Lin NormanIt recently occurred to me that adulthood hits you hard, and more often than not, you lose all the things that you enjoyed as a child. As I went through my usual routine, I stumbled upon a TikTok about gaming, and it felt like I was hit with those movie flashbacks.
To rekindle my old passion, I decided to head to the nearest arcade here in Nashville, and I was so invested that I didn’t notice the sun set. The last time I got hyperfixated on something like this was with escape rooms, but this was so much better, as I could do it on my own!
Afterwards, I hurriedly enlisted my friends to help me scour the streets of Music City to find the best arcades in Nashville. So, if you’re looking to enjoy the latest and most exciting games or you’re simply looking to de-stress after work, keep on reading!
Game Terminal
– Media credit: gameterminalnash
Address: 201 Terminal Ct
Contact details: +615-610-2460
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Friday: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $-$$
Game Terminal offers one of the most impressive selections of games in a single building in Nashville. With its spacious 10,000 square feet of play area, guests can try their hand at over 250 different games, from button mashers to pinball, and everything in between.
The machines here range from classic fighting games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter to newer titles like Avengers: Infinity Quest. There are also plenty of VIP rooms, complete with comfortable lounges, perfect for team building and birthdays!
One of our favourite things about this place is its outdoor/patio area, where more fun games and the best place to eat are located. It’s a total vibe to play competitive cornhole here with your friends while munching on Game Terminal’s famous fried pickle in between sessions.
Pro tip:
Stop by on Tuesdays for fewer crowds and stay late for their fun trivia nights! If you love playing with a drink in your hand, we recommend visiting on Whisky Wednesdays when this titular drink costs half its price.
Up-Down Nashville
– Media credit: updownnash
Address: 927 Woodland St
Contact details: +1 615-964-7142
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM
Cost: $
Stepping into Up-Down Nashville is like going back in time, as most of its titles are from the ‘80s and ‘90s era. They also feature Nintendo 64 games, including Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Mario Bros., all of which are childhood staples.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a retro experience without a handful of pinball machines, and Up-Down features some of the most famous ones in existence! The ones they feature here are tie-ins with big franchises such as Star Wars, Ghostbusters, and The Avengers.
Up-Down is also known for its pizza, with gooey, stretchy cheese and tangy pepperonis—just be sure to wipe your greasy fingers before playing again! Also, you can help yourself to one of their beers or cocktails to get buzzed while playing your favourite titles.
Pro tip:
Visit on Saturdays to avail of their 2-for-1 promo on tokens and play twice as many games as you want! Just be sure to visit before 9:00 PM to be eligible for the promo.
16-Bit Bar + Arcade
– Media credit: 16bitbar
Address: 1102 Grundy St Ste B
Contact details: +1 615-610-7461
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Thursday: 1:30 PM to 12:30 AM
- Friday: 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 2:30 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Cost: $-$$
We’ve got to give props to 16-Bit Bar + Arcade because each night, it gives off those college party vibes you typically see in movies. It features tons of arcade machines, gaming consoles plugged into massive TVs, and drinks and bar chows constantly flowing out of the kitchen.
Staying true to its name, most of its arcade machines are nostalgic 16-bit titles, ranging from Marvel vs Capcom to Joust, NBA Jam, and more. You can also socialise and play with their giant Jenga set or their makeshift beer pong arena, made of trash bins and a big ball.
There are also three Skeeball lanes, where you can compete for the high score with your friends and up the ante by having the loser buy a round of drinks! Speaking of, their bar menu is impressively varied, offering cocktails, beers, and even zero-proof drinks!
Pro tip:
If you want to save money on drinks, we recommend visiting during their Happy Hour, which is held every weekday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Pixel Planet Arcade
– Media credit: pixelplanetarcade
Address: 7240 Nolensville Rd, Suite 311
Contact details: +1 615-776-7575
Operating hours:
- Friday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
- Play one hour: $12
- Play all day: $18
Anyone stepping into Pixel Planet Arcade will immediately feel like a kid, with its traditional, dimly lit space. Gone are the bars; in place of more arcade games, pinball machines, gaming consoles, and family games.
The console zone is our favourite zone because it features both Nintendo Switches and PS4s, allowing for tons of couch coop fun! Whether you prefer leaving your friends in the dust in Mario Kart or love landing satisfying combos in Tekken, you’ll find something for you here.
