Main Event Laredo

Main Event Laredo

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the fun atmosphere, great food, and excellent service from friendly staff, with many mentioning memorable experiences and returning visits. However, several negative reviews highlight poor service, including inattentive or rude staff, long wait times, and even tip disputes. While many customers highly recommend the venue for family and group events, others warn about inconsistent service quality.

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

5300 San Dario Ave D1A

Laredo, Texas 78041

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

I came to a birthday party and we had such a good experience . Joana the manager approached our table making sure everything was going great which it was . The food was delicious and the drinks were all ways kept full by the waiters . Great experience!

Great service by Ever! Awesome place to take ur family and drinks!

Food is delicious ????. Service not so good. We were bowling we had to go to the bar for refills our waitress didn't want to serve us ??.

My kids absolutely loved it here! The burgers are very good and my kids absolutely devoured their pizza. My server at the bowling was extremely attentive throughout my stay, and the manager, homero If I'm not mistaken, was very polite and even put on a Yankees game I requested while we bowled. Great food and even better staff! Would definitely come back.

First time at main event for my 6 year old. Young gentleman by the name of Jorge was very helpful with my son. He went above and beyond. He was the only one who provided excellent customer service. He was very friendly and looks like he enjoys his job. Kudos to Jorge.

Went for the first time, was greeted by warm and friendly staff. Got service almost immediately! The food was so very tasty and delicious. I also was able to meet a manager that greeted us with biggest and sincere smile named Carlos I believe his name was. His hospitality was among of the best made me and my family feel like we belonged there. The games and environment were very entertaining the servers were always attentive to make sure we weren't missing anything or wanted to add anything else. I will def

Main event is so fun, I love coming here during the weekend to spend some time at the games, and especially ski ball and air hockey. I rarely go to the dining area at main event, but at the time I've went the service was great and the food was amazing too. I've also sat at the bar, and the bartender was very nice and attentive. Overall I highly recommend this place for fun and for the very great and fun atmosphere.

This place was great for my nephew?s bday party! They had a package deal with goodie bags, 3 hour game cards, and food trays for the kids! Loved the laser tag and how it wasn't just like for 2 minutes, we played for a long time it seems like ?????? Food wasn't like the most amazing, but I think it was cool for where we were at. The young man in charge of our tables was amazing and had great customer service. I didn't catch his name but he was really tall and short curly hair, very respectful bilingual y

Came to eat with family. Food was great. I had fun with the games. Eli and Jocelyn were very helpful when one of the games malfunctioned and I got credit. Great atmosphere

The food is awesome, the only thing is that the service is horrible!!!! We sat down and we did not get any service for about 15min and I had to call one of them ?SIRR? because none of them would pay attention. Plus we got our food and no utensils were given to us, we had to eat with our fingers ??????? also waiters have their attitudes like you need to have a positive attitude and have a smile as a waiter . I personally work as a waiter too and never in my life have done this !!!!!! Worse service ever!!!!

Came with a big family and the workers were able to accommodate to fit us all in the dining area! Using their VIP bowling area we had the best fun and great service overall. Workers were super kind to us all and we enjoyed their amazing food.

We had a very good experience with our family. EVER was our service and he provided excellent service. Came and made sure we were always good. Will definitely try to ask for him next time.

Absolutely loved our time at Main Event Arcade! The games were fun, the atmosphere was exciting, and the staff was super friendly. A great place for families or group outings!

Jojo is an absolute gem of a server at Main Event. From the moment you walk in, her energy lights up the entire room. She's not just friendly?she's genuinely passionate about giving every guest a great experience. Whether she's juggling multiple tables or helping out a teammate, she never misses a beat. Her attention to detail is top-notch, and she always goes the extra mile to make sure you have everything you need, often before you even ask. Jojo?s service isn't just good?it's unforgettable. If you're luc

Oliver and George have been taking care of us since we walked in the door. We are here with a party of 15 to celebrate a high school graduation. The food and drinks were excellent and so was the service. Highly recommend Main Event Laredo.

Joana greeted us! Great service! Very attentive!! All in all she made our experience at main event fun and eventful. Golden was our server! Excellent service!

Had an awesome time at Main Event in Laredo! The place is always clean, family-friendly, and packed with fun things to do for all ages ? from bowling and arcade games to laser tag and great food. Big shoutout to Carlos Hern?ndez and Irvin for going above and beyond with his great customer service! Super friendly, helpful, and made sure our group had everything we needed. It's people like him that make the experience even better. We'll definitely be back soon! ????????

Two great things about Main Event is the Games and the Service of waiter Carlos Fernandez. Very attentive and friendly. I will be going back and specifically ask for him because of his outstanding work ethic.

Amazing experience here and the staff is outstanding. Awesome food and games!! Thank you Carlos F. for your amazing help here.

