VR1 Arcade

VR1 Arcade

Reviews Summary

This venue consistently earns praise for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere with a great mix of VR and arcade games. Staff are highlighted as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive, enhancing the experience for both kids and adults. The food and drinks receive strong compliments, including reasonable prices and quality options like gluten-free pizza and local beers. Many reviewers mention it as a perfect spot for birthdays or group events, with clean facilities and diverse game selections. A rare negative note points to occasional service hiccups, but overall, guests rave about the immersive, high-energy environment and plan repeat visits.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
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 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.

What to Expect from Virtual Reality in Arcades

Step into virtual reality for a breathtaking adventure! Arcade VR stations boast advanced headsets (like Oculus or HTC Vive), motion controllers, and sometimes full-body tracking or treadmills. You’ll dive into games like Beat Saber or VR shooters, swinging, dodging, or aiming in 360-degree worlds with vivid visuals and immersive sound. Gameplay spans solo quests to multiplayer battles, with intuitive controls for all levels. Arcades offer vibrant, social VR zones, delivering a thrilling, cutting-edge experience in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

3131 E Lanark St STE 100

Meridian, Idaho 83642

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

I was expecting VR1 Arcade to be more kid-oriented, but I was completely blown away by how adult-friendly and high-end the experience was! The atmosphere is sleek, the VR games are top-tier, and the multiplayer setup is seamless, making it perfect for groups. One of the biggest surprises? They serve delicious wine in Riedel glasses! And just when I thought it couldn't get better, they also have amazing gluten-free pizza! Seriously, it was so good I almost forgot it was gluten-free. From the high-end detai

We've been fans of VR1 since they opened their first location in Eagle. To see where Brendan & Andrew have taken it since then is so cool to see. The new location has something for everyone. Love the $10 arcade game pass. The arcade towers have a huge variety of options from your old school classics to current XBOX selections. For us parents of the 80s and 90s they've got all the NES and Super NES favs. Current offer is $30 for an hour of VR and then unlimited game play on everything else they offer all d

This arcade is AMAZING! This is the best arcade I've ever been at! It's so futuristic and full a different styles of games for everyone besides just VR. These guys are doing it right! Great food, delicious drinks, great service and more games than you could possibly imagine! This is the biggest new thing in Idaho and I will come here everyday I can! This is the biggest VR arcade in the Country and they have done it beautifully!Keep up the great work VR1! [??]

Just spend my daughter's birthday here, our party had a blast, very accommodating and on top of there jobs like the actually care if your having your best time here. Thank you for having us.

Great first experience. The staff was so welcoming and amazing. I definitely coming back. You can't beat wine, games and food all in one place.

We had a great time! Very clean, family friendly! VR was so fun to play and watch my kids interact. Everyone was very helpful and kind. We will for sure be coming back often.

Wow! So impressed - everyone was extremely helpful, tons of machines to choose from, and the food/drinks were delicious! We will be back! (It would be a great date night!)

This was our first time here & my boys loved it! Great staff, the pizza was delicious! Awesome atmosphere! We will definitely spread the word & be back for more! ??????

This place is so fun but not because of the games, it's the amazing staff! My kids and I feel like honored guests welcomed into their space as they teach the kids with so much PATIENCE! We have so much fun on the games, I'm not a gamer but I'm obsessed with Killer Queen, so fun!!! Definitely a must visit!

Another fun night at our favourite VR place! Nice expansion to the old place we used to go to and loved our time today. We will definitely be back! Everyone is so sweet and helpful. Go check it out!

Great place to spend the afternoon! Staff was amazing, my son loved all the games. Great new place to try out.

Had my sons birthday party here Saturday and was very impressed with the service here! Had a group of 8 boys ranging from 12-15, the helpers with the VRs were absolutely wonderful, patient and great to work with. The food and drinks are reasonably priced and very good, we will be back! Thank you for making my boys party a Huge success!!

So much fun!! Definitely recommend coming here with friends. Staff is awesome, thank you Gilmore for your assistance. He was professional and kind!

Brought my kids here for the first time and they had a blast! Dice was our VR guide and walked us through the rules and games seamlessly. He was great and made it a memorable experience! Definitely coming back:)

My wife and I visited the old location years ago and had fun. So, we took our son here on Mother?s Day which is also his birthday. Staff was very friendly, especially Dice. Our son and daughter had a blast! We will be back.

