The CraftCade - Pizza, Arcade, & Bar

The CraftCade - Pizza, Arcade, & Bar

Reviews Summary

The Craftcade is widely praised for its fun 80s/90s arcade atmosphere, free-to-play games, and nostalgic vibe. The pizza receives consistent acclaim for quality, with many calling it among Bismarck's best. The self-pour beer wall is a standout feature, though some note occasional temperature or selection issues. Service is generally friendly, though a few mention slow service during peak times. While most love the lively environment, some find it crowded with limited seating. Minor critiques include occasional game maintenance needs and parking challenges, but overall, it's considered a must-visit for great food, drinks, and retro entertainment.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Fighting Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
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.*

What to Expect from Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

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.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Fighting Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

405 N 4th St

Bismarck, North Dakota 58501

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

The CraftCade has a laid-back, fun 80s/90s retro vibe that my wife and I really loved. I ordered an 18" New York-style pizza, which had great flavor and texture. Hot honey wasn't on the menu, but they had some--and it was perfect with the giant pepperoni slices. They also have a pour-your-own beer wall with a bunch of options, which was pretty cool. Most of the old games are free to play. A few were in rough shape, but we still had a fun time. The newer games and pinball machines cost to play. Great serv

My husband and I are real pizza lovers, and wherever we travel, we're always hunting for a great pizza spot. On our recent trip to Bismarck, we found CraftCade, and honestly, it was such a fun experience for us. The place has a fantastic old-school arcade vibe that felt fun right as we walked in and the staff were all super friendly. A standout feature is the beer wall. The self serve tap system is a clever concept that adds an extra layer of fun to the experience. Unfortunately, not every arcade game was

We decided to try dinner here for the first time last night and had it delivered. The ordering process was easy, and delivery arrived in a reasonable amount of time for as far away as we live, so that was awesome. We ordered 3 sandwiches and cheesy bread for the two of us because we were planning to have leftovers for another meal the next day. Good thing we did because it was barely enough for one meal! When my wife and I opened our boxes with the sandwiches, we both looked at each other and all we cou

I loved the beer wall & the great taco pizza. Fully recocmmend but come in early. Place gets packed.

This place was so good! Great atmosphere. We got there around 7:30 PM and they had karaoke, black Jack, and arcade games going. We got asteroids and two pizzas and they were GREAT. 12/10 recommend this place.

Pizza here is as very good with plenty of fresh tasting toppings, great crust that is not doughy and big NY style slices!! Who doesn't like a ton of arcade games you can play without having to feed a bunch of quarters into as well? Definitely worth a visit!!

Great entertainment, good pizza, and large beer selection. Been here twice so far and will be back. Go at off-peak hours for best experience. Tried to go once when it was packed and don't think it would be as fun. Pizzas are large and loaded with toppings, and they'll do half one way and half another which makes it easier to choose from the list of awesome pizzas. Great selection of games from 80's-90's. Some patience required. Games take a beating in this environment and both times I've been there have be

Kelly was amazing, super friendly, very helpful and informative, she made our night spectacular. Great place, super fun, loved the vibe and the arcade. Food and drinks were delicious, would highly recommend and return any time I make it up to Bismarck.

I visited Bismarck from Oregon recently, and my local friends insisted we come here. Good choice! I totally love pinball, so I was happy to drop a bunch of quarters and spend hours and hours there. The beer selection is fantastic and the self-pour system is neat. I'm told it's probably the best pizza in town, and it didn't disappoint either! Great crusts, and very well-cooked with all sorts of fun topping combos.

Before I was ever a karaoke host at The Craftcade, I was a regular patron. The pizza is killer, the self-pour beer wall and full bar is amazing, and the free to play retro arcade cabinets are such a nostalgic, fun, time. If you're looking for great service in a cool and unique place, give The Craftcade a try. Tell em? Reverend Harm sent ya!