As for its arcade machines, you’re looking at shoot-em-ups, button mashers, and of course, pinballs! There’s also an air hockey table if you’re looking for something more physical, where friendly banter is applicable.
Pro tip:
You can also visit this place if you want to geek out on your favourite pop culture merch! They offer Funko Pops, trading cards, and even candies that depict your favourite fictional characters.
Dave & Buster’s
– Media credit: daveandbusters
Address: 540 Opry Mills Dr
Contact details: +1 615-970-3800
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Cost: $$
You can’t have a list like this and not include one of the biggest “eatertainment” chains in the world: Dave & Buster’s. Both foodies and gamers love visiting this spot in Nashville for its wide array of arcade and family games, as well as Western dishes with ridiculously large portions.
The arcade machines are constantly refreshed, too, so that you won’t be limited to retro titles! You’ll find games such as Top Gun: Maverick, Pac-Man Rollers, NBA Superstars, and Superbikes 3.
A highlight in Dave & Buster’s catalogue is the Human Crane, which, from the name itself, dangles patrons and offers the opportunity to pick up countless prizes. If you’re looking for a more group experience, however, you can play pool or roll some Skee-Balls.
Pro tip:
Opt for their Eat & Play Combo for only $19.99, which pairs a Power Card with $10 with one of their entrees. Extra tip: go for their boneless wings!
Nashville Underground
– Media credit: nashville_underground
Address: 105 Broadway
Contact details: +1 615-964-3000
Operating hours:
Cost: $
If you want a bit of everything, we recommend visiting Nashville Underground! Aside from its fast-paced arcade, it also offers live music, a complete bar and restaurant, and sometimes, bull-riding—a true Music City staple.
Starting with its machine selection, it ticks the boxes of what you’d want from an arcade experience: tickets, slight physicality, and bright lights. It offers basketball lanes, Skee-Balls, beer pong, and even a couple of pinball machines.
This place also wears its Nashville roots on its sleeves by showcasing its best dishes to pair with the arcade experience. We MUST recommend the hot Nashville chicken sandwich, but their ribs aren’t too shabby either—they’re perfectly tender and marinated.
Pro tip:
After winning as many tickets as you can, you can head upstairs to the second-floor karaoke or the rooftop to enjoy lively music and dancing!
Game Galaxy Arcade
– Media credit: tappedarcade
Address: 3 S Lowry St.
Contact details: +1 615-751-7660
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $
Game Galaxy Arcade is a time capsule that’s a must-visit for every arcade enthusiast, as it’s home to tons of well-maintained retro arcade and pinball machines. It offers classics such as Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong, and Spy Hunter, and the selection constantly refreshes.
Instead of being a place where you can drink and play games at the side, this is a love letter to arcades, and it’s evident when you see the rows of machines and the lack of lounge chairs. It’s even home to rare machines like the old Dance Dance Revolution!
Lastly, Game Galaxy Arcade features a sense of community made up of people who love arcade and all-stuff gaming. They’d even gather every once in a while to arrange events like cosplays and game nights, and everyone is welcome to join!
Pro tip:
Choose the $20 rate for an all-day play pass to get the best value for your money! It’s only $5 more than the one-hour play session.
Pins Mechanical Co.
– Media credit: pins.nash
Address: 1102 Grundy St.
Contact details: +1 615-610-7461
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Thursday: 1:30 PM to 12:30 AM
- Friday: 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 2:30 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Cost: $-$$
Pins Mechanical Co. offers one of the most diverse social vibes in Nashville, offering a trifecta of bowling, arcade, and fantastic food. Starting with the arcade, it’s a mix of retro pinball machines and staples, including fighting games, light gun machines, racing, and more.
However, we must say, the main star of this place is bowling. For starters, the lanes are professionally made, but it’s made much easier by featuring smaller and lighter bowling balls, making the experience more beginner-friendly.
Lastly, you can also try socialising with other players through games like ping pong, foosball, and our favourite, giant Jenga! If you were a star player in beer pong back in your Uni days, you can also try the Patio Pong, where cups are replaced with garbage bins.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on bringing your kids, we recommend visiting on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Not only will they get to bowl for free, but they’ll also get a free 12-oz serving of their soda of choice.
