren't very functional, could use a remodel.

Great friendly place to have a brew and play some pinball,or a wide variety of other games, including foosball, pool,and air hockey. Highly recommended.

I would agree with a previous review from 5 days ago. This place is not like it used to be. A large number of the machines were out of order and a number of the other machines took our money and we were not able to play. As far as the food, the service could use improvement. A table that came after us was served their pizza first. We ordered 2 pizzas and the 2nd pizza came after the first pizza was gone. The lady behind the bar said that this is a small operation and most places weren't even serving foo

Turn the nostalgia up to 11. Classic arcade and pinball machines with four bowling lanes- what's not to like. The place was clean (didn't smell like smoke) the bartender was friendly, and the music was awesome (we went on vinyl night). A fun way to kill a few hours. Bonus points for all the machines being in working order!

3.11.2023 This place is AWESOME! It quickly turned into a crazy Saturday night with Dirty Duece as the headliner. The bartenders ROCKED just as hard as the band! The gem of this establishment is the arcade. The old school pinball machines are the BEST! Thank you!

this used to be the only bar in town that served food all night! sadly, they no longer serve food "all night" but they do serve food fairly late and it's not bad food. it's expensive food, sure, but not bad. they have large pizzas for $24, hot dogs for $7, brats for $8. anyway it's a pretty sweet barcade. they have arcade cabinets, and bowling (twenty dollars per hour, unless you come on a Wednesday when bowling is free), and pool, and pinball. most of the machines work fine. some are just for show, which

Thus place is not like it used to be. Bartenders need some work. Asked what I want to drink then they go help 5 plus other people. Come back to me and ask again what I want. Seen a lot of people waiting for stuff as well. Just not the same old experience it used to be.

Drinks were great! Arcade games were so fun to play.

Excellent Brats and best Drinks in town so far. the bartender was very nice and knowledgeable. Several classic games you can play with quarters but a few of them are not fully operational.

Good food, good games! The atmosphere seemed friendly

Great game bar, lot of old games to play, ambient is good, atmosphere is amazing, bowling, barthanders are great... Food can be better for sure.

Fun little arcade we found open on Thanksgiving day (pretty much the only place). Update: Pretty disappointed that during our last visit, the tables were still dirty from the night before and there were drinks sitting in the cup holders by the pinball machines ?from the night before?! How do know they were from the night before? Because we arrived the minute they opened on Thanksgiving day and no one else was there. The bartender/server was very cold to us until after we left a generous tip. He was extreme

A great place to relax and enjoy the nostalgic games of the 70-80s

The staff here is excellent. Super outgoing and friendly. As a bar it is awesome. As an arcade it is good but not great. While they have a lot of pinball machines for the most part they are the budget types. They do have some great other games. Overall a place I'll always go to when in the area.

Tony was the only person working for the first couple hours and he did great! Worked hard managing the bowling lanes, arcade, food, and bar. Our kids had a blast! The parents had just as much fun. Drinks were good. Food was good. Definitely recommend!

They were more than accommodating for our son's birthday party, even opened a little early so they could go right from school. Kind, friendly service, clean, good pizza/ snacks and plenty of games and bowling to keep everyone busy. Kid friendly but great place for adults and friends to play! Thanks Dave for everything

Great service at the bar, good drinks, and nice games to play!

What a fun place to spend some time. You can enjoy some retro bowling lanes and lots of classic arcade games here. I have not seen such an excellent collection of games like this, in this area before. All things do not always work 100%, but I think that is to be expected. R-e-l-a-x and enjoy. The pizza was quick, hot and delicious! It can get a little busy, and a little loud, so do be prepared for that.

A lot of machines were quarter eaters, but the bartender was nice enough to give us our money back! The bar/dart area also looked well kempt, but there were a lot of little kids in the main gaming area just leaving trash all over the place

Most of the games are broken they've been broken and seems like they are gonna stay broken. It also seems like it's supposed to be a bar but there small children late at night running around screaming and banging on machines while the parents take shots at the bar

Fun place to be in if you're a fan of pinball :) Good drinks and food

Walked in after a poor dinner experience elsewhere and had a great night. The old fashioneds we're amazing, it was a lot of fun having an hour of bowling, and the entire atmosphere is just a lot of fun. We could've closed the place down if we didn't have to get up early!

