Gizmo's Arcade & Eatery

Gizmo's Arcade & Eatery

Reviews Summary

Gizmo's is a beloved retro arcade and eatery with a welcoming, nostalgic atmosphere. Reviewers consistently praise its classic pinball and arcade games, well-maintained machines, and friendly staff. Families appreciate the safe, fun environment for kids, while adults enjoy the local beer selection and unique hot dogs. The vintage vibe, affordable pricing, and inclusive community spirit stand out, though a few mention limited game variety. Air hockey, board game meetups, and themed merchandise add to the appeal. While most reviews are glowing, one critic noted concerns about safety and smoke. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for all ages, offering a perfect blend of retro gaming and modern comfort.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
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 Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

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.

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
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

1084 Commercial St

Astoria, Oregon 97103

Hours

Monday 12-8PM
Tuesday 12-8PM
Wednesday 12-8PM
Thursday 12-8PM
Friday 12-9PM
Saturday 11AM-9PM
Sunday 11AM-8PM

Customer Reviews

Me and my husband stopped in during our honeymoon roadtrip. The atmosphere and 80?s vibes were excellent. The food was kind of basic but still tasty. I could tell that there was a lot of love in that store. All the workers were very kind. The whole experience was great!! I love seeing stores with soul and heart. Only downside is that I played the Simpsons arcade game and the attack button for Marge was broken so I had to be hard carried by my husband lolll. Also from 4pm to 5pm they offer a happy hour where

Super cool spot to go hang out with friends! It's like a trip back to the 80?s!!! But hey have different arcade machines to play and many different types of beer and seltzers! I tried for the very first time a seltzers called happy Dad and it's really good!! Definitely recommend!

Enjoyable small arcade with some fun throwback arcade games and pinball. Requires tokens so just be aware in case you suddenly exchange $20 that you'll have all tokens. Karaoke on some nights we missed but the stage looked promising.

Wandering the neighborhood and we found this place. Some cool old classic games and groovy decor. Played Dig Dug with my son, brought back some memories. My wife and daughter loved the neon air hockey. Check it out!

Love this place! A Blast from the Past to get my 80's nostalgia dose, plus a good place to bring those teenagers who 'tend not to interact'... My nieces loved the air hockey and even played with their Dad and Aunt! Board games available when they want to unwind, and who doesn't love pizza, pretzels and hot dogs??!? Definitely the best place to accommodate all ages and get families to interact again like old times!

The nostalgia at Gizmo's really puts this place on the map for me! The games are fun and inexpensive while the decor takes you back in time. I enjoy the friendly atmosphere and tasty food and the employees are top notch, going out of their way to be helpful and accommodating. Roger has a great team and location in this family friendly must see!

What a fantastic place! You are treated like a human no matter what! The owner has embraced this community! He works with the community. He welcomes all! He has already helped some people get back on their feet! He wants to help the city and the people, he does the work. The only people he does not want there are entitled jerks with rude attitudes. Don't believe any bad reviews, this place is badass! No smoking is allowed because the fines are exorbitant, but people may smell like smoke, IT?S OREGON! Supe

It's One Of The Better Places To Visit, I Grabbed A Corn dog Waiting For The 101 Bak To Seaside.. If I Ever Go Bak To Astoria I'll Definitely Visit Gizmo's Again, 'Very Nice Girl' at The Concession Bar Was Helpful??

A wonderful retro arcade with a friendly staff and a vintage vibe. Loved the classic machines and the fact that they had real tokens! Great selection of local brews and unique hot dogs. Recommending for an afternoon of fun for the whole family.

One of our favourite places for a date night. Definitely recommend if you want to get out and _do_ something. Great vibes! Delicious cookies. Good selection of games. Theres another wonderful arcade in town and the nice thing is that both arcades are a blast and have totally different feels and mostly different games.

