Contender's Pizzeria & Arcade

Contender's Pizzeria & Arcade

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the food quality, especially pizza and pasta dishes, with many calling it the best in the area. Service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, though a few reports mention slow refills or rude interactions. The atmosphere is generally welcoming, with family-friendly amenities like an arcade, though some find it outdated. While most ratings are 5-star, common complaints include undercooked wings, inconsistent pizza quality (burnt or doughy), and occasional staffing issues. Happy hour deals and gluten-free options are appreciated. The restaurant seems polarizing - loved by regulars but criticized by some first-time visitors for food/service inconsistencies.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
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.*

Features

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

251 Hickory Hills Shopping Ctr

Hillsville, Virginia 24343

Hours

Monday 11AM-9PM
Tuesday 11AM-9PM
Wednesday 11AM-9PM
Thursday 11AM-9PM
Friday 11AM-9PM
Saturday 11AM-9PM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

We have eaten here many times with dine in and take out. The service has always been spectacular and everyone is always friendly. The food is great and very reasonably priced. We got pizza the other night and it was out of this world good. We are from Pennsylvania and it was as close to Pennsylvania pizza as your going to get. We will definitely be back!

Our family loved this! Service was great helpful and attentive. Our daughter loved the ice ball game and air hockey! The pizza was really good. The meat lovers pizza had the perfect amount of toppings. (slightly under cooked for my taste but still very good) The sangria was very good. Really fun spot I recommend!

Good food and the kids had fun playing games!

Was greeted by Sara , the owner. Very nice and easy to talk to. Was served by Hannah. Absolutely a very good waitress. The food is phenomenal. Ordered a small pizza and some mozzarella sticks and fries. This place is a hidden gem. If you are traveling 77 north or south through Virginia take exit 14 and head to Hillsville. You don't want to miss this place. Delicious and a great atmosphere. 2 separate dining areas, one with a bar, and there is an arcade for the kids. Stop by you won't regret it. Even orde

I love this place, in my opinion it's the best pizza in the area including surrounding counties. But the wings have been undercooked every single time ive got them, ive even tried asking them to make them extra crispy. One time the meat was actually pink. Theyre good quality wings just please cook them longer

Great food and games but the bathroom doors are risky. I would recommend replacing the bathroom doors so they can shut and lock properly.

We went here the other day and the food was excellent. I found their prices were great and their daily pizza deal was really good. I highly recommend trying this place out.

I've tried to go eat here 2 times in person and ended up leaving both times. 1st time bc they were understaffed (though not very busy) and we were waiting forever with no acknowledgement or even eye contact. I think they wanted us to leave. Plus I only had so much time with my sibling so we went elsewhere to eat. 2nd we went to sit on the patio with our dog (it was a nice day) and when I asked they said "No the patio is closed."..oook, why?..Didn't feel like going through the door today? Didn't even apologi

Awesome place with great staff! I had th large pizza with pepperoni, bacon, and onions. It was amazing! Sweet tea is good too and they have more than a few craft beers too. Kids love the arcade.

This is a great place for lunch. I always enjoy the food, service and atmosphere.

Really good pizza. After eating the chains of PJ and PH for so long you forget what a decent slice tastes like. Large pies are what a pizza should be. Nice and big.

The food was absolutely delicious! Our waitress went above and beyond to make the group I had with me feel like they were welcome in the community! I will definitely be taking my groups here more often!

Excellent food & service! Dog friendly which is an added bonus- our pups had a blast!

What an odd representation of shrimp Scampi. Not like any I've ever seen. Zero flavor and not even a hint of the normal ingredients you'd find in even a microwavable version of shrimp Scampi. Fried Ravioli was pretty good. Oh well. That's the small town gamble on locally owned businesses, it's either mind blowing or this place.

Fantastic pizza! The large pizzas are massive. My kids have also tried other dishes as well; cheeseburger sliders and chicken tenders with fries, and it was all good, especially the fries. When dining in, we've had great service. There hasn't really been others dining in when we have been there which makes me sad. I want to see a local business succeed. For those wondering, I did notice on the menu they have gluten-free options and are willing to accommodate allergy requests.

I highly recommend the fried ravioli very good! And a special request for a vegetarian sub because your subs look awesome see the attached photo for simple recipe

The spaghetti and meatballs were delicious! The place was very clean. They probably have 20+TVs to watch your favorite game! Our server changed the tv channel for us so that we could watch the Carolina Hurricanes in their first playoff game against the Islanders (Canes won, btw). Definitely will go there again...

This was my 2nd visit. I had the Chicken Ranch Sub. It was a whole chicken breast, breaded and fried. I was expecting chicken tenders on a bun. I had onion rings, too. The meal was too much for me to eat in one sitting. I wanted to eat all of it but had to bring it home. I would recommend. They have a happy hour from 3-5 M-F. Maybe next time. Stop in and give them a try.