Awesome place to spend time with friends and family. Went today with coworkers and we had a lot of fun. Environment is always great and so is the service and food. Carlos F. Was very helpful and kind during my experience at main event. Keep it up ????

Had a blast in here with my little brother, played so many games and got large prizes! The guys in the prize corner, Eli and Jorge, were the highlight of the evening with their hilarious banter. Can't wait to come back!

Been here a few times and i really enjoy my experience there. The foods great and the games are fun. The handsome gentleman Carlos Fernandez is always so charismatic and helpful. I will be returning very soon.

We came in to enjoy a night of games but stayed for the amazing food and service. Eli our games attendant was not only personable but also efficient and kind.

Drinks, atmosphere and enjoyment are a 10/10. The workers and manager Joana were very helpful and very welcoming. This place is always a go to for family events or just hangout with friends, especially if it's a birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSIE. Overall a great time would come back again.

Went in the restaurant inside main event. Server forgot my order 3x. Poor training. No apology. Just excuses? They don't believe that the customer is right AT ALL! I got a new server and she lied saying my drink order was put in, came back and said ?what's your drink order?? Lied saying they were busy when it wasn't, cooks were in the back eating. All the servers standing around. Bartender asked me what happened and just laughing looking around. POOR SERVICE! And they forgot my ranch after asking about it t

Ozzy was very helpful during our visit today at main event, we had an issue occurred and he resolved it as smoothly as possible for us.

Had a great time at main event. Gentleman named Eli was very helpful. The kids had so much fun!

Amazing Food! Service didn't even deserve a star. The young ladies have an attitude and make faces. I had to go to the bar from the bowling lanes to get a refill. Won't be bowling there again. Disappointed

Never have I ever had a waitress slam glasses and plates down on a table our waitress was very rude not attentive at all and had a major attitude her name was Kalia Honestly What an awful experience no customer service skills no smiles no friendly attitude if you don't like your job and you don't know how to do your job maybe you should move on girl. A plus before we ate we did have fun but main event you need to get people with good customer service skills.

Great customer service with Golden! Very nice and polite. Manager Oliver very professional and polite. Really impressed and would definitely come again

Best time of my life best place for your family, super fun and the food here is amazing 10 out of 10 definitely recommend.

Great experience! Great food! Helped by manager Homero Rodriguez (manager) who was very attentive and helpful! 10/10

Great place to take your kids and enjoy. Clean good food and many activities! Great party areas

Joanna the manager of main event is a really nice lady all the workers here are nice and friendly good service I definitely recommend to come here with friends to have more fun

Extremely dissatisfied with the service. I went bowling with my family and our server tipped herself without showing us the IPad. When we called her out on it she just gave us cash but did not give the receipt. If you go please be aware of the servers stealing tips.

Silvia was really nice and understanding . She's really friendly and helpful I would definitely come again . Any problems she'll solved them with no hesitation.

Awesome service waiter was always on point

Been here enough times. Unfortunately it's the same every time and this time, that's enough. Whatever bartender is there is always in their own head. They take their time and pretend like you aren't there. Pathetic joke. Great place. Lots of fun. Just horrible service. This little girl especially. Will not be returning

The customer experience was excellent. Mr Carlos Hernandez was very attentive to our needs even though we were a big group.

Homero manager helped us at the front and he made everything easy to understand! Thank you for the help, ! We had fun!

Came here for a work event and they did an amazing job. They catered the event and took great care of us. Very organized and honestly the food took us by surprise. Very good quality and tasty food. Ribs and potatoe salad were delicious and fall off the bone. Would definitely come back again

Joanna was very helpful and attentive with my grandkids. Definitely will return for more fun times . ?? Golden was a great server

Joanna Martinez treated me and my family really well and answered any questions we have. Great friendly environment! Definitely going back.

Our server ever was great, most amazing intelligent and fulling looking make for this job. he made my experience great.

Great place to hang out for both friends and family. Love the food, wings are one of the best and never have a bad time here love it. Joana service was incredible.

Appalling experience at Main Event bowling section. Our server brazenly stole tips from us, failing to show us the screen or give us the option to add a gratuity. When confronted, she half-heartedly handed us cash without even bothering to provide a receipt. If you value your customers' hard-earned money, you need to get your act together and train your staff to handle tips with integrity. Patrons beware: your tips might be lining your server's pockets.

Oliver and Golden treated us excellent as soon as we went inside. Oliver the manager was attentive And our server Golden meet our every need during our visit.

Homero Rodriguez helped us. Service was great. Strongly recommend the food and fun. Thank you Homero

Haven't you ever dreamt of having your own private bowling alley? We just did! We held my daughter's birthday party here. We had 4 private bowling lanes with an attached party eating/hosting room. It held 40 people and the bowling alley allowed 24 bowlers. The food was great, the wings were great. Everyone was comfortable. Thank you Alex, Omar, Emi, Kim and Jenn. Everyone was great. I appreciate it.

