Eight On the Break

2025 UPDATE: 4 stars -> 5 stars because they got a brand new taiko cab and how is that not 5 star performance. also, the last time i went it seems like they cleaned the place up Pros: 1. Like the only SDVX cab in NJ and LITERALLY the only newer model taiko cab in north jersey/nyc area. Tons of other rhythm games like wacca, maimai, taiko, sdvx, beatmania, chunithm, etc 2. A bunch of retro pinball machines/Japanese racing games/other games that are hard to come by in the USA (I'm not into those but I'm sure

Came here alone on a random Thursday night and had so much fun. Its diverse selection of games, pool tables, snack bar, and nostalgic vibe makes this arcade a gem. I especially loved playing the Initial D and Chunithm games. If you're a Japanese rhythm game/culture fan, you'll love it here.

Literally the best arcade I've ever been to. Went there for the rhythm games and they're all (mostly) fantastic. Each game costs around 75 cents for 3 songs which is an amazing deal. The only problem with the place is that some of the machines need some repairs like the rhythm coaster machine there the left controller needs to be hit get hard. Overall though would highly recommend anyone who enjoys rhythm games to check the place out. Edit: they fixed the groove coaster machine and the popn music machine s

This place is awesome. This arcade has everything from retro pinball games, racing games, and my personal favorite Japanese rhythm games. It reminded me of the arcades in Japan. The machines are clean, runs fine, and seem up to date. Also has pool tables in the back if you enjoy that too. The machines run on quarters but there's a handy atm and change machine on site.

This place is an incredible gem! It has the best selection of Japanese rhythm genre cabinets outside of Round 1, lots of good food nearby, and ready street parking.

Wow wow wow. We still have tournaments back in the 90s and 2000's playing Street fighter Marvel and all of those games. It's been about 15 years since I had one of those steak and cheese sandwiches they make. It's still affordable only like 6 bucks. Top that off with good ole vanilla milkshake with real ice cream and milk the way it's supposed to be. There are not too many arcades left nowadays glad they're still around.

Venue is nice and food is good price for the quality and quantity and they have good games. Their bathroom situation stinks though. Single use gendered bathrooms is already kinda bad but also according to my girlfriend the girls room is way bigger? Why is the mens room tiny with no where to go and no where to put the key while using the bathroom. Rest of venue 5/5, bathroom situation 1/5.

This place is a hidden gem. I'm a pinballer and the pins they have were great titles in good and proper working condition. The video games are some classics plus there's pool tables too.

Best place for legit rhythm games in the area! Get your Aime, Banapass, or e-amusement pass ready if you have one because you can save your progress. All the cabinets are well maintained because I feel like it's the same jubeat cabinet I played from years ago.

I had an amazing time at this arcade!! Absolutely amazing game selection, and some of the Japanese rhythm games (IE: maimai and Chunithm) are unlocked to be online and have more songs, meaning you can use your e-amusement (aime, banapass, etc) to save your play data. I had an absolute BLAST playing maimai and chunithm, as I used to live in Japan and played maimai pretty much religiously. This absolutely made me feel like I was in Japan again. Plus, the socialization you get with other people at the arcade i

Been trying to find a Tekken 7 arcade machine for the longest time and I'm glad that this place has it. They have a 1vs1 option or combo mode, overall I spent a lot of coins into this specific machine. It's great :>

Great place! Cheese steaks are great and you can't beat the price. We'll definitely be back!

I love this place. My kids love it too. Don't visit without trying a cheesesteak combo. Good games, good food

They have almost every rhythm game you can think of. Drive here from NY every chance I can! Very friendly atmosphere and employees.

I can't say enough good things about this place. I've been going for years and there isn't a better place to be when your bored and want to play arcades with a snack. The staff is friendly and helpful and the menu is actually surprisingly put together very well. They also have everything from billiards to OG pinball machines. Definitely recommended

Everything I expected from reading the reviews. A wide assortment of rhythm games, a couple classics, plenty of pinball, and tasty shakes. Nice to just walk into an arcade, slip some dollar bills into the quarter machine, and play games like we did in the old days. No tokens, no cards, no ticket redemption center. Just a chill place to hang out and enjoy some time. We played Maimai, air hockey, Bubble Bobble, Dance Dance Revolution, and a few others. Highly recommend!

Been going since i was a kid very special place in my heart great food chill spot with friends and family

We go here biweekly to play pool, amazing owners, good vibes, and great prices!