Best pizza in the area. Contenders supported my wife?s birthday on last minute, which was a big order during the week. We live in Jersey and frequently travel to New York (originally from Hillsville VA) and their pizza is definitely on the same level as the great spots up here. Friendly service, good prices and family environment. Being from Hillsville, I wish people supported local establishments more so go give it a try ????

We wanted to give this place a better review but unfortunately can't. The service is great but food not so much. I guess if you have never left Hillsville...you would probably think this place is fantastic. The Detroit style pizza is absolutely nothing like Detroit style pizza....it was awful. The arcade is really icky...smells like a stale beer and sweat. I had the fettuccine Alfredo and the sauce was separated...it was not good. The Brussels were the only thing edible. Service is great but we will

Big shout out to Sarah and her whole team! We are from out of town and decided on contenders because it was the closest thing. By far the BEST. DECISION. We've made all weekend as far as food goes This place is top notch!! The staff is super friendly and helpful so service is better than you'll find anywhere else, the owners are amazing and present, and to top it the food is FANTASTIC! We came in with a party of 7, and Every. Single. Thing. We ordered was awesome! They offer a full bar, an arcade for the ki

We were happy to find Contender's close to our hotel when passing through. Staff was friendly and the service was great. We got an 18" NY style pie and I've got to say they absolutely nailed the crust. The sauce/cheese ratio could be better in my opinion but I wouldn't hesitate to come here again.

Great pizza, great service! We were passing through & called ahead to order. Pizzas had just came out of the oven and we're on the table in 1 minute! Hostess was very helpful & got us the check, boxes, and to-go sodas quickly so we could get back on the road. I'd definitely come back!

Pizza was awful the bottom was burnt but the crust was dough you could eat it with a spoon. The tea was too watered down as was the Pepsi. The customer service was good nice ladies. Hopefully this was just a bad day and doesn't happen often

We ate there twice in six days. The first time we ate there was on our way to Lake Lure. Sarah was great and the food was outstanding. The arcade games were fun. We enjoyed our first meal so much, we stopped again on our ride home. I wish we didn't live Five hours away!

I tried 4 dishes on my first visit. Out of control? Nope. Wishing I had more room. Awesome place. Me again. Wow. Look around folks. Do you find many places that actually seem to care about you? This one does. The food, the service, the fun! Perfect? Of course not but they are giving it their best shot. You'll be pleased you went. And now to dig in!!

BEST dining experience in Hillsville. The most friendly service. Amazing food. Our large party ordered pizza, wings, assorted pasta dishes (lasagna is made in house, by the way) and salads, and everything we tasted was quite honestly delicious. Seriously. Best food in the city of Hillsville.

The food is amazing, the staff is friendly and quick. The only problem is with hours. They're consistently closed when their website says they are open. It's disappointing.

Walk in 8 15 order food. An drinks 8:20 They let glass set Empty till 850. Told us out of tea an beer taps was cut off bc there kitchens closed at 845 Bc they close at 9 mind u they was 10 people walk in after us. Said got water an pop Ges they must not want money ?.

Just to begin with, never have had this pizza before but let me tell you it is the best pizza in the business, no cap. Just seeing pictures of this pizza makes my mouth water. The arcade has a variety of fun and eventful games. 10/10 would go there if I have the opportunity. ??

Great spot to stop by heading home from vacation. Their crust was great and the staff was really nice. Long day so didn't get a chance to play any of the games but seems like they would all be fun. Got a few beers on tap and some bottles.

This was a bummer for me. Pizza was decent, not great. The place seemed run down and a little dirty. The arcade was sad. With an overhaul, we'd probably go at least once a month.

We freaking LOVE this place!! Carly & Hannah are awesome!! Sarah your a great leader & boss!! Keep up the good work!! See ya next week!!

I loved the food and atmosphere! The service was first class and the owners were very friendly. I would definitely recommend checking this place out, I will be back for the next flea market!

Do not sit at the counter in dinng room. 2nd time here Im at counter with grandson digging out quaters for gameroom. Owner tells me adult conversation at counter you can't sit here with him. I WASN'T if he had gave me minute id been at a table. The counter didnt look like a bar to me. The place looked more like chucky chesse. Ive been in restaurant business. I get what they deal with. But Id never come across so rude to a customer. No one person was sitting at counter. He could have been nice about it.

Not impressed.Didnt like it the first time a few years ago and still the same this time.Never again.

The food is great, they have an arcade for everyone to enjoy plus a bar! This place is great for any occasion whether it be to get a good meal, family night, or watch a game with the boys with some cold ones!