The food was super good I definitely recommend the burger and fries. There are so many options of games and pool and bowling. Love this place.

Main Event is one of my favorite places to go eat. The burgers are awesome! Pizza was so delicious! The pizza was large and bit crunchy, I loved it. The fries are awesome. For dessert the milkshakes are great, the Gelatos are very sweet. I love the service. As far as I know most of the staff are friendly and it sure feels welcoming. My orders have never failed or screwed up. Only once did I have to wait more than usual and they offered a refund or a free slushie or gelato. But I declined because I underst

Carlos Fern?ndez was an excellent waiter. Will definitely come again. Love the party platters!

My kids favorite place to eat and play, we love the burgers from main event and the wings are delicious too. Our server Ana was very nice and helpful, when I couldn't decide on what margarita should I get, she jumped in and asked if she can suggest me some of the best margaritas they have here.

Love everything! Eli was such a big help, cannot wait to come back!

Slivia was super nice to our table her service was a 10/10 and the food was super good like the pizza was super saucy and super cheesy and I like that kind of pizza this was a 10/10 experience.!

Horrible service. Did not get acknowledged and waiters were just in a corner talking. They saw us walk in and never came to serve us. This has happened so many times. The food is good, but it really isn't worth it with the service. It was completely empty besides a couple at the bar. There was at least 4 servers and no one bothered to break the conversation and serve us.

Servers are super sweet and helpful, especially Oliver De Haro! Gave me and my friends such a great experience

I went for my brother?s birthday. We had a good time bowling and playing games but then we ate and the waitress Kalea and another girl in a pink shirt were the worst waitresses ever bad customer service, bad attitude, slamming drinks, slamming pizza holder on our table very bad service from Kalia and the other girl.

Delicious funnel sticks dipped in chocolate. Joanna was a fantastic employee willing to help out at any time with the arcade games!

Amazing place, Loved the food and the service was amazing. Oliver was amazing GREAT SERVICE! Will come back later

Had a great time and Jorge and Elliot helped me and my friends tons

The food is amazing great place to spend time with ur family and friends make sure to visit it

Most definitely recommend Oliver (manager) was awesome on assisting us with party. (Sever) Golden was the best

Had an awesome time , great service and and great food. Would recommend for the whole family

Food was delicious, service was great. Khalia was very alert, and such an outstanding waitress best service ever.

Well , where to start ! First time eating here , our server was horrible , never came to check on us .. The salad I ordered was brown and soggy Wings and pizza were good We ordered fries and they never showed up , and still tried to charge us for it ! Overall it was a bad experience Games were great

Great area for family fun! Drinks and food were amazing! Definitely coming here again!

Always a great place to stop by for drinks and games. Lots of fun arcade games, especially if you have friends to play with Our server Khalia was attentive and helpful

Main event is absolutely amazing, i love to come here with family. The staff is absolutely amazing and incredibly sweet 10/10 recommend to anyone who comes!!!

Amazing service I almost cried from how beautiful the whole exirience was shout out to my guy Oliver for the best service!!

Excellent customer service, food is great hot and fresh! Kids love it! My daughter enjoyed a simple bday celebration here for her 11th bday!

HAD SO MUCH FUN GOOD PEOPLE AND AWESOME FOOD JORGE AND ELI WRRE GREAT HELO

Great service having a good time with my girls highly recommend it. The staff and the cashier are very nice.

Was amazing. Had fun playing 8 ball, mini golf, and bowling. The manager Carlos was exquisite and extremely helpful!

Had a blast here at main event games and good were amazing our server EVER was super friendly and helpful looking forward to visiting many more times

Good food very friendly service was helped by Eli

Great games and food our server EVER was very friendly and gave us great customer service looking forward to going back soon

Great service, visited for a bday party and kids had so much fun.

Second time I've been here and the service has been completely non existent. Seems like the employees go out of their way to avoid customers.

Oliver and golden helped my service go through smoothly without any problems!

We really enjoy the food and games here. Chicken sandwich was a little on the dry side but the rest of the food is great. The wings are big and full of flavor! Great place for family, friends and parties.

Had a friend get-together/party of 15 people; Khalia took care of our large orders and food came out quick and effective. Lookingf forward to our next event!

Came for my daughter?s party and they were extremely helpful! Everything was amazing.

Love this place,, the times we've been there the party hosts have attended us very well...its a bit pricey but a great place to hang out

Excellent service and games. Great for the family. Had so much fun!!!

George is a server at main event and he is really good at his job and being the food at a good time.

Great family place to server was super friendly and helpful he's name is ever definitely will be going back

It was so good i had to much fun and i would come again.

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.