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Arcades and bars in San Diego

A night out is better when it involves playing games at an arcade while holding a drink.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Aero Club Bar image 1
Aero Club Bar image 2
Aero Club Bar image 3
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Small dive bar with vintage aviation decor and a huge whiskey selection lines the walls to the ceiling. Energetic vibe fills the space, enhanced by arcade games and pinball machines in excellent condition. Outdoor patio hosts a popular BBQ food truck, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Pinball machines stand out with good maintenance and variety. Games include pool, ski ball, basketball, and a dart throwing game that tracks points automatically.

Dive bar vibe with top notch bar staff and a great whisky selection. Plenty of games like pool, pinball, ski ball, basketball, classic Mario Kart, and a golf simulator keep the night fun and lively.

People are saying

"The whiskey selection here is mind-blowing, with over 1,200 unique bottles."

"The bar's whiskey selection is mind-blowing, with over 1,200 unique bottles."

"I was blown away by the bourbon and whiskey selection here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $5 beers and new whiskey cocktails.

2

Visiting on 'Whiskey Wednesday' offers rotating specials on rare pours.

3

Monthly pinball tournaments are held, adding a fun competitive element.

02
Sidecar Bar image 1

Small dive bar with laid-back vibe and spacious indoor-outdoor seating offers cocktails and affordable beer alongside pool tables and arcade games. Crowd stays chill but lively, especially during sports on multiple TVs. Food trucks outside provide popular smash burgers and fries.

Games include pool tables, pinball machines, and arcade basketball. Foosball and other bar games add variety. The vibe is divey and arcade-oriented.

A big selection of draft beer and liquor meets fresh ingredients in cocktails here. The bar feels like a homey dive spot with a cool, low-key vibe and great prices on drinks.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are made with fresh ingredients and taste great."

"This bar feels like a fun, divey neighborhood haunt."

"It's got pinball machines, a pool table, and arcade games."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with great drink specials.

2

Parking is usually available in the lot behind the bar.

3

Food options are limited to a food truck outside the bar.

03
Coin-Op Game Room image 1

Bar combines vintage arcade games and pinball machines with a lively, nostalgic atmosphere. Music varies from vibrant to loud, creating an energetic vibe. Space features nostalgic decor and accommodates groups, making it a popular spot for social gatherings.

A wide variety of vintage pinball and shooter games fills the arcade, alongside skeeball, basketball, racers, claw machines, and more. The mix of old school pinball and classic arcade cabinets creates a lively, fun atmosphere.

Great beer selection pairs with yummy bar food and a lively atmosphere filled with arcade games. The bar staff is friendly and fast, creating a warm and fun vibe with clean bathrooms uncommon for downtown bars.

People are saying

"This bar is a super fun arcade with a great vibe."

"I loved the great selection of arcade games and pinball."

"I loved the great beer selection here."

Good to know

1

Every first Sunday of the month, all games are free to play.

2

Most games charge a dollar per play, which can add up quickly.

3

Bring cash for coins, as the bar no longer provides them.

04
Brewski's Bar & Arcade image 1

Sports bar combines loud indoor energy with a laid-back outdoor patio. Pinball machines and arcade games draw a steady crowd, while multiple screens show various sports simultaneously. The space balances busy bar seating inside with ample outdoor tables for a relaxed vibe.

Top-notch pinball machines stay in new condition and work perfectly. The owner hosts pinball tournaments and the arcade offers a variety of games alongside a pool table.

Games run on card credits instead of coins, adding a modern twist. The bar offers a pool table, arcade games, and a smoking patio, creating a fun dive bar vibe with solid service.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and reasonably priced."

"The drinks at this bar are strong and affordable."

"They have a decent handful of pinball machines."

Good to know

1

You must be at least 21 years old to enter the bar.

2

Children and babies are not allowed in the establishment.

3

Sushi chef is available from Thursday to Saturday, 5-10 pm.

05
Harbor Town Pub image 1

Pub combines rustic dรฉcor with patriotic elements like a large US flag and submarine memorabilia. Loud music and multiple TVs create a high-energy atmosphere especially during game days. Features include a pet-friendly outdoor area and an arcade section, making it lively and diverse.

A small arcade sits in the back with games like the duck claw machine. An entire side has been opened up to create a dedicated arcade area that keeps kids engaged.

A military-themed bar with a laid-back, lively vibe offers an extensive and impressive beer list. Attentive staff provide seasoned hospitality in a family-friendly dive bar setting with good food and arcade games.

People are saying

"The food at this pub is great, especially the sliders."

"The sliders and fish n chips at this bar are awesome."

