*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.*
396 S Thomas St
Pomona, California 91766
This barcade looks great, especially with Pac-Man decorations, I wish the owner opens early as well as Wi-Fi availability, but I still can thank the employees for helping me out of exchanging from quarters to tokens!
I asked the staff where I can smoke and told me outside, so when I wanted to go back, they told me to pay again , the woman and the guard is disgusting and unprofessional
They SCAN your ID and send the info to the DMV. It'll tell them where youve been, what time you're there, who you're with, and who knows what else they do w your info. Government Surveillance at its finest. I saw my address populate, with that info readily available in the wrong hands anything can happen. Especially to the vulnerable population and more so now w this administration .
I love this place, I always have a blast here. Love the arcade, with a big selection of beer and great music.
It's a fun barcade. A good selection of games and pinball machines.
It feels like a kid going back in time but this time you get to have a ice cold beer. They have a fair selection of gamesm of course the og fighter games like mortal Kombat. Nothing like relaxing and taking a trip down memory lane. They don't have spirits but sake which not a big fan of. Great place to take pictures and have fun.
I hadn't tried the food but the peanut butter beer was great. They are not strong drinks so you may need a few for a buzz but the games will send you back on a nostalgic trip. They have everything: Slug, super Mario, street fighter, mortal Kombat, killer instinct, etc. We will be back again.
Great place too have some fun with old school games and have beers. Place has a lot of local beers, fun
A great place to unwind while playing nostalgic video games from the past. I found a new favorite drink."Rumbellion Princess" they also have a great variety of beer on tap from local breweries.
This is really cool and neat love the drinks and classic games
I frequently go to Paradox and recommend this place to anyone in the area. Good drinks. Good service. Awesome atmosphere and a great selection of arcade games and pinball machines. It's a great place to start the night out with friends.
It was pretty small when you walk in, but once you get a drink and start playing some games, you can really appreciate the vibe. It was very fun. Even my wife who normally won't play games enjoyed herself. 100% recommend!
Overall it's a really good spot a bit small but a cool place to hangout and chill Pros: - they have good beer selection - have pretty cool setup of pin ball games - nice variety of arcade games - the workers there are really cool people and have good beer recommendations. Cons: - place is a bit small and can get packed fast - there are only 2 restrooms - the mix drinks cups are small compared to other barcades i been too
First time here & it definitely won't be my last. Tons of classic arcades, music playing in the background & they have Drinks ?????? what more can you ask for ??????
this place is awesome to stop by at for a drink and to play some classic arcade games. i really enjoy the pinball machines and i'm glad the games are really expensive. you can come here with almost any group of friends and have a good time. it's a must stop if you're in the area. they also have a good beer list.
Place is awesome. Awesome selection of arcade games that won't cost you $1.50 per game like some arcades. I'd just recommend pregaming somewhere else because even call drinks will cost you $10 and don't actually have any common liquors due to their licensing (though I believe the bartender mentioned this will be changing soon). Over all, a really fun place.
I actually went here a few weeks back and had a blast with my lady friend. If you like old school arcade games then this is the place to be. They have good craft beers as well. I will definitely go back.
All the games here are bangers. Great games at their original prices, all the games work and there aren't any filler games or pinball machines. Dope arcade, I drive 20+ minutes just to go here, there's a Dave and busters 7 minutes from my place but it doesn't hold a candle to the paradox.
Pretty chill bar/arcade with old school games, such as pinball, Pac Man, Centipede, Galaga, etc. If you don't have quarters, they do have a machine to make change. I like the fact that they have drink holders while you play your game. They also have disinfecting wipes for you to use. Highly recommend!
Fun date night with my wife. Bar had a few mixed drinks we enjoyed. Alot of games to play that I enjoyed. Pinball is my favorite so I was stuck on them. Besides a few times our quarters got stuck it was a fun night.
Place smelled bad, the place is humid, overpriced drinks that are terribly mixed, urine on the floor in the bathrooms, toilets don't flush properly. The bar has old arcade machines that need maintenance. This place needs alot of work.