They have some fighting, pinball and mostly music games. It doesn't have it's own parking space, but there are metered parking spaces. It's free during the weekend. The machines use quarters 25c (as opposed to tokens) They also have a kitchen area for food

Nice place for arcade gamers! Fair price and various games. Plenty Japanese style ones.

They have a lot of really cool Japanese import rhythm games. I could easily spend hours in here. It is coin-op so make sure to bring quarters or cash to use the change machines

5 stars because this place has 4 Initial D arcade machines. It's actually a cozy little spot with Japanese Arcade machines. Not very big but lots of fun. The main games being played were Initial D and DDR. Fun crowd hanginf out. Also has food

Nice place to shoot some pool with surprisingly good food at reasonable prices.

Eight on the Break is one of the most iconic east coast arcades to go to - besides a well-staked set of arcade games from all over the world, there are pool tables and delicious food, making this a go-to local hangout spot. There's a lot of history with the place, hence the pictures on the wall. The staff are super nice and fun to talk to! Would definitely love to come anytime I swing by in the area.

Chris is the man, this guy has helped so many peoples lives by keeping this arcade open and running it as he has over the years. He's also such a caring and respectful person. I'm so glad to see the arcade is still around and the break steak is just as I remember from my childhood, I'll continue to visit whenever I'm in town and I recommend you do the same if you're in the area. The pool tables are great as well, very affordable and accessible. Overall definitely one of the few things that have withstood th

Great place for cheese steaks, and pinball, pool and video games. Arcade with a grill and great ice cream deserts

I've been going to Eight on the Break ever since I was a little kid. They treat you like family there. They do everything they can to stay afloat and operate with razer thin margins to keep the community happy. They welcome people of all ages in a family friendly environment. Rabblerousers and jerks are given fair treatment and respectfully removed from premises. The boss understands people and finds employees that are passionate about community, gaming, and strong family values. Machines are well maintain

This is what an arcade should be. A good mix of old and new games and more than reasonable pricing as you play rather than paying per minute like some places do. You don't feel rushed to play and you can relax and have a good time with friends.

So, tonight was my first time here, and needless to say it was excellent! They have a ton of games, some of which not even the Round One has, such as Music Gun Gun 2 for example. However, I should let you know that if you do end up playing it, the blue gun is so messed up that it's nearly impossible to play with. The pink gun however, works great! Just figured I'd put that out there so hopefully it gets fixed soon. Don't know who did that or why. Anyway, I did have a great time, and I definitely will return

The owner Chris is very friendly and runs a great arcade. Have been 4 times already and keep wanting to go back. The games are great, food is amazing, and staff is friendly. Will recommend to anyone! -Ben

Genuinely love the atmosphere here. I come often to get my workout after work. The machines are well kept and you can even get e-musement cards here! (Score!) The only downside is the (new?) Kid they hired. He has openly concerning conversations within earshot of patrons. I definitely don't feel safe while he is here. Not sure if he is here other night, outside of Tuesdays, but the rest of the staff are all very nice and attentive.

One of my favorite places! I'm so glad 8 on the Break has stayed open all these years and hasn't changed a bit. The atmosphere, staff, selection of games, prices, and even the food/drinks are all excellent. They don't make arcades like this anymore and this is truly a rare gem of a place that I hope remains open forever. Rerave will always be my #1 ??

My son begged us to take him here! It was more than an hour drive for us but totally worth it. He said that they had the best selection of rhythm games and it sure looks that way! My husband and I had fun playing the pinball machines. The place looks like it hasn't changed in 50 years and that's part of the charm. Next time, we will try some of the food!

Lowk great place to hang out, bring cash preferably

One of the best arcade you can find in this surrounding. The main games are Japanese arcade game and rhythm games, so it might not be happy for people who likes American arcade machine. However, everything else is great. They have wide verity of games you wouldn't find in other place! I will definitely recommend this place for my friend.

Best arcade in the area! Tournaments and great game variety!

Great old school arcade for great old school games. Prices are not bad, and nice friendly service.

Had a great time here with my 10 year old! We played air hockey, the dancing game, Pac-Man, some racing games, pinball, and billiards/pool. They also offer several food and dessert options. Great time for a reasonable price!

Honestly this seems like a really nice place. After looking at the reviews, the photos, and everything else it seems like honestly a good place. However when I tried to go there with my brother, it seemed that you guys were closed. And quite frankly, every time I walk past this place it seems closed. Sorry for the 4 star review. Might change it to a 5 star if next time I go. Edit: So, I went there for the first time 3 days ago and well, I just can't stop going! I live about 10 minutes away and I went with

Awesome place. Where else can you come and play a great selection of pinball and rare rhythm games? Cheap satisfying food is the cheesesteak on top. Pinball is generally well kept up - Godzilla was a great addition. The Avengers and JP could use a Insider connected QR Reader. Only thing is it could probably use a coat of paint, literally - I always smell pretty strongly of "old house" after going. I hope the break is around for another 50 years!

