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Best Old School Arcades In Los Angeles

July 22, 2016 / 5:00 AM PDT / KCAL News

Arcades were the hangouts of the 80s. Finding an old school arcade is few and far between these days, but there are gamers who exist with a passion to attain the highest scores (or the most redeemable tickets). Old school arcades feature the classics such as PacMan, Centipede, and Donkey Kong (just to name a few). Regardless of how old you are, hitting an arcade is a fun past time. If you are yearning for that joystick, check out these five arcades in Los Angeles.

Playland Arcade
350 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-5133
http://www.playlandarcadesmpier.com/

It's old fashioned fun at Playland Arcade, which is located on the historical Santa Monica Pier. Welcoming to every age, this arcade features arcade games - the classics like PacMan (there are 5 PacMan video game machines available) and SuperMario Bros. and the newest ones including Street Fighter II and Marvel vs Capcom. To throw even more nostalgia your way, the Playland Arcade also hosts pinball machines, skee ball and basketball hoop games. Gamers can earn tickets to redeem in carnival type prizes. The fun doesn't stop at this arcade. The pier amusement park features many games for prizes, too.

All Amusement Fun Center
Burbank Town Center
201 E. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 557-6558
www.burbanktowncenter.com

All Amusement Fun Center is classic fun, starting with the fact that it's located in a shopping mall (think "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"), but minus the old classic arcade games. It's still worth checking out for an afternoon of dropping tokens and winning tickets. Games include Marvel vs CapCom, The Simpsons, Time Crisis 3 and 4 and Street Fighter. Tickets get you silly gifts and prizes. Burbank Town Center is a good local alternative to some of the other surrounding malls. You can run errands (there is a Bed Bath & Beyond at this mall), catch a movie and play games all in one.

EightyTwo
707 E. 4th Pl.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 626-8200
http://eightytwo.la/

EightyTwo caters exclusively to the 21+ crowd. Pleasing both gamers and those looking for a lively night out in the Arts District of DTLA, EightyTwo offers a unique collection of rotating arcade machines and pinball machines. Video games include Frogger, Centipede, Donkey Kong, NBA Jam TE and The Simpsons (this is just a very short list) and pinball machine titles include Ghostbusters, Game of Thrones, Air Aces and Funhouse. If you are into gaming, join in the weekly competitions. EightyTwo features a full bar serving craft cocktails, beers and house-brewed coffee, DJs and an outdoor patio.

Kids World
618 Lindero Canyon Rd.
Oak Park, CA 91377
(818) 338-8888
http://kidsworldla.com/

Rainy day blues or summer doldrums, either way Kids World's arcade is the perfect fix to beat boredom. Kids World, which is an indoor playground, offers an entertaining arcade. AtomicRush is super popular and adults often take up in some friendly competition. Kids always have a blast here because they can roam around safely in and out of the arcade. There is a lot to do including zip lining, ball pit and foam ball blasters. Play the arcade games to win prizes - items are geared to both guys and girls of all ages including fun lava lamps for the older kids (and adults). Check Kids World's Facebook page to find out information on Parents Night, an evening without the kids.

The One Up
13625 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 849-5181
http://www.theoneup.com/

Kids of the 80s will find The One Up to be so rad. PacMan (both Mr and Mrs), Tetris, Galaga, Dig Dug, Donkey Kong are just a few of the many consoles there. Games are free to customers. In keeping with its love for the 80s, The One Up throws it back with popular 80s movies playing in the background. Fans of any age can come in and hang and play all day until 7 p.m., when it turns 21 years and older. The One Up is an arcade meets gastropub featuring fun food including mini corn dog pups, short rib crostini, Cap N Crunch chicken wings, turkey meatballs and crafty cocktails such as Grown Up chocolate milk, Monkey's Brew and many more.

Related: L.A.'s Best Bars For Foodies

Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.