17 Game Bars and Arcades in Atlanta (Where You Can Do More Than Just Drink) (2024)

It’s time to get your game on, people! Atlanta is not playing around when it comes to offering the bougiest boutique bars and social battlefields for girls and guys who still want to have some upscale fun.

Get out of Grandpa’s garage and sip chic co*cktails while crushing your opponents in a posh arena with live DJs, world class cuisine and ultra hip games. Classic and contemporary competitions are bringing back in-person social interaction and the smack-talking seems just a little more clever on a luxe leather sofa.

Ready to get gaming and drinking? Here are 17 game bars and arcades in Atlanta, Georgia that you and your crew will love!

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN ATLANTA

• Best in Buckhead. Intuitively constructed with an efficient use of space, and with a focus on sustainability, Element Atlanta Buckhead helps you stay connected and feel balanced while you’re there. You’ll love the indoor saltwater pool, complimentary breakfast, and on-site fitness center.

• Best in Downtown. Set in Downtown Atlanta, just steps away from Centennial Olympic Park, The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton offers accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a restaurant and a bar.Breakfast is available every morning, and includes continental, Full English/Irish and American options.

• Best in Midtown Atlanta. Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Midtown features a fitness center, shared lounge, free bikes, a restaurant and bar in Atlanta. This awesome hotel is located just across from the historic Fox Theatre.

FOWLING WAREHOUSE

It’s okay to use foul language here, if you know what you are talking about. Fowling is a hybrid game that combines aspects of football and bowling into one social sport. The mashup started as the founders set up a one-lane experimental football and bowling game to pass the time while tailgating at the 2001 Indy 500.

Fowling is as easy as throwing a football at ten bowling pins until someone knocks them all down. Of course, it helps if you channel your inner Tom Brady. Check out the short, simple rules to find out about Fair Ups, Overtime, Sudden Death and more.

Fowling Warehouse™ Atlanta is a destination venue with 25,000 square feet and 20 Fowling™ lanes, 40 + TV’s, a bar, and an outside courtyard with games, seating and two more Fowling lanes. Chef Kodak and the culinary crew bring you great eats while you play. Game day foods like nachos, house-made chips, burgers, and cheesesteaks help create that tailgating atmosphere.

Pay $15 for unlimited play or reserve a private lane. To thank the armed forces for their service, heroes can show a valid military ID to get unlimited play for just $10. This is a 21+ venue and all IDs are checked at the door.

ROARING SOCIAL

Alpharetta’s Roaring Social has a secret entrance to hidden treasures within. The hip hideaway creates an exciting, unforgettable experience in an unmatched, opulent setting. The RoSo Clothier facade offers guests (with the right secret password) entry into a nostalgic dream.

Tucked away in the Prohibition salon, eight Boutique Bowling lanes beckon to those who desire a little friendly competition with their night of entertainment in a well-appointed lounge. Upscale cuisine and craft co*cktails are available for adults only in this swanky speakeasy.

Book the Babe Ruth Study, a private event space with museum-quality mementos from baseball’s famous slugger including his personal letters, personal decanter and drinking glasses. Hit it out of the park with a Babe Ruth Platter featuring legendary favorites like whiskey glazed chicken tenders, beef sliders with gruyere and meatballs.

Read More: 41 THINGS TO DO IN ALPHARETTA GA THAT WE’RE OBSESSED WITH AND YOU WILL BE TOO

TIN PIN GAME BAR

NEW IN 2024! Welcome to your hideout in the Avenue East Cobb! Located inside of Tin Lizzy’s East Cobb, Tin Pin is your new gaming destination with over 10 pinball machines and a collection of arcade games alongside Tin Lizzy’s full menu of food & drinks.

You’ll find fun old-school arcade games here, like Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga. There are also several pinball machines here.

Of course, guests can order from Tin Lizzy’s full menu of delicious tacos, quesadillas, and more.

