Play while you dine: Houston's arcade-themed bars offer games, drinks

With more of the city opening up, if you’re looking for a place to have some fun and get a drink where you can also experience a little bit of Houston’s charm, there are plenty of arcade-themed bars that are sure to entertain.

Eighty Two, at 1201 St. Emanuel Street #110, Houston, is open Tuesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Entry to this arcade-focused bar is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Have fun at any of the 50+ pinball and arcade games, take part in competitive streaming or enjoy the indoor tree-lined patio. Games require quarters, and inside, visitors will find a quarter machine. Learn more here.

Cindercade Houston, at 2320 Canal Street, Suite 100, Houston, is open Sunday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight, with family play from 10 a.m.  to 8 p.m. There are more than 276 arcade games that are available for unlimited play with a $10 entry fee. Visitors can also choose to take advantage of a monthly membership. This bar arcade is cashless, and they don’t serve food, so you’ll want to bring your own food or hit up the food trucks nearby. Visit their website to learn more or make a reservation.

Neil’s Bahr, at 2006 Walker St, is open Sunday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. This gamer-themed bar hosts movie nights on Mondays, video game tournaments on Tuesdays and karaoke nights on Wednesday. It also features a comic book library, three free-play multicades, free Nintendo/Sega console games, board games and card games too. Visit their website to learn more.

Kun Fu Saloon, at 5317 Washington Ave., is open Monday through Friday from 4 pm., to 2 a.m., and weekends from 11 a.m.. to 2 a.m. In addition to more than 18 vintage arcade games, you’ll find shuffleboard, foosball, ping pong, giant Jenga and Connect Four games, board games, and even Skee Ball lanes. Click here to learn about events or book a room for karaoke.

If you’re in Richardson or Katy, there are two EinStein’s Pub, locations (16733 W Airport Blvd., #290 in Richmond; and 873 Mason Rd., #360 in Katy) where you can play on more than 15 pinball machines or more than 10 arcade games. Both locations are family-friendly until 9 p.m., but require an adult with individuals 15 and under. There are daily specials and events posted at einsteinspubarcade.com. These locations are open Sunday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

There’s also the Main Event bar, at 12626 Fountain Lake Cir,  in Stafford. This family-friendly arcade is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight; Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight. Get food and drinks, play arcade games or billiards, try out the gravity ropes or even do a little bowling. Click here to learn more about this arcade-themed bar.