Going to a pub after a long day is a great way to unwind and relax. But sometimes, just sitting and staring at the taps or chatting with friends isn’t quite enough—you need an activity. That’s where the many arcade, pinball and game bars across the Front Range come in.
Each of these spots offers either pinball, old-school arcade games, indoor miniature golf—or all of the above. And of course, they all have a full bar and food options too. Here are some of the best places to play games and drink in Denver and beyond.
Colorado Pinball Pub
Where: Littleton
Pinball can be quite difficult, especially if you’re new to it. The best way to improve?
“Meet new people, play and watch other people play,” says Dan Nikolich, who co-owns Colorado Pinball Pub with his wife Holly. “It’s the best way to learn the rules of the game and to get better. If all else fails, shoot for the blinking lights and remember that the ball is wild.”
Luckily, there are ample opportunities to practice at Colorado Pinball Pub, which has 30 pinball and arcade games. They come from Nikolich’s collection, which he’s been building for two decades. The machines are from the 1980s onward, and range from “Star Wars” to “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Nikolich notes how much pinball has grown since the pub opened nearly five years ago.
“There are so many locations along the Front Range now that have monthly tournaments, pinball leagues and just places to play casually,” he says.
If you stop in for a visit, certainly don’t skip out on drinks. The Colorado Pinball Club has more than 200 whiskeys ranging from staples to hard-to-find brands.
1up Arcade Bar
Where: LoDo, Colfax, Greenwood Village and Westminster
1up Arcade Bar has multiple locations throughout the Denver metro area—and, since its games vary by location, you can visit all of them and not get bored. The Greenwood Village spot, for example, has more than 85 arcade games, more than 30 pinball machines and several skee-ball lanes.
The food and drink menus are slightly different from location to location, too. But look for daily specials like $2 Coors Lights on Wednesdays and $3 Modelos on Mondays. You’ll also find boozy slushies and plenty of beers on draft.
Secret Level
Where: Arvada
Secret Level, an 80s-themed arcade bar, is a relative newcomer on the Denver scene, having opened its doors in November 2024.
“We wanted to start a business that was friendly to adults wanting to have fun as well as families with children,” says Amanda Dipentino, general manager of Secret Level. “Adults can let their hair down and have some drinks while their kids can run around and play games. It also fosters an environment where children and parents can connect and enjoy each other’s company while playing games together.”
Secret Level has two rooms. One contains retro games like NBA Jam, Donkey Kong, Tekken 2 and newer games like Family Guy Bowling. But the back room is “where the magic is,” says Dipentino. There, guests will find 13 pinball machines that have themes ranging from Cactus Canyon to Foo Fighters. Alternatively, you can show off your skills on Guitar Hero or check out their video games.
As for food, Dipentino recommends the from-scratch chicken nuggets, which come with plenty of homemade sauces to choose from. Also look for pickle fries, fried avocados and a variety of beers. And guests can also enjoy a video game-themed drink menu featuring kegged cocktails and more. Additionally, Secret Level hosts karaoke every second Saturday and has a DJ the last Saturday of each month.
Puttshack
Where: Denver
Puttshack has locations throughout the U.S., including Denver. It’s the brainchild of Adam Breeden—the founder of All Star Lanes, AceBounce and Flight Club— and brothers Steven and Dave Jolliffe, who founded Topgolf.
Inside, you’ll find four different nine-hole mini golf courses featuring Puttshack’s Trackaball technology. This handy offering means the golf balls keep track of everyone’s score—so you can spend less time tallying up strokes and more time deciding what to order next off their drink menu. Additionally, you will see holes inspired by old favorites like Pacman and Tetris.
The bar offers cocktails and beers from local favorites like Breckenridge Brewery, Left Hand, Stem Ciders and more. There are non-alcoholic options as well. And if you work up an appetite, check out their Denver Tailpipes, which are spring rolls filled with green chile chicken, Chihuahua cheese and sautéed vegetables.
Over Flyte
Where: Denver
Axe-throwing, anyone? How about some darts? Or maybe you want to practice your golf game on an indoor simulator? Whichever activity strikes your fancy, Over Flyte has you covered.
This fun spot is located in the old Stapleton Airport air traffic control tower—now known as FlyteCo Tower. You can throw axes and try to take out simulated zombies and other targets. Or, play tic-tac-toe, Connect Four and other family-friendly games. And certainly don’t sleep on their pizzas and inventive cocktails.
Players Pub
Where: Denver
Winter can be an isolating time. But at Players Pub, you can meet new people and socialize with ease.
“One of the most magical things about a bar like this is that it provides so many opportunities for people to bond and come together,” says Caitlin Braun, marketing manager of Players Pub. “The pub provides so many reasons for people to strike up a conversation with the stranger next to them. I have watched many friendships form over these past few years amongst our customers and staff alike, which I think is really valuable these days.”
When Players Pub opened in 2018, there weren’t many spots that combined sports and competitive arcade games.
“Denver previously hadn’t really seen anyone try to mesh both and owner Bobby Derian just hoped there were enough people who loved both, like he did, to make it work. ‘Players’ was the perfect name to tie it all together,” says Braun.
The staff switches out the games periodically to keep things interesting. But, right now, the line-up includes skeeball, pinball, PacMan, Guitar Hero and plenty of others. For those who are not as technologically inclined, there’s also a stack of board games. As for the drinks, the beverage program is built on homemade alcoholic infusions that are displayed behind the bar. Find flavors like Warhard, Tang and Sour Punch Straws.
Akihabara Arcade and Bar
Where: Westminster
Brandon Osha has long been interested in arcade games. He’s been buying and collecting them since he was 16 years old and he even worked at a game store and local arcade. So, in December 2016, he decided to make his passion a career and open Akihabara Arcade and Bar.
When guests walk into this Japanese-themed spot, they’ll find a variety of games imported from Japan including fighting games and “shmups”—a nickname for “shoot-em-up games. And Akihabara doesn’t slack on food and beverages either. The full bar has mixed drinks, as well as imported Japanese craft beers and whiskey. Also enjoy offerings from local Colorado breweries. Hungry? Be sure to grab a bowl of their ramen.
Press Play
Where: Boulder
Childhood friends Jesse Gossett and Mike Boselli opened Press Play in September 2012. More than a decade later, this arcade bar is still a Boulder staple.
“We were both born and raised in Boulder and have been friends since we were two,” says Boselli. “We grew up going to arcade and pinball places at the Crossroads Mall. And after we each worked in the bar business for years, we decided that’d be a great spot to have an arcade bar in Boulder, since there wasn’t one there anymore.”
Along with several pinball machines, you’ll find 30 arcade classics from the 1970s and 1980s, pool tables, ping pong tables and more.
As for refreshments, “we’re mostly just a beverage place,” says Boselli. “But we have some food options, like pizza.”
Additionally, Press Play has a vending machine with fun snacks like old-school White Castle burgers and ice cream sandwiches. Also of note, Press Play is open to patrons of all ages until 7 p.m. And it opens at noon on Saturdays and Sundays to give families some extra time.
Quarter’s Bar & Arcade
Where: Longmont
Luke and Emily Kunselman were celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary in Denver when they walked into 1up Arcade Bar. They had never been in anything like it before.
“When I first walked in,” says Luke Kunselman, “I said ‘Wow! Longmont needs a place like this.’ And over the next five years, Emily and I would regularly talk about what a bar and arcade would look like if we ever opened one. We also made it a point to try and visit similar businesses whenever we were traveling.”
That dream became a reality in February 2019, when the couple opened Quarter’s Bar & Arcade. And over the last six years, Quarter’s has become an integral part of Longmont’s downtown. Customers can expect pinball, arcade games, skeeball and more. You can use quarters, as the name suggests. Or, opt for a high-tech wristband that keeps track of what you play. You can also use the wristband to pour yourself drinks from the 20 self-serve taps that line the wall. You’ll find a rotating list of beers, ciders, wines and cocktails.
Tilt Pinball
Where: Louisville
Can’t get enough pinball and want to show your little ones what this nostalgic game is all about? Head to Louisville, home to a family-friendly spot called Tilt Pinball.
“One of the unique aspects of the business is that we are a community hub for families, where adults can enjoy a beer and introduce their kids to games that they played as kids,” says Steve Long, co-owner of Tilt Pinball. “I have gotten to see a lot of kids grow up during the last 10-plus years and have really enjoyed our place in the community.”
Tilt Pinball moved to its current location seven years ago. Guests can enjoy more than 20 pinball machines, video games, a full bar and a food menu. And if you want to improve your pinball game, join their Wednesday league for all skill levels. There’s also a ping pong league on Tuesday nights.
“I was a lifelong pinball fan,” says Long. “And I found I enjoyed restoring and repairing games as much as playing them. My current business partner, Mark Oberholzer, was a regular customer at the original Tilt Pinball. We developed a friendship that eventually led to me giving him the keys to the place and telling him to lock up when he was done. Together, we have significantly expanded the business in our current location.”
Lyons Classic Pinball
Where: Lyons
Next time you’re in Lyons, check out Lyons Classic Pinball. This family-owned business says it has Colorado’s largest public collection of well-maintained pinball games.
Here, you can play pinball games from the 1960s through the 2000s, as well as retro video games from the 1980s. (You’ll find even more next door at Oskar Blues.) You can also find their games in Boulder (at Abo’s Pizza in South Boulder) and in Longmont (at Rosalee’s Pizzeria and The Tasty Weasel).
Winner’s Circle
Where: Longmont
Adam and Leslie Schubert opened this new entertainment venue in Longmont in October 2024. Winner’s Circle has duckpin bowling, axe-throwing, arcade games, curling and much more, all under one roof. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or want to spend a chill afternoon with the family, there is something for everyone.
Pinball Jones
Where: Fort Collins
Fans of Pinball Jones might be surprised to learn it started as a clubhouse to hold the expanding pinball collection of Kim Jones in 2011.
“We didn’t have a bar at the time,” says Aidan Lancaster, Jones’ business partner. “And had only a fraction of the games we have today. But more people started to become aware of the business, and pinball went through a resurgence in popularity.”
Pinball Jones has certainly become a staple in downtown Fort Collins over the last decade. When you walk down the stairs into this underground location, you’ll come face to face with pinball machines from the 1970s through today.
Along with the 37 pinball machines, Pinball Jones also has arcade games from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, plus air hockey, skee-ball and other classics. At the bar, you’ll find local and national beers, as well as spirits.
“Pinball Jones, and many other pinball arcades in the region, offer accepting social spaces and an activity that is not easily translated to a digital sphere, which I think is part of the appeal,” says Lancaster.
