Great Lakes Gaming

Great Lakes Gaming

Reviews Summary

Great Lakes Gaming Lounge is consistently praised for its top-notch gaming experience, friendly and helpful staff, and vibrant atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the high-quality equipment, impressive game selection, and unique 22nd-floor location with stunning views. The venue is ideal for tournaments, parties, and casual visits, with many noting the welcoming environment and memorable events. Features like VR setups, Skittles machines, and comfy chairs add to the appeal. Customers frequently mention returning or becoming members, emphasizing its value and fun factor.

About This Listing

Has Fighting Games
Has Tournaments
Has Consoles
Has Food
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.*

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 Fighting Games
Has Tournaments
Has Consoles
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

100 S Clinton Ave Floor 22

Rochester, New York 14604

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 5-10PM
Thursday 5-10PM
Friday 5PM-12AM
Saturday 5PM-12AM
Sunday 5-10PM

Customer Reviews

Everything about Great Lakes Gaming Lounge is amazing. We hosted our son?s 11th birthday party this past weekend. The staff was helpful, patient, and fun! The kids had a blast and said it was the best party ever! We will definitely be back to visit and even host more events! I highly recommend you check this place out!

Had my bridal shower here at the lounge and everything was wonderful! Ben was super great with all my guest and very accommodating. It was a very great price and worth every penny, highly recommend!

5 Stars ? Amazing Atmosphere & Top-Tier Setup! Great Lakes Gaming is hands down one of the best gaming lounges I've ever been to. The setup is super clean and modern, with high-end equipment that makes every session feel like a professional esports experience. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help out if you need anything. Whether you're casually gaming with friends or diving into competitive matches, this place has everything you need. Great vibes, great people, and a great loca

We used this venue for my daughters birthday. Ben and his team were amazing. They were very helpful and friendly. The kids and adults had a great time. Highly recommend!!

Put on a community networking event at Great Lakes Gaming and the entire experience was amazing. Ben was super responsive and collaborative. He helped us connect with a local vendor for food, and helped with the development of the whole event. The night of the event, the space was clean, organized and already set up by the time we arrived. This was the perfect place to hold the event. The separation between the game hub and the event space is perfect for those who want to play games and chat, and those who

I walked in off the street because of a sign. I ended up at a friendsgiving fighting night. A fightsgivings if you will. I got to speak with the CEO and had a wonderful time with them. That was before I even sat down to play some games. The process was simple to set up and I was playing on a custom built PC. It was nice to have a space to go to play games while I'm in town on travel. Friendliest people I've met in Rochester! If I move closer, I'm getting a membership!

Our local professional Recreation and Parks society, GVRPS, recently hosted our Annual Meeting at Great Lakes Gaming. What an amazing venue! Ben and his team made sure that everyone was taken care of, and more! The communication from start to finish was top notch, and numerous attendees at the event commented on how nicely it was put together. Ben did not skip a beat when it came to utilizing his space and making sure everyone's needs were met (event planners and meeting attendees). Ben is creative, he

I love this place! I'm a Pok?mon player and I love their wooper Wednesdays which is a tournament style local tournament! They also have a really cool gaming side, that has a lot to offer!

My wife and I hosted our baby girl's 1st birthday party at Great Lakes Gaming Lounge this past October. The staff was very kind, respectful, and professional. They even helped us with the set-up of our decorations for the party. The facility held our party of 25 - 35 people with no problem. Our guests even got to experience GLG's gaming areas and were well impressed with the venues' esthetic. This is an amazing location in Downtown Rochester for a kid's birthday party! Thank you to GLG for being a part of m

An excellent venue, great staff, and lots of unique items. I go regularly for the Roc Bottom tournament series and love it every time!

it was a great experience after my first day i was already considering a monthly membership clean environment nice gaming equipment and overall a safe community to be a part of

Decided to take my kiddo here for Fortnite Friday and couldn't have been happier with the experience. The staff was incredibly welcoming and friendly and the venue is incredible! My son and I were offered a challenge for the evening which encouraged us to team up with another group there to play Fortnite and thanks to that he made a new friend he's planning on playing with again. Highly recommend checking this place out!

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Great Lakes Gaming lounge, and I must say, it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The first thing that struck me was that the Lounge is located on the 22nd floor of a very cool looking building right in downtown Rochester and offers breathtaking view from the top. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided a panoramic vista of the city below, creating a truly unique gaming environment. It's not often you get to enjoy your favorite esports games while taking

Great time. Real chill. Played some old school games. My 14 yr old son had a blast! Nice job Ben!!!

