Fun Alternatives to Dave & Buster’s: Game On!
Cidercade in Houston boasts 275 arcade games for just $10. That’s 91% more games than the average Dave & Buster’s! Let’s explore exciting places that offer similar experiences.
I’ve searched for adult entertainment centers that rival the popular chain. These spots combine dining, drinking, and playing under one roof. From coast to coast, there’s a variety of arcades for adults to enjoy.
This guide will help you find new hotspots for all ages and interests. You’ll discover great options for nights out with friends or family day trips. Get ready to level up your entertainment game!
Table of Contents
ToggleKey Takeaways
- Cidercade in Houston offers 275 arcade games for a flat fee of $10
- Many alternatives to Dave & Buster’s provide unique eatertainment experiences
- Adult entertainment centers are becoming increasingly popular nationwide
- Regional options offer diverse gaming and dining experiences
- Family-friendly and adult-oriented alternatives cater to different preferences
- Arcades for adults often feature innovative games and premium food options
- Choosing the right alternative depends on group interests, budget, and location
The Rise of Eatertainment: Beyond Dave & Buster's
Eatertainment destinations are changing how we have fun and eat out. These places offer more than just a meal. They blend dining with games and activities, creating unforgettable experiences.
What is Eatertainment?
Eatertainment mixes eating with entertainment. These places offer games, sports, and fun activities alongside their menus. Chuck E. Cheese started this trend in the ’70s.
Now, it’s grown up and expanded to cater to all ages. It’s not just about food anymore.
The Dave & Buster's Model
Dave & Buster’s set the standard for restaurant-arcade venues. They combined arcade games with a sports bar feel. Their recent 15.7% revenue jump shows the model’s lasting appeal.
Emerging Trends in the Industry
The eatertainment scene is evolving fast. New concepts are popping up everywhere. Topgolf made golf accessible, with 51% of visitors being newcomers.
Pickleball venues like Camp Pickle are booming. It’s riding the wave of America’s fastest-growing sport. Even ping pong is getting a tech upgrade.
People want more from their night out. They seek unique experiences that mix good food with fun activities. It’s about creating memories and having a great time.
Top National Chains Rivaling Dave & Buster's
Gaming restaurants are shaking up the night-out scene. These arcade bars offer unique experiences that blend dining with interactive fun. Let’s explore some exciting alternatives to Dave & Buster’s.
Main Event Entertainment takes arcade dining to new heights. They’ve added bowling, laser tag, and gravity ropes courses to the mix. Their casual dining options keep you fueled for all the action.
Round1 Bowling & Amusement dazzles with neon-lit bowling alleys. They’ve also included karaoke rooms for those who love to sing. Their arcades boast the latest games, matching Dave & Buster’s impressive selection.
Punch Bowl Social offers a more refined experience. They blend adult entertainment with top-notch food and drinks. Vintage arcade games add a nostalgic touch to their modern vibe.
Chain | Unique Features | Dining Experience |
---|---|---|
Main Event | Bowling, Laser Tag, Ropes Courses | Casual |
Round1 | Neon Bowling, Karaoke Rooms | Snack-focused |
Punch Bowl Social | Vintage Arcade, Craft Cocktails | Upscale |
These chains are giving Dave & Buster’s a run for its money. Dave & Buster’s remains strong with 16.3% sales growth and 80 locations. However, these alternatives are pushing the boundaries of interactive dining experiences.
Unique Local Alternatives Across America
Exciting amusement parks for adults are scattered across the USA. These recreational complexes offer unique experiences rivaling Dave & Buster’s. Let’s explore some regional gems!
West Coast Wonders
California offers exciting alternatives for grown-up fun. Tilt Studio in Burbank brings arcade nostalgia to life. Golfland Sunsplash in Roseville combines mini-golf with water park thrills.
Family Arcade LA charges just $25 for a full day of unlimited play. This budget-friendly option provides hours of entertainment for gaming enthusiasts.
Midwest Marvels
The Midwest has intriguing options for adult entertainment. Safe House in Milwaukee blends spy-themed dining with interactive missions. Scene75 Entertainment Centers in Ohio feature go-karts, laser tag, and more under one roof.
Southern Surprises
The South offers plenty of fun for grown-ups. Frankie’s Fun Park in South Carolina provides outdoor adventures alongside indoor games. Stars and Strikes brings bowling and arcade action to several Southeastern states.
East Coast Excitement
Barcade, with locations in major cities, caters to retro gaming fans. Bowlero boasts 300 sites nationwide, offering bowling paired with arcade games and upscale dining.
Region | Notable Alternative | Unique Feature |
---|---|---|
West Coast | Family Arcade LA | $25 all-day unlimited play |
Midwest | Safe House | Spy-themed interactive dining |
South | Frankie’s Fun Park | Indoor-outdoor entertainment mix |
East Coast | Bowlero | 300 locations nationwide |
These recreational complexes offer unique experiences tailored to local tastes. From coast to coast, thrilling alternatives await adults seeking fun and excitement.
Adult-Oriented Entertainment Centers
Adult entertainment centers are revolutionizing nightlife. These spots blend games, drinks, and socializing for grown-ups. They offer a unique experience tailored just for adults.
Lucky Strike is a standout favorite. It’s not your typical bowling alley. Imagine sleek lanes, mood lighting, and a bar serving craft cocktails.
Barcade is a haven for arcade enthusiasts. It combines classic video games with an impressive craft beer selection. This fusion of nostalgia and modern mixology is truly captivating.
The Night Game in Houston takes adult entertainment to new heights. It’s an adults-only arcade that feels like an interactive art gallery. You can play Pac-Man one minute and join a hip-hop dance party the next.
These arcades are more than just playgrounds. They’re social hubs where adults can unwind and reconnect with their inner child. The popularity of these venues is soaring.
“Adult entertainment centers achieve higher per capita expenditures and generate greater sales per square foot compared to family-focused venues.”
These spots are changing the face of nightlife. They have longer operating hours and focus on group experiences. Adult entertainment centers offer a unique and enjoyable outing for various occasions.
Family-Friendly Fun Zones
Family fun centers are exciting new alternatives to Dave & Buster’s. These spots offer entertainment for all ages. Kids, teens, and adults can enjoy themselves together.
All-Ages Attractions
Astro Fun World in Aurora is a family paradise. It offers mini golf, go-karts, a ropes course, and a zip line.
Older kids love the rock climbing wall. Little ones enjoy the kids’ play zone. Tech fans can try virtual reality games and a huge arcade.
Kid-Centric Options
Scene75 in Romeoville is perfect for younger children. This pay-as-you-go wonderland has laser tag, go-karts, and an indoor roller coaster.
Bumper cars provide hilarious fun for all. The mini-golf course keeps families entertained for hours. Kids can burn energy in the inflatables area.
Teenage Hangouts
Scrim Center in Lisle is a teen’s dream arcade. It has high-end gaming PCs, cutting-edge VR setups, and the latest gaming consoles.
Active teens will love Urban Air in Naperville. It offers trampolines, climbing walls, and go-karting. These venues blend thrills with social spaces.
Venue | Key Attractions | Best For |
---|---|---|
Astro Fun World | Mini golf, go-karts, ropes course, VR games | All ages |
Scene75 | Laser tag, indoor roller coaster, inflatables | Young children |
Scrim Center | High-end gaming PCs, VR, gaming consoles | Teens and adults |
Places Similar to Dave and Busters: A Comprehensive Guide
Across the U.S., many venues offer experiences like Dave and Busters. These spots combine restaurants with arcades, catering to various age groups. From family-friendly places to adult hangouts, options abound.
Main Event Entertainment is a key competitor with nationwide locations. It offers bowling, laser tag, and arcade games in one place. Round1 Bowling & Amusement adds a Japanese flair with karaoke and billiards.
Punch Bowl Social blends craft cocktails with retro games for an upscale feel. Chuck E. Cheese remains a go-to for kids’ pizza parties and arcade fun. GameWorks attracts teens and young adults with esports lounges and virtual reality.
Venue | Unique Feature | Target Audience |
---|---|---|
Main Event | Gravity ropes course | Families, Young Adults |
Punch Bowl Social | Craft cocktails | Adults |
Chuck E. Cheese | Animatronic shows | Young Children |
GameWorks | Esports lounges | Teens, Gamers |
Over 21 alternatives exist, each offering a unique twist on arcade-dining fun. These places similar to Dave and Busters cater to various preferences. You’ll find the perfect spot for family outings or nights out with friends.
Niche Entertainment Concepts
Exciting niche entertainment concepts are changing interactive dining experiences. These eatertainment spots offer unique twists on traditional entertainment. They cater to specific interests and age groups.
TopGolf brings a fresh spin to driving ranges. It features climate-controlled bays and high-tech ball-tracking systems. This venue offers a full-fledged social experience for golf enthusiasts.
The One Up Family Arcade LA is a nostalgic paradise. It showcases classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines from the 70s to 90s. Here, you can relive childhood memories or introduce kids to retro gaming.
