Main Event Brownsville

Main Event Brownsville

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise Main Event for its fun atmosphere, excellent service (with many staff members highlighted), and good food, making it a great spot for family outings and parties. While some mention minor issues like food delays or cold pizza, the majority rate it highly for entertainment and dining. A few negative reviews cite poor service or food quality, but these are outliers among overwhelmingly positive feedback. The bowling, games, and party hosting receive particular commendation.

About This Listing

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

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Retro Games in Arcades

Step into the glow of retro arcade games and expect a nostalgic rush! Classics like Galaga, Donkey Kong, or Mortal Kombat await, housed in vibrant cabinets with joysticks, buttons, or trackballs. You’ll dodge enemies, chase high scores, or battle opponents in fast-paced, pixel-perfect gameplay. Modern restorations include sharp CRT or LED screens and authentic controls, preserving the 80s/90s vibe. Games are easy to learn but tough to master, offering quick sessions or deep challenges. With leaderboards and arcade crowds cheering, retro games deliver timeless fun in 2025.

What to Expect from Pool Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pool table and dive into a classic, hands-on game! Expect sturdy tables with smooth felt surfaces, cue sticks, and a set of numbered balls for games like 8-ball or 9-ball. You’ll chalk up, aim, and strike the cue ball to pocket balls with precision, mastering angles and spin. Tables are well-lit, often with vibrant designs, creating a lively atmosphere. Whether playing casually with friends or joining arcade tournaments, pool offers strategic, social fun that’s easy to pick up and endlessly engaging in 2025.

What to Expect from Virtual Reality in Arcades

Step into virtual reality for a breathtaking adventure! Arcade VR stations boast advanced headsets (like Oculus or HTC Vive), motion controllers, and sometimes full-body tracking or treadmills. You’ll dive into games like Beat Saber or VR shooters, swinging, dodging, or aiming in 360-degree worlds with vivid visuals and immersive sound. Gameplay spans solo quests to multiplayer battles, with intuitive controls for all levels. Arcades offer vibrant, social VR zones, delivering a thrilling, cutting-edge experience in 2025.

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

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

Contact Information

Address

Sunrise Mall, 2320 Frontage Rd

Brownsville, Texas 78521

Hours

Monday 10AM-1AM
Tuesday 10AM-12AM
Wednesday 10AM-12AM
Thursday 10AM-12AM
Friday 10AM-2AM
Saturday 9AM-2AM
Sunday 10AM-12AM

Customer Reviews

Visiting from Hawaii and I LOVE IT HERE! Easily reserved our lane/shoes online and it wasn't crazy crowded like back home. The staff here were great as well. Ricky and Felix made sure we were well taken care of. Thank you for making this experience an awesome one guys!

A little understaffed but fun for kids. Have it all here from bowling, golfing, billiards and Lazer tag. Fun games and cool prizes. Food and service is top notch, food was very good and server was extremely awesome! Just need a few more workers on game floor and it'll be all good.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Main Event, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience! While Main Event is typically known for being packed, this time, we lucked out and found a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The evening started with dinner. The food was delicious, and the service was prompt and friendly. After a satisfying meal, luck was on our side when we won some passes to the laser tag. The laser tag experience was an absolute blast! We had the opportunity to play not just once, b

Excellent party we had Today! Our party host Alexis did amazing by asking us if we were doing alright and always asked if we needed a refill. Will make sure I have her as a party host next time I plan!

Ordered two kids pizzas and a double cheese burger for myself and my two kids, both my kids finished their pizzas before I even got my order. Honestly no reason for this delay on a simple burger.

Gael is the best party host! Hosted my sons 13th birthday party and he was on point with professional greeting, service and timeliness. His personality matched the teens energy. Very enjoyable experience! ??????????

This main event is real nice I was skeptical about the location being in the mall but it's done a great job of maintaining itself. The activities to do in this location are bowling mini golf and laser tag. The video games are alot of fun and well kept. Great place for the family. Also if you get a receipt they have surveys which if you complete you can get a 30 minutes of unlimited game time you don't collect points but you can play.

Jesus Salas was such a great host, I had so much fun at main event! If anyone plans to have a party ask for JESUS SALAS!! He's the OG ?? yall have THE BEST employee in the game on everything!