Although my girlfriend and I usually enjoy coming to this place, we had a bad experience recently. While playing air hockey, we accidentally hit a person working on a machine behind us. We apologized, but one of the workers became overly aggressive and cursed us out. It was extremely unprofessional and made us so uncomfortable that we just decided to leave. We even took two of our friends here for the first time and are completely disappointed that their first experience here ended like this. We suggest tha

Great place to come play pool, the variety of games is kind of lacking. The food is great though, the guys behind the counter are always polite and cool to talk to. The best part is that they sometimes have interactive gaming sessions where everyone can just come in and make new friends playing whatever game they set up on multiple monitors. Not a bad place, stop in for the classic feel and stay for the cheesesteak.

Fun place for family and/date night. The furniture needs to be updated. There are a variety of games.

There are so, so many things that make this place fantastic, I can't even think of where to start. They've got great games you won't find anywhere else, especially if you're into dance or music/timing games. What's even better is the grill, every single item on the menu is spectacular. But what makes 8 on the Break (or as the locals call it, 'The Break') the best place to be, are the people. You come in there and everyone treats you like family, you could be a total stranger and you'll be met with great, ni

Good amount of games, well maintained pinball machines, delicious food and reasonably priced. One of the few places that has fountain RC Cola.

An actual classic arcade! Several pinball machines, some rythym machines, and some old classics. It was definetlly worth a visit for anyone wanting to relive the nostalgia of the 80s and 90s arcade scene. There is food, but the last time I was there, they didn't have any vegan/vegetarian food options.

A fun little hole in the wall, this arcade offers a wide variety of games, although several of them are either repeat games or are similarly styled. The staff, particularly one gentleman behind the bar, was very friendly and answered any questions I had. I also just found out it's the longest continually running arcade in America. They offer a decent selection of reasonably priced arcade appetizer foods. Would definitely recommend and come back again.

Love the place! Go here weekly with my gf, and it's super fun! The food is amazing, and the usual staff are fantastic. Might me scary at first, but they're super friendly and quality. For the first time visiting, I recommend just diving into the food first, and then check out the games. It's just too good to pass up on. I recommend

Went there from a different state just for MaiMai with a friend and had so much fun playing that and other rhythm games. Their steak sandwiches are also really good. Great place

Amazing place. Can't believe I didn't know about it sooner. If it weren't for the fact I live almost 2 hours away, I'd probably be visiting multiple times a week.

This is a pretty decent place to spend a day off, if you're into arcade games, that is. The person there was very nice and answered every question I had regarding the place. I personally am not a huge fan of arcade games, but I will say that this is a good place. Cheese fries were decent. Keep up the good work, guys.

What's not to love? The atmosphere is pure 80s nostalgia, the staff is genuinely nice and fun to talk to and the food is great in that greasy sort of way. You'll feel like a teenager again going to their favorite hole in the wall eating a break steak or the chicka boom boom ( I recommend trying it!!). If you're in the neighborhood give it a try, it's not for everyone but for those that enjoy it end up loving it.

Greatest arcade in NJ. Been going since I was a kid. I love that the place still feels and looks like it always did. It's def. a trip back to the 80's. Love the smell of the food too!

What would I want to know when coming here for the first time... Well, I like the variety of rhythm games. There's several DDR games and several wholly unique ones. Though if you're playing the DDR games, make sure to stay hydrated. I've gone to this arcade with my siblings and friends several times and I use 10 dollars of credit for over 2 hours of arcade. They also have good food for good prices.

I love this place and the guys serving food are usually so nice?I've seen this guy before and I've known him to be more on the quiet side but usually cracks jokes every now and then. Today his vibe seemed very off. Not very polite at all and didn't say anything every-time we said thank you. Just hoping he's ok!

One of the only arcades in the area and definitely the best. Has a lot of fighting games and music games for people who are enthusiasts. Lots of typical arcade games like shooters, racing, and knock hockey. Best part is probably that they do heavily import games from Japan which you don't see in a lot of places. Definitely visit and try the cheese steak special.

my family loves to come to this arcade even though it's a 30 min drive for us. they got a variety of video games... old and new...pinball machines, air hockey, and pool tables. they also got a snack bar. my kids like their milkshakes. but the place is tight and needs a renovation. restroom needs better cleaning.

