VANS Bar Style Pizza

VANS Bar Style Pizza

Reviews Summary

Most reviews highlight excellent service, friendly staff, and a fun arcade area that appeals to both kids and adults. The food, especially pizza (including gluten-free options), wings, and appetizers like mozzarella sticks, receives consistent praise for quality and flavor. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a great vibe for families or groups. A few critiques mention sparse toppings or mediocre service, but these are outliers amid overwhelmingly positive feedback. The outdoor area with lawn games and bonfire adds to the appeal. Highly recommended for its combination of good food, entertainment, and attentive service.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids

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 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 Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids

Contact Information

Address

116 Newtown Rd

Danbury, Connecticut 06810

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 4-9PM
Thursday 4-9PM
Friday 4-10:30PM
Saturday 12-10:30PM
Sunday 12-8PM

Customer Reviews

We visited this eatery because it is attached to the hotel. No wait for a table and our waitress, Jasmine, was very nice. They will give you game cards that only have a few (if any) arcade points loaded on them. They have two game rooms. The food was very good! Would definitely recommend this place.

In town for Danbury Ring of Honor Ceremony. Perfect before a Hat Trick?s Game. The atmosphere was great. They had Great Pizza, appetizers and draft selection. Kids loved the games while parents enjoyed a pregame drink.

Friendly atmosphere, great food, great drinks and great times. Plenty of screens for all the games! This is a great spot any day of the week! Did I mention the great prices?! Yummmm! Genuinely impressed, tons of TV?s for the games and plenty of fun for the kids too. Great fun for everyone!

I recently tried Vans Pizza, and I was thoroughly impressed! Their gluten-free pizza with cauliflower crust is a game changer?crispy, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy. The fresh toppings really elevate the experience. I also enjoyed their cucumber soda, which was a refreshing complement to the meal. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff is friendly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for delicious gluten-free options!

Alfredo at the bar was excellent. Very knowledgeable and very friendly. This is a soft opening and they are killing it. Today was only their second day in, as I left it started getting really busy. The food and drinks were amazing and I will most likely be back tomorrow as I'm staying at the hotel. I got the salad and burger and both were great. Had a mule, AMF, and a third surprise drink. The atmosphere is great, they have two arcades, one retro and one new age. Great place to eat and take your kids. Com

The food was absolutely delicious?fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. I had the delicious wings and a fig pizza both Gluten Free! The service was just as impressive. Super friendly staff, quick without feeling rushed, and they actually checked in to make sure everything was good (spoiler: it was great). Definitely coming back?this place has that welcoming vibe and amazing food to match.

Service was amazing, and our pizza and wings were great! Highly recommend the margarita pizza! Easy 9/10.

I recently gathered a few friends to celebrate my son's departure to the Air Force, and VANS Restaurant made the occasion truly memorable. They provided us with a private room for over 40 guests, and I initially thought they would just bring us food. However, they exceeded all expectations! The tables were beautifully set with tablecloths, and they arranged two sections for food and drinks. They also ensured the temperature was perfect for our comfort. We were able to play our own music, which added a pers

Had dinner at this location tonight. Had some issues with service but the manager was amazing. He took care of everything, empathized with us and made sure we still had a positive lasting impression. Would for sure recommend this spot for any weary travelers. Their pizza is amazing looking forward to trying their new fig jam pizza! As long as they have that great owner in charge this place will do excellent. Thank you!

$6 Happy Hour is fantastic!. This pizza and Modelo draft only $12 and bartender, Billy is a great personable guy. Hi from 4:00-6:00.

Hi - I have four kids ranging from 3 to 12, and EVERYONE had a great time, including me! We especially enjoyed the second arcade room, and the staff here really is exceptional. Can't say enough good things. And again...a five star staff!!

Great time here with my daughters. Great service , alittle too much chat on undercarriage but that's personal preference . We will be back . Overall enjoyed the experience

Great place, everything was delicious and everyone is very welcoming. Happy hour menu is a great deal it's 4-6 though. It's a real happy hour menu not just smaller portions. They have a video game area for the kids so they are entertained.

First time at Van's. Had tried before but it was too busy - couldn't even find a spot in the parking lot. Totally pleased with the entire experience. Service was superb with an attentive waiter (that it wasn't that busy probably helped). We had a range of food, from pizza (Great!) appetizers (Mozzarella - sticks amazing!) and wings (best ever - meaty, tender, delicious). We will make Van's a regular stop from now on. The arcades weren't busy but probably represent a great bonus for those with kids.

I'm from Kansas City and never heard of bar pizza, which I've learned is also called tavern pizza. The thin crispy crust was great. The crisped prosciutto, ricotta, roasted fig & arugula pizza was to die for. Definitely qualifies as a foodie-worthy pizza.

