Andre TaylorMy friend introduced me to arcade gaming long ago, and I remember getting hooked immediately. But life happened, and we had to hold back our gamer side.
Over the past few years, though, life’s gotten a bit easier to the point that we could restart our passion for gaming. The only challenge was figuring out if Indianapolis still offers any good arcades.
We started asking around and took up recommendations from locals, and it turns out there are still plenty of great arcades in the city.
With that in mind, I’ve compiled the best ones my friend and I visited in recent years. I figured it’s the least I can do for my fellow arcade gamers.
1. Boss Battle Games
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Website: https://www.bossbattlegames.com/
Location: Castleton Square, 6020 E 82nd St
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 8 PM | Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM | Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Pricing: $
Going to Boss Battle Games is the equivalent of splurging on games. The venue has over 100 arcade games, gaming consoles, and pinball machines. It features classics like Pac-Man and Street Fighter, as well as newer games like Mario Kart and NBA.
The long list of games and consoles is reason enough to visit. What I love the most, though, is that it’s admissions-based. For an entrance fee of just $15 flat, you can enjoy all the games and pinball machines as much as you want, from opening to closing.
I also appreciate that the venue hosts regular events, such as tournaments and social gatherings. A favorite of mine is the Tekken competitions that Boss Battle Games organizes occasionally.
| Pro Tip: Level up your gift game—grab a Boss Battle Games eGift card starting at just $5! It’s a perfect power-up for any game and good for console, pinball, and arcade action. |
2. Rascal’s Fun Zone
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Website: https://rascalsfunzone.com/
Location: 629 N U.S. 31, Whiteland
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 3 PM – 9 PM | Friday: 3 PM – 10 PM | Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM | Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Pricing: $$
Like Boss Battle, Rascal’s Fun Zone has a comprehensive selection of arcade games. It features all-time favorites like air hockey and skeeball and recent hits such as Spongebob VR Bubble Coaster and Ticket Dome.
Now, I often come here for arcade games. But I also love that the venue offers so many other things to do. It has an “attraction,” including go-karts, blaster boats, mini-golf, and bowling. Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed to have fun.
I also like the group events being offered by the venue. These events include field trips, family days, and team building.
| Pro Tip: If you’re an arcade enthusiast, opt for the $100 game card, equivalent to 500 tokens, or about $0.13 per token. On the other hand, if you purchase the $10 game card, you’d buy each token for $0.20. |
3. Combat Ops Entertainment – Indy
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Website: https://combatops.com/indianapolis/
Location: Rally House Southport Commons, 4650 E Southport Rd, Suites E & F
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM | Friday: 12 PM – 11:30 PM | Saturday: 11 AM – 11:30 PM | Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Pricing: $$$
Combat Ops doesn’t have the same expansive lineup of arcade games as Rascal’s or Boss Battle. But it features some well-loved classics, notably King Kong, Quick Shot, and Jurassic Park. Throw in some pinball machines, and that’s more than enough if you ask me.
Moreover, you won’t run out of fun things to do here. After some arcade fun, try the Laser Maze to test your wits and agility. If you’re with friends, challenge yourselves to a game of laser or Nerf tag.
If you’re done having fun, sample Combat Ops’ cafe menu. The food is primarily light on the tummy, but is super yummy. Definitely try the pretzels with cheese and slushes—they are among the best for an amusement venue.
| Pro Tip: Sign up for combat perks here to unlock exclusive deals and discounts throughout the year. For instance, spend $10 and receive a $5 bonus upon registration. |
4. Tappers Arcade Bar
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Website: https://www.tappersarcadebar.com/
Location: Slate Apartments, 501 Virginia Ave #102
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 4 PM – 12 AM | Friday: 4 PM – 1 AM | Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM | Sunday: 2 PM – 12 AM
Pricing: $$
I’d be lying if I didn’t say there’s a grown-up reason Tappers is on this list. The multitude of games is undoubtedly reason no. 1. The venue has pretty much all the classics most adults fell in love with—NBA Jam and Mortal Kombat come to mind.
Tappers also has all-time favorite consoles, such as the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64. These three collectively offer over 1,000 additional games, and that sheer number of choices is something any gamer would surely love.
