Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg

Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise this Dave & Busters for its fun atmosphere, great games, and family-friendly appeal, with many highlighting excellent service and solid food. Happy hour deals and sports viewing are pluses. Some note inconsistent food quality or slow service, while a few complain about inattentive staff or pricing. Overall, it’s a popular spot for groups, dates, and kids, though experiences vary.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Pool Tables
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 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.

What to Expect from Virtual Reality in Arcades

Step into virtual reality for a breathtaking adventure! Arcade VR stations boast advanced headsets (like Oculus or HTC Vive), motion controllers, and sometimes full-body tracking or treadmills. You’ll dive into games like Beat Saber or VR shooters, swinging, dodging, or aiming in 360-degree worlds with vivid visuals and immersive sound. Gameplay spans solo quests to multiplayer battles, with intuitive controls for all levels. Arcades offer vibrant, social VR zones, delivering a thrilling, cutting-edge experience 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 Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Pool Tables
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

9811 Washingtonian Blvd

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878

Hours

Monday 10AM-12AM
Tuesday 10AM-12AM
Wednesday 10AM-12AM
Thursday 10AM-12AM
Friday 10AM-1AM
Saturday 10AM-1AM
Sunday 10AM-12AM

Customer Reviews

I didn't try the food, but as an arcade it has a great selection of games that made it very fun to be around, can never feel bored there and overall a great environment.

Our absolute favorite D&B location we've ever been to so far. This is our ?home? location and we come here every single time now. They had fantastic renovations about a year ago that really helped the place pop. Their food is exquisite and the game selection is quite up to par. Everything you could want in a Dave & Busters and much more

Fun place for all. The food is good and everyone has been really kind of we need anything.

This is one of the newer and awesome D&B locations. I wanted to go some place outside to eat dinner but my husband insisted so we ate inside. The food was fantastic and the service was amazing.

Loves this place but let me correct this my server Monica shout out to you on you being pleasant funny friendly I'm sorry she made my day wonderful customer service me and my family enjoyed her thanks ?? ?? ?? ??

This is a great choice for a family friendly weekend event. It's not too expensive to play and the food is reasonably priced (and not to mention, delicious). We've been here a few times, and we've always received great customer service. There's plenty of games for the whole family to enjoy. It's also a great place to watch sports games. Very fun!

Salmon was a bit crispy and dry but other than that everything else was delicious. Service was fast!

Went for mother's Day the service was really fast we were sat and had our appetizers in less than 20 the food was really good I recommend the gpt fries and the ribs are nice and tender they were giving flowers out to the moms so sweet

Love this location so much. The staff was great and kind. Issue happened with the hatchet throwing game, staff immediately caught it and fixed it. Arcade games function great and are of solid variety. For the food, our server Steve was awesome and the fish and chips were phenomenal. Actually surprised me that D&B's have better fish and chips than most restaurants, highly recommend. Strawberry watermelon margarita was mixed perfect, strong and sweet 50/50 tasted delicious.

Feb 2025. Still doing food, games and sports on tv. The Gaithersburg, MD location is at Rio. The cheese sticks are called cheese stacks here and they give you a good portion for the money. Lots of beer to choose from. The Cali caesar salad is pretty good.

Kids love it!!! but I do not recommand to not tired moms! It's loud, and you have to run everywhere to keep an eye on small kids. It would be perfect if they won't let kids go out without their parents

We ate in before playing, the service and food were great! Very attentive service and tasty dishes. Their happy hour specials are a steal, well worth the money. I just wish you could take your drink with you while you play and burn off the calories.

I never had soooo much at this location. Plus what even make it better it's this one game that my son & nephews was playing and love how the staff interact with the boys !!!!

A shout out to the management. We had a Super Bowl Watch Party and it was great. Tasty food, fun games, big screens, wonderful servers and managers - John, in particular??. We were in good hands. It was just awesome. Adults enjoyed watching the game and drinks. Kids had a blast and today was some of their first DnB experience, they all wanted to revisit this location! Thank you DnB Gaithersburg for this amazing night. The BEST DnB in Maryland!

It's a good place for kids to have fun while adults catch up and have a drink. But, the music is loud and service needs improvement. The day we went, there was a 45-minute wait for a table. Then, when we finally got seated, it was like we were invisible to the waiters. We only got service 20 minutes in because I stopped one of them. I can't say much about the food because we only got fries and beer. Fries with a garlic sauce, which was good. The price for a pint of beer was good, too. The games are fun. So

Dave & Buster?s is such a fun spot for a night out with friends or family. The games are a blast, and there's something for everyone. The food and drinks are decent?nothing mind-blowing, but they do the job. Service can be hit or miss depending on how busy it is, but overall it's a great place to unwind and have some laughs. Definitely a go-to for a fun, casual outing!