I have to tell you this place is awesome We actually were going to the restaurant next door We did have a party of about 25 or so They acted like they didn't want us This place welcomed us with open arms Actually wanted our business. We had excellent service thank you for having us for our 30th wedding anniversary. Will definitely give you guys our business From. Now on. A++++++++

It's a good place to go and watch the games. The grand kids love the arcade.

Great food! Fun place to take the family. Definitely will revisit. Reasonable prices.

Wonderful staff. I have never ordered something I didn't love. The southwest chili cheese fries are outstanding, and the surf and turf ravioli is fantastic.

Pizza was NY style and good. We really liked the fried pickles (pickle fries).

Games suck and take your money, charges for ranch. I think pizza hut is better for games. I wouldn't go back but that's just us !

We've been here twice already and it has amazing food and great service. Our waitress was amazing, very helpful, and friendly. Thank y?all for an awesome and wonderful evening of great food and wonderful service

Great people and really good food. Eric and Sara are the real deal. So friendly and both go out of there way to make everyone feel like they are the only ones there. Give them a try

One of the best pizzas ive ever had definitely recommended for everyone to try. The service is amazing and the food is fantastic would give 10 stars if could

This is our family?s favorite place in Hillsville. We love that the menu changes up to keep things fresh. The owner is always hustling to make sure her customers are happy.

We've been wanting to visit ya?ll for a while. I had your pasta Alfredo with Cajun shrimp. Yummy! Hubs had cheese pizza. Loved it!

The service was exceptional!!!! The food was excellent and the overall atmosphere was amazing! Will absolutely be back!!!

Had to wait 20 minutes for a refill on drinks

I've been to Contenders Pizza in Hillsville several times. They honestly have the best pizza of any place around! I wish they were open for take out during this time of stay in place. I miss their pizza!

This a joke of a sub. You wouldn't know what a Philly cheese steak is if someone hit up side the head. Do you serve all your subs on hot dog rolls and charge 10$?

I was very disappointed the cheese bread or whatever it's called tased like a stick bug smells and our waitress didn't do a good job she was rude to us Bc we asked for extra lemons and it was my first time being there so I brought in a drink and she came by and took it she threw away my drink and I feel like that could have been handled wayyy different she could have asked me to please take it outside like she did with the other ppl I was eating with but she didn't but overall it wasn't good and I was very

Purchased a pizza, cheese and pepperoni. Walked in to pickup. Associates were wonderful. Pizza was also great. I will go again soon.

Pizza was descent but they burned the bottom and then they tried to tell us it was just like that. The taste of burned crust overwhelmed all other tastes.

Great place to take the kids for awesome food & games. The waitress was so nice, we will be back again.

Awesome food and great service, but the arcade is subpar. But if you are looking for great pizza, it's the best in the area!!!

Great Meal! Love the new menu! Excellent service ??

Favorite local pizza and subs. Great service every time. Everyone is always so kind.

The food was great. The sevice was great. They were there to make sure that you had a wonderful time

Hidden gem! From the service to the food, everything was exceptional! Can't wait to go back!

We had a fun time. Everything exceeded our expectations.

Girl in the front has a bad attitude. They need to take advice from their customers, especially when they're Italian, raised around pizza.. If you're going to make it... make it right!

Never had anything but excellent food and excellent service. This pizzeria has it all!!

I'm from Pennsylvania, stopped here on our way back from South Carolina, our waitress was awesome and the food was great!!

Good food, friendly staff and fast service!! Sarah was especially friendly and we enjoyed speaking with her!!!

Great place to eat with great service to boot. I had a supreme pizza and a cold beer.

Great food. Super friendly staff. Kids love the arcade.

Fantastic service every single time! Love the white pizza :)

Very friendly and attentive staff. The food is great. I highly recommend.

Not far off of I-77. Great place to stop for lunch or dinner - pizza and salad were super yummy and service was terrific!

I ordered out a pizza and when I got it the crust was vary hard I could not eat it and all of the onion and peppers was not cooked I would not eat here anymore

The shrimp alfredo and the blackened chicken alfredi are both amazing!

A quick stop off the highway for awesome pizza and great service! Clean and friendly.

Awesome!! Great food!!

First time here, staff very friendly and food was good.

Had boneless wings and pepperoni calzone. Delicious! We'll be back soon!

Eat there often! Always good!

Great food. Alfredo was just right. Great service

Excellent service personable and attending. Great food!!!

Great food and great friendly staff. HIGHly recommend!

Absolutely love this place!

Consistently great food and service. Best in Hillsville.

Great Pizza..Best in Hillsville..Top Notch Service

Awesome food great friendly service as always.

really good homemade pizza, and nice arcade games

Honestly good never had pizza that good

Amazing food and great atmosphere!

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.”