Was in town for the night and this place made me feel like a local. Really fun and friendly place. The bartender David was awesome and had good recommendations. Plenty of arcade games, pool tables, darts, bowling lanes, and much more. There's something for everyone here.

The new owners did an excellent job bringing this bar back to life. It's kid friendly, with the bar in the front and plenty of room in the back where you can play pool, shoot darts, bowling, and countless arcade games away from the bar area. I highly recommend this place for a fun evening out.

My kids love this place. They really took a dive of a bar that was dank and dirty and revamped it into a bright lively family bar with vintage games I played when I was a kid at the mall arcade when I was a kid In Racine. They kept a few of the bowling lanes. drinks for the adults, munchies and such. Just a fun place to hang out in sturgeon Bay. Good job Kevin and I wish you all the best in your endeavors

First time there since the remodel. The place is very nice I love the look of it. Lots of fun games. Good beer selection and great drinks, the bartender was very good. But they called last call one hour early with 8 people in the bar. Would deffently go again!

Good play to spend your nights in sturgeon Bay.

Atmosphere excellent. A nice end to a disappointing dinner. Drinks were affordable and tall not shorts. It seems to be entertaining to almost all groups of people. Like the variety of activities to do. Will definitely be back

My friends and I stopped here to wait out a storm and we loved this quaint arcade! Really great for all ages and lots of pinball, my favorite!!. Very friendly staff, huge shout out to the owner, Kevin (I believe), I had actually left my purse there and didn't realize it was even gone until I got home. Kevin shipped me my purse back, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Neat place to go to. Lots of games, bowling, and fun. Both times I have been their the bartender was not overly friendly.

20 dollars went a very long way for games, though keep some singles because not all of them accept quarters. The variety of games was great. The bartender was really nice and the drinks were good.

We had my mom?s 60th birthday surprise party here and we had the best time! The staff was so nice and helpful, and they had awesome cheese plates! Highly recommend for you next event !

Pretty cool place. Only a couple of old school bowling lanes make sure you reserve ahead of time. Very nice bar, alot of arcade machines. Only thing I would add is a kitchen

Love the renovations and the retro feel! There are tons of old arcade games plus bowling, pool, darts... We have yet to try the food but everything else was awesome. Bartender was very nice and helpful.

Newly remodeled and a great time for all! Arcade games, pinball, bowling, pool, pizza and drink. GREAT for kids while parents indulge in an Adult beverage! Service and staff are friendly and this place is nice for all ages!

Perfect place to go with kids ranging 5-70! Super awesome old school arcade games, delicious drinks, excellent service, and retro bowling lanes! Spent an entire rainy afternoon here with the family and loved every moment!

A good number of machines were not working. I used to love taking my kids here when we were in town on vacation, not anymore. The place is starting to look run down.

The music has been too loud lately.

Love this place, 80s arcade bar with 50s bowling alley. Great drinks, friendly staff and just a good time in general.

This place is pretty cool this was the first time I was in it I like the arcade for the kids the bowling I thought it was nice that oh my gosh it's old school you actually have to write it down teach the kids to write down bowling scores how to actually do it that was pretty cool it's so nice and big and clean and nice in there was a very nice experience definitely will be back

A well-maintained and fun place to play, eat, and drink! We enjoyed everything and appreciated that they opened early on a rainy afternoon in Door County. Do check this place out!

If you think thing's were ruined by bad weather, think again. Attentive staff, fun games and a good drink. A welcoming place for all ages and especially fun for the grown up kids who miss the arcade.

Amazing place. Stepping back in time. So awesome! Cody, the bartender is fantastic. Totally appreciate places like this...just what the world needs. Thank you Cherry Lanes! I'll be back!!!

Loved going to this place for the kids to play in the arcade and could bowl if we got bored. Kids never got bored and we ordered 2 pizzas and they were pretty good size and not bad prices

Alright. I well well well understand how we each want good times around here: so I will be sharing with you the right kind of helpful info that's helped me and millions of others. Now, first I love arcades much. I used to appreciate them somewhat with Loose Change (probably great from it's Cherry Point Mall location) and one I cannot identify from the west side of town. (Yet, most of life I see quite simply, friends, that including myself, the finest wisdom isn't always taken or "is very hard to accept.