You can play DDR and Pump it up. Also These are managed. You can buy some foods and beverage but I didn't buy, so I don't know those are good.

I'm a step rhythm game player and I love the Break so much I come here as much as I can from PA. The Break is the only place I know of that has ALL the Step rhythm games in one place. It's a must see for retro gamers too. Staff is always friendly and the food smells good. $20 goes a long way here.

The short kid with long hair in the night had some type of attitude. Terrible manners and energy. I get you're there closing but if you're running around taking out trash still acknowledge the people there rather than completely disregard their presence when walking near them. Proceeds to give a count down on time for closing - the only time he really acknowledges you. I usually have a good experience here - tonight was not one of them (Jan 18th 22)

Eight on the break seems like a decent enough arcade, solid marketing etc. But it's definitely in it's sunset years. The place reeks of BO and half of the pinball machines are off or on repair and the other half are poorly setup. I'd avoid Eight on the Break at all costs. Addendum to respond to the owner: I disagree with that statistic. Lots of arcades are doing well, others aren't. I'm glad that you do have a clientele that allows the owner to deflect issues and doesn't address concerns. I'm also chang

The food was ok with reasonable pricing. However, the cook didn't use gloves and used bare hands to dish your food. The "eating area" was filthy looking and don't get me started on the fryer's appearance. I was hesitant on eating here. But did it anyway, hypocritical me on this matter. The interior should be redone and fixed. The office looked a mess if a child went in there, would probably get hurt. They had a decent selection, I guess. I don't really go to an arcade. But more food options, cleaner appeara

It is nice if your are an high school student. The person who made our fries was very nice to us. However, I can't see myself going back to this location. Adult go here as well but the crowd here is just not my speed.

This place has been around for such a long time for good reason. The games are always being updated and new games are always being brought in. Very rhythm- and fighter-friendly. And the break steak special is an absolute must-have! Love this place to bits!

Started coming here prior to omicron. Since things are pretty scary again I figured I'd do my part and write a review. Great place as a rhythm game fan. They've got Beatmania, Stepmaniax, Jubeat, and Pop'n (the Pop'n cab is updated to Kaimei!) + others I'm probably not remembering. Pinball selection is great too, and the staff and customers are always really friendly. Highly recommend!

Took my youngest son for the 1st time last week. We had a B L A S T! It was a walk down memory lane. Haven't been to an Arcade in years. The food was Cheap & VERY good. Nice selection to choose from. Cannot wait to get back there.

We love Eight on the Break!!! Games are amazing and something for every gamer in the family. Food is really great bar food and the shakes are the best anywhere!!! Thanks for holding on in the pandemic it really is a much needed break ( ps they do all the cleaning and spray all the time also they have sanitizer for gamers!)

This place has personality, the food is amazing, the staff is super chill. They have a variety of games for everyone to get into plus tournaments! They only take cash and the cell service is pretty bad. However with how enthralled you are with the games it won't even matter! Parking is weird too since everything in the front is metered. You'd either have to park across the street and hoof it or park behind where the bank is. Supposedly the bank (which I never see anyone go out of) will tow cars for loiterin

Great place. Wholesome staff. Decent to Quality game selection and cabinet conditions. Good food and drink. Pool and seating available. What's not to like?

Amazing place with a huge selection of rhythm games. They even have a mai mai cabinet there which is pretty rare in the US, let alone it's online so you can save your data and play licensed songs! Chunithm has a huge selection here as well. If you're a fan of Japanese rhythm games this is the place to be. Wish I found out about this place sooner before I moved out to CA. Will definitely make this a main stop on my trips back to NJ

Nice joint. Foods cheap and not bad. Games are cheap, where can you get air hockey for 50 cents. But not a whole variety of games. Lots of dance dance games. Tight area to walk through.

By far my favorite arcade. It's about 45 minutes away from where I live but the trip is always worth it. It's a quaint little place with various Japanese rhythm games and pinball machines. They have billiards anda variety of food/milkshakes you can order. All the machines accept quarters which gives it a nice retrofeel. They also have a atm and change machine

This is definitely NJ little hidden gem. Its amazing how they have a large selection of old fashioned games that 90?s kids threw up on such as DDR, racing games, shooting games etc. they also have a couple of pool tables in the back which is so awesome and a jukebox to jam out too while youre kicking your opponents butt. Oh & get this.. they serve milkshakes!! They have really yummy carnival food that i like to call it and its super cheap/clean. Its a great comfortable atmosphere & the people that work ther

Oldest running arcade in America, also 3 generations of my family have gone here. Love the old school feel and memories, still making memories

The atmosphere is really lad back and the people running the place are really nice and helpful. It's in a nice area and you can really have fun with your friends. The games are pretty cheap and they have a awesome selection. BTW if your hungry their food is amazing. Try the cheesesteaks and the wiffle you will not regreat it!!!

