Dave & Buster's New York City - Times Square

Dave & Buster's New York City - Times Square

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the fun atmosphere, friendly staff (especially managers and servers), and good food/drinks, though some note occasional service issues or long waits. Many highlight it as a great family spot with enjoyable games, though some mention loud noise levels or limited game selection. While most rate it highly (4-5 stars), a few criticize misleading promotions, small food portions, or rude service. The location is generally seen as clean and well-maintained, with staff often going above and beyond to accommodate guests.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
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 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.

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 Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Pool Tables
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

234 W 42nd St 3rd Floor

New York, New York 10036

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

Dave and Buster?s hosted my girls flag football team banquet. The room was clean and had a great layout. We had 2 TVs and a video projector. The food came out exactly on time. Special thanks to the manager Peyton and our server Harrison. They ensured that our day was amazing and that every request was fulfilled.

I love Dave & Buster's the place always has a fun vibe and you can go wrong with that. The games were enjoyable of course. This particular location is very huge with the 2 bar areas one in the dining restaurant and the other in the game area. The food and drinks was super good, I ordered myself a Lemon Drop with the spicy smash burger and truffle fries and was not disappointed.

Hosted my daughter?s 12th birthday here. We had a great time. Our diverse group was happy all the way around. Our server Nick was very attentive, proactive, and energetic. The entire staff was available and eager to help. Our family was impressed and my daughter said it was ?the best day ever?. Thank you for making it happen!

VR, Fake axe throwing, tons of prizes to redeem and win and plenty of games to play!! I think the description kind of speaks for itself. The setting where it's located albeit a very crowded and noisy environment actually ends up being the best place for business. 2 escalators takes you upstairs where you meet just a buttload of craziness in the form of game sounds, flashing and disco lights, kids running around and just the sound of different games playing all at once. For an old or just plain cranky person

I visited this Dave & Buster?s on a Saturday evening, knowing it's one of the busier locations. While I expected a chaotic experience, it wasn't as overwhelming as I had feared. Pros: ? Fun Experience: Despite some minor issues, we had a great time, and the child especially enjoyed it, which made the visit worthwhile. ? Friendly Staff: The employees were professional and polite, contributing to a positive atmosphere. ? Winning Moment: I managed to hit the jackpot on one of the games, which definitely helpe

This place just isn't my demographic, but my kid would live her if she could. Games, food, TVs and alcohol? yeah it's a great formula. There are good food and drink specials, but the food is average at best and don't expect top notch service. Come join the fun in arcade land.

I love visiting this location specifically. I was greeted and treated respectfully. My server was Travis and the Manager Natalie was extremely helpful and very nice. The food is always A1 . I can't forget Payden as well . Consistent with his work and made sure I was comfortable, while waiting for my guest to arrive . In the Game room Seth & David were funny and very helpful . I love the energy these two young men delivered during my visit . Thank you D&B

The waiters were very friendly and quick. The food tasted very good. The restaurant is not suitable for a cozy meal. The volume is really very loud. If you want to have fun playing with your friends, you've come to the right place. There is a large selection of slot machines.

Management and staff were great! I was having issues with my card and they had outstanding support. Kids had a blast!!!

We had a great time at the Times Square Dave & Busters Times. Whoever runs this operation deserves a gold star because we wound up staying all day (6-7hrs). Which I had not planned. Had lunch and dinner there. Great food server?s Kim, Anthony, Harrison and even the security guard was friendly. As someone dropped their lotion and the security guy thought it was mine and tried to return it to me but it wasn't. The servers did a great job clearing the table, bringing over a glass of water, checking in every so

I just wanted to say i had a blast here i ordered the the lemon pepper wings and fries. wing were good, nice and crispy . The best part was the server Mike he was such a vibe of you ever visit her please ask for mike he'll me your eating experience even more amazing. Hats off to Dave and busters on picking one great employee/ person

I came to Dave & Buster?s Times Square on Saturday night after experiencing something traumatic outside the building?my friend and I were literally chased by a disturbed man and had to run for safety. We were visibly shaken when we sat down to eat, just trying to salvage what was left of our night. I tipped our server $5 on a $46 bill and explained that I had recently been laid off. Instead of responding with basic human decency, she looked at me and said, ?You're messing with my money,? then followed that

Dave and busters was awesome. The meal was meh. Better to just get a card. Loaded it with $25 and spent 45 minutes playing. Good value and earned gifts. Fun experience.

from what i remember of my last visit here many many many years ago, it was a very dreary space and almost felt more like a tourist trap and less of a recreational experience. this place has definitely changed with more fun games, a spacious dining area, and great service to make this place a destination rather than a pit stop.

