Top 9 Must-Visit Arcades in Toronto

Looking for the ultimate gaming experience in Toronto?

Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a family looking for a fun outing, or a couple seeking a unique date night, Toronto’s arcade scene has you covered.

From retro classics to next-gen virtual reality, there’s something for everyone.

But in case you would like an experience that is a bit different, there’s one place you have to try – and it’s perfect for each occasion.

Tilt Arcade Bar – Nostalgia Meets Fun
Levelup VR Arcade – The Future of Gaming
The Rec Room – A One-Stop Entertainment Hub
Dave & Buster’s – The Ultimate Party Experience
Vava – The Claw Machine Craze
Zed*80 – For the Retro Lovers
Octo Zone – The Claw Machine Haven
Power Up Game Bar – Retro Games and Social Vibes
Free Play Toronto – Drinks, Games, and Vibes

What Makes a Great Toronto Arcade?

Numerous options for the perfect arcade can be overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve picked the best spots in Toronto to save you time. Whether you want immersive VR adventures or retro classics, each arcade name on our list offers a unique and exciting experience.

For Gamers: Advanced VR technology and competitive multiplayer games.
For Families: Safe, age-appropriate games for everyone.
For Couples: Memorable date-night experiences that are far from ordinary.
For Corporate Teams: Team-building games that promote collaboration and fun.

Our Criteria for a Fantastic Toronto Arcade

Find below the driving factors for discovering the best arcades in Toronto.

The average star rating across leading trust platforms
The number of reviews
Weigh-up of both negative and positive customer feedback
Outlining the most repeated points in pros and cons
Presenting the pricing tiers and whether its good value for money
Commentary on customer service
Available hospitality and its quality
The overall accommodation of the environment

Of course, some may consider other more niche factors when pondering a visit. Prospective customers might think about the available games and even non-gaming factors like the food served and drink list. Our critique considers these, but the most significant pillars leave patrons feeling like they’ve been taken care of in their arcades.

It’s essential to have a location that caters to most Toronto citizens and provides a friendly gaming location for all to enjoy. We’ve selected these critical factors to create the best experiences for Toronto arcades.

So without further ado, let’s jump into the list of best Toronto arcades to visit.

Tilt Arcade Bar – Nostalgia Meets Fun

If you’re a fan of classic arcade games and want to revisit the golden age of gaming, visit Tilt Arcade Bar. This retro arcade bar features pinball machines and old school hits like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.

Pros:
- Unlimited play for a $5 flat entry fee.
- Casual, drop-in environment for last-minute fun.
- Full bar and food available for a complete night out.
Cons:
- Not ideal for young children.
- Customer service got mixed reviews.

Tilt is perfect for groups of friends or those nostalgic for old-school gaming. Drink up while you play arcade classics and enjoy an adult night out. Parking is available, and it’s easily accessible via public transit, making it convenient for both locals and tourists.

Levelup VR Arcade – The Future of Gaming

Are you prepared to take off into the future? Levelup VR Arcade has the most immersive gaming experience you’ll find in Toronto. With over 80 VR games, this arcade is the perfect place for gamers, families, couples and corporate teams.

For Families: Levelup features family-friendly games like Walkabout Mini Golf and Cook-Out for both kids and parents. Additionally, VR attendants are available to help younger players make the most out of the session.
For Gamers: Try your hand at action-packed games like Arizona Sunshine (a zombie apocalypse survival game) or Hyper Dash (a futuristic arena shooter). Levelup Reality provides all the gear including VR headsets and controllers so you don’t need to bring anything.
For Couples: Looking for a memorable date night? Try a VR experience like Ragnarock (drum to Viking-themed music) or the worlds of Richie’s Plank. Levelup Reality is perfect for a fun, immersive evening that’s different from your typical dinner-and-movie.
For Corporate Teams: Levelup is perfect for team building events, and there are multiplayer games such as Tower Tag and QuiVR where teams compete to defeat enemies or achieve objectives.

Pricing:

Standard Booking: $39.99 for one-hour session (includes 50 minutes of gameplay +10 minutes of setup).
Private Booking: Start at $399 for up to 16 guests per hour, minimum of 2 hours. Extended bookings can be arranged in advance.

Book Now: Levelup encourages advance reservations, especially for group events or weekend visits. Walk-ins are accepted but availability may be limited during peak hours.

Pros:

Immersive VR experiences for all ages and skill levels.
Perfect for family outings, corporate events, and date nights.
Friendly staff to help with beginners and gameplay.

Cons:

Sessions can feel short if you’re fully immersed.
Prices are higher than traditional arcades, but VR experience is worth it.

