April TurnerI once walked into an arcade in San Antonio that looked promising from the outside. There were bright lights and a giant “WIN BIG PRIZES” sign that basically screamed fun inside.
Ten minutes later, I was holding a broken joystick. My game had frozen mid-round, and the only thing I “won” was a sad little eraser that cost 200 tickets. Not exactly the victory I had in mind.
After a few too many disappointing rounds, I decided to hunt down the ones where the games work, the prizes don’t disappoint, and you walk out grinning instead of groaning.
That search led me to the best arcades in San Antonio. These are the places that truly deliver on fun rather than frustration.
1. Diversions Game Room
– Media credit: diversionsgameroom
Website: https://www.facebook.com/diversionsgameroom/
Address: 9900 San Pedro Ave, 78216
Contact Details: +1 210-341-2561
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Pricing: $
If you’re hunting for a solid arcade fix on the North Side of San Antonio, Diversions Game Room is a surprisingly fun spot. I wandered in on a weekend night and immediately noticed the mix of retro classics and newer games.
They have everything from pinball and old-school shooters to redemption machines and basketball toss. There’s something satisfying about holding real tokens in your hand instead of swiping a card. It just makes winning tickets feel a little more… earned.
The place is bright and the staff are genuinely helpful. One of them even gave me a tip for a high-score trick on one of the racing games. Prices are refreshingly reasonable, with most video games costing a dollar or less.
| Pro Tip: If you love pinball, ask the staff about the top high-score machines and see if you can beat them. Diversions is known for its well-kept pinball tables and competitive regulars. |
2. AR’s Entertainment Hub
– Media credit: arsentertainmenthubsanantonio
Website: https://www.arsentertainmenthub-sanantonio.com/
Address: 4522 Fredericksburg Rd B100, 78201
Contact Details: +1 888-999-9440
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
AR’s Entertainment Hub has about 60 machines ranging from classic pinball and racing games to newer redemption-style machines.
What really stood out was the variety. While I was battling lasers in the laser tag arena, friends were playing under black light in the mini-golf area, and little kids were safely climbing around in the soft play area.
The all-in-one passes are a smart move if you want to try multiple attractions. They kept me hopping between games for hours without getting bored.
| Pro Tip: Ask at the front desk about their activity stacking pass or interest in combining attractions that share equipment. For example, many of the mini‑golf holes and the XR Arena use the same wristband or checkout area. |
3. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
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Website: https://andrettikarting.com/sanantonio
Address: 5527 N Loop 1604 W Acc Rd, 78249
Contact Details: +1 210-469-0700
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid in the best way possible, except the games and thrills are even bigger and better. My friends and I spent hours here, and we couldn’t be happier.
The arcade is packed with everything from nostalgic classics to modern favorites that are cool. But for me, the highlight was the HOLOGATE VR. It felt like I was part of an intergalactic mission.
We also hit up the indoor kart track, and wow… these karts are no joke. They’re fast and gave me a brief taste of what it might feel like to be a Formula 1 racer. When we needed a break from the intensity, duckpin bowling offered the perfect chill moment.
| Pro Tip: Register your Pit Pass (game card) before you dive into games. They’ve designed their system so redemption tickets are stored electronically on the card. Once you register, you won’t lose your points or tickets if you misplace the card. |
4. Dragon Claw
– Media credit: dragonclawarcade
Website: https://www.thedragonclaw.com/
Address: 1121 SW Military Dr #101, 78221
Contact Details: +1 210-251-3816
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
I recently spent a couple of hours at Dragon Claw, and I have to admit that I got completely sucked into the claw machine world. The place is bright and filled with machines stacked high with plushies and quirky prizes.
One of the things I really liked was the trade-in system. I won a few smaller prizes and was able to trade them in for a bigger one at the counter, which felt like a mini-victory every time.
| Pro Tip: Visit earlier in the day (weekdays if possible) when there are fewer crowds. That means shorter waits for machines and a better shot at picking a “good” machine. |
5. Main Event San Antonio West
– Media credit: mymainevent
Website: https://www.mainevent.com/locations/texas/san-antonio-west/
Address: 8514 TX-151, 78245
Contact Details: +1 210-521-8000
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Main Event San Antonio West is one of my favorite spots to hang out with a group when everyone’s craving something fun to do. The arcade here is truly impressive, offering over 100 options, ranging from old-school classics to modern games that illuminate the room.
Personally, I got hooked on the basketball hoops game, trying (and hilariously failing) to break high scores. For video gamers, they’ve got multiplayer setups that make it easy to challenge your friends or random opponents.
The bowling lanes are a blast too. They’re clean and come with cool lighting effects that add a touch of flair to your game. I’ve bowled here countless times, and the staff is always quick to help if you need lane adjustments or have ball issues.
| Pro Tip: Take advantage of Main Event’s free game play special on your birthday. If you sign up for their rewards program, you can score a free $10 game card to use on your actual birthday. |
6. Round1 Bowling & Arcade
– Media credit: round1usa
Website: https://www.round1usa.com/
Address: 7400 San Pedro Ave, 78216
Contact Details: +1 210-448-2030
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Pricing: $
Round 1 Bowling & Arcade surprised me in the best way possible. I walked in expecting a standard arcade-and-bowling combo, but this place is a real gem if you’re into unique, hands-on entertainment.
The Japanese-style rhythm games are mesmerizing and addictive. I spent way too much time with the claw machines, which aren’t impossible to win.