Rolling...AND Arcade Bar!? How cool. The recent renovation makes this place a stellar hangout. I just went with a group for a holiday get together and the pinball machines bring me back to my childhood. Pacman, Galaga, air hockey, bunches of pinball machines from various decades; this place has things to entertain even the non-"gamer". Truth: I tricked my non-"gamer" fianc? into playing tons of games, and she loved the entire evening.

Hidden gem. The best Old Fashion in Door County. Unique place. Great bar. Nice place for the kids to have fun. Yet adult bar.

Great games, fun place, BAD PIZZA ($23!?!?) I am willing to pay the price but not for that quality cmon y?all

Great place to hang out at! Large room filled with pinball machines and classic arcade games. There is also a sweet little bowling alley.

Nice place, fun, good drinks and great service.

What a great time! All the old school games were great! We adults held our own. The bartenders were amazing. Real nice.

Great arcade bar with amazing craft beer selection and custom cocktails! Huge selection of arcade games (plus air hockey, bowling, darts, etc)...would definitely recommend!

This is a gem that is good for all ages. Bowling lanes (make a reservation), darts, air hockey, billiards, pinball and miscellaneous arcade classics make this place great for everyone.

Nice place. All the games you crave. Pinball, air hockey, pool, foosball. Even bowling. Plenty of beer too if you want it.

Love it! So much fun! Bring quarters so you can play the games or bring small bills to exchange for change in the machines! Wish we had something like this where I live!

Super fun, vintage vibe. Kind and accommodating staff.

A super rad place with great pinball machines and bowling alley! The drinks are really damn good too!

Cherry Lanes is a neighborhood gem! We love the atmosphere, the staff, and everything Cherry has to offer. Amazing spot in Sturgeon Bay!

Wow, first timer. Tony was great ! Asked some history questions and he filled the gaps. Will definitely come back with the family and play some games and more. Thank you Tony !

Nice set up for darts and cool old skool bowling alley. Service was hot and cold but drinks were good

Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, plenty of room to spread out and socialize. The recent remodel really turned this into a nice spot!

A lot of retro arcade games plus 4 bowling lanes, super clean, great drink variety, and friendly staff. Will definitely return!

Awesome place for a Sunday Funday! Lots to do and also great charcuterie boards. It's a hidden gem in Sturgeon Bay.

Owners are personable & fun. Great spit for the whole family to enjoy themselves. Good pizza.

Great place. Cheap drinks. Cheap arcade and most of them working properly. Laid back crowd.

Omg what a big improvement...much nicer and cleaner place than what it was...can't wait to enjoy more evenings there when my family visits sturgeon bay

Excellent service, excellent atmosphere, and excellent game choices!! This place has definitely turned around since re-opening/remodeling! Thank you!

They just hosted a Fun Night with Open Door Pride, and we had a blast! Looking forward to trying their special, the Spare.

Cool place to spend the afternoon with the kids, some bowling, arcade games, and friendly service.

Very friendly.great atmosphere. ?? ??

Great place to hang out and play some pinball and arcade games. Great cocktails and a great selection of machines to play.

We certainly enjoyed our experience here. This is the kind of place that Sturgeon Bay needed. Great job with the renovation!

Super cool! Definitely recommend as a stop for your bar hop day! :D

Really cool, really fun adult bar. Retro arcade games+bowling+air hockey+great bar=fun!

Had a great time playing some super casual bowling and darts with good friends friends. Cody behind the bar was the man!

I just love this place. Bowling and games are a funtime. Bartender is super nice.

Old school bowling and arcade nostalgia with a modern flair. Great variety of games, paper scored bowling, and an excellent beer list.

Redoing the entire place. Will be ready soon. We did the signs at Rienhold. They look great! End of May I think.

Thanks so much for something fun to do in the winter! Great place with vintage games.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

Are retro games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Absolutely, retro games in arcades remain a thrilling draw in 2025! Classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter II offer simple yet addictive gameplay, blending nostalgia with timeless challenge. Modern arcade cabinets often feature crisp displays and restored controls, enhancing the experience. These games thrive on quick reflexes and strategy, with vibrant pixel art and iconic soundtracks that spark joy. Arcades host tournaments and leaderboards, fostering a lively community. While modern games dominate, retro titles provide a unique, accessible thrill that keeps arcades buzzing.

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.