Purchased birthday package for my daughters Birthday. It seems to be the local hangout for the homeless and druggies. At one point a guy lit up a cigarette and smoked it walking thru business. The smell of pot smoke was often lingering in the air as well. No one in my group felt that it was a safe place for children. I tried ordering an extra pizza and was told he had to decline my order, due to the fact that the 2 toaster ovens were in use. I told him i was willing to wait since I was with the bday group.

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! SO MUCH FUN!!!! I love the arcade games. The retro consoles, and the food...oh man the food! The Chilli cheese dog was perfection...and the lunch lady dog....O..M...G... to die for!!! Great selection of fun gifts too! A must stop for retro fans, families, or anyone really!!

Great fun for kids and adults with old retro living room seating! Awesome to hangout and watch a movie while kids play. $20 for 80 tokens games are 1-4 tokens per play. We will be back

Cute arcade, however it took over 40 minutes for us to get two hot dogs on a week day, when it was not busy. Kinda disappointing.

This place was awesome! The tokens work well and we liked the physical way our kids know how much money they have to work Most games were very reasonable at 4 tokens each, or about a dollar a play. Lots of signage to ask for help if something is not working. Games were retro and it offered a lot of nostalgia for those of us 80s and 90s kids. It's a great stop to have some old school fun.

Great place! The community really needed something like Gizmos! Bring the family, grab a beer and eat a hotdog all while enjoying classic arcade games like Super Mario Bros, the original Mortal Combat, Pac Man and many more.

Such an awesome and fun spot!! Staff was super friendly and the 80?s and 90?s decor (toys) was like reliving childhood!! Also, if you're in town for The Goonies house, they have some great shirts too!!

Fun little retro barcade with table games as well as video games and snacks beers etc. Definitely fun to hang out with the kids or grown up kids.

This place is awesome! Me and my kids always have a good time playing the old school games and using the tokens to play. Tokens are decent price and food an drinks are good price as well. Definitely a great place to take your family ??

Stopped in twice while visiting Astoria for a few days. My family enjoyed our visit quite a bit! It was a big hit with my ten year old gamer. The staff was friendly. Gizmo?s environment was clean and welcoming and appropriate for all ages. For an arcade it was calm and not too loud which made it a great place to hang out for an hour (it wasn't very busy when we were there which probably contributed to this calm vibe but we appreciated how chill it was!) . The game machines were old school arcade games (no

Fun place to take the kids. Very friendly staff.

This was the most fun we have had in a long time and the prices was amazing. Super cheap games and with just $5 we had a blast from the past. We got root beer floats too just for the nostalgia and it was a great decision. Highly recommend!

This was my favorite arcade by far, it was a vintage arcade that you would pay for tokens, and really affordable too! The service was incredible and when a puck from the air hockey got stuck, the person who fixed it gave us 7 tokens to play it again, even though it was only a 4 token machine.

Awesome place. Almost brought me to tears, was like stepping into the past. Tons of pinball games and arcade games. Really fun atmosphere with lots of memorabilia.

Good fun for kids and adults! Games were mostly nostalgic but very fun and worked great. The staff were super friendly and kind. Food was cheap and just what you'd expect at an arcade lol. Overall a great spot to spend a couple hours!

This is one of our absolute favorite hang outs! They have regular gatherings for board games, card games, and ttrpgs! My kid goes twice a week and it's so great knowing he's safe and not in trouble, hanging out with his friends in a cozy environment. Thank you Gizmo's for providing such a welcoming and valuable space for youth in our community!

Good times and great vibes! Gizmo's has a classic family arcade feel and packs a lot into a relatively small space. Food-wise, the hot dogs are creative and fun. The beer selection is small but diverse and high quality. The owners and staff are super friendly and helpful! There's a clear passion for the games and environment that comes through. Definitely a great place to spend an afternoon or evening!