The idea of this bar is pretty awesome. Had a good time on the pinball machine. I ordered a pint, for $10 & I got a normal sized drink. Literally the same size as every other cup. So idk what the f the difference is between the $8 beer & the $10. When she gave it to us I looked at the waitress like are you sure ?? She said yeah. This place is a jip. Makes me angry that they think they can call a pint a pint eventhough it's not. Very dissatisfied, won't come back.
Games are super fun and nostalgic, but don't go during holidays it's PACKED! Waited almost an hour in line to get drinks! Super fun though and love the tokens.
Great classic arcade games & pinball. Staff are friendly. I only have one complaint, it's extremely hot inside. No fans or air conditioning going & when I went it was mid February about a 75? night. I can't imagine summer time in there.
Great place to hang out. Games are .25. They have all the good old arcade games and zegna, connect 4, operation. Really cool spot good beer as well. Night life in Pomona sees to be quite good too.
Came here for the first time 2.8.19, had a few ciders and played the games. The arcades are well maintained, the joystick and buttons had great action. Was pretty packed. They also had a few baseboards like connect 4, also there was a super nintendo. the movie Goonies was playing on the walls that was cool. Great vibe. The staff was very nice and friendly. Security checks iD at the door, so I assume its 21 and over. I definitely will be coming back here, didn't get to play all the arcades. Also there are pi
A good time all around. Good beers on tap, a good selection of old school arcade cabinets, as well as a bunch of random games like UNO, Connect 4, and other games laying around. Kinda small, but if it was bigger could it even be better?
The Paradox: is a small LA style arcade located in Pomona. This place is awesome though it is a bit small. It has a good selection of games and pinball machines, games and drinks are reasonably priced which is a definite plus.I highly reccomend checking this place out for a good time.
Of course everyone would like more games there, but what they have is a bluntly a badass set up! Friendly chill environment, great craft selection and if you dont want to play video games, they have board games too. Super cool. I hope they thrive to open a bigger location with more games. No complaints here
The Paradox Arcade + Bar is a small 21+ retro bar and arcade. There is a variety of arcade games such as PacMan, PinBall, Mortal Kombat II, Street Fight II, Galaga, and so many more. My friend and I enjoyed a Fist Full of Gummies Beer. It is a beer for people who are not a fan of beer, on the sweeter side with no hops aftertaste. They have a lot of other options for beer and cocktails. It is a super cool environment and there is a variety of music. This arcade is in Downtown Pomona so it is nice to walk aro
It's nostalgic and pretty fun to play with your friends on the arcade machines. They have some pretty nifty ones and most fighting games like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter l, Capcom vs Marvel ect.
Paradox rules. Phenomenal beer selection, fun house cocktails, and a decent selection of arcade games. I really appreciate the extra counter space since it came in clutch for our late night food run to keep the hangover at bay hahaha
My favorite bar!! So fun, friendly staff and great vibe!!
Game selection is okay. Employees are solid. Drinks are market price. Would definitely recommend if you like pinball.
Had a great time playing arcade games, drinking and hanging out with friends. The bartender was awesome and it was great they had board games available as well.
I totally love this place where you feel like a kid again going to the arcade machine with quarters in your pocket. But on top of that now you can order your favorite alcoholic slushy. How rad is that!!! :)
Been here a couple times now. They have great brews and a slew of nostalgic arcade games. People here are pretty friendly too. Definitely a go-to spot for the weekend.
Had a blast here. Got to taste beer I have never had before so it was all a suprises. Variety of Sake too. Chill vibe with most of you favorite arcade games. Got a couple of suggestions. King of Fighters 98 or any because there is none. Marvel vs Capcom 2! Will definetly come back!
Staff is dope. Games are great but can be made more awesome if some competition was encouraged. Space is a bit small but it's vibe is perfect for dates. I love you paradox!
There were 3 old guys creeping out on every person in there n they seemed to be on speed and being weird.Bartender was good .Games were decent.Wint be back....
Friendly staff and great selection of games!
Awesome first date kind of vibe. Go eat dinner then go see who can get the highest score on pinball or team up on pac man. Also they have beer and saki 10/10 vibe
I love playing games here and having a drink with my friends. They have a great selection of retro arcade games and craft beer. The bartenders are really chill
A cool place with a comfortable atmosphere and a great selection of local beers. A variety of standup arcade games and pinball machines. Sorely needed in Pomona and I will be returning, frequently!
