As someone whose version of gaming involves the occasional Scrabble match and deeply competitive rounds of Who Can Spot the Celeb in the Wild, I’ve somehow—miraculously—made it through nearly 28 years without ever stepping foot into a Dave & Buster’s.
But all of that changed after a bottomless brunch with my friends, where the mimosas were flowing and the vibe was “We’re not going home yet.” With just two options for the evening’s post-brunch festivities—go to a Steve Aoki show at a nearby club (yes, cake-throwing Steve Aoki) or stroll down to Penn’s Landing for a night at Dave & Buster’s—we went with the latter.
Because let’s be honest, when you work in entertainment and have a closet full of wristbands from every club between here and Ibiza, the thought of battling strobe lights for a drink just doesn’t hit like it used to. Instead, we went with neon lights, nostalgic chaos, and mozzarella sticks. And honestly? No notes.
First Impressions: Like Chuck E. Cheese Got a Glam Makeover
Walking in, Dave & Buster’s felt like Vegas had a baby with a boardwalk arcade. Truthfully, it smelled like french fries and childhood dreams, and despite the lack of ski ball (we’ll circle back to that emotional wound), I was weirdly charmed. It was loud. It was flashing. It was full of adults trying to outshoot each other in games designed for literal children. And I was into it.
The Real Winner of the Night: Mozzarella Sticks & Champagne
Forget the games for a second—let’s talk about the mozzarella sticks. I’m not being dramatic when I say they were shockingly delicious. Perfectly crispy, gooey in the middle, and served at just the right post-brunch hour. I devoured them like they were Michelin-rated. Oh and- did I sip champagne while eating them? You bet I did. Because if I’m going to indulge in childhood nostalgia, I’m doing it with a flute in hand.
The fact that Dave & Buster’s has a full bar feels like something we, as a society, don’t talk about enough. It’s giving “adult Chuck E. Cheese,” but with better lighting and way more tequila.
No Skee Ball? No Problem (Kinda.)
Okay, now for the betrayal: There. Was. No. Skee Ball. How does one enter an arcade—nay, a temple of tokens—and not find ski ball? I almost called it quits right there. But then I spotted a game that involved throwing basketballs at screens while being heckled by animatronic announcers, and I thought, “This’ll do.”
Somehow, after what felt like an Olympic-level performance in Whack-a-Mole and a very dramatic air hockey showdown, I had enough tickets to cash in for a pencil and eraser set. A prize valued at approximately $1.29—but emotionally? Priceless.
Final Thoughts from Your Former Arcade Virgin
So, will I be back? Shockingly, yes. Will I go for the mozzarella sticks and stay for the chaotic energy? Absolutely. Will I ever forgive them for the ski ball snub? Unclear.
Here’s what I know for sure: Dave & Buster’s may not be the hot club with confetti cannons and international DJs, but it’s got heart, bar snacks, and just enough nostalgia to make your inner child do a little victory dance.
And if that doesn’t scream grown-up fun, I don’t know what does.