Food is awful but the staff is nice and the games are fun.

Great place to take the family. It always has long lines. Worth it.

Great place to enjoy with kids. Food was not the top as we expected. But it was fresh. They served the mule in a glass which I didnt expect. Mule was ok. We wend there around noon Sunday and was not busy at all. But they took about 10 mins to get us to the seats and come and take the order. Our server was really friendly and checked with us frequently.

Dave & Buster?s has always been one of my family?s go-to spots when we're in town, and although my parent live closer to the Silver Spring location, we made the drive out to this one on May 3rd around 5 PM so we could enjoy a meal and catch a movie nearby. Unfortunately, the experience didn't live up to our expectations. When we arrived, I asked if we could be seated in a booth due to a medical condition that makes high-top or barstool seating uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. At the front, there were

Our favorite spot ever for family and kids :) Vibe is amazing , The service is excellent, Equipment are new and frequently refreshed and updated with new ones, Food is great , and never forgot the drinks , great for kids and adults. Thank you Dave & Buster?s

Excellent service I love how they are very professional. No questions was left unanswered, they have positive energy and are dedicated to showing great service.

Disappointed the happy hour went from 1/2 all drinks to $5 for select 5 drinks and no more happy hour food specials. They also eliminated a lot of games and put in a bunch of shuttle board areas...losing it's appeal.

Food is decent, but the main attraction and allure are the games. Fun for the whole family! ??

Dave and busters in Gaithersburg is a great place to grab food and have a little fun. It actually WAS my husband?s and I go to. So I won't take that away from this place. However my experience today is solely focus on the customer service which can ruin the entire experience, especially in a case where the face of the house which are the host are rude and inconsiderate for families that have young children. As I walk into the entrance, we immediately go to the host stand to get a table to have food, the h

Great place!! There are plenty of games to play and a gift shop. They have a large bar area and restaurant style seating also. The food is delicious, and the service is prompt, no long wait times. Whether it's a date, a family night out, or a group of friends looking to have a good time, this is a great place to visit! There are plenty of television in the bar area for watching sporting events.

My bartender was Siri was amazing? every food item she suggested was amazing hot and service was great!!!

Love the games and food. So much fun!

We went on a Friday afternoon, it was less crowded than expected. Mask was enforced but no social distancing needs. At first I thought they would only have teenagers games and activities but my 2 year old and my 7 years old enjoyed the games ! The restaurant is fine, i would recommend to eat before coming because its pricey but not tasty ??! Service was good tho! Servers were nice and respectful. Will definitely go again!

This was our first time visiting this D&B and it was a great experience. Customer service was amazing. The food was hot, quickly served and great tasting. The prices were reasonable. We had a good time.

Good place to have loads of fun, kids and adults both enjoy it. Good thing is you can use ur tickets for food. The food and drinks were not so impressive but gets along with the place. For adults or teens, u can play and spend ur tickets on food instead of getting cheap stuff from the redemption place. The order takes a loooooot of time to get processed, especially orders on Flatbread, also we ordered a chicken flat bread but ended up getting shrimp.

Had a lot of fun with friends here and not once. Good food and drinks. Movie theater right next to it and a bunch of different restaurants. Located in a popular and busy area. Definitely recommending to visit it.

Yesterday was my first time at Dave & Buster's.I took my kids there so we can have fun. It was great and we will come back.

Great place for food and drinks! Kid friendly.

Solid place to enjoy a happy hour in the Rio area. The burger was solid and the cocktails are half off! The burger here was the all-American cheeseburger and the cocktail was a mango shoulder punch.

I'd much rather go to the one in Arundel Mills mall because the service was not so great and the food selections were very few options

Very loud, average arcade. Good for sub-teens. Expensive.

Bartenders are inattentive. Waited in the line for a drink and not one bartender looked my way. One was on his phone the whole time. All three of them blatantly ignored me. Terrible customer service and a waste of time. They clearly don't care.

Dave and Buster's is an excellent entertainment destination that offers a unique and fun-filled experience for all ages. This restaurant and arcade is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great time with friends and family. The atmosphere at Dave and Buster's is vibrant and exciting. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with the sounds of games and laughter, creating an atmosphere that's perfect for a night out with friends or a family gathering. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making you feel

We drive from Hanover MD to this location. It's simply the best Dave & Busters in MD. Ashley, Siri and the team tonight. We have been here on MANY occasions and NEVER HAD a bad experience from the service , food, and comfort. My Happy Place! Thanks everyone!!

Dave & Buster's is a great spot for a fun outing with friends, family, or a date. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, perfect for enjoying both dining and games.

A bit small for a Dave and Busters, bar service was very slow but friendly

We recently held our company holiday party at this venue. It was a great experience and we all had a lot of fun! From start to finish the service was phenomenal, the food was good and the facilities were super clean. The games all work too they were like brand new. Thank you for making our holiday party a great event!

Absolutely delish food with a nice friendly atmosphere! Will definitely be back with the family again! Much nicer than the other locations with a friendlier atmosphere

They got confused with the eat and play combo ticketing? the kiosk machines are not working and we were directed to the customer service to purchase and I told her the situation that we wanted to purchase the eat and play combo with food discounts one? the lady charged me and said it is loaded and I double checked where to go to have the meal and she told me to the host? when I went to the host and she said I needed another receipt and I went back to the customer service and they said I was not getting the

Excellent addition to the RIO area. Very good appetizers for vegans or vegetarians. Kids had blast with the games.. highly recommend for family entertainment..

We always have a wonderful time, if it's my wife and I or we're with the kiddos!

very bad experience with the food and service, we were celebrating the birthday of one of our daughters and it ruined our night.

Great place for corporate or a child's bday party. 2nd year having it at one.

Omgggg the best dave and busters I ever been to ! Rio lake front is so cute the perfect date night. We got there at 6 and happy hour was til 7pm. I paid for Don q and pineapple mixed drinks only 3$ we stayed for 7 hours and I didn't get to play every game. I had a blast !!!! We went on a Wednesday because we took vacation days. I highly recommend. I got the ribeye and it was cooked perfectly and that salmon looks yummy! Even the flat breads were so good ! The only confusing thing was trying to get into the

Food was good and went for the unlimited play combo. I'd recommend it to kill a day!

No changing stations for baby? We love bringing our boys here. They play a variety of games and everything appears clean. My reason for the two stars is because there were no diaper changing stations in the ladies or men?s room and the family room was locked. Will reconsider bringing our family here in the future.

Loved that D&B is close to us now.....loved the games too but the 2 stars missing are for the service at the dine-in restaurant inside. The menu looks good with usual lots of game food options like wings, nachos, sliders, burgers and noodles. We ordered Mango and strawberry margarita, wings, and chile chicken tacos. Everything was good except for the service part. As you walk in to the restaurant there will be many tables lying dirty and not cleaned. If you are with small kids, please make sure they are not

The bar was well staffed, fast, and friendly, and the food was pretty good. You could almost come here just for the bar, especially if there is a game on.

Extremely disappointed at customer service for party bookings. I emailed due to issues with online reservation and no one ever responded. By the time I got a hold of them, the date/time I needed was no longer available. I'd only consider this place for random night outs and not for parties due to this lack of communication.

Had a blast playing games at Dave & Buster's! The food was surprisingly good too. Definitely a great spot for a fun night out.

We stopped by here to fill some time between dinner and the movies. Great place to bring family. Plenty of games to play, which are updated every few weeks with new games. Lots of games with various skill levels and challenges for all ages and players. Bar area is spacious with many TVs to watch sporting events and games. We have eaten here several times, but on this visit I only had dessert. The Strawberry Shortcake was excellent (pictured below). Actually one of the best I have ever had. In the pa

I'ma luigi Edit: Some of the popular games were out of order(?? ) and the food there is pretty mediocre but it's always a fun time with the homies ??

So I forgot my id. Asked bartender if I can show a picture he declined which I completely understood, asked to order a redbull instead but he mentioned some managers allow you to order with a picture of the ID it just depends so he'll ask him anyway. I said ok just for the manager to say no again. Mind you I own a business so I completely understand rules. But my husband (Caucasian) had his ID and mentioned when I went to play games the bartender never asked any of the other parties. Mind you I am African

Awesome place for date night. Great mood lifter...

You don't want to be served by Jailer. BAD experience. We waited for her to serve us but she's serving other tables that got there after us. She checked on other tables but would walk pass us. When we call out to her she does not respond. Tipped her 1 dollar! Energy never lies- so we reciprocated:) If it was not for the Jamaican Vince. Manager who ended up giving us what we needed the experience would have been bad. Very unprofessional

Fun place for the whole family ??. You can't go wrong. It's less crowded during the week.

love coming here to celebrate special occasions. they've remodeled the place and i'm excited to take my people there to play games in one of the new stations! air hockey is my favorite game to play there.

