*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*
First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.
*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*
*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*
*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*
*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*
418 E Main St
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
$12.00 for a two-hour free play for over 100 arcade games. No re-entry with this package. $17 00 for a day of free play with re-entry allowed. Great place for kids and adults alike. I loved seeing all the different arcade games ranging from past to present. Super fun.
The amount of joy this place will bring you? Insurmountable! Played D&D pinball (landed a new high score for co-op) and some of the rhythm games for a date night and we did not want to leave! Everyone who works here seems so kind. Literal gem of a place and perfect for a Monday date night to kick off the week!
I love decades. Primarily for the pinball. My family prefers the rest of the arcades. The machines are well kept. And the staff are great. I enjoyed it so much that I joined a pinball League
Dat new D&D pin tho ?????? Well serviced pins, super chill atmosphere, solid selection.
I came here for the pinball. There are lots of great titles from multiple decades you don't usually get to see. Most of the ones I wanted to play were "operational" but had some issues going on (balls stuck, flipper not working, shots not registering). They also had multiple out of service. I did go at the end of the day. Maybe it's better closer to open. Felt like they've taken on more pins than they can manage. Or just weren't aware how much more maintenance a pin needs compared to an arcade cab. I migh
$12 for 2 hours is a good amount of time. Playing pinball games from different decades was that helpful experience to understand how the game evolved. Good diversity in the games available. On change next time I visit: avoid Saturday afternoon since that's when the pre-teen kids are present. Late night might have fewer kids?
My partner took me out on a date here and I had a blast! The games are very novel as much of it or games that I've seen in my childhood but they're also some games that I've never seen before which added to the experience.
Our family loves to go to Decades at least once a month. The people who work there are always welcoming. It's a cheap $12 per person for 2 hours. It is 2 floors and has something for everyone. From vintage arcade rare games to skeeball and more pinball machines than you can shake a stick at. Can't recommend it more for families or even if you just need some nostalgic time to yourself
Who doesn't love old school video games? Okay, maybe my wife doesn't love them. Does that mean I can't have fun at a birthday party that is hosted by Decades Arcade? Absolutely Not! We visited decades arcade on a Sunday for a 7 year olds birthday party. The whole place was reserved, which meant you had 20 or so 7 year olds running around and 10 or so grown ups running around. That's right, this is a birthday party that the parents could enjoy as well because every game is free to play and they have so many
Super Reasonable Priced and fun for all ages!
The kids had a great time. There were lots of games to play and it only cost $12 each, to play as many games as they wanted to. They could?ve stayed there from 1:30 in the afternoon till 10 PM although we didn't because I was ready to go after two hours of waiting. I'm not a arcade person although I did play pinball once. I was very happy with their Covid protocols. They have sanitizer in every room and everyone has to wear masks above their nose. Definitely much better than having to put quarters or tokens
This is a super cool date night idea. It wasn't too expensive and if you like retro games you could spend hours here playing a ton of different arcade games. My wife and I plan to go back here in the future.
A really fun experience. It's amazing to see pinball and arcade games all the way from the 50s to today all in the same place. The price, $12 all day, all machines is fantastic!
Great little spot for arcades. Upstairs and downstairs area. A lot of games weren't working but still an overall great experience.
Totally worth a visit if you're staying nearby. My girlfriend and I had a wonderful time, so I'd say it's a good date idea. They have vending machines with snacks and drinks, and the staff was very friendly. We'll be hanging out here when we visit Virginia in the future for sure!
The staff was friendly and helpful. It was very busy when we went, but still lots of games to play and if something was not working right, they fixed it right away! Definitely worth going
Great arcade for adults and kids. Excellent pinball selection. Many vintage machines with some great modern pinball games too. Great selection of classic video games. Would be even better with more modern titles. What I love about the flat entrance fee is that I can really get into a pinball game and don't feel cheated when my first two balls go straight into the gutter. We also didn't have any problems with people camped out at one game not letting other people have a chance. I would highly recommend a vi
Awesome spot. Over 40 pinball machimes and over 40 arcade games. Two floors. Right on the downtown mall
A ton of iconic to obscure games, very friendly staff, and a great deal. It's really nice having so many machines on free play. Well worth the cost of admission. Try jubeat and Revenge from Mars Pinball!
FYI: if you plan on buying anyone a gift voucher you should know vouchers expire after 1 year. I tried to redeem after 15 months and they did not honor it. The FDIC says: ? a gift card cannot expire until at least five years from the date it was activated.? So whatever they are doing seems evasive. We planned a trip with a bunch of people and didn't realize the gift expired. We paid full price for everyone since we were already there, but it hung over me the entire time.
