The Claw Arcade

The Claw Arcade

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the claw machine venue as clean, fun, and family-friendly, with fair pricing and easy-to-win machines. Many highlight the kind staff and ability to win prizes, often returning happily. However, a few criticize the machines for weak claws and inconsistent payouts, feeling misled by positive reviews. Overall, it’s a popular spot for kids and casual play, though some find it disappointing.

About This Listing

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

Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

3401 N Shepherd Dr #7

Houston, Texas 77018

Hours

Monday 12-7PM
Tuesday 12-7PM
Wednesday 11AM-8PM
Thursday 11AM-8PM
Friday 11AM-9PM
Saturday 10AM-9PM
Sunday 11AM-8PM

Customer Reviews

We celebrated my son?s 8th Birthday with the Claw Mobile coming to our house. It was the BEST experience and the perfect activity for kids of all ages. The plushies were all high quality and so adorable! Each guest received a certain amount of tokens and were easily able to win several prizes each. The Claw Mobile is thoughtfully designed and the owner, Martin is so kind and easy to work with. My kids are still talking about how fun it was over a month later!

What a hidden gem! The front desk tenant was pleasant, kind, and so helpful. It made for a great experience from the moment we walked in. It's a small space, very clean and well kept. Most importantly, a VERY fun experience for our young nephew. The games are user friendly. We walked out with more than enough wins. They even have games down low to be accessible for the littles.

Super fun! The location is small compared to other claw game stores we've been to, but their prices are better and you will come out with some prizes. You can also trade in prizes for tokens to use at a later time. We will definitely come back!

We took our kiddos here for a quick fun time, they loved it and won 6+ stuffed animals! We will definitely be back!

I had so much fun! The staff were very friendly with quick service. The claw machines are very easy to play (and to win) and aren't rigged like many other places I've been to. Can't wait to go back!

We took our girls ages 6 and 9 to the claw arcade and they had a blast. The games were easy to play and the plushies were Adorable. My kids wound up getting so many prizes!

What a great experience. Friendly and helpful staff. Reasonably priced and they have drinks to purchase. I really didn't expect to walk out with anything since Ive never won at a claw machine in my life. Well, I walked out with 5 plushies that I was trying to win. And I'm definitely coming next time to see win more!

New fun spot, super cute claw arcade. So many different prizes! I will definitely be coming back with my nephews!

My son had a blast here!! Looking forward to booking the mobile claw unit when he launches!

We absolutely love this little gem! Martin, the owner, is wonderful and so nice. We come often and always leave with several stuffed animals without spending a lot. Each machine is 1 token (1 token = $1). The machines are not like other places that purposely scam you (ones where the claw doesn't close all the way or release at the top). All of the machines are easy to use and can be easy to win, depending on what you're trying to get. It's also super fun to watch others play and win. The whole store lights

Kids won 3 stuff animals out of 10 tries. Very clean and nice. Will come again soon.

Awesome vibes and fun for big kids and little kids. They have a trade up program which is awesome!

Plenty of machines to choose from and they change the options out as well. Love the trading system where you can upgrade to bigger bears!

Kids had a blast Games aren't ?easy?, but easier to win than most. There's definitely some skill involved, but they got a hang of it after awhile. We took turns, one coin at a time and made it last. We all cheered when someone won a stuffy. The guy at the counter gave some pointers, which was really nice.

Love this place! Kind and friendly folks working, easy to purchase game tokens and high quality stuffed animals. Good variety, too! What a wonderful addition to the neighborhood! My three kids had a blast and it was a great value!

I had a great time at The Claw Arcade! The place has a great selection of machines from stuffies to keychains. The machines are well-maintained and the staff is friendly and helpful. The building is fun and intimate, making it a great spot to hang out with friends or bring the kids for a little fun inside!

Great little place. Kids had a blast. The claws were not rigged at all/very fair.

We visited today and had so much fun (not just the kids!). It's different than claw machines used to be - we were all able to win several stuffed animals with a few attempts. Smiles all around. We'll be back!

We were very disappointed with our experience. I kept reading how prizes were fair and pretty easy to get so we figured we would take the kids. I'm beginning to wonder if people were incentivized to make reviews. We spent $30 for 35 tokens. There were 5-6 times where we would have the prize firmly in the claw and it would go to the top (not even swinging) and then it would randomly drop. The machines were very low on inventory and we would have just left, but of course the kids wanted to stay. We ended up w

Actually possible to win here. My kids had a blast! Thank you to Emma for being so helpful!

Our first time and we had so much fun! We won so many cute stuffed animals!

Martin is nice and polite. Great place to hang with kids. My son loves this place and they have a VIP membership. Please tell him Emma sent me

Really fun environment. The staff was super accommodating. We hosted a birthday party there and it was a great place for up to around 10 to 15 kids

I tried out most of the machines and the claw machines weren't even picking up prizes and were very weak. Spent $20 there and did not walk out with a single plush. This is one of the worst claw machine places I have been to.

This place is absolutely awesome. Super clean and staff is extremely friendly. We will be returning soon.

We go to multiple claw venues and this one is the worst. No one was winning around us. The reviews on here have to be from family and friends. It is also extremely small. Beware this location and go somewhere else. The claws will release anything you get.

My -daughter and I happened upon this place and she had to stop in. We The place is cute, clean, and the prizes are adorable! My daughter scored two stuffies and was over the moon. The machines are calibrated very fairly!

Took my daughter here it's nice small place with about 10-12 claw machines $1 to play.

Come by my friend Martin spot. Bring the kids they will love it. Winner every time.

Employee named Roman was very kind and welcoming as well as a good teacher as to how the games function. Will come again

Fun and great place for the kids! Very generous with the prizes. Staff was super informative and friendly.

Quick fun stop for the kids- we loved the keychains we won

Great little new claw machine place. Fair payouts (won one pretty quick). Happy to see more of these places pop up.

Awesome place to come with kids . You can trade in your small stuff animals that you win for big stuff animals

Customer service was great and the prizes were easy to win. My son had a great time and traded in his prizes for a Patrick plushie

This place is so much fun! We stocked up on our favorite stuffies! Highly recommend for family fun!

Omg I just had the greatest time of my life at the claw I totally recommend it it's inspirational and changed me after coming here 10/10 experiences even better than other places I must say

The girls had so much fun!! Definitely a fun afternoon!

First time coming over here Cute little shop with about 12 games or so Will definitely be back ??

Such a fun claw place! Can't wait to come back, kids had a blast winning the stuffies!

Amazing experience! Cashier was kind to us the whole time, and we won many prizes.

Great place to take your kids, grandkids or just to go in general.

Small but nice. Has nice key chain & plushies. Also trade up options & token packages

Nice clean place. Small and cozy. Good selection of stuffed bears to win.

Had a blast playing with the claw machine, and won awesome prices. And homeboy at the front was kind.

So great! She had the best time! Good quality prizes.

Great place to take the kids for some fun. Very well laid out and friendly staff.

Love this place! So fun and the owner is incredibly kind!

Very fun and I had lots of fun!

Super fun experience, all the prizes are adorable and much needed!!!! Thank youuu :)

It's a lot smaller in person, but still had a good haul!

Clean, fun, a great addition to the neighborhood. Games are just one token.

Great vibe and cute plushies! Sam was awesome!

A sweet local spot in The Heights! We left winners :)

Super fun place nice plushies

Fun place with great customer service!

Fun new place for the kiddos!

Supper fun . Amazing staff

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.”