Great little place for drinks and some fun. Good selection of video games, pinball games, and even some board games, connect 4, and Jenga, etc. A little small, and the music was a little loud, but a fun place.
Last night was super fun. Finally a place where grown ups can drink and play arcade like we did before. The best part is that we were allowed to bring outside food in!!!!
They have a limited selection of games for start. Their staff is very unprofessional and doesn't know how to act especially because they allow alcohol in the building. So when people start getting rowdy they want to take it out on everybody around these crazy individuals. Never plan on going back to this place again I rather spend the time driving to LA I'm going to a dignified establishment don't waste your time at this place
One of the machines took my money, the people gave me my money back and that was it. Games a fairly cheap. They have a variety.. and... ITS A BAR!!
Small place, but most machines are only 25? and the drink selection is better than most other places.You can stretch your doller on a weekend night out.
We took an uber here since my friend and I would be drinking. Just to find out that they were closed. I think next time you are going to close. You should post it next time because it says that it's open.
The security guard is so unfriendly. I pulled my ID out slow and he was like "I said YOUR ID." Is that the first time he sees a clumsy gamer like me having difficulty in reality?
Cool atmosphere with plenty of classic and retro arcades to play! Plus, the beer selection is on point!! Definitely check this out if you are in Pomona!
I love this spot, it's super chill. It has awesome arcade games, like my favorite Galaga. And the bartender with pink hair is super cute ??
The place is nice but the arcade machines need service. The joysticks are horrible.
Pretty cool place. I hope they get the paperboy game someday. Had a fun time and you only need quarter per game to play. Plan on going back very soon.
Seriously worth checking out. It's one of my favourite spots now? Great craft beer selection and relaxed environment.
The reason we bought our own mini Nintendo game system is because of this place. Thank you I'm in full on Legend of Zelda mode.
This is a gem Pomona! I wish we had an arcade bar in my town like this. The games are well taken care of and the craft beer selection is great!
One of, if not, the best social spot in the entire city. Everyone from the staff to the patrons are always so inviting and wholesome.
Highly recommend for a short stop for a date. 21+ Only. Bring your quarters and have fun. :)
This place is amazing! Great beers on tap, games in good condition, good vibes all around.
Good ol fashion arcade games! They have Mortal Kombat 1 & 2! The Mandalorian pinball was also a wild ride.
I don't even drink I just come for the arcade. Really solid games super cheap.
My first time was fun not a lot of game's but it's worth the visit. I know i will be returning to the Paradox arcade + bar.
Reasonably priced drinks with resonably priced arcade games- $.25. Its a little small but overall glld environment.
Bomb place to chill drink and meet people , the best is the assortment of old school game . Cruz by and chill out
Great place to play old school video games and have a drink. This place is great to relive some old child hood memories.
Place is nostalgic. Classic arcade games, amazing cherry bomb cider. A good time to be had.
Awesome place to have a cold IPA with some friends while playing old school arcade games!
Best place tonget a drink and play arcade games. Staff is very friendly.
Dont waste your time bringing stuff to sell if it isnt mint condition not even a spec of dirt
Chill Barcade with Local craft beer selection with wine and sake as well. 25 cent games 50 cent pinball you really cant have a bad time here.
Drinks are always the best! Cant beat these arcade games! I will be back for more. One of my faves ????????
Great little spot. Decent selection of games. Need to return to have a drink
Clean and well serviced machines. Veteran owned and operated. Well run and secure. Blast from the past!
Cool place. Cool rotating taps. And arcades. If your into the 80's this is a place to check out.
Cool spot first time there.. Took me back to my childhood.. Classic games.. And they got ??
Hella litty, grand environment, great location... Cool nostalgic games that will make you happy Forsure.
Decent games. Pretty good drinks and really good prices
Sweet bartenders and staff. I had a good time hanging out ??
Games are a great price, make sure to tip well on drinks!
Great vibe , pizza and Ninja Turtles art work.
Great place for drinks and games
A blast to the past! They have almost all the classic arcade games here except "Samurai Showdown".
Great place to drink and play games. 21 & up
Such a great place!!! Only down side is the location is small, and can get crowded at times.
Great place good games for a quarter or 50 cents
Great place to play games and have a beer!
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.