This place has changed since the last time me & my family visited and not for the better I might add. :/ First thing you notice upon entering is MORE arcade games and less seating. Which isn't good if your at the front where the bar is because if order food while seated at the bar that's where you eat it. Not alot of room for beers and pizza!? They are now a FULL bar not just specialty beers on tap. Like that matters. Had a hard time enjoying my time there with my family because they stopped piping in the 8

I was looking for a late night individual sized pizza. Online search resulted in this location open until 11 pm. They have some interesting pizza combinations. My wife ordered the "The Beast" and did't realize at the time that it included pickles. Turned out she loved it. I enjoyed "The Predator" meat pizza. All their pizzas come in personal size - comes in handy when traveling and looking to satisfy varied tastes. The individual sized pizzas did not scrimp on the toppings like other places I've trav

This place is a great addition to Bismarck. A place for 21+ only that has old school arcade games was much needed and this place delivers in this area. The service at the food counter was great too. Now for the negatives. The music is sometimes way too loud and makes it difficult for people to chat. Just wish it could be larger and allow for more games. Thus, this place is best attended when fewer people like on a weeknight. On a weekend night, it can be difficult to find open games to play. The place is s

Wow! This place is a great value for all the jammed packed video playing your fingers and eyes could desire. No quarters or cash needed, all play free from what I could see. A trip back to the 80?s. What's not to love about Shera super heroine gracing the walls; didn't spy He man but there was other super heroes like the Ninja turtles, Batman and the elusive Beavis. Pour your own tap beer with local favorites like Laughing Sun, Rhombus Guys, Surly and others. They also have wine infused cocktails. Now le

Different places, went Sunday so the kids could play. Pizza was good, took a little getting used to the noise, since you're sitting next to the arcade section. But overall, may have to stop back again, without the kids..

Great atmosphere, definitely worth a visit. The self serve beer wall is a nice touch and definitely adds to making the whole experience more fun. Honestly wish more bars had something like this. Had a blast playing games and there's a pretty good selection of the classics. I didn't go upstairs, so I don't know if they have it already, but TMNT - please get that one! So the food. Here is where I was a bit disappointed. As a native Chicagoan, I always crave a good Chicago dog. But alas, this wasn't the place

Best pizza we've had in area so far. Taco salad was delicious and the Thai pizza was unique and great mix of ingredients.

Found this place why visiting. It has a cool game area and bar. I ordered take out due to covid. I got "THE DUDE". The ingredients were fresh and everything tasted great. I'd definitely stop in and try it!

Fun place with games! Great for a date night Unique beer tap...pour it yourself! We didn't have food this time but their food is really amazing.... Love the pizza! Only downside is that about 6 of the games we would've wanted to play were down, which I'm sure it isn't easy to get a repair man in there to fix. Unfortunately, it seems like that is pretty consistent every time we go there. I also do not like that there are certain games that are coin operated instead of free. I pay for the beer to have free a

Cool themed place in Bismarck! They were open on Labor Day and able to provide a great space for a group of 20+ people. The games and music are awesome and the food is quality!

Love this place! Pouring your own beers while free play on classic retro arcade games!? Yes! I also played some Blackjack at their one table (operates for charity but you can still win and cash out once) The pizza decent by the slice for late night craves. Also having classic SNES Zelda on their monitors plus scenes from 80?s movies!? So awesome, so rad!

This is the greatest place I have ever visited. Pour your own beer is genius. The games are in great shape with a good selection. The staff is nice. Can't recommend more. A must visit

Pizza was way better than I expected. Games were ok at best and pins were well maintained and fun. Need to reorganize there games and get more in for the space. Bartenders and wait staff were great!

Where to start, great arcade that's free as long as you're eating or drinking, great selection of beer, cider, and 1919 Root beer, and the food is great too. The payment system and self serve beer wall are unique but make it really fun.

Sunday's are the best because kids can be there and the games are free to play!!! Excellent pizza and awesome commercials from the 80s and 90s play on their TVs!!! Very nostalgic!!!