Had a blast for family funday. Our waiter Oscar was great. His recommendation for food selection was a hit. Definitely coming to Dave & Buster's @Rio Gaithersburg.

Awesome place for family and friends.

This is the natural progression once kids age out of Chuck-E-Cheese. My son and Nephew constantly beg to be taken here. Check for specials because it's really expensive for video games.The food... eat somewhere else before going here. The all you can eat wings during football games is really a fun game. You order a few and the server disappears for the entire quarter. Burgers are burnt. And I have had a desert that could be used to crack the table. The server apologized and brought a much better replacement

Great place. We had a basketball banquet. Kids n adults can have fun. Thanks

Is amazing place, clean, and fun. The waiters are so nice and perfect services.

Great place to bring a crowd to celebrate! We reserved a regular table and used it as the central meeting point for a 13 yr old's bday party. Ordered light snacks and beverages, the teens olayed games and we were able to serve cupcakes we brought in. Really wonderful!

Good drinks. Pricy, but good.

The place Is ok. Great atmosphere but price for drinks are lil high comparing to buffalo wild wings. Respectful employees tho

They have half off games here on Wednesday?s, and we got super exhausted just playing all of the games we could get our hands on. They have a pretty good selection ???? plus it's a really fun place to get pictures with my friends because of all the LED lights in the background.

This location is under construction so a lot of space was blocked off, the food came out fast and was pretty good just not many options.

Lovely location, amazing, friendly and efficient staffs. The food was deliciously made. My daughter had a great time with her friends on her birthday celebration. Thank you so much to everyone who made our day extra special! We will definitely be back with the family soon.

Very fun place to enjoy with the family with dinner or lunch and have drinks and let the kids unwind. Love it there.

This is a great place for a bday party or just to bring your kids or Grandkids. Tons of games, ice cream and food. There is plenty of parking and it's a great time for kids from 1 to 101.

Didn't eat anything, but the kids always love this place. Not cheap, once in awhile great fun.

I was personally disappointed in my experience at this location. Many of the staff members seem bothered if I needed assistance. When my son tried to redeem his points, the cashier scanned his card and then ask that we moved to another register. At that point my child's points disappeared off of his cards and management would not address how this happen. I had already paid for food drinks and play time for six children I still have to come out of my pocket to replace the points that disappeared. This exper

One of the best Dave & Buster?s I've been to. All games were working, people were very nice. I would recommend!

Staff is awesome and friendly?they made our family feel welcome. I really like that the entire space is beautiful and modern, including the arcade and dining areas. Will be coming back to watch WWE with the kids and gaming, and their food and drinks look great.

The GM Danny, and the managers (john, and others) are professional, hard working and effective. They deescalated a situation between myself, wife and small kids and a very aggressive woman and her wife that wouldn't stop cursing in front of our kids, and then wanted to fight, eventually calling my daughter the b word. They handled the situation with grace and care.

Fun times at this D&B. The service is lacking to many young kids just into there phones and not really working. BUT the kitchen staff is on point once we finally got our food it was great. Good spot for date night and the bartenders make sure your happy ??.

Good arcade gaming and food

Great place for the family and/or groups of friends to visit. Free parking at this location as well! - you can always come here to watch sports games, play Arcade games and grab a quick bite but the food can be truly a hit or miss depending on the day and time you go. But the customer service is pretty solid

The food is great, the dishes are big and tasty. There is sports bar vibes

Try the Brekky smashed burger. It's delicious.

I purchased an Eat and Play combo card, but the kiosk failed to print my receipt. I went to the service desk for help, and for some reason, they directed me to the bartender. The bartender then called over his manager to assist. As the manager approached the kiosk, he spoke to me with a rude and patronizing tone that left me and my friends feeling unwelcome?this wasn't the first time we've experienced poor customer service here. For instance, when he asked which card I used and I explained that I paid with

Good food, good service. Very clean. Enjoyed our visit this evening!

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 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.

Are virtual reality games in arcades worth playing?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) games in arcades are a top attraction in 2025! Titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx deliver immersive thrills with cutting-edge headsets, motion tracking, and responsive controllers. High-resolution displays and spatial audio create heart-pounding experiences, from slashing rhythms to battling zombies. Arcades feature multiplayer VR zones and tournaments, fostering lively communities. VR booths are regularly packed, proving their captivating, next-level gameplay makes them a must-try arcade experience.

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.