Had whole place pretty much to ourselves. Have to make reservations. Good covid 19 precautions. Friendly staff. They actually have Tempest and 1950's pinball machines
Such a fun and unique space, super lucky to have this in Charlottesville. Had a great time playing both classic and obscure games, I especially loved "Jambo! Safari".
Great charity pinball tournament this past weekend. They run a great place to go and play!
What a great business all around! Employees were nice and helpful, had a genuine love for their job. Every machine was well kept and running. Can't beat the price per person. COVID restrictions heavily enforced. Wish I lived closer to Charlottesville so I could come here all the time.
We went to a private birthday party. The kids of all ages had a great time!
We have visited this place a dozens of times, even when it was at the old location. I really appreciate the new location due to its central position downtown, making it easily accessible to other shops and restaurants. This change can make our visits even more enjoyable. We absolutely love this place, as it is unique compared to any other spot in Charlottesville. It evokes nostalgia for me and creates a special bond as my son is a huge gamer, bringing us together in a beautiful way. The new spot is fantasti
We got to stop in here for about two hours and had a great time. We happened to come in on an all day one price free play (not sure how often this is) and paid $12 a person to play as much as we wanted. Made playing the pinball machines much more fun when you had a quick loss! Oh and they have beer, drinks, and snacks! I enjoyed the F-14 Pinball and the new Star Wars Mandalorian.
Wonderful accepting and inclusive environment. One of my favorite pinball spots in the state!
Great selection of pinball and arcade games in an interesting venue, well worth the price of admission!
If you are looking for a fun time and a trip back to the golden age of the arcade, Decades is worth the trip and trivial admission cost. Play as much as you want for as long as you like (the admission fee covers all plays). The pinball machine collection is museum quality, and all of your favorite video games are here...Donkey Kong, Centipede, Joust (maybe that is just mine), etc. Great for kids/family friendly. Pack some snacks...you're going to be here for a while.
The epicenter of joy in Charlottesville. I don't know what we did to deserve Decades, but I'm real glad we got this lucky!
First time visit today, for my wife and I. We throughly enjoyed it, we have not been to an arcade in ages and Decades was a wonderful experience. The pricing is fantastic and the variety was unbelievable, I must have played 25 or so pinball machines and a bunch of other video games. We both had a great time and will definitely be back and oh yeah, we are not kids as both of us are over 60. Today brought back a lot of memories from our youth, thank you Decades for a great experience.
Such a cool, nostalgic place! Fun for the whole family and reasonably priced:)
We hosted our son's 10th birthday party here this past weekend and it was AWESOME! The staff were incredibly accommodating and easy going. It's always chaotic getting party stuff sorted out but they were obviously used to it and made the whole process easy. Plus the cost was completely reasonable, kids parties can get crazy expensive now and I appreciated that Decades keeps it affordable. We already plan to go back for a date night and a family fun night in the near future!
Good luck finding parking places around this joint. No way!
Decades Arcade (formerly Paul's Pinball Palace) is a fun 80s style arcade but with plenty of old and new Pinball Machines. Housed in a funky old warehouse, the lineup of games is always improving. Great for families, geeks, and pinheads alike.
Decent but load and not as clean as I would have preferred .
This place is just awesome. They have a great variety of games, and the staff was very friendly. It looks like it's in an old grocery warehouse or something -- definitely a unique environment! At $12/person, it's a great value. My kids will run through that much money in 20 minutes at Dave & Buster's. We spent three hours at Decades! Cans of soda or water from the vending machine were only a buck. Before you go, make sure you visit their website. It has all the rules about their occupancy limits, groups,
WOW, Lots of fun. Brought my 8 year old last night and she had a blast. Real hidden gem, almost too good for a city like Charlottesville. Really great value for what you get
If you're a pinball geek, this is your spot. For the other games, I would request the management to get the machines serviced since the Buttons/controlls were a little laggy. I'd still give it 4 stars since they have a lot of machines available and the admissions are $12 for 2 hours which is pretty decent. I'd recommend this place!
My son loved it. Price is very affordable, $12 for 2 hours unlimited play. Pinball machines from 1957 to current. Great place to let the kids play away.
Awesome place for kids and adults. Lots of great games from my childhood, which turn out to be pretty fun for younger kids, too.
My family has visited Decades a few times, and it's always so much fun! The games are all well cared for and they have quite a wide range of games for everyone! If you're visiting Charlottesville, definitely check them out!
