Arcade games are always a fun favorite for adults, and when paired with the option of top-quality beer and cocktails, it truly becomes a wonderland of riveting enjoyment. Just as San Francisco is delightfully imaginative, many of its bars here also cater to this playfulness with interactive arcade bars and creative libations to pair the experience with.
Here are the best arcade bars around the city that are not only packed with amusing games in their decorated atmospheres, but are also winners in their food and drink options.
See also: Test Your Team-Building Skills And Conquer These 5 Best San Francisco Escape Rooms
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508 4th St / (415) 706-6568 / Website
SoMa's Thriller Social Club just off of the Caltrain station is truly a multi-level carnival of drinks, neon lights, and classic games. From their towering liquor bar, to their light up floors and secret passageways, this Instagrammable two-floor playland will keep you impressively entertained and exploring all night, especially with a circus-themed cocktail in hand.
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2200A Market St / (415) 872-5310 / Website
Head to this community favorite in the Castro for not only for challenging arcade games both new and old, but also for elevated Filipino snacks, complex drinks, and captivating nightly events like "Super Trashed Bros" tournament Mondays, and Wednesdays Drag Bingo! Each night is different, with Saturday being for All Ages, which is perfect to also bring kids. A tempting centerpiece at this colorfully expansive space is their TV above the bar to which you can either watch or play Mario Kart and other video game classics on.
See also: The Ultimate Guide To The Castro's Gay Bars & Clubs
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616 Divisadero St / (773) 697-7922 / Website
Emporium is by far the largest arcade space in San Francisco, and you can expect only the most electrifying fun to occur here every night! There is truly something for everyone here, from several air hockey and pool tables, to refurbished vintage games, basketball hoops, and more adorning both floors of this converted theatre space. They even host DJ sets and other impressive shows, which, with a bright cocktail or beer, makes for a spectacular date night idea after seeing nearby Alamo Square Park.
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430 Mason St / (415) 872-5744 / Website
Fifth Arrow is the ideal casual retreat from the bustling Union Square shopping area. Feel like a kid again while still feeling elegant in their snazzy retro-chic interior as you partake in their skee-ball and pinball. Their impeccably sleek bowling alleys are another reason to come unlock your inner child here, which is a great group activity while sharing their decadently affordable pizzas, sliders, and rotating local craft beers.
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449 Powell St / (415) 677-9999 / Website
For a more rustic dive feel with modern decor, Golden Gate Tap Room offers a no-frills vintage atmosphere with generous food portions, kind service, and amazingly over 100 beers available. Relax here near the Westfield Mall while taking on a challenge on one of their many tables of foosball, shuffleboard, and pool.
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3215 Mission St / (415) 574-6166 / Website
Outer Orbit in the Mission stunningly combines retro nostalgia with vibrant Hawaiian culture all within their gorgeously sleek cove. Stop in for a wide array of beers and authentic delicacies of guava-smoked pork shoulder, Spam musubi, shaved ice, and Loco Moco while admiring their radiantly cute atmosphere and historic machines donated from the Pacific Pinball Museum.
No matter the size or theme, all of these diverse arcade bars are sure to be an exhilarating adventure that channels childhood nostalgia while keeping you nourished and quenched with their premier menu!
See also: The 49 Best San Francisco Bars You Need To Visit In 2022
Photography by: Taylor Friehl/Unsplash