We went for the 1st time tonight and it will not be our last. From the thin crust crispy pizza to the fantastic drinks made by Alfredo, we were impressed. The dough, sauce and all the toppings including the meatballs are homemade. Don't forget to try the cheesecake with the homemade strawberry sauce!

All of the staff gave incredibly kind and humorous service. The food was cooked wonderfully (had one of their signature smash burgers) and the restaurant is cozy. Every staff member continually checked in and ensured we had a good experience.

1st time here and the food/arcade idea is awesome for families to enjoy while keeping young and old kids occupied. The pizza was very good. Just a suggestion for the salad to have mixed greens and not lettuce.

My daughter and I came to hang out from New Haven for the first time and I can definitely say that we'll be back! We were greeted quickly and warmly. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly and make our experience incredible!

We went there for the first time on Sunday, 02/02/25. We were expecting average food with an arcade for the kids. We were shocked on how good the food was. The pizza was unbelievably good. The meatballs were some of the best I have ever tried (shocked by that). The service was excellent. The server we had (sorry, I forgot the persons name) was professional, courteous, and attentive. The owner was a gentlemen. The owner, the manager, and the server were always checking on our table to make sure we we

Our go too place with our grandchildren. They have an arcade inside. Food is good and reasonably priced and plenty of beer options. Always friendly and helpful staff and a fun place for family. Also if coming from out of town attached to LaQuinta Inn. Highly recommend for families! ADD. Our waiter was Lenny and he was FANTASTIC!! VERY PATIENT!! Our grandkids were playing and he had to come back several times for additional requests and always smiled and never did we feel rushed or like were being a bother,

What a great place and a great vibe. I went here with my 10 year old daughter for lunch and we had a very nice time. They have a fun range of arcade games, the food was really good and the service was excellent. It's a nice place to go either way friends or with kids. Highly recommend it!! It's worth traveling to.

Went with 4 people in total and had appetizers, pizza and beer. Appetizers were average fried food. Pizza tasted like a cracker with minimal cheese. Draft beer selection is minimal. Service was mediocre at best - a canned beer took nearly 10 minutes to get. Waiter missed parts of our order multiple times, but made no attempt to write anything down. Staff seemed confused when there were empty glasses or plates on our table. Finally, our waiter gave us our check before we were ready to leave - we took this a

Our family loves, Vans. It's fun for our little kids, and for the adults the same. The food is perfect to please the whole family as well. The staff is FANTASTIC, so attentive and friendly. We enjoy every trip to Vans!!

My family loves Vans! The atmosphere is kid-friendly, the food is great and the arcade is a lot of fun. My 12 year old said it's a ?one of a kind experience?!

Friendly staff, amazing food at amazing prices, fun arcade. Very accommodating with my medical alert dog. We will absolutely return!

Everything is amazing. From the employees to the food to the double arcade rooms. Great family atmosphere. We loved it

VANS Bar Pizza, Brew, & Arcade in Danbury, CT, offers a family-friendly vibe with great food, drinks, and entertainment. They serve bar-style pizza, burgers, wings, and pasta, with a full bar and plenty of TVs for sports. The 2,000-square-foot arcade has retro and modern games for all ages. Outdoor fire pits and a spacious layout add to the fun atmosphere. A solid spot for food, drinks, and games!

This by far is the best thin crust pizza we have had. We truly enjoyed the hot honey pizza. The bartender Guillermo was friendly. and provided excellent service! Tyler, the manager was also friendly welcoming.

What a pleasant surprise! Our first time at LaQuinta on a miserable cold night brought us to the most convenient and accessible Van?s. Bright and colorful surroundings enhanced by incredibly gracious service. A quite decent beer selection is offered along with a varied menu including many traditional favorites. The bartender-server outdid himself with pleasantries and the owner(?) manager was ever present to ensure an ideal customer experience. We'll definitely be back on our next north-south excursion?

The food is pretty good and very fast. The staff is super friendly. They have a rad arcade you can play in while you wait for your food.

Where once used to be a childhood memory of Groud Round, this place is very nice. Good foods. French fries reminds me of south Steak and Shake yum. Their gluten free cauliflower pizza is out of this world. My daughter favors the Penne anlla vodka dish. Our 3rd time returning and will keep doing so. Prices are reasonable and there's also an arcade for the family young ones and adults. Check it out!

Boe and his team at Vans pizza offered beyond exceptional service. They were all very welcoming and friendly to my family and I as it was our first time at this newly opened restaurant. Not only was the staff welcoming but the food and atmosphere of this restaurant were also amazing. There pizzas were crafted to perfection and so were there bbq wings, nachos and everything else that we had ordered. I would definitely recommend this restaurant as it includes great food and a guaranteed great time as you can

This place is amazing! The food is fabulous. The arcades are amazing. I won 5 prizes from the claw machine! Also the service is amazing! I want to come back as soon as a can!

Amazing new place for Danbury. Service staff was patient and kind, gave us heads up when something was taking longer to come out, and gave our group as much time as we needed at our table. Good selection of arcade games as well!

The food was definitely nothing to right home about. Mediocre at best and VERY greasy. I understand this can occur due to the way bar style pizza is made but I had also ordered an appetizer and it was very greasy as well (not to mention the pictures in other reviews also looked grease filled). My family and I came for the happy hour $6 pizza, $6 beer deal which was pretty decent, but I would never pay the usual price of $11 for this pizza. Moreover, the service I had was terrible. Waiter was very absent and

I would of given all 5 stars. The food was great and the atmosphere was great. The Service was good. My only question was why they don't have female servers? Even the bartender was a male! I asked one of the servers if they have female service. And I was told no they do not. I was there on a friday night at 6:30 And the place was dead. I could guarantee you if you had a few female servers, the place would have been hopping! I believe this place could do very, very well. So my question is WHY are there no f

Great place with a fantastic atmosphere! Great food and drinks. Service here is top notch! The arcade is a blast too!

Guillermo was amazing. Patience of a saint! Came in with 6 people (2 toddlers) and had a lovely meal and so much fun at the arcade!!

Great service, great people and great food. Awesome choice for draft beers!!!

While staying at the La Quinta Inn which houses this restaurant, I decided to try it out. I had the bar pizza with pepperoni. The food was good, the service prompt and friendly. They lose 2 stars on the food for a lack of toppings - very scarcely topped. You should be able to get some toppings in every bite, which was far from the case - and I have a big mouth. Also, you should be able to order on the website without having to use Door Dash or Slice if picking up your order. I did not see that option (but y

Very impressed by the entire operation. From when I walked in until I left, the food was great, Really enjoyed the hot oil pizza, As well as the chicken sandwich. Finished it off with hot brownie, covered with ice cream and caramel. Bo The manager As well as the bartender and wait staff were kind, friendly and very helpful. Service was great cocktails were great. Going back again tonight. Great game room and TVs for sports.

We had a great impromptu birthday dinner for our 10 year old with a couple of his friends; food was great. Kids played for two hours. Thought games were reasonably priced? when it came time to his actual birthday lunch, he wanted to go back - so we did just that! Bar style pizza is thin and crispy? delish!

Quick, tasty, and affordable food! Also, the arcade has a great blend of newer style and some vintage machines that bring back great memories.

What a great addition to Danbury! Boe and his team took great care of us! Not only was the food delicious, but Tyler?s service up leveled our experience. We will be back again for sure and save time to play more games!

The food is delicious! And there are so many awesome games to play. Great vibes, my friends and I had so much fun!

Although the staff hustled as much as possible, the service was lacking. They need more staff. The poor waiter had to handle a full house AND the arcade! Food was awful! - for a place named ?pizza? I expected good quality! The pizza was equivalent t to frozen pizza. Dough was terrible. The bartender was great though!

Great alternative to the cave. Pizza was great and nice beer selection. And of course the kids loved the arcades! Amazing place for a date with couples with kids

love this place! bartender is super attentive and always treats us good! love playing the games while waiting for my food ??

Loved the food and vibes here!!! Everything was absolutely delicious and our waiter was extremely attentive! We will def be future customers!

Vans hosted my daughter's 6th birthday party and we couldn't have been happier! The communication leading up to the event was top notch; the cost were clearly communicated, there were many different food and arcade options, and I even received a phone call in the days leading up to the event to confirm the details. The day of they party went off without a hitch! The waitstaff was extremely helpful in providing anything I needed to create the most perfect Barbie party. We even had a last minute allergy r

Delicious food and friendly staff, the 4 stars for service are for a slightly long wait time but the overall experience was amazing and the server we had was very nice.

Service was excellent from the moment we stepped into the door , great place to bring the family has a awesome arcade along with a awesome bar

Our server Tyler was amazing. We came here on a Saturday evening, wasn't too busy and were seated right away. Pizza was very good. Mozz sticks were ok but were a little cold in the middle, that was my only complaint. Other than that the experience itself was awesome. Arcades were cool, much quieter setting than being at a place like D&B. We were able to get a brownie sundae sent out with a single along to happy birthday for my son. My son enjoyed the entire experience and rated it 6 out of 5! Make sure to g

The manager and server were very kind, prompt and helpful. The pizza was well made and the atmosphere was nice and the arcade was a perfect after dinner activity. Definitely bring the family!

Went with a big group. Food was good, we got burgers, pizza, wings. Sangria and margaritas were really good. Arcade was fun. Service center was excellent- Boe was awesome!!!

