Alan ‘Bo’ Borenstein5 Best Arcades in Vancouver
We don’t know about you, but playing our favorite games is exactly what we need after a long day. Sure, we can boot up our PC or console, but there’s something we found that’s even more awesome—arcade games.
Boy, we’ve spent quite an amount of time exploring these local arcades, and we’re here to tell you all about ’em!
Vancouver’s Best Arcades
As gamers, there’s nothing else more important than variety and quality when it comes to arcades.
You also want an arcade that’s clean and has that vibe that immerses you in the gaming experience. Check out the criteria we’ve used below to assess these arcades:
1. The Adventure Zone
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Game Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Machine Maintenance | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Cleanliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Friendliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Loyalty Programs | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
A multi-level playground that looks straight out of a Dr. Seuss book is the Adventure Zone. Inside, playgrounds and arcade rooms come in all the fun colors of the rainbow, creating that childlike ambiance.
Head over to the Circuit Circus Games Zone, where you’ll spot lines of arcade games—some well-known titles like Whack a Frog, Air Hockey, and Giant Fishing Game—and others from the 90s.
Apart from that, we noticed in the corner that there are basketball games lined up that are pretty tall, so we assumed this is for adults and gave it a try.
From what we’ve seen, the machines are fairly maintained, and the space is not cramped at all, leaving players enough room to go from one game to another without feeling crowded.
We also loved the lively vibe here at the Adventure Zone. Being a place for both kids and adults, it certainly gives off a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
One thing we’d suggest for improvement is that they provide gamers with a convenient token cup instead of charging a fee for it. We also noticed a gap in the customer care area because there’s no loyalty program in existence.
Despite that, we loved the overall vibe here at the Adventure Zone. We think it’s a great place for both the young ones and the not so young ones to have fun.
Pros
- Arcade game for kids and adults
- Lively atmosphere
Cons
- No loyalty program
Customer Reviews
Games for all ages
“It’s a very fun place with arcades for all ages and it is really clean at the same time with really kind customers like me.”
-Nami G.
Great for kids
“Absolutely is a great place for kids while traveling on Granville island! so much fun for the games, especially the adventure zone..”
-Jasmine C.
2. The Den – Arcade + Drinkery
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Game Selection | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Machine Maintenance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Cleanliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Friendliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Loyalty Programs | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
The Den – Arcade + Drinkery pays homage to the 80s, accentuated by their decor—jukebox music, video games, pinball, and themed cocktails. There are around 10 pinball machines here, but there’s plenty of other options.
What we found unique here is that they have retro-gaming systems available, like Sega, PS2, and Nintendo 64. In our opinion, having these provide a nostalgic gaming experience for those who want to relive their childhood memories (like us).
We’re pretty impressed with the chill atmosphere here. There’s no pressure to play non-stop, as there are plenty of tables to have a beer with friends (18+ only) before hopping onto the next game.
Another aspect we liked was the music. Here at The Den – Arcade + Drinkery, they play the greatest hits from the 1970s up to the 2010s, so you have that perfect blend of wistfulness and variety in the music selection.
They don’t, however, serve inside. But hey, you can have food delivered, which we think adds to the experience since it’s a throwback for some people, sipping beer and playing with your friends in one of your living rooms.
All in all, we think The Den – Arcade + Drinkery is one of the best arcades in Vancouver that provides a blast to the past experience to its patrons.
Pros
- Retro-gaming systems available
- No corkage fee for outside food
Cons
- Ages 18+ only
Customer Reviews
Chill atmosphere
“It’s exactly how it describes itself on their website. Atmosphere is chill. Small but comforting game bar…”
-Kris M.
Many old school arcade games
“Nice little place to go have a drink and also play pinball. There are many different yet old school cool arcade games there to enjoy..”
-Jay N.
3. High Score
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Game Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Machine Maintenance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Cleanliness | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Friendliness | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Loyalty Programs | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
This retro spot along Hastings Street is jam-packed with pinball games, 1980s consoles, morning cartoons, and even classic candies, making it a nostalgic getaway.
The most impressive thing here is the selection of vintage consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and Atari 2600, all loaded with games.
These games are as vintage as they get, with games like Well Galaga and Pac-Man dating back to 1981. They’ve also got games from the 1970s like Space Invaders, which we thought was cool.