If you're looking for a nice, chill, laid back establishment to hang with friends, do yourself a favor and check this place out. It has been a long time since I've been able to play arcade games, so I very much appreciate having a place to go to and knock back a few. The beer selection was great. Being able to use the pour wall was surprisingly well priced! I loved the decor and overall vibe of the CraftCade. Only drawbacks I can foresee are parking. If you go before 5pm, expect to park down the street som

Really fun place for the family on a Sunday! We got the Thai pizza and it was delicious, ordered the bread stick bites and teriyaki wings, also very very good. You can't get cocktails on Sundays so we did the beer wall, they had my favorite Kona beer. And most of the games are free to play except pin ball and a few others. The kids loved it and it's just a really fun place to go! Food was really good too.

Ordered through Doordarshan so can't comment on service or atmosphere, but food was amazing! Pizza is delicious ??

Awesome experience! From the great staff who were all super friendly, to the great pizza, to all assortment of arcades this is excellent bar/arcade!

Absolutely loved this place! We went on a Sunday and kids are allowed on Sundays. Otherwise it is an Adult only establishment. The arcade games are a blast and they are free!

Cool bar concept. Enjoyed the self serve beer options. Bartender (not sure his name, but had a perdido tattoo) was super personable, attentive and funny. If in Bismarck, check this place out.

Delivery service apps have no integrity and charge too much to deliver your food cold ???? pizza soo good though and will order it again, because it's that good even cold. Craftcade Please, employ some people Deliver yourself. Down with delivery apps

The food and service were top notch. It gets pretty busy on Sundays since kids are allowed in, but they need their time to enjoy as well. I look forward to going back, thank you!!

I loved Craftcade the first few years of it being open. The atmosphere used to be light and fun. Since then, the old-school, retro games are slowly being phased out and they've brought in Poker, Electronic Games, Basketball, a punching bag and pay-only games. Today I decided to try a salad for lunch, the Sunset Rider. I enjoyed my salad, outside, across the street from Craftcade because the employee was unwilling to unlock a patio chair due to "weather". Mind you it was an overcast and comfortable day with

I had alot of fun playing the games and watching my boyfriend and his buddies get drunk most of the arcade games were free and they had a pretty big list of drinks and foods but you have to be 21 to drink so if you try expect to be carded, I dont drink and to use the restroom I had my ID checked but i love the early 90s feel of the place

Went for the first time this evening for Star Wars trivia night. It was a blast and the pizza was great too.

Outstanding retro vibe and awesome people running the place. This is the place to go for great conversation excellent food and delicious beer. If youre in the area give this place a try.

Very cool and fun place the 80s/90s theme is so fun especially if you grew up in that time. There is a wall of draft beer that you pay by the ounce. Very cool idea!! It gives you the opportunity to try out some beers you might not regularly try. Also possibly the best part is you can bring your kids on Sunday. Fun for the whole family.

Due to Covid, entire space is open to families on Sunday. Parents eat and drink and kids play arcade games for free. Awesome food and great staff.

Ordered for delivery and the order was received right as promised. Always like to try something different and went with the taco pizza as well as a couple create your own pizzas. Everything was very good!

Pizza is really good. The place overall has gone downhill since they first opened. Removed a lot of the fun games and added gambling games instead. Went there for lunch one day and there were a couple obnoxious drunks screaming at the arcade games. Ordered a sandwich which tasted really good but was finished after only a few bites; basically a child?s size meal. Will order a pizza every once in a while but probably won't be hanging out inside again

Awesome staff! Great beer and food choices! Lots of games! Will definetly be a regular bar of mine!!!

Always a great time. Play some academy game, eat some great pizza. Even enjoy a beer fromthe beer fountain.

I've dined in and had a great time! Wonderful games, drinks, and food. I recently got take out, and the wait was long (busy night), but the food was worth it. ((Hotown sandwich was particularly amazing, also got Hawaiin pizza and cheese bread)) The host apologized for the long wait and offered a free beverage for our long wait.

