Best Arcades of Austin
Austin is well-known as a city of the arts. While often overlooked by art aficionados, classic video games, pinball games, and pinball machines are among the most interactive and immerse forms art available in the modern day.
Whether you’re an experienced gamer or a newcomer to the world of arcades, you’re sure to have a blast at the attractions featured on today’s arcade Austin TX.
Originator VA Arcade
CLOSED - Updated 2024
Virtual reality is no longer a thing of science fiction, and you can experience it for yourself right here in Austin. Originator VA Arcade features one large space, with plenty of room for players to walk, duck, or swing around as they navigate their virtual reality experience. The game room includes top-of-the-line HTC Vive VR headsets and POV projectors positioned on each wall.
This arcade near me is BYOB, meaning guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks to the experience. Refrigerators are available for guests to store their food and beverages. A standard play session lasts between 2-3 hours, giving players plenty of time to browse through the arcade’s selection of virtual reality games. VR experts are also on hand to assist in selecting games, headsets, and controllers to suit your personal tastes.
The recommended group size is between 1-12 players, but the complex can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. Originator VR Arcade is located at 718 Northwestern Avenue in Austin and is currently open by appointment/reservation only.
Pinballz Arcade
Pinballz Arcade is a family-friendly café/arcade hybrid, serving food, drinks and games for visitors of every age. The arcade bar combines classic pinball parlors with modern video games to create the ultimate entertainment venue. Pinball machines, which have been considered by many to be outdated, still has that certain appeal to many folks and has all the fun they have when they were first invented. Think of it as miniature golf, without the walking and a hundred times the intensity!
In addition to café and pizzeria fare, the Pinballz Pantry sells common grocery items to go, such as water, eggs, milk, bread, and pre-made Pinballz burger patties.
The arcade is located at 8940 Research Blvd in Austin, and is open seven days a week.
Cidercade Austin
Cidercade is a gaming facility featuring more than 150 retro and modern arcade games, adult beverages, pizzas, and a scenic lakeside patio. The arcade is open to guests of all ages during daytime hours. After 8 PM, it is limited to ages 21+. The arcade’s bar features 48 taps with 24 different types of hard ciders, kombuchas, seltzers and wines. Outside beverages are not permitted.
Feeling hungry? Sample Cidercade’s artisan 10’’ thin-crust pizzas, baked on site in a rotary stone hearth pizza oven. Pizzas and drinks are also available for takeout.
Free masks are provided for visitors and are required to be worn while on premises. Games and other common surfaces are sanitized regularly for guest safety. Staff implements the use of Adennosine Triphosate swab testers to ensure that surfaces are 100% sanitized and hygienic. These high-tech swabs are the same ones used in certified FDA facilities.
Cidercade Austin is located at 600 East Riverside Drive and is open seven days a week: 10 AM to 12 PM. Admission is $10 a day per person, or guests can opt for a $15 monthly membership. The arcade is currently cashless, so no paper or coins are accepted. Checkout the Cidercade Austin photos on the website!
Arcade UFO
Established in 2008, Arcade UFO is a compact arcade complex specializing in modern arcade games imported from Japan and South Korea. It is Austin’s premiere Japanese-style gaming center, featuring a variety of fighting and rhythm games as well as a few retro classics. Game selections include SEGA’s UFO catchers, Project Justice, Cosmic Smash, Beatmania, Street Fighter Turbo and more.
Arcade UFO is dedicated to helping the Austin gaming community thrive. The venue hosts regular FGC tournaments and events, which can be followed on their official Facebook page. The arcade also takes questions and suggestions regarding future events.
Arcade UFO is located at 3101 Speedway in Austin. The venue is open daily: 6 PM to 12 AM Monday through Thursday, 1 PM to 2 AM Friday and Saturday, and 1 PM to 12 AM on Sundays.
What is your favorite Austin Texas Arcade, arcade game, modern or retro? Let us know in the comments!
7 Best Arcades in San Antonio
Enjoyed a day at the arcade but now you’re craving some Chinese food? Check out these best Chinese restaurant around Austin.
Do you love Texan burgers? Enjoy a burger in one of many best burger joints in Austin.