The Rec Room in Canada takes eatertainment to new heights. It combines axe throwing, virtual reality, and TopGolf simulators. The trendy, industrial-chic setting makes it a one-stop shop for diverse entertainment.
Venue | Unique Feature | Target Audience |
---|---|---|
TopGolf | Ball-tracking technology | Golf enthusiasts, social groups |
The One Up Family Arcade LA | Classic arcade games | Retro gamers, families |
The Rec Room | Diverse activity mix | Thrill-seekers, young adults |
These innovative spots showcase the industry’s evolution. They satisfy our craving for unique, shareable experiences. Millennials and Gen Z find these venues especially appealing.
The concept of “third places” is gaining popularity post-pandemic. These venues offer the perfect mix of dining, socializing, and entertainment.
How to Choose the Right Alternative for You
Choosing a fun spot can be challenging. This guide will help you pick the best Dave & Buster’s alternative. We’ll consider your group’s interests, budget, and location. Chicago’s vibrant scene of fun recreational complexes offers many exciting options.
Consider Your Group's Interests
Chicago’s entertainment scene caters to various tastes. AceBounce offers 16 tables for glow-in-the-dark ping pong matches. FTW boasts over 130 cutting-edge arcade games.
The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel mixes classic games. You can enjoy billiards, bocce, and shuffleboard here.
Budget Considerations
Your budget is crucial when choosing gaming restaurants. Some venues offer free-play options, like Lakeview’s arcade with dozens of games. Chuck E. Cheese’s “All You Can Play” costs about $15-$20 for an hour.
Dave & Buster’s $20 Power Up Card gives you roughly 16 games. Compare prices to find the best value for your group.
Location and Accessibility
Consider how close the entertainment spot is to you. Uptown Arcade offers free play on about 35 games, plus local craft brews. Bucktown has a unique 50,000 square-foot complex with lacrosse and bumper cars.
Many venues are easy to reach and offer various food options. You can find shareable plates, tacos, wings, and other tasty bar fare.
Venue | Location | Unique Feature | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|
AceBounce | Downtown | Glow-in-the-dark ping pong | $$$ |
FTW Arcade | River North | 130+ games | $$ |
Uptown Arcade | Uptown | Free play, craft brews | $ |
Chuck E. Cheese | Various | Unlimited play option | $ |
Conclusion
There’s a world of fun beyond Dave & Buster’s across the United States. From Atlanta’s Andretti Indoor Karting & Games to Round1 Stonecrest in Lithonia, these spots offer gaming, dining, and unique experiences.
The eatertainment industry is changing fast. Dave & Buster’s keeps innovating with backing from investors like KKR & Co. They’re testing a new app feature for $5 wagers on arcade games.
This move has sparked media buzz and talks about regulations. It shows how dynamic this sector can be.
There’s an alternative for every occasion, from kids’ birthdays to nights out with friends. Venues offer go-karts, bowling, casual bites, and full-service restaurants.
Next time you want some fun, remember the many places like Dave and Busters. They’re waiting for you to explore!
FAQ
What is eatertainment?
Eatertainment blends dining and entertainment in one venue. It offers a unique experience that combines food and fun.
What is the Dave & Buster’s model?
Dave & Buster’s pioneered the eatertainment concept. Their model features arcade games, sports bar food, and other attractions.
What are some emerging trends in the eatertainment industry?
New trends include more sophisticated environments and diverse gaming options. Some venues target specific age groups or interests.
What are some top national chains similar to Dave & Buster’s?
Main Event Entertainment, Round1 Bowling & Amusement, and Punch Bowl Social are popular chains. They offer similar experiences to Dave & Buster’s.
What unique local alternatives are available across America?
Tilt Studio and Golfland Sunsplash are options on the West Coast. The Midwest has Safe House, while Frankie’s Fun Park is in the South.
Barcade offers a unique experience on the East Coast.
What adult-oriented entertainment centers are available?
Lucky Strike has upscale bowling alleys with full-service bars. Barcade combines craft beers and vintage arcade games.
The Night Game Houston provides an adults-only arcade experience.
What family-friendly fun zones are available?
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games offers go-kart racing and arcades for all ages. Chuck E. Cheese focuses on younger children.
GameWorks caters to teenagers, providing a hangout spot for older kids.
What niche entertainment concepts are available?
TopGolf offers a modern take on driving ranges. The One Up Family Arcade LA specializes in classic arcade cabinets.
The Rec Room in Canada features axe throwing, VR experiences, and TopGolf simulators.
How do I choose the right alternative for me?
Think about your group’s interests and budget. Consider location and accessibility to find the best fit.