The venue is amazing but the staff makes it even better. Ben made everyone feel right at home(even made us coffee). He went above and beyond! Definitely the perfect spot for your next event.

Every time I've come to GLG they have amazing snacks, a wonderful atmosphere and a clean place to hang out. Super wonderful place to go!

Great Lakes Gaming Place is a must-visit for anyone in Rochester looking for a fun and engaging gaming experience. I can't wait to go back!

Great location, amazing staff, the cutest dog you'll ever see!

I came here for a tournament and had an amazing experience! Great venue and even better staff, this place is awesome!

If I could give them 10+stars I would! I can't say enough about this crew. They went above and beyond to get my son a space to be able to compete in his high school final championship while we were in Rocheter for a hockey tournament. The streaming room was perfect for him. Great set up with great views of the city. Thanks again to Ben and his staff. The out come wasn't what we wanted but atleast he could play!!!

GLG gaming is an amazing place to host any event! I was a photographer for an engagement party and everyone there was having an amazing time, including myself. The employees (specifically Ben) was pleasant and professional! Highly recommend!

I can honestly say that I love the vibe of the GLG so much! They got a calendar full of daily events, in addition to wonderfully funny staff that just make you feel welcome. On top of that, the place is always clean and taken care of, which not a lot of people can brag about. I hope more people can come through and find this awesome spot, cause its really worth the visit!!

Very fun, it's a great atmosphere. Plus the view is incredible, impressed with the all the computers xd

I've been here twice for a Smash tournament and they've both been great experiences! The stream?s WiFi was consistent, the venue was lively, and the skittles machines are really cool. I'd recommend this venue to anyone considering hosting a similar tournament.

My first time at GLG tonight was great. They've done an exceptional job creating a modern venue and welcoming experience. I'm impressed and plan to come back soon. Thanks Ben!

literally the best place ever cuz I get to play CS2 and get arizonas and play smash bros also the chairs are in the lounge are fire

When I tell you, this was my very first time coming here and on a day on a tournament event, and I honestly had the most fun here!! It felt so welcoming and so exciting meeting new people. I definitely wanna come here more, and you should definitely come here too!

Was invited to come here and check this space out as a U of R student. Great facilities available at a good location right at innovation square where many students live while also being close to Eastman with shuttles from River campus coming right over here.

Awesome store! Very clean with lots of space and snacks. Would come back 100%

Love you guys ?my son 16 th Kirby birthday party was everything? the gaming computers are so nice and high text.. venue space was huge, clean extremely spacious? definitely recommend and coming back??

Really awesome place to hang out and game with friends. Ben is also super awesome and accommodating.

What a great experience. I brought my 17 y/o for a camp and he is very particular and quite picky...but he LOVED IT! Ben was wonderful answering all of my questions and working with the campers. Just a great enjoyable experience. Thanks Ben. Hopefully we'll be back for another camp.

Loved the atmosphere and the very helpful staff. I'll definitely be telling friends about this place and I'll be coming back myself!

We had my 10 year olds birthday party at Great Lakes Gaming and it was a perfect experience! The kids loved the games and the setup of the gaming area. The area we enjoyed pizza and cake had an impressive view overlooking the city. The owner Ben was so flexible and easy to work with. He accommodated every need and went above and beyond to make my son?s birthday special. He even captured pictures during the event and shared them with me afterwards. On top of this, GLG was able to accommodate all 18 kids that

I had an amazing time. It was a 9.9 out of 10. If it had greenlight it would have been a 10. Absolutely amazing experience! Coming back for sure!

We had my son's 13th birthday party here and omg such a great place for gamers of all ages. They also had a game tournament while we were there. We loved this place and will definitely be back ??

I was on vacation and wanted to catch up on some gaming and this place came up on Google so me and my dad figured we'd give it a shot. We had an absolute blast at this place. The owner was super cool and genuinely seems like he enjoys what he does and what he runs. The setups were very clean and ran extremely well, and they even had closed off rooms with higher end microphones and computers for people who want to stream. The view was incredible as well, that combined with the music and lighting made the atm

Amazing tournament, one bajilion outa ten, would recommend

Great Lakes Gaming Lounge is an absolute gem in the world of entertainment and gaming. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that instantly puts you in the mood for some fun. The variety of games available is impressive, catering to gamers of all preferences and skill levels. I took my 14yr old daughter for the end of the month Fighting and Fortnite gaming night. Perfect setting in a safe beautiful environment. The staff at Great Lakes Gaming Lounge are fr

The GLG lounge is really neat! My first time in the lounge was to attend a video game tournament and the service was wonderful. They have vending machines including some international snacks, comfy chairs on wheels, and a beautiful high view point of the city.

Came out with a group of friends and stayed for over 5 hours. Staff is really cool and i had a wonderful experience!!! Would definitely recommend!!!

Give Ben some love, guys. This place is lit. I've been gaming on a laptop and did Lans at Internet cafes for rainbow six siege and I gotta say this was the best experience I've had at any of them. It has a nice atmosphere, and if you're lucky enough to meet Ben, he'll show ya anything you want to see. For the quality of the PCs, the amount he's asking for is not out landish. 1,000 dollars for a year, you'll have a membership that you can come whenever it's open to use pcs that are way more costly than 1,000

Tons of fun, the most friendly staff, highly reccomended. Love that they have greenlight internet. Wish I had it at home! Wish the building had recycling.

Awesome, open space with a great view and a lot of amenities (fridge, ping pong table, VR set up, multiple TVs/consoles, etc). I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who was extremely polite and worked with us every step of the way. The staff was also friendly and were able to help us through some tech difficulties very quickly. Overall great experience for a reasonable price.

It's a gaming paradise, i don't want to leave

Held my son's 12 birthday here and the team was AMAZING! The kids had a great time, the facility is clean, and the view is perfection. Ben was so helpful and responsive, from start to finish, and I would 100% recommend.

Really good place to game and have fun with your friends and family with. Wifi is super smooth and top quality devices with good food and drink.

Great place to play games. The tournaments are absolute fire here. I get top 8 in street fighter 6 every month and its always a great time.

Love this place. it's really fun to chill here and play games, talk with the staff. . . . . raid the skittle machine. I come here to play games with my friends on the weekends when I can and it's such a chill and inviting environment I also love to come and play DND of my friends. Although one time I swore in front of the boss and he turned into a shadow demon and locked me in a closet as punishment. I've been here for a week but still a 10 out of 10 experience would recommend

I had an amazing time at Great Lakes Gaming Lounge in Rochester, NY! The atmosphere is so much fun, and the owner and staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. The selection of games is impressive, and there's something for everyone. The lounge is well-maintained and clean, and the prices are very reasonable. I particularly appreciated the owner's dedication to creating a positive experience for all visitors. If you're looking for a place to hang out with friends or family, or just to indulge your inner

A relaxing atmosphere that makes you feel not only like a professional gamer, but leaves you wanting to come back for more. The owner, Ben, is not only knowledgeable and passionate about gaming, but is genuine and kind. Ill be sure to stop by soon again!

Hosted a Halloween party at GLG. The space was perfect for our group. Everyone had and amazing time and the staff was extremely helpful!

Such an amazing experience for my son?s birthday! Whole place was ours and the kids had so much fun playing all the games! Ben is amazing and truly cares. Highly recommend!!! Thank you Ben!!

My daughter had her 13th bday party here an absolutely loved it. There's no place in Rochester where you can get a vibe like GLG!! Definitely coming back again !!!

Powerful PC and very cool community. Thank you for this experience

I've gone to a couple tournaments now and the place is amazing, people are awesome and it's always a great time

Enthusiastic owner who deeply cares about gaming in all aspects (competitive, casual, tabletop, etc.) who has powerful PCs and the latest consoles all housed on a breathtaking floor in a tower in the city, which makes for an extremely hype environment. This is by far the best equipped LAN center we have ever had in Rochester bar none, and potentially the best LAN center in the state if not the East Coast. Very excited to see the types of events that will happen here!

A group of 3 of us visited GLG. It was an extremely welcoming environment & we can tell the owner was passionate by all the work that has been done to the place. If you're thinking about going, don't hesitate and just go. I'm sure we will all be back & thank you Ben for the great experience. Nothing but good things to say about this place, beautifully located on the 22nd floor high rise with all your gaming needs such as pcs, consoles and other equipment. We wish you nothing but the best, keep on doing what

Super cool atmosphere, really nice set ups for PCs, great place????