We came in a hour before closing with the intention to play claw machines for a couple minutes and were told we couldn't play as they were about to close we asked them what time they close and the worker said 9 it was 8:04 when we went in, it was our first time there and it took us multiple times to get the workers attention as he saw us come in but wouldn't look over at us just kept walking past and acted like he didn't hear us asking for help. Not a very good first experience :(

Good snacks and suvinors. My son and I enjoyed the peanut butter cookies. Games are eating quarters ???? but employees are quick to give a refund. Needs more games. Birthday parties are celebrated here call them. Near all stores

All the games I played were fun, but the game where you fly a jet (I forgot the name) will sometimes eat your coins and not let you play it. If you talk to one of the employees about it, they will fix it for you. Overall, I had a lot of fun, great time.

Great little spot to play vintage arcade games. A few good pinball, sit down & vintage + a few machines that have multi game configurations. There was a snack bar, but we didn't try it. Employees looked friendly. Affordable. Nice clean place.

We are visiting from out of town and think Gizmo's is a gem! Good food, fun games, friendly staff. The staff helped my 10 year old son learn to play Magic the Gathering during one of their monthly meetups and were so patient and kind! My daughter and I loved playing air hockey. A great family night!

Really a cool place and surprisingly really good food

I've been here a few times since they've opened and I have to say,me and my kids absolutely love this place. The atmosphere is amazing, it totally has a retro 80s vibe. And the cream cheese hot dog is actually amazing.?. Food great video games and a safe place to hang out ...couldn't ask for more

Gizmo's Arcade has an excellent and fun selection of retro games and pinball. Any age group would have a good time here. They also have a seating area, a dining area and a quality selection of gifts and collectibles at affordable price points. Bonus was the super friendly and helpful staff. Thanks Gizmos!

Gizmo?s is exactly what Astoria needed and we couldn't be happier that they're here. It's a well-designed, family and nerd-friendly arcade, cafe and retro experience without being too much or too little of anything. They really got the mood right, creating a very welcoming place to chill with friends. They have a solid array of excellent games (classic arcade, air hockey, and new and old pinball) and everything is nicely presented in a well-maintained, clean and fun environment. Sometimes you just want a pl

Walked by today and realized they were open so I stopped in. Website says closed Wednesdays but that could be an error for all I know. Super super affordable games ranging from 1-4 tokens each. All the old school machines are 1. Great selection of pinball and arcade cabinets. Some of the cabinets are multiple games in one. 100% would recommend!! Bring cash to trade in for tokens at the machine!

This is a great place for arcade and pinball lovers. The selection of retrogames is a good start for this new business in town. Their beer selection is quite nice (local brew) and the staff very friendly. We especially liked that they have an original Simpsons cabinet with a real CRT. They also have a very fun air hockey and a selection of both retro and modern pinball machines. We will gladly return to this arcade & eatery.

Great service by the woman all alone killing it on the multi tasking!!!! Props. Games fun food seating and gifts all in one awesome place. Family fun and date worthy

Loved this place. We went there with a group of 9, everyone had fun. Well maintaimed coin-op machines and all the good ones. Could definitely spend the day here. Staff is super friendly. Definitely coming back keep up the good work guys!!

Fun place with some mostly older arcade cabinets, some fun nostalgic merchandise and fairly cheap eats. Good fun for the family and seems like a good spot for people to hang out and play a board game.

This place is kid friendly and super clean. I didn't eat but the pretzels smelled wonderful. My friends ate and loved it. So super of them to let us have a game board night there.

Took my four kiddo's and we had a blast and loved the atmosphere . Won great prizes from the spin wheel.We also won many things from the claw machines . The staff is the best ever! Super kind to the littles . Will be going again! It was vary clean.

Nice and accommodating the people there were nice and accommodating. The food was a bit limited. Maybe add grilled cheese sandwich and/or burgers. Maybe some raw vegetables. I think there were chips, but I didn't see little bags of them. Pretzels are too high-priced, and so are pops(soda) especially when you're paying the same price for a refill maybe $2 or about 1.50. Need one or two more old school games... there was only one that had six choices other than the Super Mario. Maybe have the pinball machines

Great atmosphere, fun games, great place to hangout! Paid $10 and got 40 tokens and just with that we were able to play a lot of the games, definitely worth it! Will be back again!

