Close to the Edge: Near Death on the Orange Line
Sports Redux: C's Shot Down
Max Goes to Longwood: Wild Things on the Subway
Saturday Happenings
Sunday Happenings
I am relatively new to the area and found myself stymied last weekend when I got a craving to play video games, only to find that Jillians is sorely lacking in that department. Do you know of a place in the Greater Boston Area like Dave & Busters or Gameworks that has arcade games? Preferably one that also serves beer?
Thanks in advance!
Brigita
Why Boston does go by the name "Hub of the Universe," it is not exactly the hub of video game arcades. But don't give up your Golden Tee days just yet. Bostonist has scoured the streets to find you some place to perfect your perfect score.
Boston Bowl, on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester, has been around for years and is more than just your typical bowling alley. If you crave the arcade stylings of a local Chuck E. Cheese, Boston Bowl has Bostonist's favorite, SkeeBall, which you can play for tickets, which are kept track of electronically (and of course those tickets can be turned in for prizes galore!)They also have some of the newest arcade games in the area, with Tekken 5 (you can bring your own Sony Playstation 2 control if their joystick isn't to your liking), Beachhead 2002 (throw on the 3-D visor and battle in this virtual reality combat game), and even "Dance Dance Revolution," where you can sweat, we mean dance, your way to a high score. They even advertise an "Ascent Rock Moving Rock Wall" which would also be more of the physical arcade activities.
Good Times Emporium in Somerville's Assembly Square, also has lots of options, with over 100 arcade games, bumper cars, and Go Karts. They also have a big sports bar area, where you can get your fill of buffalo wings and beer after an intense round of Laser Tag.
Voted "Best of Boston 2004" for bowling, Cambridge's Lanes and Games, located right near the Alewife station, has lanes of course, but it does have the newest Golden Tee 2005, Virtua Cop and V3. And yes, there is a lounge area stocked with alcohol, too. This place also gives kids with a Student Advantage card a 10% discount on bowling.
If you can get there, Route 9's own Fun and Games has been around since Bostonist was just a kid looking to play some laser tag. There isn't a bar located in this arcade, but it's just that: strictly an arcade, packed with lots of kids.
As you mentioned, Dave and Buster's in the Providence Place Mall, is not a T ride away, but is also fun for a night out, staying open until 2 a.m. on the weekends. They have good food, big open bar space, and tons of arcade action. Ranging from classics like Ms. Pacman and Centipede to the newest games, like Ghost Squad, which looks very 24-esque, Dave and Buster's is an adult arcade amusement park, with a strict age policy. You won't find any kids here under 21 without a parent's supervision...and they actaully enforce this. If you can, drive down to Providence or take the train. It'll be worth it.
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Jillian's has quite a good selection of arcade games, among many other types of entertainment.
Oops, sorry, I had missed that your post included Jillians. Nevermind me.
Salisbury Beach has a whole bunch of video arcades, all a short walk from each other. I don't know if they are open year-round or just seasonally, though.
Try Salem Willows in Salem, MA, Tons of video games in several arcades. Even the original Tapper!
I've been to D&B in Providence a few times. DO NOT go any earlier than 10PM. The place is swarming with kids. They used to enforce the "no kids" rule a lot better a few years ago, but I went with my gf in December and don't plan on going back anytime soon. Lines are long to be seated for a table, drinks and games are expensive, but it's expected for a place like that. I'd only recommend it as a once in a while outing.
I totally forgot I'd asked this question. Thanks for the response! :)