"The food here is great, and it has arcades."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3-6 PM with $5 drinks.

2

Karaoke night happens every Wednesday with no cover charge.

3

Free bingo entry on Thursdays with cash prizes.

06
Nite Owl Cocktail Lounge image 1

Dive bar with pool tables, dart boards, and arcade machines offers a low key and friendly atmosphere. Music plays quietly in the background, allowing easy conversation. Regulars enjoy casual vibes and reasonable prices in a welcoming setting.

Three pinball machines work well, including LED Zeppelin, New Star Trek, and Metallica. The bar also offers a pool table, dart board, and a few arcade games.

A casual dive bar with pool tables, darts, and pinball offers a quiet vibe with music in the background. Bar staff provide amazing service and the prices stay reasonable.

People are saying

"I found the pool tables to be fun."

"It's a cool little dive bar with a friendly, casual vibe."

"It's got a few arcade games and pinball machines."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 7 pm Monday through Friday.

2

Draft beer costs $6-7.

3

The bar has pool tables and darts available.

07
The Smoking Gun SD image 1

Bar and grill with large open space and 1990s style memorabilia creates a laid-back vibe with arcade games and ping pong for entertainment. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, suited for spectators and casual hangouts. Seating is ample, and visibility from all angles is excellent.

A Zoltar machine lets you wish to be big, surrounded by nostalgic items like a leg lamp and grandma's living room setup. The arcade offers classic games alongside a pool table and shuffleboard, creating a fun, old school vibe.

A big bar offers plenty of space to hang out with attentive staff serving quickly. The arcade and bar games create a fun vibe and provide good value for hours of entertainment.

People are saying

"The arcades here are amazing and have a great atmosphere."

"It's a great chill spot to hang out and socialize."

"The smash burger at the bar is one of the best."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3-6 pm with food and drink specials.

2

Expect a cover charge during major sports events like UFC fights.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

08
The Balboa image 1
Bar & grill

Dive bar with vintage decor and laid-back vibe offers a friendly atmosphere with arcade games and pool tables. Music and lighting create a relaxed, unpretentious setting that attracts a younger crowd. Several TVs and wood seating tables support casual hangouts and game watching.

Old-school arcade games and pinball machines sit close to the seating area, creating a laid-back vibe. A couple of pool tables add to the fun atmosphere alongside TVs showing games.

Friendly bar vibe creates a welcoming atmosphere. The venting system keeps the air clear with no smoke or aroma, enhancing comfort in this dive bar setting.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were amazing."

"This dive bar has the best burgers I've ever had."

"The burgers here are juicy, tender, and made with high-quality meat."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM, Tuesday to Friday.

2

During happy hour, burgers cost $8 for a 1/3 lb. single cheeseburger.

3

Monday's burgers are $8 all day for dine-in only.

09
Club Marina image 1

Dive bar with retro decor and a cozy, eclectic vibe near the waterfront. Features include pinball machines, a pool table, and free popcorn, creating a laid-back, neighborhood atmosphere. The place draws a chill crowd and offers a nostalgic, inviting setting for casual drinks and games.

Several pinball machines, including Ghostbusters, sit alongside a pool table in a small arcade space. The games come with a dive bar vibe and stiff drinks nearby.

Cozy dive bar with a clean and relaxing atmosphere near the waterfront. Great spot to unwind after a day at the marina.

People are saying

"It's a great little dive bar with a fun atmosphere."

"It's a fun dive bar with a cool, chill atmosphere."

"It's got pinball machines and other arcade games."

Good to know

1

The happy hour at Club Marina is from 11am to 6pm daily.

2

They accept Apple Pay and Google Pay, so cash is not needed.

3

They do not serve food but allow patrons to bring their own.

10
Harland Brewing Co - Scripps Ranch image 1

Massive brewery with open layout and pool tables, arcade games, and outdoor seating. Atmosphere suits families and couples, with a dog-friendly environment and lively vibe during sports games. Music plays loudly, and food trucks offer wood-fired pizzas nearby.

A large space offers arcade games alongside pool tables and a corn hole set. Kids enjoy playing the arcade games while adults can choose from many beer options.

A good mix of pool tables and games sits on one side, with a nice bar and outdoor seating on the other. Even during events, beer waits stay under two minutes.

People are saying

"The beer here is tasty and fantastic."

"The bar has delicious beers, especially the West Coast IPA."

"You can play arcade games here with your friends."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, with many spaces reserved or marked as no brewery parking.

2

Food is available via a food truck, so plan ahead for meals.

3

Kids are allowed, but noise levels may vary with young children.

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San Diego, California

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