I really love the place when it first opened but we went there today and I took my two kids out because I've been saving money and finally had enough to take them out for just a day. Me and them we got lunch there and they got all of our food wrong and we're so busy. It look like if I told them everything was wrong it would have pissed them off. So unfortunately I don't think we will ever come back. I was disappointed in the service

No disassemble. Games take tokens, which can be bought with cash or card. Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Juicy Juice, Yoo-hoo. Goonies merch. Foo Fighters pinball. The Simpsons. Buck Hunter.

Fun little place. Couple decent pinball and older video games.

Welcoming staff and clean, easy to navigate game room. I fell in love when I saw the old school sofa! Thank you for affordable fun and good snacks!

Super awesome atmosphere. Old school arcade. Beer and hotdogs. The staff and owners were super nice. My kid and I had a great time!!

The cutest arcade that I've been to in a while! The atmosphere is amazing, even when empty! Small game selection but great to be in to spend some passing time!

Awesome place. Love all the arcade games. The food was really good. I recommend the Carolina Hotdog, super yummy. Staff was friendly. I would recommend this place to anyone.

I bet you can't beat my partners high score in haunted house pinball. Its a great place to have a fun hotdog and beat some high scores on some arcade games. Great place to be.

They have unique hotdogs with classic ones to boot, and classic games that the whole family can enjoy! Highly recommended.

The owner and workers there are so kind, helpful and always welcoming. The kindness of the employees keeps me coming back as well as the super cool, fun and retro games!

Great air hockey table and helpful staff...I'm an adult (for the most part) had a great time spending several hours playing an air hockey tournament with several friends...

Found a bunch of arcade games that brought back old memories - the merch area looked intriguing, and the food looked delicious! Definitely going to have to stop by again with some friends.

The best. My grandma's living room, in a place with video games, air hockey, hot dogs, and beer. 1980 kid heaven.

Fun, the PBB and J hot dog was better than I thought it would be. So delicious. A fun little arcade to venture into. Try it out :)

We just had snacks today, no gmes. The young lady who waited on us was very helpful and personable! The food was affordable!

Their chili dogs are great. The staff always friendly and mostly on time as I order online.

Super quirky little place. I brought my little sister there. We had a blast.

Wonderful food and wonderful owner. Also they have some awesome merch go Hellfire Club!

Some great selections of canned beer and some really fun games! Reasonably priced on games, drinks, and food!

Fun spot! Retro games, beer, pizza, dogs and nachos. Excellent!

Love going here! Moderate selection but all the games are fun & the atmosphere is great!

Great! All the old classics, and pinball. Even air hockey! Plus a lot of fun themed gifts to buy

Love that this place is starting up! Good food, fun retro games. A very nice place for adults and kids.

This place is great! I always stop in when I'm in Astoria ??

This place is TOTALLY AWESOME and will take you back to the 80?s! Make sure to check it out when you're in Astoria.

Incredibly nice people

Great environment and space just wish there was a larger selection of games

Nice vintage video game selection!!! Helpful staff too!!!

Cool place . Had a blast playing New school and Old school pinball and arcades.

Man. Talk about reliving my childhood. Great to be in a arcade and watching some 10yr old kids battling it out on air hockey

Had a lot of fun. Brings back memories of my youth. Try it out

Such a fun place with a GREAT ambiance!

They let me use the bathroom and I didn't buy anything. (Sign says customers only)

Love love love - such a great way to spend a rainy afternoon

Awesome place to hang with friends ??

We had a great time. The staff is super.

Great service. Would be nice to been bigger.

I wish I lived here so this could be a place I could go to whenever I wanted

Phenomenal staff and great atmosphere!

Cool place, friendly staff!

Air condition, coool spot

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 pinball tables still good in this modern age?

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.

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.

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.