*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*
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.
*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*
*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*
*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*
*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*
122 S Oakland St
Gastonia, North Carolina 28052
CityCade Arcade hosted our Wedding After Party, where we had a blast doing karaoke and playing pinball and arcade games with all of our guests. They even let us rent out the space so it would be private for our special event. I cannot recommend CityCade and DJ Smirk enough, they made our wedding day extremely special and memorable for all of our guests. Thank you again to the owner, Byron, for helping us plan and making it all happen. It was everything we could have hoped for.
I come here about once a week for a Pinball League Night. They also have karaoke and trivia on specific nights. There are planned themed nights, food trucks on the weekends, and a great group of people. The owner, Byron, is super nice and is always planning new events. We enjoy coming here for the people, arcade games, service, and fun!
I haven't tried the food, but the drinks were good and the service was amazing. the area itself is a little dark outside but the arcade was nice!
I've come here several times for karaoke. Definitely love the atmosphere and the DJ and the bartender. They are amazing!.
One of our Favorite places to go. Our version of ?Cheers? in Gastonia. Every one knows our name. We enjoy the people, the atmosphere and most of all, the Friendships. It's Priceless. If you haven't been, put it on your list. Drink specials rotate along with food trucks. Great outdoor space and if arcade games are your thing, this is the place. ??
Citycade is a good arcade bar... Modern pinball machines, some arcade games, air hockey, skee ball. The atmosphere is laid back; the owner and employees are fun and easy going. They have all the events a bar needs including occasional live music, karaoke night, trivia night and pinball league night. Everyone can feel welcome at this local hangout.
Great gathering place for adults. Arcade games, full bar, DJ, karaoke, live music, food trucks. Offer private party options, too!
We celebrated Jimmy and Molly's birthday! Great group of people and friends, everyone was having a great time enjoying the birthday bash and karaoke. Definitely recommend Citycade to all fans of arcade games and great folks!
First time, you are greeted like a long time customer. The food was excellent, we got nachos and Volkswagen . Wednesday night they had music bingo. Fun but not my expertise. My wife and I had a great time. Ms PAC man was free. Give them a try
Just went here for the first time and loved it. Good 80?s music playing the background and really cool arcade machines including classic games and newer pinball tables like Stranger Things and The Mandalorian, not to mention the big 2 player shoot ?em up Terminator game. Places like this are hard to find anymore and I really appreciated it. Thanks guys!
What a great place, Destiny the bartender went out of her way to solve my issue. Served up some excellent drinks and the conversation I had with the owner was well worth it. All games were working and on, very cool and I love the outdoor seating. Great place in a great little town!
Alwaysa fun time! Don't go expecting a bunch of scratch made food, this isn't what this place is about. Go to play games while having a drink and stay for the karaoke.
Great place to enjoy pinball and retro games and good food and drink. The owner of this establishment is committed to helping the victims of Hurricane Helene and he is bringing supplies up to the drop off locations. He is a man of integrity and cares about his fellow neighbors in the mountains.
great bar! the guy that owns it is super nice and friendly, great drinks and games! drink and food prices are super cheap! will definitely be back!
This is the perfect place for a laid back date night or just out with the fellas. They have all the old school arcade games. A good bar selection with very reasonable prices and a good truck right outside that is just ridiculous in the best kind of way. The atmosphere was real laid back and every body I spoke to was really nice. Not really for the kids but a guaranteed good night out.
Citycade is an amazing bar! I love the events they do, especially karaoke- it isn't about how well you sing but the passion you bring! The atmosphere is welcoming and fun. Prices are very reasonable! I recommend this bar to anyone who wants a great place to hang out!
I've now been here 3 or 4 times since they opened ... Im just not impressed. The vibe should be fun, but the whole place just kinda feels sad. It seems to have a lot of potential that it just hasnt risen up to .. especially if compared to the feel and enjoyment of the Pinball Musuem just a couple miles away ... I can't see myself giving them another chance at this point
Trivia on Thursdays is so much fun. The pinball machines are awesome.
Great atmosphere, great people! Karaoke ?? and pinball!
A true gem of gastonia, Nice place to play pinball and some arcade games in a relaxed environment. The owner Byron is very welcoming and a great host for the various events they run such as their pinball league, trivia and karaoke!
Nice small bar atmosphere, maybe a little too cramped though only reason I did not give more stars. I only stayed a short time, but it is a fun stop. Definitely worth a stop for some fun games and nice people when in the area.