A cool place, but DO NOT eat their food. A friend and I took our sons to VR1 arcade on Saturday March 22nd. I really wanted to love it as my son was so looking forward to it. When we got there we had to wait almost 25 minutes for them to clean off booths for us. This wasn't a big issue as my friend and her son's were running late. They never gave clear instructions on how the kids could play together, maybe they assume kids already know how to use the VR headsets. We decided to order food since we were the

Experience was awesome. Video games were so much fun. The kids had a blast. All the people that worked there were extremely nice and helpful. Would definitely come back with friends and family

The staff is amazing! They're helpful in a way that doesn't make you feel dumb if you don't know what you're doing or if you do know what you're doing, they give you the space to do your thing. Clean space, fun selection of gaming play and comfortable environment. We'll certainly be back to virtually live our best lives for a few hours.

Me and my family have been here 3 times . Brian and the rest of the team always make it such an enjoyable experience. Love the blend of old and new school games.

Awesome and clean. Great staff. Great menu and food! Pizza crust is delish with homemade sauce

I brought my grandchildren for the first time, all three of them had an amazing time and we are definitely coming back. On my next visit here to see you guys on your new location. Your staff is amazing!!!

This place is fantastic. My 11 year old had a birthday party to attend here. He had an absolute blast. Lots of games and fun activities for him. The food was quite good and the service was excellent. Alcohol (not full bar but lots and lots of options) for adults. A bit slow on the service, but they are new and figuring it out. Def going to give them the benefit of the doubt. Easy 5 star three hour stay on a Sunday. I don't expect this place will ever be this "slow" (not really) again. Gilmore was a fantast

what a great staff, I cannot say enough about this staff, they were so so kind and helpful, and engaging, I couldn't have had a better experience if I tried. I took my friend here for a fun birthday activity and we had a fabulous time. I can't wait to do this more often in the future with my partner, The all day pass is an incredible feature! I seriously didn't want to leave, especially Since the staff was so engaging and fun to interact with! I'm going to continue to recommend this place to all of my frie

Really great place for birthday parties, the staff was very nice and helpful, super welcoming. Great for a large group of kids . No one wanted to leave. Really good food for a nice price too. I would definitely recommend.

Just found our new favorite place! We literally stayed there all day. Amazing facility and awesome and helpful employees! Didn't know anything like this even existed!

Fun environment to get out of the real world! Friendly customers service! Food was good!! Follow 208 Party Balloons for your party needs!

the new location is absolutely spectacular! It's clean and not a lot of traffic so there is plenty of headsets. I'm not a big fan of Oculus headsets however but the gaming is the same as the old location. Highly recommend.

Loved it! We'll definitely be back. There was lots for everyone to do. Everything was incredibly reasonably priced, and the customer service was impeccable. Kind, gracious staff that was gentle and patient with everyone, even when we had some mishaps. Would recommend to anyone!

This was all my son wanted to do for his birthday. Made an appointment, showed up and Brendan was super helpful. He showed us everything we need to know and we had a blast. We will definitely be back soon with some friends!

First time coming in we were greeted given a a tour around, shown how everything works. Game selections over all is very diverse and run well on equipment. Staff is very friendly and willing to help you with anything you need. Drinks/food i feel like they have a nice selection and comes out at reasonable times the quality is good. If you wanna bring either ur family or friends all ages are welcomed and everyone will have a great time!

We are here for the a day full of soccer games and wanted something to do in between. This place is perfect! Not only is there food and drinks, but I can sit and relax while my son gets to game on any platform he wants! We will definitely be returning in the future!

They do a great job. My 5 yr old received great attention to help him for his first time.

We visited the former Eagle location and loved it, and the new space is even better! Very adult friendly and stuff to do even if you aren't gaming. My kids love the number of options available.

I had a fun time there with my friends, and the games were really great. Most of the staff was great too. The only issue was when we were about to leave, one of the employees, I think his name was Aaron, was extremely pushy about us getting food. He was almost bullying us into getting food we didn't want. I felt like I should have kept my mouth shut and it was very uncomfortable. I would go back again if this doesn't happen again.

there's lots of stuff to do and everything is very enjoyable. The staff are very friendly. The food is actually really good and the drinks aren't expensive but are pretty worth it.

Great atmosphere! The staff is awesome! They did great with my kids and created an amazing experience for all of them.

My kids absolutely loved it. Definitely a game changer in the Arcade industry. My day we had Street fighter and Mortal Kombat.Kids are entering virtual portals..Pizza and great beer selection, added to our enjoyment. We are bringing the school friends to join in on the fun next month..

My first time at a VR place and it was a blast! There is a quick tutorial and the employees are more than happy to help! The hour flew by, and we had so much fun doing the Elven game. We would definitely come back!

Best family date night in town!!!! We have been coming here for years and it never gets old.

This place is incredible! They have so many games from my childhood, and the cooperative VR games were an absolute blast! The employees were so helpful in guiding us through the VR experience the full hour of the reservation. I was so impressed and highly recommend this place!

We did a two hour birthday party and I was super skeptical, but had a blast. Everyone was very helpful. Games are fun. Will definitely be doing that again.

Took my son for his 14th birthday. We had a great time. The staff was super friendly and helpful. Thank you for making it a great day.

went in to check out the food and drinks and was highly disappointed. their so called ?bar manager ? gilmore was extremely rude to his staff and rarely payed any attention to me and my group. not once were we offered food or drink when we were there from him. was highly disappointed in this experience

Super awesome place to go for family fun. The bar and grill have very reasonable prices and the staff are enthusiastic and seem proud to be part of the team. Very helpful and make you feel right at home even if you don't know the first thing about games or virtual reality

Such a great place ! All the staff were so friendly and helpful. My grandsons had a great time. Got to enjoy a glass a wine while they played !!

Very cool place. The staff are awesome and very helpful. Our kids loved it. They also have food and drinks. We will be going there again for sure.

Brought my kids in for some VR and video games. Cool facility! Lots of great games and the Day Pass was just right. Staff is friendly and helpful! We will definitely be coming back

VR1 was an amazing place. Has a great selection of games. Cabinet, vr and a bunch of others. They have a great kitchen that makes amazing food. Highly recommend for party's and big groups

This place has good customer service, they're very nice and helpful. The place is nice and open filled with lots of activities. Although this place is mainly advertised as a VR and gaming arcade location, the food that they serve are also pretty delicious as they have a cafe, grill, and bar.

We had the best time and everyone was so helpful and kind! I'm so glad we choose to celebrate a birthday with you all! Looking forward to our next visit.

Fun experience for all! They have a variety of console options that have so many games to pick from. Whether you want to try VR, play on a high end gaming PC, arcade emulators, and more. It's a great place to hangout at and they even offer food and drinks! Plus, the staff were super friendly and helpful. Check em out and bring some friends or family with yah!

This place is great! The staff are super helpful and just create a fun atmosphere. I think kiddo found his next birthday party place.

Came in for the first time 5 days ago with my boyfriend who's been in before, and had such a great time! I was extremely nervous once we entered the building but the staff was so polite & helpful and instructed me through everything! I had an absolute blast playing AriZona Sunshine & Beatsaber, time flew by so fast! Overall it was a very enjoyable experience and I will 100% be back with more friends to share the fun with!

We recently attended VR1 for a birthday party during a two-hour window. While the staff was attentive, the overall customer service experience was mixed. Unfortunately, the value for the cost felt off. Out of the two hours, we only had about an hour and 15 minutes of actual playtime. Several technical issues ? not caused by user error ? required employee troubleshooting, which cut into our experience. Additionally, every game we played suffered from extreme latency, often causing the graphics to pixelate a

Best place ever! Drop the boys off and they were very well cared for, safe & fun for the whole family! I'll be staying to play next time!

Brian and Cooper were super amazing and helpful. We had the best birthday party. It was such a great break from reality. I absolutely loved this and will be back over and over again!

Attended a birthday party there and my 12 year old had a blast! Tons of games to choose from and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Will definitely be coming back.

Amazing! Best birthday party for a teenage boy!

Came to get information about the facility for future events and gatherings for ALL ages. Ordered lunch the Classic Burger. Very pleased and out beats other side kitchen burgers. Mozzarella sticks with side of Marinara sauce which the sauce is made from scratch by Chef Drew was amazing good. Check it out , stop in for a drink and food too

Very welcoming workers, super cool lighting, and good food

Riley was AMAZING making my children's first VR experience so fun! He was so friendly, professional and made the experience perfect! We can't wait to come back! Thank you!

