Games and More – The Best Arcades in Columbus, Ohio

In the fast-paced world of colorful video games available right on your phone, there’s something comforting about old-school entertainment often meant to be enjoyed with others. Whether you remember the release of Pac-Man in 1980 or are just discovering the wonderful world of arcade video games, pinball machines, or bowling, Ohio is the place to be with its wealth of venues offering hours of fun for all ages.

From 1980s-themed hangouts to industrial spaces serving craft cocktails and everything in between, this list of the best arcades in Columbus will keep you busy year-round. Each one offers something special!

Level One Bar + Arcade

Level One Bar + Arcade is a 1980s-themed hangout where you will find craft beer, a huge selection of classic arcade games, and pinball machines. Aside from pinball, everything is free (including WiFi access) with drink purchases. Those looking for old-school games will be happy to find Nintendo 64-era games like Mortal Combat, Super Smash Brothers, and more.

The beer selection is pretty solid but keep in mind that Level One Bar + Arcade does not serve food. You are welcome to bring outside food or have some delivered, with the exception of drinks. Children are allowed on Saturday and Sunday until 6 PM and they offer party packages for kids, adults, and private events. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 PM.

Service options: Dine-in · No takeout · No delivery

130 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH 43235 • (614) 681-0518

Photo credit: Level One Bar + Arcade

Old North Arcade

Old North Arcade is one of the best arcades in Columbus if you’re looking to have some nostalgic fun with fun staff and guests. This beautifully designed “barcade” with a contemporary, low-key feel offers craft beers and unique cocktails alongside classic pinball, arcade, and video games including old-school Nintendo and Sega consoles, and will definitely have you coming back for more.

Unlike some other arcades which do not serve food, Old North Arcade is known for its tasty square-shaped pizza like the Bulbasaur (olive, green pepper, tomato, mushroom, onion, and garlic) and the Supreme Leader (sausage, pepperoni, onion, mushroom, green pepper, and banana pepper). Or, try the Chicago dogs, mozzarella sticks, or pretzels.

The drinks are colorful and well-made and the beer is from some of the best breweries around. Some favorites include the Tonic the Hedgehog, the 3 Floyd’s Zombie Dust pale ale, and the Jameson Peach Schnapps Sour.

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No delivery

2591 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202

Photo credit: Old North Arcade

16-Bit Bar + Arcade

This top-rated spot features unlimited arcade games with a drink purchase, reasonably priced drinks, and old-school consoles, making it a strong contender on this list of the best arcades in Columbus. You’ll be hard-pressed to choose from the list of fun drink names, like the Gintendo (gin, apple juice, black currant, lemon juice, soda water, and raspberry gummies), the Hulk Hogan (blueberry vodka, lemonade, and original bomb pop), and the Game Over (a blend of liquors, sprite, lemonade, and Hawaiian punch). Please note this is a cashless bar.

Service options: Dine-in · No takeout · No delivery

254 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 222-1616

Photo credit:16-Bit Bar + Arcade

Game Arena

Fun for couples and kids and everyone in between, Game Arena is one of the of the best arcades in Columbus because, in addition to offering PCs, consoles, F1 racing simulators, Xbox, Playstations, Switches, and more, they also serve hot and delicious food. Like many arcades, you might end up with a faulty controller. Bringing your own is an option, and the friendly and helpful staff will do their best to ensure you have a good experience.

As for the menu, Game Arena is known for its Korean Fried Chicken (twice-fried chicken tossed in spicy Korean sauce, and topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and peanuts), Wild Wings (crispy wings tossed in BBQ sauce and Buffalo drizzle), and Mapo Tofu Burrito (a vegan-friendly burrito with rice, sauteed corn, TaKorea slaw, beans, and pico de gallo).

Service options: Takeout · Delivery

1556 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201 • (614) 364-4747

Photo credit: Game Arena

Coliseum X

One of the best arcades in Columbus to host events in, Coliseum X is a dream come true for fans of laser tag, axe throwing (for guests 13 and older), nerf and gellyball wars, and of course arcade games. While they do not allow outside food or drink unless you are hosting a reserved group event, they do offer a small selection of dishes including pizza, mozzarella sticks, corn dogs, and chicken nuggets.

100 Dillmont Dr, Columbus, OH 43235 • (614) 567-3021

Photo credit: Coliseum X

Pins Mechanical Co.

Pins Mechanical Co. is housed in an industrial space where you can enjoy craft cocktails while trying out the huge variety of classic games both indoor and outdoor. Guests rave about the fun and friendly atmosphere, and the many options including pinball machines, ping pong, Foosball, jumbo Jenga, giant yard pong, mini bowling, and much more.

They offer a wide variety of beers, and the cocktails are essentially the same as the ones at 16-bit Bar + Arcade, also in the list of the best arcades in Columbus, which have combined concepts in many ways.

Service options: Dine-in · No takeout · No delivery

141 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 464-2255

4117 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219 • (614) 831-0033

Photo credit: Pins Mechanical Co.

Scene75 Entertainment Center

With over 200 arcade games, 16 amazing attractions like indoor Go-Karts, blacklight mini-golf, inflatables, and laser mazes, and three bars with a restaurant, it’s easy to see why Scene75 Entertainment Center is ranked as one of the best arcades in Columbus. It also features some of the best prizes for the redemption of arcade e-tickets, including autographed sports memorabilia and electronics.

The Illusions restaurant features burgers, pizzas, salads, and appetizers, and the Snack Bar has childhood favorites like chocolate chip cookies, mini-melts ice cream, loaded French fries, and more.

Service options: Dine-in · No delivery

5033 Tuttle Crossing Blvd, Dublin, OH 43016 • (614) 495-8660

Photo credit: Scene75 Entertainment Center

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Joanna Steven

Joanna Steven has been writing about food and nutrition for over 15 years. A lover of everything from humble smoothies to special meals that take hours to make, she knows that food can not only make us healthy but it can also bring communities together. She has a special fondness for creme brulee, and you will most likely find her sampling dishes all around the country or writing about it!