Crowbar Arcade

Crowbar Arcade

Reviews Summary

Crowbar Arcade is overwhelmingly praised for its fun, nostalgic atmosphere with a wide variety of retro arcade games, pool tables, and two floors of entertainment. The bar offers great drinks, affordable prices, and tasty food (especially hot dogs), with many highlighting its family-friendly and inclusive vibe. Staff are generally friendly, though a few negative reviews mention issues with specific employees or broken machines. Most visitors love the unique blend of gaming and nightlife, calling it a must-visit spot in Binghamton. A handful of critiques cite minor frustrations like card fees or occasional machine malfunctions, but the majority rate it highly for its lively, retro charm.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Fighting Games
Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pool Tables
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 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.

What to Expect from Pool Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pool table and dive into a classic, hands-on game! Expect sturdy tables with smooth felt surfaces, cue sticks, and a set of numbered balls for games like 8-ball or 9-ball. You’ll chalk up, aim, and strike the cue ball to pocket balls with precision, mastering angles and spin. Tables are well-lit, often with vibrant designs, creating a lively atmosphere. Whether playing casually with friends or joining arcade tournaments, pool offers strategic, social fun that’s easy to pick up and endlessly engaging in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Fighting Games
Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pool Tables
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

195 State St

Binghamton, New York 13901

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 5PM-12AM
Wednesday 5PM-12AM
Thursday 5PM-12AM
Friday 5PM-1AM
Saturday 5PM-12AM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

Took a coworker out for his birthday, not realizing there was a Goth show that night. Unexpected cool surprise. Drinks, food, dancing, concert, and video games! The upstairs is cozy and cool. Chill vibes, huge Tv with bench seats. Going to have to go back for when they do a movie night. Was my first time there, will definitely be going back. If you're looking for something different to do, give em a try. They seem pretty inclusive, was a wide variety of different people and ages.

This is a super cool bar with all kinds of arcade games, really cool vibes and people. We got to play a show here with some other rock and goth bands. Everyone was super cool and were amazing hosts. The place sounded awesome for live music.

Fun place except for one thing. That white old man bartender with the black glasses has anger issues and is probably racist. Very unprofessional and doesn't know how to speak to people in a calm manner. Especially brown people. 0 to 100 in one second.

Cool atmosphere, lots of fun games, nice cocktails and good dogs. Would recommend

Great place, great games and great drinks! It's a really good spot to celebrate a 21st birthday!

Crowbar Arcade was awesome! First time for us. We had a blast. Atmosphere was great! They had a good variety of arcade games plus pool tables. We will be back for sure!

This place is so dope!!! We (my wife and I) are originally from Arizona and out in Tempe AZ we had the Cobra Arcade Bar. Absolutely loved it and still have merch of them (Crowbar needs merch ?? hats please) but they were an hours drive away! Crowbar is only 5 minutes away! Love it! Things that I love: 1. The service! Ben took care of us at the bar and was super nice! We talked about ghost stories, stories of growing up. We had some good laughs! There were two others working the bar, didn't get their names

One of the few places you can get fernet in town, and a great pool table. Great service- the only thing is that the Donkey Kong game sticks a little bit when you're running left. Upscale dive vibes, really dig it.

I really loved this bar until tonight when me and my friends tried to go. When we entered the bar my friend didn't see the door guy so he walked past ( the door guy was turned around having a conversation) when he let me and my friends know we needed to show ID, we all began calling my friend back and so did another person ( who i assume worked there? ) and he turned around and asked what was wrong, the man asked if he had a problem, he said ? excuse me ? ( because he simply asked what was wrong ) so he sai

The Crowbar Arcade is a fun retreat from the smartphone age for those of us who grew up at a time when they told us "you won't have a calculator in your pocket!" The staff was laid back and attentive, and the cocktails were really well made. The hot dogs were heavily topped and reasonably priced. Everything we ate and drank was absolutely delicious. It's obvious that they take pride in their kitchen and bar. I enjoyed the retro game themed names for all the food and drink items. I'd absolutely give them 5

Fun family evening with our 14 yr olds and some friends! Great bar service!!

Queer friendly!! Very stunning decor (televisions of all sorts, though they aren't all turned on, so fun to admire), and all the machines are retro arcade. It has two levels and many arcades. There's a pool table and ski ball as well. Overall, a great experience with good vibes. I'll certainly be back!

Cool dive bar kinda vibe. Great dogs for sure !!!! Staff was quick..games were all in working order except for 1 .. good time

Such a hip new addition to Binghamton! There's a good variety of arcade games, the atmosphere is awesome, and the food/drinks are great! Definitely give this place a try if you're looking to have some fun and not spend an arm and a leg.

Awesome new hang spot in Bing for the avid gamer. Great for all ages! Plenty of vintage games! Pool tables and more! 2 floors of fun. Great bar selections and tasty menu items. The dogs are to die for! Bonus* my kids absolutely LOVE IT! Plan on coming back very soon. Perfect place for a party. ??

Went here a few months ago with my boyfriend and he got cut by their machine joystick first on the left from the State St. side. We know the games are old so we tried to give them some grace. They don't give their clients any grace. Boyfriend had just swiped to play ski ball and this girl comes over and empties everything out losing his play. He said, ? Hey I just swiped my card?. She rolled her eyes at him, saying it was only one play. I thought I'd have a drink since it was date night, the bartender decid

The bartenders are really cool and they play good music and have Utica Clubs for $2. They also have Fernet!

Crowbar Arcade is a spot for gaming and retro-gaming place! A fun place to go!

Note: According to the bartender, the place had only been open a couple of weeks when we visited. The menu said "soft opening" at the top so I'm not sure if that's the regular menu or if it will change.* There's a very small food menu - hot dogs and snacks only. No dessert. :( I had the Dungeon Dog. It was delicious!! The hot dog was pretty big, the bread was very fresh, and it was loaded with toppings. I might have to visit again to try the No 1 Cowboy Dog. There are vegan and vegetarian options, and yo

Great staff, family friendly. Nice environment. Fun retro and timeless games. Cool bar and fun times all around. Try the Cowboy Hotdog! Clean and professional establishment.

Love the idea! Execution is not great. I had to buy a swipe card to play, nbd. BUT The card itself costs a dollar? Then using a credit card cost a fee, but the machine doesn't take cash. Then I went to play pinball, but they only have two seemly old old retro machines, but they kinda looked fake old? But it didn't matter because neither worked. The staff was great about offering to swipe me some free games with their cards, but I didn't want to have them following me around while I got my credits back, wou

Wanna be tough guy bouncing at the door was on a mission to run customers out. Was my only bad experience but how disappointing to be treated in such a way.

Feeling the structure of the bar and the fact that they have Marvel vs Capcom 2 there! I'm waiting on more food options though, maybe a quesadilla or buffalo wings would be ideal. *Needs Street Fighter Alpha 2/3 to sweeten the deal, and you have a lifelong patron!

Very fun place! Kids had a blast, and adults did as well. Inexpensive food and drink with a very nice, helpful staff.

Super refreshing spot to hang out at. Food is good, the cost for the games themselves are amazing, the drinks are good. This place is sick!

Very cool place! Nostalgic and fun

Me and my under age friend was trynna play some games next time say there's liquor I looked on two different resources and I'm not looking for reviews just to see that??.

Great variety of games! You can really tell they are trying to have something for everyone. Lots of games that I haven't found many other places.

Great vibes and well priced games means I will be coming back as often as I can.

Great little low-key goth bar.

A step back to the 80s ??

Came here with my work group pretty cool little spot had some classic games . Would come again .

5-star atmosphere, prices, and entertainment. We'll definitely be back!

Bring your friends or go alone. Good food, good games, good staff.

Few games were broken but very fun place glad it exists

Fun place with good food and drink specials.

Awesome spot for drinks and cheap games

Played videos there nostalgic

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 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.

Are pool tables in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, pool tables in arcades remain a fantastic draw in 2025! Games like 8-ball or 9-ball offer tactile, skill-based fun that blends strategy and precision. Modern tables feature smooth felt, responsive cues, and vibrant designs, enhancing the classic experience. Arcades foster a social vibe with casual matches or competitive tournaments, appealing to all skill levels. Unlike digital games, pool’s physicality—lining up shots, feeling the cue’s weight—keeps it timeless.