Toronto is packed with nightlife options, from the clubs dotting King West to the hip and trendy bars in Kensington Market. However, if you’re looking to change it up your next night out, there’s also a variety of arcade bars throughout the city which will give you a dose of nostalgia.
Whether you’re a pinball pro, retro gaming fanatic, or just want to mash buttons while sipping a pint, Toronto’s arcade bar scene has something for everyone.
Here are some of the best arcade bars in Toronto:
1. Tilt Arcade Bar
Perfect for the retro-enthusiast, Tilt Arcade Bar in Parkdale has over 90 vintage arcade machines, including classics like Mortal Kombat, Pac-man, and Super Mario Kart. For just $10, guests can enjoy unlimited play all night long. Beyond the games, Tilt also features a solid lineup of comfort food to indulge in, including burgers, chili cheese fries, and corn dogs, as well as more than 20 beers on tap.
Where: 1255 Queen St W, Toronto
2. Freeplay Arcade Bar
Located on College Street, Freeplay is another exciting retro gaming destination where you can pay a flat entry fee of $5-$10 for unlimited play. Popular with the university crowd, the space is packed with old-school arcade games, vintage pinball machines, and classic consoles. Stop by on a weekend and catch a DJ spinning a live set for an extra fun vibe.
Where: 300 College St, Toronto
3. ZED*80 Arcade Bar
ZED*80 offers a cozier, more intimate take on the arcade bar experience, found on the Danforth. With around 40 retro arcade games and pinball machines, this east-end gem keeps things old-school. The $10 all-you-can-play fee covers your entire visit, and the bar features local craft brews alongside snacks like nachos and deep-fried treats.
Where: 185 Danforth Ave, Toronto
4. Get Well
Get Well on Dundas West is a hybrid dive bar and arcade lounge, and if you’re looking for a more easy-going atmosphere with great food and drinks as opposed to strictly gaming, this is the spot for you. It has a rotating selection of retro arcade games such as Galaga, Donkey Kong, and Mortal Kombat. The bar is also known for its impressive tap list, usually with around 13 to 20 rotating craft beers. There’s also an adjoining wood-fired pizza joint to fuel up at between games.
Where: 1181 Dundas St W, Toronto
5. GRETA Bar YYZ
One of the newer arcade bars in the city, King West’s GRETA Bar YYZ features over 50 games ranging from vintage to state-of-the-art. Stop by on a Sunday for $5 drinks and games, and don’t miss their food truck-inspired bites with a global twist, like chicken adobo skewers or Jamaican patty spring rolls.
Where: 590 King St W, Toronto
6. Midnight Arcade
Kensington Market’s Midnight Arcade is open Wednesdays through Sundays and offers freeplay for a set cover fee. Games range from basketball to foosball, and the bar also offers daily happy hour specials. A live DJ will be spinning tunes every Friday and Saturday night.
Where: 158 Augusta Ave, Toronto
7. The Rec Room
Last but not least, The Rec Room is a sprawling entertainment complex that brings together modern arcades, table games, bowling, and more all under one roof. While it lacks the nostalgic charm of some other bars on this list, it makes up for it with sheer scale and variety. The space is ideal for group outings, birthday parties, or pre-game hangouts, and the menu is stacked with pub-style eats and plenty of drink options.
Where: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto