The Alley

The Alley

Reviews Summary

The Alley offers a fun, family-friendly experience with a mix of arcade games, VR adventures, and escape rooms, praised for its unique entertainment and friendly staff. Food quality varies, with some finding it excellent while others call it overpriced. VR experiences are a standout, though hygiene concerns with headsets were noted. Some guests reported broken games and high minimum card purchases as drawbacks. Despite minor issues, most reviews highlight it as a great spot for parties and group outings, with many planning return visits.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
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 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 Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

7 W Main St

Washington, Missouri 63090

Hours

Monday 11AM-11PM
Tuesday 11AM-11PM
Wednesday 11AM-11PM
Thursday 11AM-11PM
Friday 11AM-1AM
Saturday 11AM-1AM
Sunday 11AM-9PM

Customer Reviews

Have a blast every time we come here. Great food and drinks. And the staff is super friendly!!! Also love the games. Great time for kids and adults. I'm very excited to see the new laser tag course!

Great game place in Washington MO! We went there for a friends kids birthday party. Everyone had a blast. Games for kids of all ages. Good food and drinks. All around good time.

This is my favorite place in town. When I lived here, my bestie and I frequented karaoke night every other weekend at minimum! So many fun games and things to do, and everyone is so kind. It's really like an arcade-karaoke family!

The Alley is a great family fun center! They were gracious enough to share their space for my daughter?s gender reveal. I don't know who had more fun, the kids or adults! So much to do for all ages! Great food and drinks! I love that they host so many different events! HIGHLY recommend checking them out!

The concept is nice. But the ticket games are always broken and i spend half my time there waiting on staff to come fix the machines. Last time i was there 3 hours and an hour and a half was spent getting the staff and waiting 15 minutes for them each time to begrudgingly come get the machines working again. Angry birds and Avengers. Then i went to play the pitching game and there were 2 broken balls for that. The ball drop game...out of order too.

What a great place. I mean the customer service is unmatched. The one who got us ready for VR forgive me I didn't get name but he was enthusiastic and fun. The front counter fella was awesome to along with the young lady in the prize room. This place is just awesome every time we come. I wish I can leave multiple reviews. Management staff you have done a great job and I hope you pat yourselves on the back.

My kids wanted to play the VR. I went over and filled out the form and went to the front desk and asked how do I pay for it and she said over there pointing at the VR area. A game just started and the attendant walked right past me. I stood there for 20 minutes waiting. And my son came up and said they must of gotten the 45 minute play. So I went back to the front desk and asked do we just stand there and wait or what's the deal, I've been over here for 20 minutes. The guy responded with well you need to te

Took my teenager here for his birthday, we wanted to do laser tag but decided on VR escape room instead. We did the underwater one and it was so awesome! I was apprehensive about the VR cuz it was my first time but I had a blast!! Price was worth it for 45 minutes of fun, $40 for us two. I can only imagine how stupid I looked to people that were on the floor, oh no it's not private, Lol but it was so fun! Will go back for laser tag and a diff escape room. You gotta try it!! Lots of cool arcade games, food a

This was the best birthday party place for the kiddos! Staff are amazing, food was fantastic and the boys had a blast!! Thank you all for making the one of his favorite birthdays!

My wife and I walked here from our hotel room during our visit to Washington. We went around 9pm on a Saturday. Even though it was extremely busy, we were still able to come in a find different games to play. A few of the games we wanted to play were broken but the staff was working to get them back up and running. They had multiple different kinds of entertainment, including VR, Dave and Busters style arcade games, darts, slot machines and there was a large section for dining where people were playing musi

Be careful with the VR set. Bring disinfectant wipes to use because this place has given people pink eye! I wish the employees here wiped down the games and headsets in between uses but they don't. They really should because arcades harbor so much bacteria!

We walked around the arcade and saw lots of cool games. Dodge Ball looked really fun. They have a few pool tables in the back along with some virtual slot machines. We watched two guys playing VR in a large open area. Our favorite part was chilling outside, sitting at the tables and singing along with the live band, Johnny Dangerously, who did a great job. Everyone should totally check out The Alley!

This is a great place for younger kids to adult. The food is amazing, and the games are so much fun. The people are super nice had a fantastic time. Would definitely recommend this place for food and games.

