*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*
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.
*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*
*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*
*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*
*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*
68 Patton Ave
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
We happened upon this cozy spot while staying at The Restoration Hotel. What a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy games of all sorts, including pinball, golf, ski-ball, Pac-Man and more. All games but bowling are free to paying customers. We had a great time, enjoyed the food and plan to return with friends soon.
I love how my phone videos pop up automatically to share to leave a review. I love Draftsman. Great atmosphere. Love all the free games and the local music on rotation every weekend. The band that was playing while I was there in these videos are called Shed Bugs.
My father and I were here about 2 weeks ago for a graduation, and we decided impromptu to stop in and grab beer while looking for drinking spots all around Asheville. We ended up spending most our time in town here. Firstly because the bartender Cassie was one of the best, friendly, and attentive people we've had serve us in a long time. Absolutely wonderful. The small activities available were also great. I enjoy being able to drink and do things at the same time, especially billiards. Will be back when in
We had such a fabulous evening the other night, I threw a surprise birthday party for my husband?s 70th birthday and we had so much fun between eating and drinking, bowling and tons of laughter! Definitely give this place a try, A great place for a party and also a fun place just to go for the evening
We brought a group of 20 from our office here on short notice, and it was a hit! Big shoutout to Cassie, our bartender for the night?she handled our crew like a pro and made everyone feel welcome. We had folks with all kinds of dietary needs, and the kitchen delivered across the board. Great service, great vibes, and something fun for everyone with the arcade and bowling. Huge thanks to the whole team for making it such a great night!
Honestly, even as a local, I don't review many places but, this place is fantastic! A large group of us (roughly 25 people) reserved the bowling lanes for a few hours. The bartender, Cassie, was absolutely amazing! Personable, kind, and truly one of the best in AVL. I will 100% return here just for her!
We were so excited to try this place. Especially when we first walked in and saw the groovy band, and great games to play. That was until my wife and ordered our drinks with the man bun bartender. Each time I went up to the bar, he seemed angry he had to work, and pretty rude. And here's the kicker: his cocktails sucked. it's one thing to be busy and get flustered but still operate with good beverages. This guy had plenty of time, acted unhappy to be there, and shook his head while he took my card to close
I have been to many bars in the Asheville area, and this was the best service I've ever had. Thanks to the bartenders, Norbert and Catie for the magnificent drinks. The band, Lyric, was great. Will be recommending to friends and returning soon.
Amazing atmosphere. Loved the bartender there, Cassie! Such an awesome vibe and hangout spot. This was our first time in Asheville and we will definitely be coming back to this bar ??
We travel to Asheville frequently and were really excited to visit this spot but unfortunately, our experience was completely ruined by two employees. The guy with the man bun behind the bar was absolutely terrible, rude, dismissive, and completely unprofessional. To make matters worse, the manager offered ZERO help when we raised our concerns, which only made the situation more frustrating. Thankfully, the lady behind the bar was amazing kind, attentive, and clearly doing her best in a difficult situation.
Incredible vibe the whole night- we started upstairs with a private dining room and finished downstairs for drinks and just hanging out. Great food and wait staff all night and incredibly attentive staff. Was perfect for our occasion of about 20 people.
I took my friend for her birthday and had a great time. Drinks were good, games were fun. Decided to take my dad and some friends for Father?s Day, 6/15 and made reservations through Resy for 7 at 12pm. Checked their site and it stated they opened at 12 on Sunday, which was different than their other days. Showed up at 12pm on 6/15 and it was closed. Spoke with someone at the hotel and was notified that they had recently changed their hours. That would have been nice to know. Perhaps they should have noti
Fun little two lane bowling alley tucked in the corner of the bar. Drinks were reasonably priced, bowling was fun - felt like we were bowling in a living room. Service was prompt. Good times with the fam!
I went there with 3 other friends last night and it was amazing. The bartender we had was super nice and participated in my unusual humor like a real professional. The place has a dramatic but clean vibe, and there are many places to sit down, watch tv, grab a drink, or play games! It's quite big!
Great atmosphere but the male bartender with a man-bun & beard was so rude to me & my friends separately that none of us wanted to stay. And the manager Jason was even worse. Very disappointing traveling out of town just to be treated the way we were, we could've gone to any other bar... well we did after our terrible time here lol
Absolutely awful. There was one very good female bartender, but everyone else looked annoyed to be there. The man bun manager was rude to everyone he was in contact with. the DJ was more focused on getting dunk then DJing and then he stopped playing at 9 PM??? Thats what the whole place cleaned out. Seriously he was horrible. Overpriced beer. Bar food with no taste. And a brand new bowling alley with warped lanes. No wonder it was empty on a a Saturday night.