Our program had a fantastic time at Dave & Busters in Times Square! The place was clean and inviting, and the staff, especially manager Payton, were incredibly friendly and helpful. Payton went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience, and his enthusiasm for the games was contagious. The game selection is vast, offering something for everyone. We spent hours exploring the different arcades, racing cars, playing virtual reality games, and enjoying the delicious food. The atmosphere was lively

Food was the typical bar food-fare. Comparable to BWW and Chili's nothing special. Interesting mocktails. Good specials that come with a game card. Only thing about this location is that the game room isn't very big, and a lots of the games you might expect at any D&B or even traditional ones you are looking for are missing.

Went to this place for the first time. I have lived in nyc my whole life, and I have walked past Dave&Busters and said nah. I was right. I decided to take my child to this place. Horribly high prices for bad food. Warped glasses for expensive drinks to be put in. The bottom of the glass is so small it's ridiculous. Why not just show the actual size? There are no prices on the drink menu other than on an expensive drink, $35. I wonder what that glass looks like. I got charged twice. Watched the server t

Incredible experience at Dave & Busters.. nearing the end of our trip and it epitomised everything that has been great about NYC so far!! Great food, friendly service, generous drinks, loud, lights, entertaining!! Paton and Paris made it super special, would highly recommend! Menu highlights: smash sliders, boneless wings and fried pickles!! Washed down with a Blue Moon!

Went in on a solo date for memorial weekend and sat at the bar. Food and drinks came out super quick. Both were prepared great and tasty. The highlight of my lunch was mentioning to the manager Payton that I missed a certain drink item that was removed from the menu. He mentioned they are bringing it back and even made me on one the spot. That was super thoughtful and kind of him. Definitely tied the dining experience together for me. Will be back!

I went here for my birthday and had an amazing time, the absolutely handsome and super kind manger John really took care of me and my party!

Ive lived in NYC for over 20 years, and every time I come to this Dave & Buster?s, I'm reminded exactly why I shouldn't have. This latest visit sealed it. I came for the "Unlimited Games for 90 Minutes" deal with a Barbecue Chicken Pizza, and my waiter acted like he was doing me some massive favor by letting me order it. Don't forget me when you leave, he said. And let me be clear: Unlimited Games is a total scam. The fine print? You can't play any of the games with a purple swipe light?which just so happ

So. I wnet there yesterday it was. A Saturday, so of course, a little busy and crowded. Started with some lunch at the restaurant. I added the pic of my sons plate. I had the same. Chicken was juicy fries chips perfectly an 8 out of 10. The waiter was so freaking nice. So at the end we went over the bill and I asked how do you want your tip cash or they give it to you if we use a card? He siad it's included and I sister even see that must have read it fast but some waiters may not tell you that so pay atten

An absolutely life-changing experience, John has always cared about my well being and has helped me during my lowest moments. He has great customer service skills, and he has made me and my friends feel very comfortable in this space. Great time and great manager. Overall a 10/10 experience.

John and Jhon are both so attentive and provided the best customer service. Food is always a hit and the drinks were hitting me even more. Didn't feel like we were at Times Square at all. Felt like I was introduced to Dave and Buster personally

Alex and Payton were awesome. Payton made sure to check in on us and even remembered us from earlier. Alex was a great waiter, very attentive to our table. Overall a great experience 10/10 recommend!

$26 for a chicken salad I don't mind. Is the fact that I got the smallest slice of chicken and a table spoon of guacamole. Very dissatisfied

This Dave n Busters actually IDs people with kids 1st one I've been to that did that. Otherwise it was a great experience. They have a big dinning area as well as a private party room. They have game machines that actually work. It's located in the heart of times square you'll love it!!! My family came down from Colorado and we had a blast.

I love love LOVE D&B !!!! I'm here every Week and it never disappoints! Whenever I dine in the server that always goes above and beyond would be Ryan !

Vanessa was incredible host and so fun. All the kids have an amazing birthday celebration.

Enjoyed our New Year?s party thanks to Manager Travis and all of the smiling faces that work at Dave and Buster?s. Travis went above and beyond to make sure we had fun and we will never forget the evening. Thank you for taking the time to say hi. We will be back!!

The food was actually very delicious! We got the wings and they were fresh and tasty! Our server was very attentive and friendly. The only thing was the food did take a while to come out but not a big deal. We also played some games but some of the games were out of service or the credits needed to play were just a bit high. We went through $20 in like ten mins. But other than that it was a good experience!

Very fun environment. Had the pleasure to meet with both Travis 1 & 2. The original Travis was wonderful and speedy with our food and drinks. Travis 2 made his rounds meeting all the tables and had a great conversation with us.

7:25pm tonight we experienced horrible service from a pregnant waitress. Who rudely told us to leave because we were only at a table to order drinks and no food. It's ok if that's the rule. But to be rude to me and my family was unacceptable. Will not return when we come back to NY.

I was there for one purpose , and one purpose only .... games . No food was consumed by this humble reviewer . To be completely honest .... my hoop shoot game was trash that day . Absolutely no fault or blame on Dave , or Mr. Buster . I saw that high score in the 200's and I got in my own head , and was unable to perform . I finally know why Blue Chew is such a profitable company . Sometimes you just flat out need help to perform , and on this day I just didn't have it . Maybe next time I'll be ready and I'

We went to D&B for a group end of year party. Catering is beyond the level of a typical game arcade. Dave and Buster?s change their selection of prizes every couple months.

Christian was an amazing lead in the Arena! Helped make sure we felt it was evenly spread as a team of 8 people. We had a blast! Would highly recommend playing in the arena with Christian!

Hmm - I suspect that this is a very 'New York thing to do". It can get quite busy - so be prepared. But it was SO MUCH FUN. The staff were really friendly, and the service was great. The family had a good time. Well done.

Rex was our waiter and he was everything we could?ve asked for! He was patient with our orders along with the kids. He was very friendly, super helpful, && came back to check on us when needed.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Dave & Buster's, and I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful our experience was, largely thanks to the exceptional service provided by the manager, Travis. From the moment we walked in, Travis greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel right at home. He was not only welcoming but also incredibly attentive, taking the time to ensure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. His enthusiasm for providing excellent customer service truly stood out, and it made

Shout to Natalie she made my birthday feel special plus staffs sang me birthday song!Great vibes all around

Always an awesome time. The service is really great, but huge shout out to the bartender in the game area who was working hard but always had a smile, to Nick (awesome) in the restaurant who made serving our teenage boy?s bday party look easy, and to John the manager who is clearly setting a high standard and positive culture.

Truly a vibe From the Host and the servers and everyone that works here is truly kind and NOT rude that Goodness always with a smile & the Managers is cool AF !!! Love the wings we love coming here !!

Visited on a Sunday with my 6 year old nephew. A nice place to spend sometime with a kid and have fun. The games are decent, and the pricing is as well. In total we only spent $60 and I feel like that was enough to enjoy the experience, the prizes for tickets at the end was a plus. The place can be a bit loud, so if you've got sensory issues please keep that in mind.

We waited over two hours for food. Some people in our party left. Manager did end up discounting some of the food. But after talking to some of the stuff sounds like service is always a problem. The fish and chips, flatbread chicken pizza, and lemon pepper wings were great!

This is my first time coming to Dave and busters and ill definitely be back! Natalie is soo amazing! She gave me a free dessert for my birthday yesterday and a free game! I totally recommend to come here! They have all sorts of games! Its such an amazing experience!

Great food, great service by Rodrigo! My niece and nephew came to visit me for the week and Dave & Busters was at the top of their NYC hit list. My niece repeatedly said "I had so much fun! This place is awesome!" Meanwhile, I got to nurse an excellent strawberry mojito and relax for a hot second. Auntiehood is hard work. ?? Thanks for making sure I retain my status as the favorite aunt, Dave & Busters!

Had a great experience at Dave and Busters. Wasn't expecting much as it was in Times Square but our server unfortunately I forget his name was lovely and attentive. Food was good and the arcade itself was alright our favourite machine was broken but there's nothing we could have done to avoid that.

Had lunch here as part of a group event. The food we had was great. The group had fun playing games and earning tickets.

Family night out to end the weekend- we all enjoyed the games and prizes- the machines paid out and the staff were more than courteous and the bathrooms were clean which seems impossible in a tourist location. Spent nearly 3 hours in the arcade and didn't want to leave- too bad there's class!

The game and food is added to one bill and then the tip suggestions starts at 18% keep in mind it's also adding the game card .. u have to click customize inorder to add the correct tip for the FOOD service in-dine. Overall the 5$ happy hour was very satisfying . Had right amount where one drink will have you feeling nice . Not watery as I expected. My burger was well done as ordered and it was delicious . Fries amount is on the smaller portion then most restaurants. They were seasoned with the burger meal

This Dave&Buster?s is our weekly go-to location for family fun. The atmosphere is always amazing and chill and the vibe is great for a casual family day or even a date night. The staff is always extremely friendly and helpful if you need anything. Food quality is also amazing and the power cards give you great freebies the more you play, so it's definitely worth it! We have hosted birthdays for both kids and they never get tired of coming to play. It's a place where kids and adults can just come together an

Here's a review for your experience: I took my girlfriend to Dave & Buster?s in Times Square, and we had an amazing time! The food was delicious, and we were lucky to get seats by the window, which added a nice vibe to the evening. The arcade was the highlight of our night so many fun games and plenty of laughter. It was the perfect mix of great food and entertainment. Highly recommend for a fun date night!

Manager John was absolutely so kind. He made our night. I came in with my coworkers after work for a little stress relief and he was very outgoing and friendly. We absolutely enjoyed talking with him. He was the best!!!!

The first thing I want to highlight is the service provided by Alex. He was my waiter for the night of Saturday 11-23-24 at about 10:30pm-11pm ET. He was quick, attentive, kind, and helpful. Also, although I paid about $65 and some change, it was because I decided to get a $35 game card. Without it, just the meal would?ve been about $30-$40 with a tip. For a shrimp and pasta entree that was fresh, I thought that was reasonable. They had a few different sports games to watch on big screens, and the arcade

I came here with a large group to celebrate a graduation, Payton was sooo gracious with our group, he made sure all of our food & drinks came out as quickly as possible. He consistently checked in to make sure everything was going well . He even let us try out some new items that's being added to a new expansive menu . 1000000/10. Thank you Payton for your wonderful service , we'll be back !

So pleasant and accommodating! Food was fresh and tasty. This was literally the best Dave and Busters experience and I frequent these places a lot.

Took my godson here the other day for the first time. The staff was very friendly and kind. Was impressed by the number of games they have and the technology used in the place. Everything is done on a card no more quarters and tickets. The food was decent and the menu was def kid friendly. The speed in which everything was prepared was also nice. The Ticket Exchange Shop had a wide variety of items pretty sure we spent a good 30-minutes in there trying to maximize the most amount of goodies. The bathrooms w

FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY, Superb service at D&B. I have been to so many and each one disappointed in so many locations, This one was by far the best ever. KAMISHA and Darnell were excellent and very detail oriented in an extremely busy location. Drinks and food and service were prompt and accurate and followed up. So many other locations lack. These employees were true standards of service. The TVs were playing the basketball game, and the guests were into it. What a good energy store. The last, D&B I w

Manager Travis was the best person ever knows how to make people feel comfortable and is super professional I never met a manager like him I would recommend everyone to come when he is there because you will feel like you are at home and the other Travis who is a waiter is also amazing even getting out orders made me feel like I known him for so long. Both Travis are absolutely amazing people and make going to Dave and busters worth it

Payton made my family feel so welcome and at home. Today was my daughter?s graduation . The entire staff was wonderful but Patton paid extra attention to our needs.