Amazing experience. Dozens of pinball machines in the old converted basement bomb shelter. Plenty of entertainment for kids and adults. I appreciated having something to do at the Downtown Mall other than eating and shopping (which is fabulous but limiting).
Fun place for a party! There are options to rent it to be private for your group, but our group was fairly small and the timing worked better for us to go during public hours. Their covid protocols are top notch with mask wearing enforced, and air constantly moving. Lindsey and Josh were great to work with and very accommodating for our party! We'll have to make it a regular thing!
I have an absolute blast literally every time I go, nothing to complain about whatsoever; the staff are awesome and there's such a fun variety of games to be played!
Went here on a whim for a friend of mines birthday last week and we had an absolute blast! I cannot think of a better way to take a night out and have a few hours worth of fun for $12 per person. The staff was incredibly hospitable, the games were fun, and the variety was endless. To top it off, on of our friends had never played arcade games or a real pinball machine and now she can't wait to go back. If I could give this place more stars, I would. So if you're looking for a fun place to take someone
It is a great place for either regular hours or a private event. Many classic machines on free play. So much fun.
Such an amazing arcade. Hands down my favorite place in Charlottesville. They have so many classic pinball machines and arcade games, all on free play (aside from the $12 entry fee, obviously). They have a decent local beer selection as well! Definitely worth checking out!
Great place good people well worth the money!!
Employer organised an evening here for us. What an amazing blast from the past! So many classic games and pinball machines and working so well. Could happily spend days in here. My #1 all time favourite pin ball: The Adams Family was up and running, sadly my reaction speeds aren't what they were but still immense fun. Will definitely be returning.
2-10 year olds & their grandparents throughly enjoyed the air/disc hockey game! 1 of the youngsters enjoyed the Wacka Gator. The Star Wars simulator was a hit with both children, as was any of the car driving & motorcycle riding games.
The people running the arcade were great. They gave me a tour, pointed out sanitizer stations but not before getting my name and contact for contact tracing purposes, which I also appreciated. Great selection of pinball machines (about 20) and arcade cabinets from the 80s through the 90s. Not many newer arcade games but that's not really what I was looking for anyway. Also a couch and SEGA set up on a TV in a game room upstairs. $12 admission, all games free, hours of fun.
$12 flat fee for all games. Fun mix of old games, arcade games, pinball machines, jukebox machine, air hockey and more. Low rating because facility is really old, little heat, run down. They are moving to a new location which will help a lot, and result in higher rating.
We had a blast. Great rate enormous fun. Very clean with sanitizer easy to get. Every little while they do a ultraviolet light treatment to clean the games. Definitely worth checking out for a couple hours.
It looks small in the outside but has two floors of all sorts of arcade games. It is always a good time!!
Super fun place, tons of pinball and arcade games to choose from. We spent almost 3 hours there without realizing how much time was passing! This is a new date night go to for my wife and I
Wow! As an 80s arcade going guy, this is an absolute treasure of an arcade! $12 for 2 hours of unlimited play, you just can't beat that. Couple that with a friendly and hard working staff and you have a great couple of hours of old school entertainment!
Decades has one of the best pin collections I've ever had the pleasure of playing. I mean that not only in the insane amount of variety in machines available, but their working order as well. Paul is passionate about keeping his machines in working order, and does an excellent job of doing so. Problems that arise with machines are addressed quickly, and you'll never have a "yeah that flipper has been out for a month" experience. We're truly blessed, I feel, to have such an incredible place to play pinball i
Very nice place ,, only older people like me 30 years old, we would like to play the Stretfighters or Marvel vs Capcom Metal Slug again
This place is fantastic!! The staff was great, they have a massive selection of games, comfortable facility. Dozens of pinball games, and most of the popular vintage arcade games. Well worth the trip and the price of admission.
Was a good time some of the games didnt work and wish they had a little bit more of a selection from 90s, 2000s but thats just me being picky. Friendly staff and a wide selection of games and a lot of pinball. Some pictures and memorabilia from the decades would be nice as well but the price is great
Nostalgia button pushed! All the games from my millennial childhood and more. Layout is perfect! Hell of a deal for $12 for two hours of unlimited play. Highly recommend it!!
A friend had their 50th birthday party there! Flat fee rents out the place then bring in your own food n drink. I went in thinking I was going to be bored but once I started playing, it was hard to leave! Huge collection of vintage (all working) pinball and arcade games, even retro video games and skee ball! Once the private party was over and the place opened up to the public, it was mostly adults that rolled in, ha! There was a line when they unlocked the door.