Great place for meeting with friends, very good cocktails, games and great DJ on the weekend. You feel in a big city, great addition to Asheville. We highly recommend
We traveled from Greenville, South Carolina, we were very eager to try this place out after walking everywhere in this cold weather. We sat for 10 minutes at the bar, and the bartender just looked at us multiple times and didn't serve us. Not even a menu was handed to us, we didnt get asked if we wanted a water or drink. Terrible experience.
Great place. Games are great bowling is awesome. Bartender, Jake. Great guy, treated us very well. We had quite a few drinks, a little food and played the games. All around great experience. Jake will make your experience even better! Bowling is not really advertised on the website. It's $30 per hour, up to six (6) people, only two lanes so get there early. Worth it 100% and I'm a bowling fanatic.
Jake was awesome! Super impressed with the service. They were helpful and informative. Will be coming back for more of those drinks!
The customer service here is literally UNMATCHED! We had the bartender JASON who was seriously ICONIC! and I wish I can bring him back to Miami with me ! Omg the drinks he made us were so good! And he's so amazing and personable! He was like on point when we were ready to take pics! He knew exactly what I needed when I told him what I was already drinking before I got here. He even changed the channel to espn with a smile on his face ! He cracked jokes too ??????. But seriously ! The food was sooo good! Sea
Jake was awesome!! Very nice and knowledgeable of drinks. Atmosphere and games were great as well. Will definitely be back!
Closed for a special Event. Didn't post anything on the Facebook page, so just check before you plan to bring your nephew in for nachos and games, so you don't disappoint or walk a mile to get there and not be open.
Great spot to bring kids. They'll stay occupied while the adults enjoy libations.
This place is fun! Management is all about hospitality, the food is delicious (I recommend the slider dish), and they have live music and lots of fun games to keep you and your party engaged and entertained. The drinks are delicious and, for goodness sake, there's a bowling alley in there! It's a must if you visit downtown Asheville!
For such a great place (decor, games, style, cleanliness, location), it is very spacious- but has limited seating options, it would be nice to have more tables and chairs near the nice lounge chairs and sofas.
Staff is friendly, bar is really clean, drinks are expensive but it's downtown Asheville and they have some pretty original drinks.
I'm surprised this place doesn't have more reviews! The atmosphere is awesome! Free games like ski ball, pin ball, pac man, janga and more for costumers. The food is amazing. Highly recommend the Mac and cheese and the cheese curds. The drinks at the bar are well worth your money. Over all my favorite place to go when I visit!
Nice place to chill and enjoy a band. They have bowling lanes!! Lots of people were bowling, playing pool, video games, lots of cool table games. Drink prices are kinda high. $8-9 for a beer is rough. But, you pay for the ambience I suppose.
Unfortunately The Draftsman does not offer a diverse menu to include non-alcoholic options. When asked, they said we can go to the upstairs bar in the hotel for NA options. It is puzzling how both bars offerings seem misaligned, when in the same building. Oftentimes machines aren't working, and I've never seen the bowling area open for bowling. It's a beautiful space with lots of games, but there are some misses that leadership should consider.
they have options for reservations but they don't honor them, server went to go play jenga after telling us this lol
We went in for lunch, drinks and to check out the space. Playing skee-ball was fun! Mike is a great bartender-makes a fabulous Manhattan, professional and courteous service. Had fun chatting! Great food (and we're from Asheville). Can't wait for their lanes to open soon!
Fun place to visit in Asheville. I really like the uniqueness of the place. Drinks, sports, arcade, bowling... There is something for everyone to spend a good time. I did not eat anything so I can't judge the food.
Beware and check your credit card!!! I came here with some friends and both of our cards were charged a 71% tip which we both did not leave. I tried to call the hotel to talk about this manner and they keep transferring me to voicemails and telling me they would call me back and never did. Stay away!
Very nice place. We had a group party here and we were able to have plenty of room for everyone to mix and mingle without being crowded. The food was amazing!
Enjoyed the games available in the basement bar. Including shuffleboard bowling connect four and Jenga. Not too crowded on a Friday night
Once again you can't trust a business who writes in a tips after you leave I don't appreciate that
The vibe is pretty cool overall but $8 for a 12oz can of beer in a town with hundreds of breweries is asinine. And to wait 10 minutes at the bar for said can of beer just adds to that sentiment.
Cassie is an icon and a pillar of humanity
The food is great!!! Best apps in A?ville. The staff is super friendly and the basement is a blast!!!
Beyond horrible. Mediocre food, terrible service, employees that don't even know how to find a channel on the TVs?while it looks cool, this place is just the worst.
The kitchen closes early here
Fun place to drink and play games.
How do I make a reservation? Thanks HC
Cool place. Some of the staff are amazing.
Nice place for meeting with friends.
Casey was awesome behind the bar. Super attentive and on top of things. The drinks were mixed perfect and he knew just when to ask about the next one. (Key in my book) thanks again Casey!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.