After a few rounds of games, I was ready to refuel, and the food options didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t resist the Japanese snacks. They had Pocky, takoyaki, and some refreshing drinks that perfectly matched the vibe.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skip the membership card if you plan to spend a fair amount of time at Round1. Signing up comes with perks like discounted game play, exclusive rewards, and access to promotions. |
7. Cosmic Mayhem
Website: https://www.cosmicmayhem.com/
Address: 903 E Bitters Rd Ste 310, 78216
Contact Details: 1 210-437-1072
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Wednesday – Closed
- Saturday – 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Cosmic Mayhem is a dream destination for anyone who loves high-energy fun. My favorite part is the retro arcade zone. It’s pure nostalgia with classics like Ms. Pac-Man, racing games, and carnival-style prize machines.
They’ve also got blacklight mini golf with space-themed obstacles, perfect for all skill levels and just plain fun to look at. And if you’re feeling adventurous, their axe-throwing lanes offer games like “Zombie Hunt” to keep things exciting.
| Pro Tip: Take advantage of their Sunday-to-Friday combined special. You can get 1 round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf and ½ hour of axe throwing for just $20.99 per person. |
8. Otaku Cafe
– Media credit: rikricotakucafe
Website: https://rrotakucafe.com/
Address: 7022 Bandera Rd, 78238
Contact Details: +1 210-455-4516
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $
Walking into Otaku Cafe feels like stumbling into a pocket of Akihabara right in San Antonio. The first thing that hit me was the mix of bright rhythm-game lights and the hum of arcade buttons.
They’ve got some seriously good imports, such as CHUNITHM, Taiko no Tatsujin, and a lineup of fighting games that attract local pros. I spent way too long on Street Fighter III, and no one made me feel rushed or out of place.
What’s nice is the flat entry fee, which is around ten bucks for all-day free play. No tokens, no swiping cards, and just grab your wristband and go wild. They even host tournaments and free-play nights.
| Pro Tip: If you’re into rhythm or fighting games, feel free to bring your own headphones or controller. Many setups at Otaku Cafe, like MaiMai, support them. Plugging in makes gameplay sharper and way more immersive. |
9. Immersive Gamebox
– Media credit: immersive.gamebox
Website: https://www.immersivegamebox.com/en-US/venues/
Address: Santikos Entertainment, 18124 I-35, 78108
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
I tried out the Immersive Gamebox inside Santikos Cibolo, about a 34-minute drive from downtown San Antonio. It’s easily one of the coolest “arcades” I’ve been to, though it doesn’t look like one at first.
Instead of a joystick cabinet, you get your own private room where every wall lights up with motion sensors and projection mapping. You strap on a lightweight visor, step into the center, and suddenly you’re dodging virtual asteroids or solving puzzles as a team.
My group played Ticket to Mars, and by the end, we were laughing and way too competitive. The setup tracks your movements surprisingly well, with no weird lag. The space feels clean and futuristic rather than gimmicky.
| Pro Tip: The game boxes can fill up, especially on weekends, so book your preferred time slot early. You can cancel or reschedule your booking up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled time. After that, no refunds. |
10. Klaw Time
– Media credit: klaw_time
Website: https://letsklaw.com/
Address: 1324 SW Military Dr, 78221
Contact Details: +1 210-967-3004
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $
I stopped by Klaw Time on a weekend, and if you’re a fan of claw machines, this place is a small but addictive treasure trove. The place features rows of bright machines filled with plush toys and even larger prizes, such as Nintendo Switch consoles.
I spent way longer than I expected trying to nab a lush panda. And yes, the machines feel fair, not like those impossible “win once in a thousand tries” setups.
Credits are loaded onto a card, which makes hopping from machine to machine seamless. I also appreciated that you can trade in smaller prizes for chances at bigger ones.
| Pro Tip: Klaw Time often switches up the prizes in its machines, so if you’re a regular or on the hunt for something specific, check back every few weeks. You might find fresh options or limited-edition goodies. |
11. Dave & Buster’s Balcones Heights
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Website: https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/
Address: 440 Crossroads Blvd, Balcones Heights, 78201
Contact Details: +1 210-515-1515
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Dave & Buster’s arcade is a sensory overload in the best way—bright lights and plenty of room to roam. From VR experiences to classic skee-ball and basketball shooting, there’s something for every type of gamer.
What really stood out to me was the Power Card system. It makes hopping between games effortless, no fumbling for tickets or worrying about losing them. It even lets you track your progress while grabbing a bite to eat.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Dave & Buster’s app or website for exclusive promotions and bonus Power Card deals. Sometimes, they offer “Eat & Play” combos or special game credit bonuses for reloading your card. |
12. The Original Pinballz
– Media credit: pinballzaustin
Website: https://pinballz.com/original/
Address: 8940 Research Blvd, 78758
Contact Details: +1 512-420-8458
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Located just over an hour’s drive from San Antonio, The Original Pinballz is packed with one of Texas’s largest collections of pinball machines. Vintage titles, such as The Addams Family and Dracula, sit alongside newer releases.
The arcade isn’t just about pinball, though. You’ll also find classic video-arcade cabinets like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Street Fighter. Along with these are ticket games, redemption machines, and air hockey.
One thing I love is the BYOB policy. Combined with the well-maintained machines and lively atmosphere, it’s easy to lose track of time here.
| Pro Tip: Many older pinball machines feature hidden bonus rounds or multi-ball modes that only activate after specific shots are made. Watching a few rounds or asking the staff can give you an edge. |