Not bad overall. Could be better game variety as there are many duplicate claw games where the toys are packed too tight to even budge them. There aren't a lot of games to win tickets on where the kids can use them at the prize area. Overall not bad and nice to have something local here to do with the kids. Hope to see this develop more.

Absolutely an incredible time! Went for our work Christmas party and had so much fun! The food was awesome, the games were so fun, and the VR (first time ever) was an absolute blast!! Max was the best 'host' ever and really made the experience perfect for our whole group. Would highly recommend, and will definitely be back!!

The Alley is a great place to tap into your inner child! Filled with plenty of arcade options, adult beverages, food, trivia, and karaoke. There is something here for everyone to enjoy!

This place caps off the greatness of this beautiful town. Completely thought out and put together beautifully with every detail being cared for and thought of. Fun for every age and folk in the family!! A must do if in the area!!!

As a adult the arcade is ok not a lot to pick from , but the music bingo is a really good time, free to play and give out fun prizes

I'm a 70 year old Gma w 16 grand and 5 great grandchildren. Been to your alley numerous times and think it's a wonderful place for families. Saturday, January 17 we were there for a 4 year old birthday party. I was packed. A video was played that was so bloody and gruesome that all the patrons started yelling, ?turn it off, turn it off!? Even the face paint gal. The kid at the counter looked at us like WE were doing something wrong. PLEASE TAKE THAT VIDEO OFF YOUR PLAYLIST?and any others like it. We were

The Mavel coin pusher is the best way to make tokens, and it is so fun. The French fries are some of the best I have ever had, but the nachos were pretty average. The musical bingo was also fun and surprisingly free. Overall, it was one of the best arcades I have been to.

Karaoke was funny listening too and games were great . Bartender was kind of rude when we asked a question but it didn't bother our night DJ Cameron was great through out our night first timers and deff coming back

My wife and I love this place. We love to play pool and the Angry birds coin pusher.

So much fun! Went for my daughters birthday! We had 3 cards they combined all points and split between two kids. Food was great! Had the fried pickles, southwest bites and wings. All delicious! Games were fun even for adults! Husband really liked there was cup holders! All in all recommend for quick family outing. Spent around $200 between food and games for family of 4.

Family had a lot of fun. Wide variety of games to play, fun prizes and good food. Daughter is begging to go back!

I'm pretty sure their employee stole my credit card information. I got double charged the day I went in, then had to lock my card because they are still trying to make steam purchases and doordashes on it. Please be careful and don't be stupid like me and let the employee walk out of sight with your card. Otherwise a decent venue. Maybe just use cash if you go here.

Fun family experience for Washington. The cotton Candy machine was broken which was a bummer for the kids but the setup was really cool and mama enjoyed her chocolate martini

Went to check the place out with a few friends the other night and we had a lot of fun. Several different arcade games to choose from, and the VR is out of this world. Complete VR immersion thanks to a vibrating tactical vest and an arena to walk around in. Highly recommend!

It's a great adult night out or family night! Food was good, atmosphere was awesome. Bingo was fun.

Kids totally loved it. Wide range of games, which allows the whole family to have a good time. The food was good and priced reasonable.

Great place to play darts, video games and play music bingo!! The family and I always enjoy our Saturday nights at the alley

Great for a birthday party for kids. And adults can have fun also

One of my favorite places in town. Staff is super enjoyable and friendly. They always are doing something fun.

Love the games and atmosphere. Definitely a neat place to take a group.

Fun weekend with the girls and our night at The Alley was a blast! Noah helped us reserve a table and made sure the wine was flowing for us. Highly recommend for a fun night in Washington, MO.

We had my sisters 50th surprise birthday party here.. what a blast! Kids and adults both had such a good time, Noah was bouncing all over today making sure everyone was being taken care of, helping with the set up and getting our food out to us hot! Thank you to everyone. This will be one good time in my family?s memory, all 30 of us!

Great mix of Entertainment- Arcade-Great Food & Drinks

Staff is amazing. The set up is so perfect for parents to just sit and chill while the kids have the time of their life. We absolutely love visiting this place, the prices can be beat for being an arcade. Seriously if u haven't been here. U must go!

The Alley in downtown Washington, MO features a fun atmosphere with fun games for the whole family, delicious food and drinks, and top-notch service! Our family had a party in the private party suite and everyone had a great time. The entire staff was very kind and accommodating, especially Matt at the front counter and Joe our bartender for the evening. We had such a great time that some members of our family even returned the next day to continue the fun! This is a safe, family-friendly arcade right in th

Great atmosphere but the food truck deal has always been too slow and seems overwhelmed. The self-service beer taps were all empty as well.