We stayed at the La Quinta Hotel attached to Vans. We are very impressed as it was a wonderful family restaurant arcade, and sports bar all in one we had loaded nachos and loaded tater tots we didn't leave a crumb on our plates. The prices were very reasonable for food and drinks and the choices provided something for everyone .Everything was delicious. Service was phenomenal and staff was extremely friendly. the arcade had games for everyone as well as prizes and the outdoor area was very nice although it

i was traveling all the way from Arizona and found This a great spot with good pizza and excellent service. The workers are friendly and quick!

really fun, staff is very welcoming food was on time and amazing. Our waiter Lenny was very helpful and good to us definitely will return

The food was amazing and so were the drinks. The servers and workers are so sweet and kind. I will for sure come back!!!

Wonderful staff. Ranch dressing is the bomb! Atmosphere is warm and friendly. The Danbury is delish!

Such a cool place to eat, hang out and watch the game, hang out outside or play arcade game! The food is absolutely phenomenal. We got a bunch of appetizers and dinners. Everything was amazing. Highly suggest the pizza, mozzarella sticks and soft pretzels! The outdoor area is such a relaxing place to sit. They have lawn games and a bon fire! The arcade has multiple areas and each area has no many fun games? great place for kids and adults. My nephew had a blast! The workers are so sweet and loved my nephew

This is a great place to take the family for dinner!! The burgers were yum, fries and mozzarella sticks were delicious! The staff are super friendly and service was on point! This is our new favorite spot!!

I am local and got to visit Vans with a buddy this weekend. We heard they had a retro game room and thats what we grew up with, so we wanted to check it out. Two game rooms, one more retro and the other more modern and for kids. Setup is good and they allow you to bring your drinks anywhere. The main reason to go back, Buck Hunter!! Cant find that anywhere these days, so we will be back for that. Also, look into getting some modern pinball machines. Those are big attractions these days. The atmosphere is n

Most amazing staff and service! Had a friends going away dinner there and they went ABOVE AND BEYOND for her! Truly great atmosphere and good food! 10/10 recommend!

Great addition to the local scence. The staff was very polite and pizza was great. Looking for to trying more in the future.

I came here with my family and some friends for dinner before a Danbury Hat Tricks game. They were having a special if you show your ticket you buy one pizza get the second pizza free! The hostess was nice and sat us in a corner booth. The place was bright and clean. There are TWO arcades here. One with all the new arcade games (the Star Wars pod is my favorite) amd a retro arcade with games from my youth. The bar is separated by a half wall and is a nice size. The waitress was very friendly and made us fee

My family came on a Sunday night and it wasn't very busy, the service was wonderful and my kids loved the games. We got pizza and kids meals and we were happy with it.

The restaurant was very clean and the food tasted great. The kids loved the arcade of course!

Awesome restaurant for all ages with multiple arcades and the enclosed outdoor area with lawn games! Delicious pizza with a thin crispy crust. Mozzarella sticks and pretzel bites are a must! Fantastic and friendly service.

Great service, delicious appetizers, awesome thin crust pizza?and dessert too!!! A fun place to relax after a busy work week

Very happy to find this place. It's hard to find a restaurant that has good wings and good pizza. This definitely has both. Also tried the chicken sandwich, was cooked perfectly was crunchy and also juicy. Very good bar pie, highly recommend the meatballs. Wings are good sized and have great flavor and that was just the regular buffalo. Next time will be the scarpiello wings. Our server Tyler was awesome. Very polite and on top of things. Gave very good recommendations on what to eat. Asked him to

Service with excellent food was hot, bartender was very helpful getting ready to hit the arcade.

Real clean and a great spot to be have game for the kids to do something and the bartender very nice food and drinks are amazing

Lenny was an amazing server! They were very fast and the drinks were very good. Highly recommend this spot!

Good food, keep kids busy while the food is being cooked?. Love the game variety

Stayed at the hotel attached to this for the past few days. The staff (especially Boe the manager) have been incredible with our group. The food is all delicious, fresh and the portions are substantial. Definitely recommend stopping in! (The pizza and Scarpariello wings were a must!)

Great and friendly staff, great pizza and the arcade is a big plus for the kids!

Really nice people at Vans! Food was really good and the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Really happy we tried Vans.

Food was good, recommend the smash burger and pizza. Very friendly atmosphere!

Visiting town on business and needed a place to eat and relax. Bar pizza with good and great deals deal during happy hour. Bar service was friendly and provided great service. Will come back next time in town.

Really good quality service, food and drink options were exemplary and the quality was outstanding.

The food is amazing the service is perfect i would recommend it if your close to the restaurant.

Great food, great service, nice bar, great selection of arcade games. Mozzarella sticks a must try.

Pizza was great. The chicken pesto parm sandwich was excellent. Grat service too.

Friendly staff, clean atmosphere, cool games. Our son loves the pizza

Great food, great service, and the kids had fun in the arcades!!

Food is great!!! But the service and atmosphere is even better. Really great to go with your family!!

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 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.