Me & my brother came on April 8 and this arcade had some very good music games! Complex drive to and from there, but definitely a place I would go to play! Don't ever stop, The Break!

I've been coming here for 15+ years and the cheese steak special has yet to lose it's place in my heart as the best cheese steak on the east coast. it's an arcade / small billiards hall so stop in, order a special and play some games!

1st visit and I'm mad I haven't visited long time ago!!! This place is awesome and has something for everyone!!! Food is great and affordable for the whole family!! 10/10

Rhythm game HEAVEN. Bar none, the widest and most diverse selection of rhythm games in the tristate area- and with the support to back it up. All cabs are maintained and are seldomly out of service, and all games that have an online server for score saving and song unlocks are connected. Yes, they sell the IC card you would need here. No less than 4 dancing games, IIDX, Pop'n, SDVX, MaiMai, Chunithm, and even more are available. You may find a new favorite! It is also worth mentioning that this is probably

this place is awesome. i bring my son here almost everyday to play games whether i spend $1 or $10 im guarenteed to enjoy myself. The food here is pretty good too. Usually i just order fries and a slush but today i decided to try a cheese steak. Heads up- The dark haired guy that worked there today (6/26/17) makes the best dam cheesesteak around. Never would i expect an arcade to outcook a deli but this guy knows cheesesteaks. Not only did he cook up some amazing food for my son and I, he is always very nic

Always a good time, the break steak special is delicious and satisfying, and the games are a blast. Perfect chill spot to shoot pool with the mates, hit an arcade game or two, or just chill with good food and good vibes with your crew.

Been coming here for some years now, always get the special. Place is clean for the most part, I think it depends on the employee working that shift. For most part friendly environment and always can walk into a conversation there lol. But lil messed to wheb I cone in and order and I have to pay before my food is even put down yet he didn't collect the money of the others who have received what they ordered without having to pay at the end. Iv noticed it more and more when I come in. It's not okay, no matte

Sure there's pool, but I think the main attraction is all of the Japanese arcade games, specifically rhythm games. Chunithm, Mai Mai, Pop'n Music, IIDX, Sound Voltex, DDR- These are only some of these games that you can't find anywhere else in this part of Jersey. The next closest place is Round 1 down in Deptford which if you don't know, is by Philadelphia. Visiting this place is a must if you love Japanese rhythm games, and has more if you're into fighting games, pinball, pool, etc..

Best classic arcade in New Jersey. Tons of. Rhythm games. Something for everyone. Nothing like the boardwalk where it's all crane games, they have tons of actual video games not to mention a decent selection of pinball. Owner is extremely nice and patient, grill is absolutely top notch. It's a bit of a more homey 80s/90s arcade experience rather than a corperate looking place like yestercades and iplay America. I visit every Monday for free rhythm games. Check this place out on Facebook and look at photos i

I used to go here often with an old friend. I moved away a few years back and I'm making a six hour road trip specifically for these japanese rhythm games that you just cannot find anywhere down south. I'm so excited to introduce 8oTB to my husband and son!

I love this place. They have a great selection of games. They have a food too! Pool tables. A pinball section. The best part about this place is the Japanese rythm games. They are always up to date and sooo much fun. You have to check it out. I promise you won't regret it. Bring the whole gang.

As a rhythm game enthusiast, 8 on the Break has been one of my favorite places to go to. The dance game cabs are in good shape, though the Pump pads are a bit too recessed IMO. Hoping the IIDX cab gets updated from Sinobuz (basically a pipe dream I think). I enjoyed playing Nostalgia for the first time, along with Groove Coaster and Jubeat. The food is amazing, especially after a hot dance game session. Overall, 8otb is one of the best arcades I've ever been to. Oh the owner answered! Well it's good to kno

I thought places like this were dead and gone, but I'm so very happy to be wrong. I made a late-night decision last night to go check it out, and it was a damn fine decision despite the long drive home in a thunderstorm. There is a great variety of games available. The pinball selection was excellent, and there were plenty of people playing. There were dance/rhythm games all over the place. There were some great fighting games, including what must be a custom cabinet for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, an often over