Excellent pizza, awesome tap beer selection, but can get very loud.

I'm only reviewing the TMNT pizza I ordered for takeout. The pizza was just OK, I'd say it's an average bar pizza. Mine unfortunately had very little pizza sauce so it tasted like cheese bread. But hey, I was going out of my way to try pizza from somewhere I never had it before. Theme seemed cool, some nostalgic arcades but I didn't play

Had the best customer service tonight! I had been looking forward to the TMNT pizza all week and it was awesome. Service is great. They really went above and beyond to make our drinks the way we liked and really took care of us in regards to an old gift card. Great environment and such fun Trivia every week! Thank you Craftcade!

It is THE best bar in Bismarck! Between the amazing bar staff! The atmosphere is super amazing, taking on this 80s to 90s nostalgia arcade trip, they have amazing 80s to 90s references in foods and drinks alike. They got a pretty good beer wall that's ever changing, and some of the best pizza in town! Even if you're not into the bar life I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you order some of their food to go!

Ordered a supreme and taco pizza. Taco pizza came with crumbles of ground beef. Nothing else. Taco pizza usually has toppings as advertised.

The food here is incredible. The service was prompt and friendly. Mobile orders are finished almost exactly the time they quote you when you order. All in all, I'm SO glad to have found this place!

My first visit to craftcade was like stepping back into a late 80s to late 90s timerift. Most of the ambiance is arcade style, and they have a beer wall which charges by the ounce. Quite a few drink selections as well not all around full bar but there will be something you can enjoy. Now let's get to the quality of pizza. If you've ever been to Brooklyn and enjoyed true New York style pizza. This is the Midwests answer to the lack of good pizza joins in ND. The names of the pizzas are also reminiscent of m

The food was awesome and good but there were no servers. You have to get your own drinks, you have to take your own empty glasses away from your table, drinks are expensive with very little booze in them! I give their food 5 stars, the overall atmosphere of the place is a five star, the lacking of servers and having bartenders that pay more attention to their friends then the customers that want drinks I give them one star on that! I probably won't go back there to eat but will definitely order their food t

Awesome food, beers/sodas, and fun! Went here for a date night with my husband after we had our baby. We had a blast! The games are so fun and the staff was wonderful. We had the Predator. I loved that the crust was thin but not crispy but had a great chew instead. We loved the music and the commercials/cartoons from our youth on the TVs. Highly recommend for date night, fun with coworkers/friends, or just a lunchtime break.

Walked here from the Event Center to patronize this business after work. Stumbled upon a preposterous ?no backpack? rule. I am carrying my very expensive MacBook laptop for work. Wasted my walk and time trying to have dinner and play some games.

I was extremely skeptical of this place thinking the food would be sub par and just a gimmick with the arcade games. But after an experience I was totally blown away. It was great. The food was fantastic I had the pizza and a dog. The beer wall sounded stupid but again. I was wrong, it was amazing. The games were great and reminded me of my childhood at snoopers. I can' say enough. Great place great food. The only problem is i could send too much time there .

Absolutely awesome place. The food is great and the game selection is incredible. It's like walking straight into my childhood with all of the old games that I grew up playing. The games are also completely free if you buy food or some drinks so it's a perfect date night that doesn't destroy the bank!

Absolutely love this place -- they have a retro 80s theme. It brings back great memories from the 80s as well as of good old Snoopers Bump and Tilt from when I was a kid. Lots of good arcades all free-to-play. Their craft beer wall is really neat where you get a card and server yourself. That said, it seems like it always has a little too many fruity drinks for my taste but I can usually find something good. The food is phenomenal I highly recommend their "Predator" pizza. That's the meat-lovers. On Sundays

Awesome games awesome pizza. Sundays are family day otherwise 21 + cool.

