Best Old School Arcades In DFW

Remember when video games were everywhere? At just about any business, you used to be able to waste several dollars worth of quarters and hours of time with games that offered a great escape. With advent of computers those days seem gone, but there are still several places where you can go play these games. Some bars have a nice video section, and there are some new businesses popping up dedicated to keeping these old games alive. Here are just a few in the Dallas area.

Tornado Terry's
4530 Keller Hicks Road
Keller, Texas 76244
(817) 431-6121
www.tornadoterrys.com

Tornado Terry's is all about old school video games, and they have some newer games as well. What makes Terry's different is that you pay one price -- $14.50 -- and that allows you to play all the games you want for as long as you like. There are about 70 games in this area, ranging from Pac-Man to the most modern games. There is a token zone where you can play other specialized games. Terry's is available for birthday parties and special events, as well as just a fun outing. Terrys also sells video game parts online. This arcade is for kids of all ages.

Nic kelRama
1238 Belt Line Road at West BrandRoad
Garland, TX
(972) 414-7042
Nickelrama

NickelRama does video games, and that is all. They have more than 100 games, and they use nickels instead of quarters. If a game would ordinarily take one quarter, you use one nickel, and if it is one that ordinarily takes two quarters, these games take two nickels. They have tables and chairs available, and you can reserve tables for a party. You may also bring your own food and drink, but no glass or alcohol. Some games offer prizes. There is a small entry fee, just a few dollars, and then play all the games you like for a nickel each. There are games from the early days, as well as more modern games. There is a pizza place next door.

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Barcadia
1917 N. Henderson Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 821-7300
barcadiabars.com

Barcadia is a hip bar on Henderson Avenue, but it does have a nice video arcade area, with Mortal Kombat, Mario Brothers and several others. They have 24 kinds of beer on tap, most of them from area micro breweries. Tuesday night is free play night, other nights, games are a quarter. The bar also has a pretty good bar fare restaurant, but the games are a major attraction. It is adults only, but you can let your inner child out long enough to have a good time on the video games. you may also have a private party here.

Free Play Richardson
1730 E. Belt Line Road
Richardson, Texas
(469) 828-1639
Free Play

Free Play Richardson is another video arcade based on the one-price to pay concept. For an admission price of $10 you may play all of their 70 or so games as long as you like. They have a lot of unusual beers from micro breweries, wines, and food. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and at certain hours no one under 18 is admitted. This is true old school type video games. There are no games made after 1995 in the arcade.

Versus Gameplay Arcade
Walnut Street Mall
9750 Walnut St., Suite 194
Dallas, Texas 75208
(469) 643-4263
www.versusgameplay.com

This is another old school video game arcade, but with a twist. There is an emphasis on competitive gaming. You may go head to head on any game, with anyone. There are weekly leagues, and tournaments often. You may also win prizes. But for one price you may play all the old school games you like, whether you are competing or not. This place is one of the few that offer the competitive angle. This one does not have as many games as some other similar places, and they rotate games at times.

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