THE PAINTED PIN

The Painted Pin is the original upscale boutique bar, bowling alley and entertainment venue with 20 full service lanes in Buckhead’s ritzy Miami Circle that inspired The Painted Duck. Custom indoor bocce courts, giant jenga, ping pong, table shuffleboard skee-ball and southern skittles are also available to entertain the beautiful people.

Relax on custom chesterfield couches while the hospitable personalized staff delivers balls and shoes lane-side while you relax in the upscale alley. Wood fired pizzas and pub fare are complemented with signature co*cktails, craft beers and artisanal wines by the glass.

Reservations are not accepted and the crowd is 21+ except weekends before 5 pm. Valet parking is available.

Read More: THE PAINTED PIN FOR “OLD-SCHOOL” WEEKEND FAMILY FUN

THE PAINTED DUCK

The Painted Duck is the second distinguished drinkery, duckpin bowling, and gaming parlor located on the Westside in the Stockyards Atlanta. The founders of The Painted Pin brought their legit culinary and wine pedigrees as a master sommelier, chef and financier at the helm to the Westside.

I know, it sounds weird, but so fun! Duckpin bowling is a variation of the traditional game and Belgian feather bowling is played with a wooden “cheese wheel” that is rolled down a trough shaped alley towards a feather.

The Painted Duck includes 16 full service duckpin bowling lanes, two Belgian feather bowling lanes, two indoor horseshoe pits, knuckleball, toad in the hole, two indoor deck shuffleboard courts, 22 ft. table shuffleboard, a basketball three-point and free throw shootout, air hockey, snookball (a hybrid sport that blends pool with soccer) and more.

The backyard bar fare includes small plates, dips, sliders, sandwiches, salads, and skewered wood fired meats and proteins. The beverage program focuses on signature and classic co*cktails, artisanal wines by the glass and local and craft beer. Try the duck phat fries!

YOUR 3RD SPOT

You spend most of your time at work or home. I even work from home! Everyone needs a third place. That’s the premise at Your 3rd Spot. It’s a spot to play, converse, and explore.

The inclusive and accommodating gathering ground located at The Works on the Upper West Side lets you forget about digging for loose change. Unlock up to three hours of play on 65+ arcade, board, table and yard games with an experience pass. Try bowling, pinball, curling, corn hole or darts.

Even if you’re not a player, come for the cuisine! Chef Stuart Rogers, former Chef de Cuisine at Midtown’s Lyla Lila, was a two-time James Beard award nominee and included on the prestigious Top 50 restaurants list by the New York Times. The menu features sharable and crave-able small plates that are big on flavor.

The gaming venue is family friendly before 5pm and strictly 21+ after that. Note that this is a cashless venue, accepting digital and credit card payments only.

JOYSTICK GAMEBAR

Calling all nerds! Joystick GameBar is a nerdy dive bar with classic arcade games, tabletop gaming and booze. This blast from the past features old school cabinets, board games and some prime people watching. Enjoy hard liquor, craft beers, sodas and energy drinks, but no food service is offered.

Seriously, this is an official DragonCon venue. Attendees to the freaky, geeky annual event enjoy access with extended hours, free play and a special karaoke lounge.

There is never a cover charge and all age gamers are allowed until 8 PM. Sorry kids, after that, it is adults only at this fabulous time capsule located on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta.

SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH OF THE LIVING ROOM & PING PONG EMPORIUM

Come on in, Precious! Sister Louisa welcomes all weary souls at this colorful Atlanta spot jammed tightly between Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and The Martin Luther King Center. Parishioners (aka patrons) are invited to let their freak flags fly and more than a few sins have probably been committed here.

Sister Louisa’s Church of The Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium is an eclectic art gallery that also sells alcohol. Known informally as Church, the non-smoking bar does not have television or internet. Instead, live entertainment and gaming engage the congregation.

Monday Night is famous for a World Class Ping Pong Tournament. Tuesday Nights feature Madam Butterfly, tarot card reader and team trivia. On Wednesday nights, don your robe and join the choir for Church Organ Karaoke where a live organist leads the music. Ping Pong Drag Shows and stand-up comedy are scheduled regularly. Check out the dart room and arcade.