It was so easy to book. We planned a party and the kids had an amazing time. The staff was friendly and fast. And would recommend to all.

We were visiting Washington, MO for our 15th Anniversary and wandered on into the Alley to check it out to see what they had to offer. The staff is straight up awful. The worst treatment I've ever recived in life. They treated us horribly and wouldn't tell us what they offered just because I had a sparkling water in my hand. He kept interrupting me and asked "did you buy that here? You need to take it outside!" I wish I could give no stars... But I just hope the owner knows how his employees are treating pe

This place is a ton of fun!! Love the concept of the bar-cade...little ones get to enjoy games and the adults can drink beer! It's a fun atmosphere with music and whatever major sporting event needs to be displayed. There's a 21+ area with darts and billiards and multiple TVs. Regretted not trying any food because I heard it's dynamite! Later in the night it's basically all adults.

Several of the games wouldn't work. Food was not good, but was very expensive.

This place is amazing. Fun games, karaoke nights, and great special events. Noah the bartender is amazing, always in great spirit and makes an amazing cocktail. I always have a great time when I go.

Such a fun place for all ages! With the heatwave we wanted something indoor to do for the day and The Alley certainly didn't disappoint. My son loved the game choices and us parents liked having beer choices on self tap and a food option so we didn't have to leave for dinner. We will definitely be back.

We had a great time having my daughter's birthday party at The Alley. We loved the simplicity of booking, the communication, and having a great location for the kids to play some great games!

We had a blast playing VR at The Alley! It's a fun and unique experience. We enjoyed the zombie games as well as the escape rooms. The staff is friendly and helpful. A great way to spend time with family and friends. Can't wait to do it again. Highly recommend!

Great place for everyone. Went there last night with my family and friends.. Food was awesome the service was great and the atmosphere was great also. Can't wait to visit again ??

We visited over the weekend and had a great experience. Loved that there were games for all ages. We did encounter a small issue with the card system but they were professional and fixed it right away. Excellent Customer Service! We will be back next time we are in town!

Amazing place, love the originality of the food truck inside the building love the food options and game options for the whole family the entertainment is A1 big screen tv for game night patio seating inside and outside with tablet style game table the prizes are good for kids and the games aren't too expensive, definitely should have come here for my son?s birthday instead of main event, we will be back!

We had my sisters gender reveal there and they made the experience for them so special! It was so much fun there, great atmosphere, and the food was AWESOME! What a great add on to the downtown Washington fun!

Hey Chad, Andy made me write this but you're great

After our Christmas dinner and present openings, I took my 3 grandsons to The Alley...ages 12, 16 and 17. It was a first time for all of us. The staff was so nice and helpful! (I was a bit overwhelmed at first..lol). The VR Zombie game was a huge hit with the grandsons. Always a great time when you can make them laugh and carry on about something new!! ??

I give 20 stars. This place has everything you need and the prices are a decent rate. I can not wait to go back to use the virtual game. If you are looking for a place to have a birthday party, bachelor/Bachelorette parties, date night, or just somewhere local to have fun, look no further. It is for adults, teens, and children of all ages to have a great time. I will definitely be a regular patron. Please come out and support this business.

So fun and the expanded/new building will be awesome. Super excited for the grand opening! ??

The staff was absolutley amazing and handled our large group with ease. We will definetly be back.

Hey Chad Andy made me do this but I love the alley

the reviews may be good but i really like the alley

So fun!! My grandkids enjoy the free stuff as well as the games and I bring my friends for senior day. Great food!

Went with 5 and 8 year old. The 5 yr had a little trouble with VR but loved the games! Chloe was super helpful and great with the kids! She even took us on a tour of the new place coming soon! Great place for families.

So much fun! We were visiting from out of town and looking for something unique to do.We found it here. Loved the VR game. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating. Can't wait to revisit when the full facility opens. It is going to be beautiful in a great setting and town.

Such a fun environment! Kortney really kicked the night off right for us and continued to check in on us throughout the night. incredibly intimate experience.

It's a really cool arcade/hang out spot for adults and the entire family. Washington has needed a cool place like this for quite some time. I would definitely recommend it!