My son really enjoyed the immersive play, and it's been fun for both of us to explore the hundreds of VR gaming options. There was plenty of space for my kiddo to move around in the VR booth (1 of 24!), and the VR technician was a huge help in setting us up for an easy gameplay experience. It's a great place to spend time with friends and family. A 'must do' for anyone with energetic kids!

Solid experience! Brian is a rockstar, a little creative timing he got us in on an open spot, worked out perfectly.. thanks!

My son and I had a blast at VR1 Arcade! Lots of new and exciting co-op and multi-player VR games! With a ton of vintage arcade games as well as all of Nintendo and Sega games! What a blast from the past. I would highly recommend for all ages!

Customer Service is excellent! My son had a blast at this place. Clean, with good food. Fun for the whole family!

Brian is the best, along with all the other workers. They are polite, helpful, and made my time great.

3 of my sons were invited for a birthday party and had the BEST time! There were a lot of wild boys, but all of the employees were fun and very patient. I loved being able to hang out with the adults while the kids played. It's a small enough place that you can relax and not worry about keeping an eye on the kids. We'll definitely be back!

I went here for a birthday party and it was a lot of fun, they have lots of vr games you can choose from. The staff were very helpful and patient with us. I will definitely be going back some time soon.

Amazing service, kind workers, great gaming setup. Amazing food. VR set was really good loved the beat saber game.

Very fun place to go with family. Very clean friendly environment. If you want to try something new and haven't tried VR, I recommend here.

My daughter loves VR1! We've been there 5 times and we have enjoyed all of the different activities. Thank you!

Nice atmosphere, highly enjoyable fun. Adult beverages as well. Gilmore the GM is super helpful and knowledgeable in all things to do with this place.

Came here for a friends bday party. was super fun never been to a VR arcade before. staff was helpful and atmosphere was nice. ggs all around!

Love being here the atmosphere is awesome everyone is really respectful including the other people here to play games it's a great time and I think everyone should get a chance to come down and play games also new surprise and development that I didn't know took place here they have a LARPing session going on freaking epic

This place was so fun!!! I bring my sister's here all the time and they love it. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

Brian and Marcus were awesome! Friendly and helpful! We had so much fun

So much fun! Employees were so helpful! Come early and come hungry! Food is awesome!

I absolutely loved everything, I wish I could?ve stayed longer absolutely recommend going. Staff are awesome. Overall, it's like a gaming paradise! BRING YOUR FRIENDS!! I lost track of time so quickly because of how much fun I was having.

VR games were awesome and super fun! Me and my daughter could not stop laughing playing zombies! Arcade games remind me of my childhood, was awesome!

Brendan and team, (Brian and Riley specifically today) are true professionals. We love coming here for birthdays, after school, or on lazy Sundays like today. Amazing business concept! Can't wait to see whats in store for 2.0!

Great, Clean, nice place to just relax and hangout with some friends. lots of good food, and the staff is super nice and willing to help me with everything. Love this place

My son came for a birthday party and had an absolute blast. When they had an unscheduled open even he and friend tried to come in for a last minute session, we found out we were too late for the evening. The worker was so kind and helpful and encouraged us to come back tomorrow. I left 5 stars because of previous visit, but we can't wait to come back again

Great staff and always accommodating. Birthday night with the 11 year old boys went well!

Great food. Lots of fun. Diffidently adult friendly, perfect for date night

Took my son on a mother-son date and had a blast playing games together and separately. Brian was so helpful in getting everything set up and changed as we went between different games. Will definitely be doing this again!!

Such a fun day with the family! Very friendly for beginners and players with more experience. Everyone was very helpful!

Our family has been here a couple times and we are actually on our way there again now! The staff is extremely attentive and the owner is knowledgeable and truly cares about every experience. The equipment has worked well every time. They have a great local beer selection, I'll work on them with the wine?. Thanks guys! Your the best!

Super nice people and a great setup. I took my son, and had so much fun, that my husband and I made it a date day not long after.

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.

Are virtual reality games in arcades worth playing?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) games in arcades are a top attraction in 2025! Titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx deliver immersive thrills with cutting-edge headsets, motion tracking, and responsive controllers. High-resolution displays and spatial audio create heart-pounding experiences, from slashing rhythms to battling zombies. Arcades feature multiplayer VR zones and tournaments, fostering lively communities. VR booths are regularly packed, proving their captivating, next-level gameplay makes them a must-try arcade experience.