I think this party place is best for all consenting adults only.

PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL

Located in The Battery just steps from Truist Park and Coca-Cola Roxy, Punch Bowl Social Atlanta can take your game to the next level. The 25,000-square-foot venue of sheer awesomeness includes multiple bars, virtual reality, ping pong, billiards, bowling, classic arcade games, craft beverages and food.

Enjoy great co*cktails, great food, great times and great music. Craft co*cktails, a scratch kitchen, social games and booty-shaking tunes will get you in the groove for karaoke or bowling.

Play table games, giant scrabble, ping pong, foosball, billiards and bonzini by the hour. Board games, card games, and giant Jenga are free.

Reserve a table or simply walk-in and wander. All are welcome. regardless of color, class, creed, orientation or gender. So grab your favorite people, get your game on, and let your freak flags fly.

RED DOOR TAVERN

Red Door Tavern, set in the heart of the Buckhead nightlife scene, is the original dive bar that helped launch the bustling area back in 2004. Walk back in time to an 80s arcade, but with a vodka drink.

The Tavern celebrated their sweet sixteen anniversary with a complete remodel; including a full retro arcade, new patio design, butcher-block bar tops, and numerous custom neons and lighting.

Hey girl hey! Wednesdays are for the ladies. The RDT knows what girls like and they serve White Claws and Build your own Truly seltzers for $4. All the flavor, with barely any calories!

Grab a co*cktail or order a shot & a beer like the locals. You won’t find a happier happy hour. Complimentary shots before 8PM, popcorn, and no bosses. Come hang out after work, before you head home.

BATTLE & BREW(x2)

No game is left behind at Atlanta’s Battle & Brew. Nothing tops that classic feeling of sitting side by side on the sofa with your friends playing your favorite video games. Get that old time feeling again with Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox, PC and tabletop games.

With a multitude of gaming choices, both digital and physical, you and your friends will be able to play to your Rapper’s Delight in this Sandy Springs kid-friendly (until 11PM) social hangout in the Parkside Shopping Center.

Play by the hour or play all night on house PCs at a set rate price. Playing solo? Grab a seat at a PC station, loaded with the oldest and the latest games. Check the calendar for special themed events.

Replay a grudge match with a bestie or find your perfect match with a date night at a duo tablewith a 1v1 setup with two chairs.Or, get the old gang together on a gaming couch area, featuring enough space for six or more people, a table, TV and house gaming systems.

Go back to the future with a virtual reality experience, available only in the VIP Lounge. Enjoy co*cktails and mocktails with brunch and bar foods, featuring Asian specialties.

NEW IN 2024: Battle & Brew opened a second location at The Battery Atlanta at the end of January 2024. It’s located beside Ph’east Food Hall, and has a full bar and restaurant along with 70 gaming screens, 40 game consoles, and a dedicated PC battle arena.

THE BLUE GHOST

Woodstock’s Blue Ghost is the perfect haunt for gamers. Retro arcade cabinets and console gaming systems connect a classic generation of games with a new generation of players.

Be a wizard at pinball, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, board games, SEGA, GameCube and more. Everyone has a ghost of a chance at winning.

One $15 all day pass grants unlimited game play to veteran and aspiring enthusiasts. Doors open at 1 pm and birthday party packages are available for fun lovers of any age.

Crafts beers and specialty co*cktails are available, so invade this space soon.

ORMSBY’S

Ormsby’s is a classic neighborhood tavern on Atlanta’s west-side on Howell Mill Rd. Challenge yourself and your friends with a wide range of traditional games including backgammon, bocce, darts, pool, and shuffleboard.

Try a double smashburger on Alon’s egg bun with a cold beer while dining outside on the new courtyard patio. A full menu features appetizers, snacks, sandwiches and even a porterhouse steak.

Toast your win with specialty co*cktails, craft beers, wines, ciders, bourbons and spirits. (21+ after 6pm).

REVERY VR BAR

Revery VR Bar is the nation’s first full bar to incorporate virtual reality technology. The modern, adult-only neon-lit bar features creative co*cktails, local craft beer & virtual reality experiences each Wednesday through Saturday.

Located in the heart of Midtown near Ponce City Market, you can spend some quality time on the VR cloud in one of the liveliest parts of Atlanta. Nine VR cloud rooms and one dream room offer private experiences for groups. A live DJ cranks out the tunes and a bartender mixes things up.

For a break from virtual reality, drop a few quarters in the retro arcade. Gamers should plan to play from 6-10 PM, then get ready to get down. The dance floor is lit from 10-2.

Pop some bottles. It’s adorable! Try the min bottle service for $30. Get a 375ml champagne bottle, two shots, two pop rocks and festive sparklers! Feeling extra special? Book a private karaoke room and let your freak flag fly.

Lay down a baseline before you boogie with a Heartbreaker burger from the food truck onsite Thursday-Saturday from 9 PM until they run out. After that, grab popcorn and peanuts from the bar.

MY PARENTS’ BAsem*nT

My Parents’ Basem*nt is a neighborhood eatery in Avondale Estates started by three friends who love beer, thoughtful food, comic books, and pinball. Nostalgic snacks are re-imagined into small plates and drinks from a full bar selection are curated by top pros. Currently serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday until 3 pm.

For so long, Atlanta had just one or two machines sprinkled around, until MPB became the home for fanatics with 20 pinball machines. Enthusiasts also share, shop and sample new comics, collected editions and rarities from the MPB comic book store.

So glad these guys got off the ground floor! Check it out.

SLINGSHOT SOCIAL GAME CLUB

At Slingshot Social Game Club, they brought classics back to Midtown, with added twists. SuperSkee ups the skeeball difficulty with bigger balls and longer lanes. Ultimate Bocce modernizes the classic game with automatic scoring and an instant replay.

Extreme Duckpin is a radical overhaul of the original, creating a fun, highly competitive, and fast-paced game. Slingshot has a few iconic arcade games too.

So, you hit a wall. Around here, that’s a good thing! Load a card and head over to sample 48 of your favorite craft beers, ciders, and wines on tap on the automated beer wall! Get your fill of your favorite finger foods and shareable plates, tasty treats and gourmet burgers.

A full co*cktail bar with bartender service is also available. All guests 21+ must sign in and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an active member.

TOPGOLF

Fore score and just a few years ago, Topgolf revolutionized the game. The sports entertainment complex features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy in any weather. Paired with an outstanding food and beverage menu, climate-controlled hitting bays and music, Topgolf locations in Midtown, Alpharetta, and Buford have energetic force fields, just like professional sports arenas.

Book a bay by the hour for up to six players. You only need a drink caddy, so don’t lug your clubs. Complimentary clubs for men, ladies, left-handers, right-handers, kids, and toddlers are already onsite for your convenience.

Take aim at the giant outfield targets and the high-tech balls will accurately score themselves. While you’re playing, order food and drinks while you catch the game on HDTVs in your bay. You can even book lessons to improve your golf skills.

PUTTSHACK

Power to the putter! Puttshack’s tech-infused mini golf is perfect for family outings, friendly banter, and private parties. No one is quiet on the green. Live DJs spin high energy hits every weekend and players get Gram-worthy aesthetics anytime.

My life has a soundtrack and now, so does my golf game. The in-venue curated playlists, DJs and live events are always bringing the cool vibes. Whether you’re waving your drinks in the air, dusting off dance moves on the course, or singing along between bites, it’s always a party on the West Side at Puttshack at The Interlock!

Passionate chefs & friendly bartenders will tantalize your taste buds with flavors from around the globe. An eclectic shareable and street food-infused menu offers exciting dishes that bring everyone to the table,with a drink menu that reads like a love letter to co*cktail history.

(21+ to enter this location after 8pm)

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
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