It has a good selection of games for kids and adults. Totally ?scratches an itch? and something good to do for a couple hours with the whole family. Great place to go if you need a universally-loved activity for the family when you're visiting Cville.
What an amazing arcade! Infinitely better than a "Dave & Busters"!! I love the fact that you just pay to get in and don't need to put quarters in the machines. It creates a different atmosphere that allows you to play without any thought of wasting your quarters. It is not a greedy, money hungry place like typical corporations. I wish I had checked it out sooner. Worth seeing for yourself!
I had a great time reliving my teen years with video games and pinball machines I haven't played in 40 years. When I retire, I'm going to have the kids drop me off here every day. Cheaper than an old folks home and a helluva lot more fun.
I loved this place. The nostalgia of this place is incredible. If you are looking for a way to be entertained for a few hours, this is the place. The classic arcade games took me back to my child hood in a way that is hard to describe. I had fun and will definitely go back again.
Such a cool place! Pay one price & play all the games you can stand (including vintage pinball) all day long! I would've given 5 stars, but quite a few of the machines were out of order the day I went.
Awesome collection of classic arcade/pinball games. Wonderful helpful chill staff. Fun date night for anyone who grew up in the 80s (or anyone for that matter). Beer Run, Belmont Pizza, Firefly, Thai, Chinese, and Mexican are within walking distance.
I have a blast every time I come here. The entry fee is only $12.00 (in 2021) and you can play any game to your heart's content. This is how I wish every arcade was, I would highly recommend this place!
Decades arcade has lots of games from the 50's till present. 10 dollars gets you a full day of play.
Rented the space to celebrate my anniversary. Just hubby and I two hours all games covered by the rental fee. Staff was great very friendly, selection of games did not disappoint!
We're truly lucky to have an amazing place like this in town. Decades is a welcoming place with a very generous selection of pinball and arcade games, with some modern cabinets mixed in. Great place to go de-stress or go out with friends
This is a fun place for the family. Great price. While there are a few broken games, there are plenty of working ones. The only downside is no food and it gets pretty crowded.
Fun arcade. Brings back memories. Missing some old school classics like The Simpsons arcade and X-Men (the 4 player one), Revolution-X, House of the Dead, Street Fighter, Daytona USA (not sure they ever had that), Killer Instinct, WtestleFest, Soul Caliber.But they had CarnEvil! The Genesis Mini has like 25 games, not "all the genesis games" as we repeatedly overheard it being sold as. The basketball game doesn't keep score. Several machines have non-working buttons. The arm wrestling machine doesn't get h
Took 2 kids here guy at front desk was really easy going and accommodating, we got pizza from across parking lot . Ate outside in patio area. kids had a blast and closed the place down . Really digging the video surveillance lots of cameras
Such a fun family arcade. The staff gives a tour and always answers questions. Hours long entertainment for a decent price. You get a wristband to re-enter if you leave for awhile. What a gem!
Super fun, huge selection of games to play for incredibly low prices. Really friendly staff and overall solid vibes.
Easily three hours! If you are into pinball this is the place to be. The machines are in incredible shape for their age and maybe even your teenager will get into pinball too. Don't forget the cheap soda and candy!
Absolutely visit here if you're in Charlottesville. A low entrance fee for being able to play pinball and other arcade games for as long as you want is a steal. I've also seen new machines get added occasionally.
Love this place and Always have a Great time playing all the games. Can't beat the price for all that FUN!!!!??? Nice people and they try to keep it clean and hand sanitizer sitting all around for cleanliness on germs. COME PLAY AND HAVE FUN!!!!
Decades Arcade is a great way to spend a rainy day for both adults and kids! Play arcade and video games from the 1970s to today. They even have air hockey, ski ball, DDR, and a jukebox. Highly recommend being there when it opens because they often fill up to capacity. They have a waiting list but no guarantee that there will be openings.
Honestly wasn't expecting much for the overall price but it exceeded my expectations. A few things were busted and didn't work well but overall it was awesome and my whole family had a great time! Would definitely go back!
Had an amazing experience, a true flashback
I love visiting this arcade, a lot of games for all ages and even people who aren't big gamers. I recommend getting the all day pass just so you can come and go as you please.
Great fun on the downtown mall with lots of variety. Lovely staff and owners.
Staff is very helpful and courteous. Pinball machine area is noisy and confined
It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.
Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.
Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.
Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.
Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.
Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.
Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.
No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”
Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.
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.