Very nice and cozy establishment with good vibes. I know the owner from college, and he did a great job with the place. The PCs here are better than the one I have. Definitely recommend for any LAN events.

I stopped by it has a Great high-tech space with comfortable areas to game. Everything?s new and the price ranges are really good as well. Awesome scenery too, Good place to stop by with your friends and family to participate in events and even rent out the gaming area or event area. Honest 5-star rating, definitely will be coming back.

Had to kill some time before a flight, so decided to enjoy an internet Cafe. Now, I haven't been to Japan to experience the epitome of the internet Cafe, but this was labeled as such so, I decided to give it a whirl. The building is a combo residential, office, internet Cafe. I mention this because it's a bit intimidating when entering (at least for me, someone from the southwest united states, who doesn't see tall, multi purpose buildings often.) I tried to go up to the 22nd floor, but it wouldn't let me

Had a great experience with some friends they also have green light!! Def recommend!!!

I had an amazing experience at Great Lakes Gaming Lounge in Rochester, NY. I went just for a day and decided to become a member shortly after. The atmosphere was lively and inviting, and the staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The variety of games available was impressive, catering to both casual and hardcore gamers. They even have VR! The gaming equipment was top-notch, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast or just looking for a fun time, Great Lakes

10 out of 10, im be back again soon, all honest this place is real nice and fun. Plus educational. If you need some good advice you can ask Mr.Ben and his friend.

This place has the greatest atmosphere ever. Most people would just think that it's a place with a few computers, but it is so worth the money. I bought a monthly membership today, and I plan on coming here for the rest of my membership

Super great venue, had a blast playing in bracket. (Picture of me for proof)

Streaming booths are actually amazing, hardware is top of the line and workers are super nice :)

this was the BEST AND I MEAN BEST experience ive ever had in gaming when i came they immediately supported me with any issues i had and i mean ANY down to logging in to the respect i have never been to a better gaming facility EVER i highly recommend this place to any gamers or anybody looking to have fun!!

I've been living in Roc for a while, and this place was a God send to find here. The owner and employees are great, and the options to game are top of the line. Once you experience it, you'll want to keep coming back.

Scheduled a bachelor party and had a blast. The owner was very accommedating and helped us at every turn. Systems and pc are powerful enough to play any game. Food and drinks are available to buy at any time.

GLG is great to hold any event. Just went to a rocket league tournament here and the staff were awesome and the space was perfect!

nice views. went for a private event which was a great time. but the venue was surprisingly good.

Such a wonderful place to hang out with your friends and play games. Plus awesome staff that will make your gaming experience even better. I highly recommend this place.???

Nice place to game. The streaming rooms are great.

Amazing space, experience is top notch. Food from Bite is a real treat, the RGB of the PCs definitely elevated me out of Silver. Plus, your gaming chair will be better than the competition's!

GLG is an amazing partner to work with for my Pok?mon VGC tournaments. Very nice, clean space and Ben and the rest of the GLG team has been super helpful!

Phenomenal lounge with plenty of high end systems ready and an amazing staff. An absolute blast and enjoyable time after every visit. Can't wait to keep coming back.

We got to try a full night of gaming for free after seeing GLG at RICE. It's a very cool, clean space with a killer view. Staff are SUPER nice. Plus they give you an iced tea if you leave a review like this one ??

Frequent visitor. Warm environment and great location to play fighting games on Thursdays.

omg I went to a smash bros tournament here. I got destroyed but had tons of fun!

Fantastic looking venue with charismatic staff that clearly love what they're doing. Definitely recommend as a venue location if you're looking to host a gaming event! They also have a dog.

Very cool place! Beautiful View!

Purchased a membership and was blown away by the atmosphere and kindness of the ownership!!!

The best place I live ever went to. I was wowed when the first time I went here I was amazed on how the place look it was so nice looking and the computers were so good graphics were great nothing could be better than this 10/10

Solid selection of PC, computer and video game consoles. Founder/CEO personable and helpful with getting us set-up. Don't forget to hit some ping pong balls on table tennis to blow off some steam.

Came for a friend's birthday, this place is awesome! Played super smash (and lost a bunch) but had a great time! Excellent place for a party!

This place is amazing with very chill vibes, and the staff are some of the friendliest people around. Will definitely be coming back!

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.”

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.