This place is great and I highly suggest you visit! They're so much selection of old school games, new arcade games and pinball machines you're bound to find something you like. The drinks as well are very affordable and delicious. I love their karaoke nights and the atmosphere is very fun. Definitely come visit !
The only reason I'm taking off one star is because it's always really hot in the bar. But the drinks are good, the events are fun, and the prices are fair! It's been a hot minute since I've gone but I'm planning on returning soon!
I came and checked this place out on a karaoke night. It was very lively. Many people were participating in karaoke singing a wide variety of music styles. The arcade area has a pretty good selection of games that you play with quarters. I was able to win 2 giant dum dum suckers from the claw machine. The bartender was friendly and was serving drinks fairly quickly even though it was busy. He was very knowledgeable about the craft beer selection. There are some food options. I had the pretzel but it was a l
Had a great time here. The owner was super friendly, the games and beer are cheap, and it's an all around cool spot.
I went during the bar crawl so I can't speak on much but the atmosphere was cool. Service was quick despite the crowd.
Went here for the first time tonight, staff was very welcoming and showed us around, even during a busy hour. We had a few beverages and played a handful of pinball and arcade games, all of them were in fine working order. There's even a section of free play games! Definitely will come back next time in the Gastonia area.
Awesome places to go for old school games and my favorite pinball machines. The staff and owners are great people , always friendly. And the hotdogs are awesome . I recommend the Volkswagen dog. They also have a fully stocked bar many new upgrades and have different events nightly. If your into karaoke they have that as well. Great crowd and fun people.. UPDATE they now have air hockey
Great barcade with a cozy feel. Owner/operator extremely helpful and friendly. Gave me some pinball tips that I'll put to use!
Very cool arcade with a decent selection of beers. All machines worked which is hard to find these days. Owner was very nice and knowledgeable.
Amazing and fun little establishment. Went for both my friends birthdays and they had a blast. Drink selection is simple, but good and they are open to drinks that you want made. Fantastic games, I feel like I am five again, dig dug, the original Sonic and Mario, Street Fighter, Pac-Man, and many more! Go try it out and never to busy either.
Wow! What a great little place. Old school pin ball and games. Drinks were good. Crowd was good. They have entertainment often it seems. I'll be visiting more, place just feels friendly.
Always a good place to chill out after work and with your friends, even a greater place to meet new people and create long lasting friendships, so many smiling faces as soon as you enter the property! You can really feel at home here!
??A blast from the future! ?? Classic arcade games on free play and killer pinball along with weekly theme nights. Love Thursday night trivia! ??
Had a blast at Citycade. We came there to serve up some food and the community is amazing. Everyone was extremely nice and welcoming. Great atmosphere, fun games, and great people. We cannot wait to go back! Thanks for having us out Citycade.
We ventured out for a friend's birthday party and this place was absolutely amazing. Loved the atmosphere, drinks were reasonably priced. Customer service was top notch. Definitely check this place out if you get the chance.
This place is exactly what this city needs. The nostalgia hits you the second you walk in the door. Great selection of arcade games and a jukebox filled with throwbacks. Hot dogs are unique, they have a delicious jalape?o house slaw that makes my mouth water. Definitely a great place to grab a beer and socialize.
Great spot to hang out. First time going there and we were greeted as if we were regulars. Good beer prices and fun games all throughout. Really loved the Stranger Things pinball!
Went there yesterday(08/28/21) and had fun. Had good time talking to the owner. The drink I had, Ms.pac-man, was amazing ,and also ordered pulled pork sandwich which was also great! Will be going back
Great place to go back in time to the good old nostalgic arcade era days. Good staff & people who hang out there, I'd rather go here than any bar ANY day. Glad we stopped there, had lots of fun.
Had a great time there! Karaoke night was pretty lit and the retro arcade was fun. Would definitely love to see more variety of games somewhere down the line but I'll definitely be making a return trip soon
Had a great time. The staff is awesome and the atmosphere is so inviting to anyone. My wife and I love this place.
Amazing atmosphere! Come for the drinks, pinball, trivia and FREE arcade games!
Love CityCade! The owners have done a great job bringing old school gaming to today?s time. We loved the food and the laid back environment! If you're up for a fun time, definitely go visit them!
Been a few times and it has been great every time!! Great music, karaoke on Friday nights is such a blast!! Great people!! Go and check it out!!! You won't be disappointed!!!
This place is the bomb. It took me back to the days of friends and fun and arcade games, not to mention the food. Oh my gosh, he makes the best hotdog I've ever had, and I've had a few. You really ought to go check it out. You will not be disappointed.