Then, there’s reason no. 2: Tappers is also a bar, so anyone under 21 isn’t allowed entry. Its selection of draft beers and cocktails rivals that of the games available, and it all guarantees you’ll find your drink of choice.
| Pro Tip: Rep your love for retro! Grab the official Tappers Arcade Bar merch online! From tees to glassware, it’s the perfect way to show your arcade pride and support the vibe even when you’re AFK. |
5. Pinheads & Alleys Alehouse
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Website: https://bowlatpinheads.com/
Location: 13825 Britton Park Rd, Fishers
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 11 PM | Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM | Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: $$
Pinheads & Alleys Alehouse is best known for its bowling destination, and I recently discovered that it also features an arcade section. I’m glad I did because I love prize-based arcade games—or those that give out prizes like tickets and everyday items.
It also has several of these games. The classics, such as hoops and fishing, as well as more modern virtual reality-based titles, are available. These games have one thing in common—they can let you win high-end prizes like electronics and gadgets.
On the other hand, the bowling alleys are top-notch and well-maintained, making them great for some competitive bowling. If you’re up for it, you can even join regular tournaments to win more high-end prizes and bragging rights.
| Pro Tip: Try the delicious menu at Pinheads & Alleys Alehouse. The sliders—beef patties with peppadew pimento cheese—and the Hoosier tenderloin are highly recommended after a good game. |
6. 16-Bit Bar + Arcade
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Website: https://www.16-bitbar.com/indy
Location: 110 E New York St
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 4 PM – 11:30 PM | Thursday: 4 PM – 12:30 AM | Friday: 4 PM – 2:30 AM | Saturday: 12 PM – 2:30 AM | Sunday: 12 PM – 12:30 AM
Pricing: $
What’s notable about 16-Bit Bar + Arcade is its collection of over 35 vintage games. They’re so vintage that they were built on a 16-bit processor, which means they’re among the earliest games ever produced.
The games here will trigger nostalgia for those who grew up in the 1980s and early 1990s. Some notable titles include hard-to-find games like 1942 and Centipede, as well as beloved classics such as Ms. Pac-Man, Krull, and Mario Bros.
In many ways, 16-Bit Bar + Arcade appeals to an older demographic, particularly with its in-house bar, which makes the venue strictly for a 21+ audience.
A superb collection of unique crafts and smashing cocktails, such as Tito’s Vodka and Fireball Whiskey, is available.
| Pro Tip: Time your visit during happy hour between 4 PM and 7 PM. You’d get up to $2 off your drink of choice. |
7. Dave & Busters Indianapolis
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Website: https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/about/locations/indianapolis
Location: Castleton Commons, 8350 Castleton Corner Dr
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM | Friday: 11 AM – 1 AM | Saturday: 10 AM – 1 AM | Sunday: 10 AM – 12 AM
Pricing: $
Again, my fondness for prize-based games is why I included Dave & Busters on this list. The venue offers a variety of games to win tickets and prizes, and most are relatively new. Godzilla VR has become a personal favorite, along with Top Gun: Maverick.
I also love this venue because it regularly introduces new games. Among the recent additions, I greatly like the Human Crane, which is based on the arcade’s favorite claw machine.
I’m also a big fan of the food here, and the smokehouse barbecue is my favorite dish. The smashed burger sliders topped with American cheese and diced, caramelized onions are another favorite of mine, along with the boneless wings.
| Pro Tip: Download the Dave & Buster’s app to join the D&B Rewards program. This allows you to earn rewards and access exclusive options. |
8. Press Play Gaming Lounge
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Website: https://pressplaylounge.com/
Location: 1004 E Main St, Brownsburg
Hours: Thursday: 4 PM – 9 PM | Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM | Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM | Sunday: 2 PM – 8 PM
Pricing: $$
Press Play Gaming Lounge features an arcade corner that’s more spacious than it sounds, but smaller than those of every other arcade on this list.
However, I like it because it strikes the right balance between classics and new titles. It also has prize-based games.
Besides the arcade corner, I like its other attractions as they’re all perfect for gamers. My favorite is Omni Arena, which is basically “Ready Player One” in real life.
The TV Pod is a nice touch as well. It lets families watch sports or play games on the Xbox in a comfy, air-conditioned lounge with a 75” high-res TV.
| Pro Tip: Consider getting an X-Pass membership for enhanced gaming experiences and extended virtual reality sessions. You also get the first crack at premium Nerf selections and access to free TV pods. |
