Looking for fun and games, and maybe a good dose of nostalgia? Gather some friends or pack up the kids and visit these area restaurants, bars and game parlors for old-school pinball, vintage video games, ping pong, billiards, Skee-Ball and more.
Acme Pie Co.’s Pinball BasementÂ
This pinball emporium on Columbia Pike is currently moving from its home inside Acme Pie Co. to a new space just down the street, and pie shop owner Sol Schott says they’re working on plans for a second arcade in the Upside on Moore food hall in Rosslyn. Dig into a slice of chocolate chess, coconut custard or pecan chocolate maple pie, and then go full tilt on the vintage machines. The membership-based arcade is $10 a day or $50 a month for unlimited play. The new spot on the Pike is slated to reopen mid-April, but check the website before heading over, as hours and availability may change. // 2406 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Astro Beer Hall
Chicken, waffles, craft brews and Skee-Ball make for a perfect combo at this 14,000 square-foot brewpub in Shirlington. The space houses a beer hall, a game room, a lower-level retro pool hall, and a full-service coffee shop, plus a robot turning out made-to-order doughnuts. Grab some fresh air on the large patio and then head inside where kids—and kids at heart—will find plenty of enticements, including shuffleboard, darts, pool and a claw machine. Play a few rounds, sample the 24 beers on draft and catch a game on the big screen. // 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
The Board Room
No lights, bells and whistles here, but you’ll want to get your game face on before perusing the extensive board game library at this award-winning Clarendon brewpub. The collection includes more than 10 editions of Trivial Pursuit, 14+ variations of Monopoly and old-school brain-teasers like Parcheesi and Settlers of Catan to newer fare such as Exploding Kittens and the Desperate Housewives Dirty Laundry Game. Chill on couches and chairs in the cozy lounge area and stop in for trivia night every Tuesday. Follow the bar’s social media accounts for upcoming events such as comedy shows and special dinners. // 925 N. Garfield St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Continental Pool Lounge
Level up your bar night with arcade games, shuffleboard, Pop a Shot basketball, darts and seven pool tables at this Rosslyn watering hole. Its outdoor beer garden is open April through November and is dog- and family-friendly. Game rates are half-price until 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Check the website for information on pool leagues. // 1901 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Punch Bowl Social
Arcade games, karaoke and bar snacks galore come together in a massive, retro space that includes several bars and a full-service restaurant. Want to burn off the calories you just ate? Go for a game of ping-pong, bocce ball or bowling. Expect festive décor on many of the holidays, DJs spinning tunes and televised sports, plus special events like music bingo, Silent Disco dance parties and drag brunch. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Spider Kelly’s
Spinning a web of neighborhood nightlife that includes multiple lounge areas, pool tables, Skee-Ball, shuffleboard, darts and video games, this longstanding Clarendon bar is open late every night and also boasts a large outdoor beer garden with couches and high top tables. // 3181 Wilson Blvd, Arlington (Clarendon)
Highline RxR
This sprawling hangout is a popular neighborhood hive for pinball, big screen TVs, live music and competition in many forms, including board games, cornhole, comedy karaoke trivia battles and a singles mixer game night. Eat and drink your fill from the long beer and bar snacks menu. // 2010 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Nighthawk Pizza
Score an epic family win with an outing that includes pizza, beer and joysticks. This casual pub features Midwest-style tavern and deep-dish pies, plus sandwiches, starters, desserts, and four arcade cabinets to pass the time while you wait. Located at Westpost, the pizza parlor is one of several restaurants clustered around a central plaza with fire pits, cornhole and (in winter) an ice rink. // 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
Galaxy Hut
A Clarendon fixture since 1990, this funky bar is a longstanding favorite for live music, karaoke, vegan-friendly eats and craft beers from nearly 30 rotating taps with a side of old-school video games. The pinball machine is currently undergoing repairs, but should be back shortly. Enjoy a brew and a plate of tater tot poutine while testing your hand-eye coordination. Many of the tables double as tabletop gaming consoles. // 2711 Wilson Blvd, Arlington (Rosslyn)