I had an unforgettable experience never coming back. We went with my cousin he had an injury with the bowling ball and the staff was harsh they didn't give him a chance to explain before he was kicked out. And The Food was terrible not worth the expensive price.

Alex is such an attentive bartender, definitely a great addition to this establishment. Love going on Monday for Monday Madness, my friends and I enjoy the atmosphere, bowling and the drinks. Totally recommend when visiting town.

Brought the family to celebrate our daughters birthday. We played games and dined at the "Family Kitchen". Service was awesome!! The food was great!! Brenda took great care of us from the beginning. We will definitely be back!!

Location very clean very friendly. Every worker with a smile and asking if you have a question or where to go to for location. I was there to look around since it's in the mall. Next time we go I will post pictures of mini-golf (looking forward to it since the one in McAllen doesn't have it) and bowling. Overall great location and worth it!

Great experience! Party Host Alexis was awesome, she consistently checked up on us and made sure we were doing good!

Not worth spending your money. They dont explain kids drinks are not included in kid meal, cost extra. Service is not always available. Food was cold. Half of the games dont work. Definitely not recommended.

I would tell you how the food was, but the waitress was too busy on her phone on the other side of the bar to deal with us I guess, so we didn't get food or drinks. The games were fun and paid out pretty decent.

My first time going to any main event and it was a good evening out with the family . The bar manager was courteous and had a conversation with us as we told him it was our first time there. Drinks were good didn't really get to dine in but will next time. I would love to see Happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers as some type of incentive. ?And fried pickles on the menu would be awesome ?? But definitely will go again and write a review on my next visit ?? But glad I won't always have to drive to McA

Just wanna say thank you to everyone who made this day special for my little one. Staff was outstanding and very helpful. Ordered Pizza, kids meal, cheesecake and the big super fun sundae. Let me tell you that the sundae is a must try. My son had a wonderful time and I'm glad we added this place to our fun day of adventures.

Had an excellent time bowling with the family. Very good service, good music and good food.

We went here for the first time last week and had a great time. We did one hour of bowling, ordered some nachos to snack on during this time and spent some playing in the arcade afterwards. The ambience is great and I only gave four stars because it is pricey. $30 for an hour to bowl for up to five people and then almost $5 for the shoes for each person. Nonetheless, we had a good time!

I thought the food was incredible and the "yes day" pass was incredible value. My kids enjoyed the games and laser tag but I think the employees could be a little bit warmer and not so rude.

Alexandra was great! Very attentive and provided excellent service at the bowling lanes. Alex was great behind the bar; he was friendly, attentive, and made great drinks without losing speedy service.

My family and I had the best time celebrating my sister's birthday! Food was great, service was awesome, and Josue was super nice!

Great event center to have your child's birthday party. We had an amazing time at our son's birthday event. Highly recommended.

so much fun! our server ricky was friendly and made us feel welcomed

This place has a great atmosphere and is a fantastic venue for kids? parties. The food was average, but the cleanliness of the establishment and the friendliness of the staff made up for it. I recently visited and was served by Julio Z, who provided excellent service.

Place is fun for kids over 5 and adults. Has a party rental area and a small bowling area. The restaurant has good food but a little expensive for my budget. I paid a little too much for a hamburger, but it was good food.

It's a great place BUT the price for billiards ??, laser tag and mini golf is a no for me. You are paying per session, per round, per HALF hour at 9 and 10$ is a lot. Mini golf is not big so game ends quick, Pool is only 30 minutes and lazer tag is decent time. The games are great! They have a lot of games to play and a variety of different games. They do have a bracelet day on Monday?s but it's always packed since its a great deal. Place is new so everything is pretty clean, service was great and we had a

Great establishment and fun activities for children and adults. We attended a birthday party and the hostess that were attending us, Alex, Ashley, and Angel provided excellent service and made our experience enjoyable. Highly recommend!

I booked a bowling ?? lane for my family and I for 3 hrs and Zeke(Update: his name is Zach goes by Z not Zeke. Went again today and I saw him...Sorry Z,my apologies) He was amazing!!! Zeke is part of Main Event's staff at the bowling department and made sure we were enjoying our experience there!!! For starters the wait wasn't long!!! And as we played ,he made sure that we were taken care of. Asking if we needed our server,if we had been waited on. The whole 360!!!! Let me tell you something. Acknowledgem

Great family time! Mitchell and Jennifer were very helpful ?? ?? ?? ??. We celebrated my son's birthday great experience. Also wad very affordable ??.

