When grown up life gets mundane, it's time to take a trip back to the good old days and revisit your childhood with help from the best arcade bars in Manchester. These adult-friendly playgrounds will see you getting tipsy on cocktails while attempting to beat your mates at everything from Space Invaders to Donkey Kong, racing games and more. And once the winners have been crowned? Load up on messy food or take to the dancefloor for late-night DJ sets.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 22nd January 2025
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For not-so-average nights out that will see you heading home at 4am, it's gotta be Salt Dogs. Leave normality at the door and let loose with unruly DJ-led parties, monthly quizzes boasting wild prizes (think toasters and plane tickets), quirky cocktails and competitive play on the arcade machines while scoffing hot dogs.
An arcade bar in Manchester for adults who need a break from reality? Shuffleboard, pool, beer pong, Street Fighter and claw machines make up the activities on offer at 7 Sins. Give your opponents the upper hand by getting a little tipsy on craft brews and cocktails (which you can bag two of for £10 during happy hour). Pig-out plates are also on the agenda.
1UP is a retro arcade in Manchester that oozes nostalgia. With old-school consoles, pinball machines and decor inspired by the classics, from Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, it's the ultimate throwback destination for die-hard gamers. The bar also encourages social gaming by hosting tournaments. Chicken wings and cocktails will be keeping you energised.
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With locations on Peter Street and in the Northern Quarter, NQ64 is the ultimate arcade venue that has taken over the UK. They began their journey in Manchester, and today both venues are covered with cool neon graffiti and colourful decor, as well as a whole load of nostalgic games that'll take you back to your childhood.
From retro arcade machines to old-school video games consoles, there's plenty of entertainment on the cards - think everything from Street Fighter to Time Crisis and Guitar Hero. There are themed cocktails like the Powerstar martini to enjoy, as well as tasty pizza from Crazy's Pedro's.
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A free arcade in Manchester where simply buying a drink gives you access to the consoles? That's the Dog Bowl way. Get your fill of Space Invaders and Guitar Hero before retiring to the bowling lanes to find out who the real winner is. Play and drink quirky cocktails until 2am every night of the week, with a late kitchen closure for those midnight hunger pangs.
As one of the most futuristic arcades in Manchester city centre, DNA VR will transport you to different worlds through the power of virtual reality. This immersive technology allows you to fight zombies, break out of prison, set sail on a pirate ship and much more. From escape rooms to shooter games, have a memorable weekend as you leave normal life behind.
Ultra-cool activity den Lane7 is one of the best indoor arcades in Manchester. But it's not all about the retro games at this joint; try your hand at bowling, interactive darts, shuffleboard and pool. Not feeling competitive? Embark on a wholesome karaoke session instead. Hard slushies and loaded burgers are on hand to keep you refuelled after a particularly gruelling game.
Roxy Ball Room could be home to the best arcade in Manchester Arndale; expect games of ice ball, coin-operated basketball and virtual guitar battles, as well as a huge selection of competitive activities from beer pong to bowling. There's also tonnes of cocktails to keep you tipsy and bunch of tasty pizzas topped with brie, truffle, hot honey and more.
As the place to party, play endless rounds of Street Fighter and drink £15 bottles of prosecco every Wednesday, you're always in for a good time at Twenty Twenty Two. Take advantage of its offerings, from quirky cocktails to ping pong tournaments and weekend DJ sets 'til 4am.