This place is great for children during the day then adults at night. What a great idea, I sit at the bar and my boyfriend goes and plays all the video games he wants... Such a great atmosphere and great people that own it.
It was very hot inside the building..but other than that a great place to hang out!
80s themed barcade. $5 gives you all the Pac-Man and Galaga you could want. Byron and Sandra are great. Nice beer selection. Update July '22 Special thank you to Byron for the hospitality this evening! He let us park our bikes inside so we could enjoy a beer in the arcade. Love this little gem in downtown Gastonia.
Cool place to visit, super friendly! Low priced beers and a lot of free games (my favorite is Ms Pac-Man) and coin-based arcade games :). Highly recommend.
Great place to play some games and drink! Had a blast when we went. Definitely worth checking out! The Starburst drink is my fave!
This is the most amazing place! Where else can you play old video and pinball games while eating good food and drinking?!?! The people are awesome too!!!
Jimmy is AMAZING!!! Great personaliy. Lots of fun. The environment is great. Wonderful experience! Would recommend for anybody??
We really enjoyed ourselves here. The staff were so nice, the drinks were good and the food was good for a bar. We'll definitely be back.
It's awesome to see the old school games back again. The hotdogs and drinks were awesome. It's a real laid-back atmosphere. He has done a great job setting this place up. I cannot wait for it open
Great joint! Has a fun and diverse crowd and staff. Best Karaoke every Friday night!
Excellent staff, always a comfortable group of patrons and awesome pinball among the array of new and retro digital games. . Simply put . . .cool place to hang n relax ????
Awesome as usual. We had a large party and it was very accommodating and excellent service!!! Thank you. We will def visit again!
THE BEST place to kick back and have fun in Gastonia! Great people, local brew, and retro games - what else do ya need?
Awesome place. Killer 80's arcade classics and decor . The food is excellent and priced right. Good fun for the whole family.
Real friendly staff laid back environment alot of good fun activities an great food I am definitely on my way back had a blast an only greater things for this place are to come. #hugefan
Wow what an incredibly laid back and chill atmosphere! Love the place...great drinks...great music....great fun...great staff.... Go check em out.
Had a good time. Good selection of a variety of games. Good atmosphere. Owner is nice.
It was fun for a visit. The machines were inconsistent in how you pay for them. Some were quarters, some were dollars, some were free. Just kind of a hodge podge of old arcade games.
Step back into an '80's style Arcade atmosphere. With only a small bite of modernization. Such as led lighting, a bar that can serve up mixed drinks for "MEMBERS" over the legal age.
Great place for drinks and FUN!! Very personable service and hospitality!! Nice selection of Flippers!!! (Pinball)
Great karaoke spot with good food trucks, every Friday
This is my new favorite place! Some adult drinks and Old School Arcade Games! They have food also, but I'll have to comment on that Next Time!
Lots of fun, friendly locally owned bar. Lots of drink options and old school video games. I'll definitely be back.
Had a great time, prices are fair, old school games, and a real bar!!!
Great little place. Everybody seems friendly and the prices are more than Fair.
Love the large number of varying arcades, as well as the atmosphere that's offered by the owner through the added music in the background and multiple food items available to enjoy between games!
Fun place to get away and enjoy yourself. Always something going on. Stop in and let your inner child run free.
Great place..got there late..food looks really good..we stopped by after dinner..so didnt eat... but the hotdogs look to be on my list for next visit
Nice little hidden gem in the Downtown Gastonia area. Great selection of old school games such as Donkey Kong, Centipede, Pac-Man, Galaga, Street Fighter 2 and more.
They are doing so much to entertain Gastonia. Check their Facebook. Something is going on ever week. I live to take my friends and family when they come to Gadtonia.
It was ok if you are a regular. But kids and pets came in after 10 pm
Fun place where you can go and relax and play some old arcade games and have a couple of drinks.
I'm a regular at their establishment. It's my favorite bar for karaoke night and for their other events!
Great little place. Friendly people, fun games and great food.
Great atmosphere and folks. Nothing fancy, just old fashioned arcade fun
This place is great.very relaxed, friendly and you can take you children.will most definitely go back.
Great people great atmosphere fun games very cool place
Owner and staff are super friendly. I'll definitely make this my spot!
The hotdogs were great and had do much fun playing games I had not played since I was a kid!!! Can't wait for you open!!
Great beers & foodies & company
Looks cool, great vibes. Will deff be back.
Cool place great people and the old and the video games are fun to play and the service was awesome
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”