?????????? Shout out to Natalie and Dean for making our first NYC Dave & Buster?s experience unforgettable! From the moment we walked in, they made us feel like VIPs. Their energy, professionalism, and friendliness truly took our visit to the next level. We tried The Arena, their new immersive game experience?and wow! Adam crushed it with the top score of 10,000 points! If you're in NYC and want a fun, welcoming, and high-energy night out, ask for Natalie and Dean. You won't regret it. We'll definitely be

Had such an amazing time as always! Been coming to this specific location since I was little, it's so nice to see that they're still adding new games and working to make the place a better experience for both adults and children. The drinks are amazing, food is great, and the staff are very friendly! I was playing Guitar Hero with Peyton, and he and another staff member gave me a few free plays with them, we had a great time. Definitely gonna keep coming back!

Payton was very helpful. I in fact lost my phone and Payton made it his business to make sure it was returned to Me. This location is clean and awesome. Thank you so much Payton!!

Payton is absolutely amazing he is very friendly and he is very knowledgeable, respectful, patient and polite he made are experience absolutely amazing I highly recommend him everytime you come my family absolutely loves him .

As someone who frequents D&Bs often, I was expecting this one to be similar to all others. I was shocked when I walked in and it had more games than others. Additionally, for us weary travelers who are looking for something fun to do prior to checking in at a hotel or after checking out, they have the convenience of a coat check that is only $3.27 per item. For us this was amazing because we didn't have to carry our bags from game to game. The food was amazing. We had a small issue with it and instead of ju

Wanted family food at 8pm on a Tuesday. Extremely quiet in this central location, which was a surprise. The service was fine, apart from a greeter asking for some kind of charity donation before we'd been seated. My main gripe is the food quality. My boneless wings were mediocre, served with two small sticks of celery that looked like they'd been left out in the sun for the day. My daughter's chicken strips were tough as boot leather. She started feeling ill during the meal and we had to leave early. Won't

This was actually such a good time, and all the staff was so nice! I left my phone like a moron on one of the machines and they helped me get it back. Ordered a drink at the bar and also a black bean burger at the restaurant too and it was all really good. Seriously just props to the staff, I really appreciate everyone I encountered. Such good vibes.

Worst service in Manhattan. I only go to this location because I live here and it's the closest. The service is absolutely horrible. The waitress spends more time standing around talking than serving tables. Mind you the restaurant was practically empty so I know she wasn't busy and was actively watching her standing around chit chatting. Would literally catch me trying to get her attention and ignore me. It was a Monday and it literally says several places on their website that this location does the bott

We were in Times Square and decided to stop by because we've been wanting to go to. D&B. The restaurant and play area are on the 3rd floor but there are escalators for both up and down sides. The sports bar was welcoming and the service was very fast and friendly. Our hostess took our order quickly and brought drinks very fast. We had the appetizer plate of nachos. It was big enough for the 2 of us to share. I do spicy, my wife not so much, I found them very good, but just a touch too much heat for her. We

Had such a good time! Food was lovely and service was amazing by all staff. Travis the manager, in particular, was so welcoming and friendly, his attentiveness and kindness taking the time to speak to us was amazing and he ensured we had everything we needed to make the most of our visit, also giving us tips for exploring the rest of New York which was helpful. He made our experience better with such good hospitality and we would definitely go back if we had the chance.

Really great dining experience!! The bartender, Sarah, was attentive and an expert a crafting delicious cocktails (I got the Blackberry Smash). The manager, John, was friendly and genuinely cared about making sure we were satisfied.

Went on 3/3, the woman with red hair was so sweet and knowledgeable. I felt so comfortable just by the way she greeted me. I had to wait for a girlfriend she was incredibly sweet as I asked about the courtroom. The security when we left, around 8:15, a bald man was super kind in the way he told us to have a safe commute home. Super great experience, definitely coming back. Kim our server was also kind.