Safety Measures: For the first time VR users, there’s a 10-minute training session to ensure safe gameplay. Levelup Reality also adheres to strict equipment sanitization protocols and provides assistance throughout the session.

The Rec Room – A One-Stop Entertainment Hub

Looking for an all-in-one entertainment destination? The Rec Room has it all. It combines games, live entertainment and food for a night out with friends, family members or even coworkers.

Pros:
- Wide variety of arcade games and VR stations.
- Full bar and restaurant serving Canadian pub food.
- Great for groups with mixed interests.
Cons:
- Can get expensive, most activities require credits.
- Some reviews say the food quality is inconsistent.

The Rec Room operates on a credit-based system where you buy credits to play. Most visitors spend $40 + per person and there are late-night hours for those looking to extend the fun into the evening. It’s great for corporate events, family outings or casual hangouts. Group bookings are recommended to secure space during busy hours.

Dave & Buster’s – The Ultimate Party Experience

Looking for a night out with friends or hosting a large group? Dave & Buster’s is all about gaming, food, and drinks, making it perfect for celebrations.

Pros:
- Large venue with a wide selection of games.
- Full-service bar and restaurant with plenty of seating.
- Great for group parties and special events.
Cons:
- Can be pricey with food and game costs adding up quickly.
- The arcade card system is confusing for first-time visitors.

You can expect to pay around $100 + per person for a full experience with games, food and drinks at Dave & Buster’s. It is ideal for birthday parties, bachelor parties or even a night out of partying with friends. Large groups should reserve in advance, especially on weekends.

Vava – The Claw Machine Craze

If you like claw machines, Vava Arcade is the place to be. With more than 25 claw machines and fun prizes making it a fun twist on classic arcades.

Pros:
- Specializes in claw machines with great prizes.
- Perfect for families and casual gamers.
Cons:
- It can get pricey in case you want a big prize.
- Limited in variety beyond claw machines.

For those into the claw action, Vava offers an amazing arcade experience. Game prices start at around $18.88 for 30 credits, and players can quickly run out of credits so budget accordingly.

Zed*80 – For the Retro Lovers

Zed * 80 is an homage to the’ 80s and’ 90s arcade era with retro games and pinball machines. It even has a bar where you can spend a nostalgic night out.

Pros:
- Unlimited play for a flat $5 entry fee.
- Drink selections are good and the atmosphere is laid-back.
Cons:
- Smaller space compared to other arcades.
- There are fewer games available than larger venues.

Zed*80 is a hidden gem for retro lovers and a must-visit for anyone looking to relive the arcade glory days. It’s also reasonably priced and great for casual nights with friends.

Octo Zone – The Claw Machine Haven

Looking for some “claw-some” fun? Octo Zone is the city’s largest claw machine store and features a large selection of machines filled with unique and exciting prizes.

Pros:
- Largest selection of claw machines in downtown Toronto.
- Fun, friendly atmosphere with bright lights and music.
- Perfect for group outings and parties.
Cons:
- Focuses on claw machines only, so limited game variety.
- Prizes can be difficult to win, which may encourage spending more.

OctoZone is great for anyone who likes to challenge themselves and have fun with claw machines, with prizes ranging from plush toys to collectibles.

Power Up Game Bar – Retro Games and Social Vibes

Power Up Game Bar is a retro arcade and bar with classic consoles, arcade cabinets, and board games. It frequently hosts regular tournaments, themed events and social events.

Pros:
- Offers retro consoles and arcade cabinets as well as board games.
- Regular gaming tournaments and themed events.
- Amazing drink selection in a cozy atmosphere.
Cons:
- Smaller arcade compared to the others.
- Focuses more on the social aspect than a large arcade machine selection.

Power Up Game Bar is perfect for a nostalgic night out. You can participate in a tournament or play classic games with friends at this place that combines gaming and a bar atmosphere.

Free Play Toronto – Drinks, Games, and Vibes

Free Play Toronto is a lively bar atmosphere where you can play free arcade games while you order food or drinks. It’s a good place for social gamers.

Pros:
- Free games with the purchase of food or drinks.
- Great for large groups and casual gatherings.
- Themed nights and events such as trivia and tournaments.
Cons:
- Can get crowded during themed nights.
- Limited variety of games compared to larger arcades.

Looking for a cheap night of gaming without breaking the bank? Free Play Toronto offers a mix of entertainment, drinks and socializing. It is an ideal spot for a casual hangout with friends.

Conclusion

Toronto has an arcade scene with a variety of options for every gamer. Whether you want retro classics, immersive VR experiences, or a unique date night, one of these nine arcades has something for you.

Ready to immerse yourself in the world of gaming? Explore what each venue has to offer and find the perfect spot to enjoy your next gaming adventure!

Top 9 Must-Visit Arcades in Toronto