Fun place not very many arcade games to play like I was hoping. But cute place nice bar setup. Fancy cotton candy machine.

We love this place!! Fill the cards for the kids and let them run! Full bar, tapped beer, good food, VR, darts, slots, pool, literally constant entertainment for ages 3-99!

A cool place to have a lot of fun. Good and fun drinks. If it was twice as big it would be perfect in my honest opinion. But other than that, awesome place!

So many cool arcade games and the virtual reality experiences are like nothing i?ve ever seen in Washington. The virtual escape rooms are so much fun to do with friends and family. They also have zombie killing adventures that will get your blood pumping! Highly recommend!

Super fun thing to do on a weekend with the family or with a group of friends. Loved all the VR game options and the escape rooms are definitely a great experience. They are Friendly, helpful and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun group experience

I had the pleasure of visiting The Alley Sneak Peak for a VR date night. This is our new "spot!" We did the Pick 3 Family Arcade 45 min VR, and wow, so much fun! Hope to see more adventures and games added to the VR arcade! Might try an escape room next time. Who doesn't love SKIIBALL!!! And for only $2 we got to play 12 rounds of Buck Hunter! Maybe the games are "jail broken?" So much fun! I would also like to comment on the lovely gal working and who set up the VR for us. I am Autistic and it does take

The bar tender there noah is always super friendly, always has good recommendations on drinks and food. Definitely will come back for drinks especially if noah is behind the bar

So much fun! Finally a plave that thinks outside the box in Washington! Waaaaay better than chuck e. Cheese and dave and busters. Theres also a self serve drink tap which is super convenient. I have not tried the food though. My girls have been playing with the slime they bought with tickets for 2 days straight.

Had a very good time. Thank you

I went to The Alley with three of my friends to experience the VR Escape Rooms. When we got there, Kourtney (the front desk employee) was super nice and helpful. We were new to the whole VR experience and she did an amazing job at making sure we understood how it would work and making us feel comfortable with the new environment. Overall, the escape room itself was super fun and immersive. My friends and I will 100% be going back.

This VR is EVERYTHING! I've always wanted to get into gaming but never felt I was good at it. This is gaming that any skill level can enjoy! From ?laser tag?, zombie games, escape rooms, etc. It's a different experience every time and my favorite part is moving around while you play. It truly makes you feel like you're in a different world! So many places either have you strapped to a computer, tethered to a line, or both. This is not that. Here, you have hardly any gear on and you move wherever you want! I

I love to bring my dad!

Only issue is if you are not able to visit often . The minimum card purchase is 25 dollars. I was just visiting and would not be able to use the full 25 on one visit,so I bought NOTHING instead. Lower the minimum amount and you may earn more business to people not living in town.

I have gone three times and I have done the veryual reality. Every time I go I have soooo much fun

Overall a good time, lots of events, won some money on the slot machines. The after dark menu needs better chicken tenders.

Really fun family oriented place. There are all kinds of games to play, a little food court, and a mini bar for the adults. My family and I had a lot of fun, we will definitely be back.

The Virtual Reality adventures are so fun!! I usually can't do VR due to motion sickness, but the graphics and equipment are so top notch at The Alley, I didn't have a bit of problem. It felt like I was actually in the room! So realistic and easy to do, it has become my new obsession! I recommend VR as a great way to bridge a generational gap between grandparents and their grandkids or whole families. It is the perfect activity for all ages and physical abilities. I hope The Alley can keep up with the

You can have a great time with the family here, it will get pretty expensive very fast, but that is entertainment these days.

Andy is the best nd the Alley was the dopest

Very fun experience. Employees were great and helpful. The VR escape room we tried was challenging but still fun. Great way to spend a Friday night.

We really enjoy The Alley, there is always so much to do for all ages. Definitely recommend checking it out.

Virtual Reality was a blast. My family and I spent an hour playing today. Great work out too!!! We played so many games. Brittany Smith and I highly recommend it.

It's a great place to go have fun with your family, friends and our kids they have bar food, pool tables ?? you can play darts too

What a great experience with friends and a great addition to Washington, MO! The owners are very friendly! The escape rooms are just as equally fun as they are challenging! I can't wait to try out more games! Highly recommend!!

Nice, small place. Family friendly. Needs more pool tables and prices for arcade games are a bit pricey.

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 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.