The vibe inside feels like you’re hanging out at your friend’s basement because you’re quite literally surrounded by retro posters, old-school arcade cabinets, and leather couches.
High Score also has a dab bar inside the arcade with a fair selection of cannabis concentrates, which is a unique feature that sets them apart.
We just wish they had more ventilation inside the arcade, as some of the customers we’ve spoken with have remarked how it can get quite smoky and stuffy in there.
But if that doesn’t bother you, we highly recommend you drop by High Score, as they have one of the best selections of vintage arcade games.
Pros
- Wide selection of vintage consoles and games
- Has a dab bar inside
Cons
- Could improve indoor ventilation
Customer Reviews
Friendly atmosphere with classic games
“Friendly chill atmosphere with classic games & a cute sense of humour about their piano. We had a great time hanging out!.”
-Alli B.
Helpful staff
“I go almost every second day every staff is helpful. Everyone that works there at this point i look at like at as a friend. Its like beening at a friends basement playing games…”
-Daniel D.
4. Glitch Retro Arcade Bar
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Game Selection | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Machine Maintenance | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Cleanliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Friendliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Loyalty Programs | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
A great place to play arcade and score amazing burgers is the Glitch Retro Arcade Bar. We noticed that there are more consoles here than arcade games, but you’ll still get to play the classics—skee-ball, basketball toss, and pinball machines.
This place reminds you of fun times with a cool, retro throwback ambiance. The whole place is decorated with fun neon-lit signs, game posters scattered all around, and vintage arcade cabinets lining the walls.
We appreciate that they serve food inside the place, and what caught our attention is the creative twists they placed on classic comfort foods like 8-bit wings, smash burgers, and super punched fries.
We thought serving these dishes adds to the atmosphere of the arcade, making it a complete immersive experience. We just wish the kitchen opened as soon as the place did.
Despite that, we liked that there’s almost always no wait for a machine or console, as there are plenty for everybody and you can’t possibly play all the games in one night.
All in all, if you’re looking to have a good time, the Glitch Retro Arcade Bar is an option worth considering.
Pros
- Wide selection of arcade machines and gaming consoles
- Serves classic comfort foods
Cons
- Some complaints about food quality
Customer Reviews
Great games and drinks
“Had a wonderful experience here playing arcade games and the drinks were fantastic…”
-Ronnie H.
Nice places for social hangouts
“Fun times and a really cool retro throwback ambience. Fun games and a nice place to host an informal social or hang out with friends..”
-Kyna N.
5. Vancouver Street Battle
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Game Selection | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Machine Maintenance | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Cleanliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Friendliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Loyalty Programs | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
The Vancouver Street Battle is where tournaments for arcade fighting games like Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros., and Mario Kart are held. These tournaments are held weekly, and we think they’re definitely for those who like competition.
Inside this dimly lit space are consoles, arcade machines, and gaming PCs that are all set up for players, and let us tell you, the vibe here is electric. Players are fully immersed in their games, creating that exhilarating atmosphere.
The venue is not that spacious, so everyone is closely packed together, but we honestly liked this, as we think it creates that sense of community while enjoying their favorite games.
We just wish they held arcade tournaments more frequently, but we do understand that these things take time to organize and plan.
The majority of the customers here are regulars, and most of them that we’ve spoken with highlight how great the community is and how there’s plenty of game set-ups for everyone, which keeps them coming back for more.
Overall, we believe that Vancouver Street Battle deserved a spot on our list, as they’re one of the best arcades in Vancouver to compete with others.
Pros
- Holds arcade tournaments
- Plenty of gaming set-ups
Cons
- Only holds tournaments weekly
Customer Reviews
Super cool VR arcade
“People are incredibly nice, the venue is super cool and for a VR arcade which VSB shares the venue, I’d say the rate is reasonable for a party.”
-Iam S.
Great community, friendly staff, and lots of games
“Great community, friendly staff, and lots of setups for games. I used to frequently come to tournaments here and they have been fun!”
-Koli
FAQs about Arcades in Vancouver
If you’re looking for other entertainment options in the city, we have a handful of articles that can help you find your next adventure. Check out these articles below:
