Otaku Lounge

Otaku Lounge

Reviews Summary

This anime-themed bar is widely praised for its vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and unique vibe catering to anime and gaming fans. Reviewers highlight fun events like karaoke, gaming tournaments, and themed nights, along with free arcade games and manga. The drinks are consistently praised, though some note limited food options or kitchen availability. A few critics mention underwhelming beer selections or occasional service kinks, but most agree it’s a welcoming, quirky gem for like-minded patrons. High ratings reflect its appeal as a social hub for nerdy, laid-back fun.

About This Listing

Has Consoles
Has Food
Good for kids
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.*

Features

Has Consoles
Has Food
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

640 E 18th St

Kansas City, Missouri 64108

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 11AM-9PM
Wednesday 11AM-9PM
Thursday 11AM-9PM
Friday 11AM-11:30PM
Saturday 3PM-1AM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

Excellent place. Would definitely recommend the Sailor Sunrise and Red Lotus Margarita; wonderfully delightful. Matt the bartender and Matt the host were just lovely. Enthusiastically recommend this place, and would absolutely come again.

I absolutely love the atmosphere and the energy. Bar in the front, the arcade games in the back, quiet people upstairs. And drink tastes good. Anime always plays. Food after 7:00pm

Went there for K-pop night with my friends and it was awesome!!!. The bouncer was a nice and sweet guy. The bartender was fast even with the crowd. I ordered a cocktail as I'm underage. They make sure to check IDs and give you wrist bands. The atmosphere was awesome and I had lots of fun !! The interior was also great and they had a lounge area upstairs.they also had arcade games.

Really like the bar. It was definitely fun and bar tender Matt* was a great personality. Loved the atmosphere as an Anime fan of my own. Though im not much of a people person, they were still friendly and i loved the vibe. 10/10 vibe.

I brought my son here for the first time last week. It was such an amazing experience free video games. Great wine amazing food and we really love the vibes. I'd love to return here maybe for paint and sit.

Amazing place! I love the local art decoration sick anime video game chill vibes! Amazing killer staff! Definitely come show some love!! My new favorite bar

We originally started coming because of the kaizen kc nights, but now come down almost every weekend to otaku lounge. We love the variety of events they have going on, and their karaoke nights with the host, Jason. All the staff is so nice, and fun to talk to! Great drinks, great service, great atmosphere. It's amazing watching a new business grow into such a hidden gem!

Very friendly staff The vibes were immaculate even when the place is empty when the place is full always experienced amazing games super cool Street fighter guy! I definitely recommend it come down tobthe otaku lounge ! If you want god teir anime streaming 24/7 and videos to play 10/10

They start karaoke at 7 pm every Friday NO ENTRY OR QUEUE FEE. They also have arcade games to play while you are waiting. I had so much fun! Please come and give them tips

Best place to relax and game! Great food and great atmosphere..must go place!!!!!

Went during the day with our rowdy toddler, and we had a great experience! The staff were friendly and helpful, pizza was delicious, and the drinks were fantastic. I dont even like kombucha, but theirs was actually good and didn't take away from the flavor of the margarita. We will definitely be returning!

Very personable owner and staff, but it was obvious they were getting the kinks out. I think it has potential, but i was underwhelmed, and it wasn't my vibe. Cool themed bar, but food isn't their thing. I went on Saturday night. The DJ was jamming, though.

They put on so many Events if there's not something you think you'll like just wait a week and they will have all new themes it's great environment and let anyone play anything for karaoke, as well as free games and manga/novels while you wait

The place wasn't my vibe. It's great if you're not into large crowds and love anime. I was upset to hear they couldn't serve food the night I was there because they didn't have a cook there. The games were okay, though I would've liked a variety of games to play.

Has a wonderful atmosphere, an amazing staff. Even though they didnt have anything ready in the kitchen, the owner still prepped food and served us! Amazing!!!

Great little bar in downtown area. Had a blast doing karaoke and just hanging out with the people there.

Great vibe love the place with good drinks but the fact that they advertise food and the kitchen is barely open kills it

Fire spot to hang out if you like anime and gaming ????. It's good to see a chill spot dedicated to anime in KC and this is probably one of the first. The staff here are very welcoming and respectful and are very knowledgeable on any issues you might come across. They also host events on certain days which includes fighting game tournaments, cosplay contests, and karaoke nights. If you're a big fan of anime and looking for a social spot to meet people, definitely consider checking this place out!

1st Saturdays are Anime Dance Night, a must come! Emulated games, 3 consoles, cool anime showing at the bar and the cool new orange expensive "game boy" that you can play free are all but more and more. love the 21+ cap, great place with like minded people. I hope there's boneless chicken wings maybe in the next year! KaizenKC!!

I did NOT want to like this place but the staff was great, the vibe was good, & the customers were weird & wonderful. Totally worth a visit.

It's very laid back and fun. The TVs are playing some kind of anime and there are usually some cosplayers.

Service is fantastic, atmosphere is on point, drinks are great. The redhead was right, the booze with kombucha is DANGEROUSLY good. Can't wait for them to open up for real.

It's a very cute bar there's consoles and handhelds every where. The bar tender said they're setting up like a Mario kart VR type thing. They also sell posters/art work there.

Awesome space! Gaming consoles and pow kitties on the table for handheld games while getting a drink. Super cute bar with local art and anime on the TVs. Recommend 100%!

It's so great to have a place for the anime lover and nerds out in KCMO!

An anime/gamer paradise! Wierd-friendly. The wall mounted gaming, themed lighting, and kombucha/snacks etc. are super fun.

Love this place happy we anime fans have a place to hangout and game and watch some good classic anime the owner is real down to earth and easy to talk to found my new hangout spot and my kids love it

So honestly, the bar is just really cold and the beer selection is not that good and when I tried to ask the bartender more, she just kind of walked off after pointing to the offensive beer selection.

The drinks are good, the staff is nice, and the vibe is perfect. I highly recommend everybody check it out

An anime lovers paradise!

Sweet staff Nice vibe???

Great staff, very inviting atmosphere.

Great stop for all your weeb desires

Nice place to go and vibe with like minded anime fans

What time do they open?

(Translated by Google) Excellent service (Original) Exelente servicio

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.”