Lots of game options. They closed early the night we visited but a fun place to hang out. Will definitely return

Great atmosphere. Went for lunch and enjoyed the Chicago dog. The pretzel bites are literally just seasoned hard pretzels which is not what I expected so that was somewhat disappointing. Great selection of games which are all FREE to play. I am eager to see what it's like when I can enjoy a beer off the self pour wall. I hope this business does well for itself because it's a great addition to down town. Update: I was able to enjoy the self pour beer wall and my favorite thing about this place is everything

I went with some coworkers on Friday after work and had a blast! I was never any good at video games as a kid, but when they are free it doesn't matter if you die right away- you just hit start again! Seriously- the beer selection was great and I loved the concept of pouring your own whenever you wanted more. I didn't try the food, but the pizza looked delicious. This, combined with a super cool atmosphere and a great staff made for one of the best ?happy hours? I've had in a long time. Thanks for bringing

Great place for lunch. Excellent food and they have some very good lunch specials. They also have a Veteran discount so thank you. The arcade games are fun..

Place wasn't crowded when we first arrived. Ordered some pizza which was delicious. The games were okay, not all games were free to play with ur purchase. The amount of space is small but overall pizza was worth it! Wouldn't mind coming again in the near future.

This place is exactly what Bismarck needed! Great retro decor with a fun atmosphere of people who love to get together and relive the glory days of arcade games! My husband and I enjoy going here for our date nights. If you get a group of 4 together, there's a great 4 player pac-man game that is fantastic! The pizza is delicious, verity of beers and drinks to go around! Highly recommend!!!

Amazing food, amazing staff and amazing atmosphere! Awesome drink selections, interior is like stepping back into my childhood. Love this place!

Great place to relax and enjoy a meal.

Absolutely love this place! Great atmosphere, great food, great music, great beer selection, and last but not least fun games! It has everything you need for a fun night out with friends! The takeout is great as well. They have some of the best pizza in town!

Cool spot. They have a self serve Beer Bar with about 2 dozen beers on tap that was unique. Decent beer & cider selection. Some fun games, but I hope to see them add some more in the future. Overall I plan to come back in the future for sure.

Overwhelming nostalgia for this 90s kid. I can't get enough of this place. As a kid, I dreamed of going to a video arcade where I didn't need to nag my parents for quarters to play the games, and this is it! The beer wall is a treat as well. Get your beer card from the bar, and enjoy domestic and craft beers from near and far. The pizza is great too. Come check it out, you won't be disappointed!

Very cool place. Many arcade games to choose from (play for free). Our favorites were pacman, frogger, and big buck hunter. Surprisingly really great food too and a fun beer tap system with many choices. Good service. Highly recommended. Only downfall was the music was way too loud.

Every time I set foot in the Craftcade, the nostalgia kicks in. The delicious pizza smell, video games, and energetic atmosphere cannot be beat. They have a lot of fun, nostalgic arcade games which are FREE to play if you're eating or drinking. Beer wall is great, and they recently added liquor as an option. Aside from all of that, the pizza is legitimately great. Some of the best in Bismarck! I will be sure to continue to come back!

Love the pizza and nostalgic atmosphere retro games. Free games as long as you are a paying customer. The pizza is out of this world. So many beers on tap to choose from. Greeted right away when entering the door. Friendly staff, love the retro commercials and music videos on the TV's as well as the music being played.. cannot say anything bad about this place! And now they offer delivery!

Craftcade catered for our wedding this past weekend. Not only was the pizza delicious, as always, but our guests loved the nontraditional food choice. Would highly recommend them for your catering needs!

Had date night at The CraftCade tonight. Super fun! It's like we stepped back into the 80?s with the video games, the 80?s tv, the whole atmosphere. The food was incredible ( fresh and not frozen) and the beer wall. Well the beer could be a little bit colder. But why wait for someone to bring you a beer when you can simply poor it yourself. It's definitely a must place to visit. As for us we will definitely be back.