Payton and his team were incredibly competent, patient, and kind to my students on their field trip to Dave & Busters! The kids keep saying it's their best field trip yet.

First time coming to Dave and busters. Our server was Rex! He was top notch! Kept our drinks filled and made sure everyone was well taken care of and happy for our group of 10! The food was delicious ranging from wings to ribs and pasta. We would definitely come back again.

Janice was at the hostess stand and told us everything that we needed to know to make our son's birthday awesome. She even walked is around and gave us information about the different games.

We came here as a family to close out the school break in NYC. The kids had a great time, the food was great and despite a few games malfunctioning the manager and game tech crew were always available and more than accommodating and helpful. Location is clean and the atmosphere here was calming not chaotic as expected. The drinks at the bar were not insanely overpriced as the rest of Times Square and all the bartenders and servers were kind and attentive. I've been here tons of times in the past and will co

This is exactly what you think it is... and they do it very well. The only drawback this trip was that it was very loud. The music was up too high, and that brought the conversations up with it. The older people in our group couldn't hang out longer than an hour before they were ready to leave.

The food was great, and the service was amazing for us busy as they always are. They're extremely busy 24 seven I don't know how the waitresses can handle it and they do such a great job about it. It was my birthday and we enjoyed ourselves. My mother was able to have some fun and drink some Jell-O shots while the kids were running around playing their games.

A round of applause! They made my daughter?s 12th birthday party one to remember! The parents and the children had an amazing time! I cannot wait to go back and plan the next party!

We had a fun time! Great service, awesome atmosphere, delicious drinks. The manager general manager Steve goes above and beyond to ensure you enjoy your time at D&B. All the servers, and the security guard were friendly and helpful.

We hosted our daughter's ninth birthday party at D&B and had an amazing experience. Nick, our waiter, was incredibly helpful and a wonderful host for us. He made everything so easy so we could enjoy our daughter's special day to the fullest. We had to make a few last minute changes and Nick was great at helping us. I highly recommend people plan birthday parties at D&B!!

Assistant Manager Travis is doing great things with this Dave and Buster?s location. Love the environment and service. Food was fresh and came out in a timely fashion. If you're a drinker and enjoy a stiff beverage I recommend the Caribbean Long Island. It was tasty and you only need 1 or 2. Definitely a 10/10 experience!

Friends and I visited and had the best server everrrr he was very nice very communicative let us know he was going on break so we could plan accordingly if we weren't going to be at the table for longer. Wish I had gotten his name. Then we went to go play but the game we wanted was broken! A nice manager helped us and told us it'd be fixed soon and just as he said later a worker named Seth, very nice and polite young man, gave us game chips for our inconvenience and we had a nice conversation with him while

I thought the food, service and atmosphere was 5 stars. I went there to see the Knicks game last night with my family and it was great. I usually go to the d and b at the Palisades Mall, but this one is much better in my opinion.

Bella and Payton: it was a pleasure being serviced by you both today! The food was good! And you guys were super patient with us :)

Janice is awesome!!!!!! We went with 7 people for my son's 11th bday. Janice eased our worries by explaining everything. Made for a very pleasant experience. ??

I really love this place! It's so big and I think you can have a very good time playing with your friends. They ask for your ID so please don't forget to bring it! My friend couldn't join with us because she didn't have an Id even if we just planned to play. I would not recommend to eat here. The food is not really tasty I would recommend go to Applebee?s in the second floor is too much better.

It was my daughter's birthday and we decided to stop by Dave & Buster's for lunch. We were a group of seven. We arrived at about 2pm and there was no line. We were greeted by security and a friendly host who showed us to our table. I suggested that we'd order from the Eat & Play Combo menu. Our server (Aaron) was fantastic. He was patient and quite funny. The food came in about 10 minutes which gave us plenty of time to chat amongst ourselves. The food was hot, savory and tasty. Everyone cleared their plate

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.

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.