Came to celebrate my nephews birthday tonight! Food and service was great! Thank you so much to our server Laisha V. She was so great with us and was very helpful! Kids had tons of fun!

First time actually dinning in here only come to find out that we have a TIME LIMIT after the food has arrived. I'm a food and beverage manager so I'm highly aware of turning tables getting people in and out in a timely manner. But advising your guest of that is Extremely Unprofessional! The food was flavorless food. Over all horrible experience. Love the gaming though wouldn't recommend the restaurant what so ever

Very great service and exceptional job by Alexis! Had an amazing time with great food! Definitely coming again!

This place is amazing, had a great experience with my family, food is great and the games are awesome, recommend

It was amazing the ppl were so nice and the food was good and the games were really fun will definitely come here again

The servers are very helpful and super nice, they made the experience so enjoyable for me and my family. Michael was super amazing

Gael served my sister and I and gave us amazing service! He made my experience at Main Event very enjoyable!

Best place to be i shall be returning again :) loved the food and number 1 on the leader board's

Service was great! Manager on duty Tiana was awesome! Even hooked up my birthday girl and 3 siblings with some free 30 min passes. I really appreciate it! Keep up the excellent work!

Gael was a great waiter, he went out of his way to make sure we had a good time when we were eating.

Prior to this vist it was not a good restaurant experience. But my last visit was good. The young lady that helped us was great she explained the items on the menu. We ordered chicken strips and fries they were really good. I also got the grilled chicken sandwich with tator tots they were soo good. I want to try the beef burgers next.

Very awesome place! Appreciated Michael?s very honest input! Leo?s service was awesome! Both of them deserve a raise!!!

Michael was a great staff, very welcoming and communicative. Steven is a great dancer ??

Love coming to main event! Gael and Alexis, best servers, great customer service, very attentive! When you come ask for them!

it's always a great experience! Tony goes above and beyond for his customers! Josue is always welcoming and friendly!

Came to dine in with my fianc?e and Alex immediately attended us and took great care of us. He was very attentive and fast and he made sure we had a great visit. 10/10 we will definitely come back and see Alex again.

Love this place. Josue was very helpful full with any questions I had. Will be coming here again.

excellent service , the staff is amazing and sweet especially alexis ! The food is super good and great for parties.

Jesus salas was da goat and the best server/waiter ever this guy deserves a raise I swear

Great for birthday celebrations!! Jr is an excellent host??I love this place????

Took students here on a field trip because they have a variety of activities and the food is good.

Always have a lot of fun here, but what made me want to write a review was how great the staff were when we visited on Friday (11/29/24). We had booked and paid for bowling ahead of time then decided we wanted the all-day activity pass, which included bowling. The manager came and helped refund our previous bowling reservation and got us squared away with the new activity pass - she was so friendly and helpful! Our waiter at the restaurant (I believe his name was Michael) was great, as were the bowling at

Laisha Valles is an amazing staff member. She always made sure we were okay. Food was delish.

Wonderful experience. Our server Gael was polite ,and helpful. Made the experience great.

Gael was very respectful, courteous very patient with my kids. Answered all my questions very attentive.

They never answer the phone when I try to call. Terrible service.

We had a great party at the Brownsville Main Event! The boneless wings are absolutely delicious (we had buffalo and garlic parm). The only thing I'd change is that the pizza was pretty cold when we sat down to eat. The kids loved the sliders. Saby Vasquez was a phenomenal party host! We didn't have to worry about a thing because she had it covered. When we book again, we'll be requesting her. Word of advice: have your party early so there aren't a million people there already.

Love this place, great games, great environment, great rooms for bdays, friendly staff, shout out to our server Alex very kind, attentive, and excellent customer service, will definitely go back.

Got there as soon as they opened. Everything was good but when you wanted to buy an ice cream or a drink at the bar you had to wait a bit until someone showed up. Looked around and they were all bunched up in the kitchen area. Other than that everything was good.

Great place to come and hang out, whether it's for parties, friends, family. Almost any occasion. Definitely returning.

michael was an amazing staff member and so was steven. will come back soon.

Gael gave me 10/10 service. Great party host. Highly recommended!!!!

Micheal was great, best worker at Main Event. Super helpful ??????

Excellent place lots of things to do. Keep kids and parent entertained.

Main Event is a fun place with lots to do, like bowling, laser tag, and arcade games. The staff was friendly, and the food was good. We liked the pizza and wings, and the beer selection was decent-Servee also Ale was the nicest server. Overall, it's a good spot for a fun.

Excelente service great food it may have been a bit noisy for my taste but it is expected considering the ambiance angel and Juan were our hosts and of course they had everything on point no complaints here ??.

Great staff. Good atmosphere for the kiddos!!! Great staff Laisha Valles was on top of things

Great customer service huge thank you to Gael and Alexis for helping us at the party

Gael was such a great party host,,,very attentive,,ask for him when you come here!

Gael was an amazing party host. He was always on call when I needed assistance.

Alejandra was a great server!! ?? Food was amazing! I Treated my employees for a christmas party here! ?? Thank you for everything!

Jesus Salas ... man he is really nice and awesome he deserves more for what he gives

Main Event is a fantastic spot for fun! Bowling, laser tag, and the arcade kept us entertained, and the wings were delicious. The Servee Ale was a great addition to the evening. The staff was friendly and made the experience even better.

Actually the worst service ever. PMO. The place was not busy at all so I don't understand why our server never checked up on us or was out on the floor at all. Not to mention she forgot half of our order.

Alejandra was a great server! Definitely going back & asking for her! Super attentive & never missed a beat!

Great place to have fun for adults and kids!

Gael was a great party host and was very friendly, food was great and atmosphere too

Not as large as the Main Event in Pharr, but definitely an experience! Due to the lower ceilings (no ropes course) and bright lights of the games, it's definitely a fun and exciting experience. Delicious food and wonderful service.

Alejandra was an amazing host, she was friendly and had quick turnaround to situate and accommodate our big party which happened to be a football team. I will definitely be returning.

The place is great. My son son had so much fun. Amazing food and service. Staff are extremely friendly and attentive.

Y son and I come here slmost every weekend to have some father son time. Always a good time with great food.

We had so my Ice fun and played so much games and the waitress were so kind and the food was amazing

Had a good time except that when I was bowing they made me change lanes closer to where people where and I wanted to be seperated they told me it was "reserved" however we played 3 games and none ever came.

Alexis had really good service. Always on top of tasks.

Alex at the bar always has a very welcoming attitude and has never failed to provide exceptional service. He's really made my experience at Main Event barter with his charisma and customer service. 10/10 would recommend asking for Alex for a great experience.

Gael L. Was the BEST host that I've met in my main event life. 10/10

I had my son?s birthday party at main event and it was such a great experience. The food was warm and came in quick. The service was very good. The manager Alejandra was so welcoming. I will definitely book again !

Alexis made my friends birthday party super fun and enjoyable

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are retro games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Absolutely, retro games in arcades remain a thrilling draw in 2025! Classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter II offer simple yet addictive gameplay, blending nostalgia with timeless challenge. Modern arcade cabinets often feature crisp displays and restored controls, enhancing the experience. These games thrive on quick reflexes and strategy, with vibrant pixel art and iconic soundtracks that spark joy. Arcades host tournaments and leaderboards, fostering a lively community. While modern games dominate, retro titles provide a unique, accessible thrill that keeps arcades buzzing.

Are pool tables in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, pool tables in arcades remain a fantastic draw in 2025! Games like 8-ball or 9-ball offer tactile, skill-based fun that blends strategy and precision. Modern tables feature smooth felt, responsive cues, and vibrant designs, enhancing the classic experience. Arcades foster a social vibe with casual matches or competitive tournaments, appealing to all skill levels. Unlike digital games, pool’s physicality—lining up shots, feeling the cue’s weight—keeps it timeless.

Are virtual reality games in arcades worth playing?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) games in arcades are a top attraction in 2025! Titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx deliver immersive thrills with cutting-edge headsets, motion tracking, and responsive controllers. High-resolution displays and spatial audio create heart-pounding experiences, from slashing rhythms to battling zombies. Arcades feature multiplayer VR zones and tournaments, fostering lively communities. VR booths are regularly packed, proving their captivating, next-level gameplay makes them a must-try arcade experience.

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.