It was great! There was a nice atmosphere, fun games, and a great selection of food and beers. Even though it was really busy, it wasn't overwhelming, and I saw the staff working hard, and they were all very nice. And the bathrooms were spectacularly clean! I'll definitely be coming back often

I'm not a fan of beer other than Budlight, but that beer wall was amazing. I love that they charge by how much you pour so I was able to try some different beer without wasting the entire glass if I didn't like it. My favorite was mango cart :) Food was good. Quick service and I loved all of the games. I recommend more pinball machines!!! Shoutout to the guy that showed me how the beer wall works. Thank you!

Quite possibly the best pizza in Bismarck! On a whim thought we would give it a try hoping for the best and we were not disappointed. Staff was friendly, reasonably priced, and outstanding customer service. I ordered The McAllister and The Predator for take out and when I arrived my order was not quite done, so I was invited to go ahead and enjoy some of the video games. Order was done and I headed out the door with a 5 dollar gift card for the wait. Crust is absolutely delicious toppings were fantastic, I

We love this place! One of the best places to eat in ALL of Bismarck! We always get the Dude pizza! ????The self-pour tap makes it fun to try different beers. It's a great place to drink, eat, and relax with friends.

Good NY style pizza with some interesting variety of styles. The self-pour tap system is pretty cool. Fun arcade games, old and newer, love the 80's retro/nostalgia atmosphere.

Cool concept/atmosphere, plenty of older memorabilia and even old commercials being played up on the wall. I had fun playing the old classics as well as a few I hadn't played before. Great beer selection with the self pour idea being pretty neat. The pizza is also pretty solid..the Predator = delish.

Super affordable and fun! Got to try different types of draft beers. We were there late so it was free play of all classic games. The kitchen had already closed.

Throwback mode and laid back vibe - we stumbled upon this place one weekend we were in Bismarck. If you buy food and/or drinks, you can pretty much play at most of their old school arcade games that include NBA Jam, Blitz 99, Pac-Man, X-men, to name a few. Amazing overall design. Great staff! Awesome value for your buck!

I went to the Barcade and it was a totally awesome time! I went on a Monday night. Parking was easy, I was able to get on all the games except Time Crisis I barely got on at the end of the night. Time crisis is awesome though. The staff was energetic and helpful explaining everything since it was my first time. Burt and Mike jumped on to help me get through the hump on x-men and it was a very good experience! I'll definately go back.

Really cool spot! Video games are free with beer, the tap wall is awesome so you can explore all they have to offer. Only reason I'm doing 4 stars right now is because I was only there 20 minutes before close and didn't have a chance to explore all it has to offer. Would definitely go back though.

Best staff I have ever met. They're so kind and helpful. The Craftcade couldn't have asked for a better owner, Nick is the coolest dude. I had the Teen Wolf(?) frank and it was great. The Doritos on top of it, the chili, even the free pretzels you get with it are amazing! Would recommend to anyone I have ever known. Even if my grandma was 110 years old, I'd make her go. I'm in a wheelchair and parked in a spot I shouldn't have and Nick is so nice, he moved it for me. I love the guy

This place is so much fun. I'm 41 and it brings back so many memories from my youth. I love the craft beer setup. With all of the games FREE, I am able to, on Sundays, play and enjoy with my daughter the same games I did as a kid.

Great place to hang out downtown, didn't try the food but the presentation and game selection was nicely done. Beer wall was lacking. If it's called the craftcade, bring some good craft beer. Best thing there was Deschutes Fresh Squeezed. I do appreciate the way they charge for beer, per ounce allows for pour what you want to drink. Not per beer. Nicely done and I will be returning.

Unique and trendy arcade bar with legit pizza and other food offerings. Decorated with sweet 80s and 90s pop culture; videogames and arcades are free to play for patrons. Has a great selection of pour-your-own beer and cider and a black jack table. This place is so rad!!

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 pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

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.