Arcades are perhaps the most popular go-to options for anyone seeking indoor adventure in Toronto. Commonly called “barcades” by locals, these arcade bars are perfect for an evening of games and drinks or for a special experience during the winter weekends. No wonder Eugene Jarvis said, “To me, the arcade is the ultimate gaming experience.”
Toronto is a hub for diverse attractions and vibrant culture. In fact, almost half of the city’s population is comprised of foreign-born people. So, it’s no surprise that there are an outstanding number of arcade bars on every street corner.
While this means you’re ultimately spoiled for choice, it also makes finding the perfect spot for your needs a tad complicated. But do not worry; in this article, we’ve streamlined your options after hours of independent research into the most popular arcades in Toronto. Here’s our top five.
How We Rank the Best Arcades in Canada?
Long ago, all the fun places used to be limited to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. So, most people used to take almost five-hour trips to explore the arcades Ottawa has to offer. Today, things are different, and Toronto boasts just as much excitement as its neighboring city.
With dozens of different arcade bars in Toronto, ranking them is not a walk in the park. But with the right metrics, you can easily sort between options and choose only the best. That said, here’s how we determine the finest arcades in Canada.
- Variety and Quality of Games
- Ambience
- Comfort and Amenities
- Quality of Food and Beverage
- Immersive VR options
- Social media engagement
- Visitor review and ratings
- Accessibility
- Efficient payment methods
- Suitability for different age groups
- Overall value for money
Top 5 Toronto Arcades: Skip the Arcades Near Me Search
Quite a number of Toronto residents simply Google search “Arcades Near Me” when making a selection. That’s definitely one sure way to get burned. If you don’t mind a longer drive for unrivaled adventure, here are our five top arcades in the city.
1. Tilt Arcade Bar Toronto
Despite a catastrophic fire accident that rocked its former location back in 2022, Tilt Arcade is back and better in Toronto. After the fire, Evan Oswald, the founder of Tilt said, “I barely survived by the skin of my teeth.” Now located at 1255 Queen Street West, the retro arcade bar caters to visitors of all ages.
Tilt Arcade has a sizable catalog of classic, old-school games as well as a delectable craft beer selection and dining menu. Some of its notable games include Galaga, Donkey Kong, and Pac-Man. It also has a good number of pinball machines that are almost comparable to those at North Star Arcades Montreal.
For a $10 cash-only entry fee, family members of all ages can soak in the cozy ambiance of the arcade and explore its 90+ games.
2. The Rec Room
Often compared to Level One Game Pub Arcades Ottawa, The Rec Room is perhaps a step ahead. Think of it more as a full-service entertainment complex with all you need for a fun-filled experience. From bowling to VR games, laser tags, and retro arcade options, you can’t go wrong visiting this bar.
Perhaps a rare sight at Toronto arcades, there’s also an option to watch live sports matches like hockey. However, for that much value, The Rec Room bumps up its pricing point a bit, making it slightly more expensive than other barricades on this list.
Thanks to the arcade’s lack of fixed prices, players can expect to spend an average of $40 on fun activities alone.
3. Level-up Virtual Reality Arcade
Speaking of immersive VR games, Levelup Virtual Reality Arcade sits atop the ranking of the best places to visit. With over 80 games to choose from, every age group can find a fitting adventure spot. Some gaming highlights include Beat Saber, Arizona Sunshine and Space Junkies.
The arcade is located in downtown Toronto, making it a readily accessible venue for everyone. VR gaming is a tad expensive, but for $34.99 per one-hour session on weekdays and $39.99 on weekends, Levelup Arcade is a little overboard.
4. FreePlay Toronto
Arguably one of Toronto’s most affordable arcades, FreePlay is a retro-themed center featuring a bar, an arcade, a restaurant, and an event space. Known for its lively crowd, FreePlay Arcade has a massive selection of games that triggers a competitive atmosphere among visitors.
In fact, the games section is spread across two floors, with interesting options like Dance Dance Revolution and pinball, making it the perfect description of a gamer’s paradise.
All this for $5 on Sundays to Thursdays and $10 between Fridays and Saturdays. However, after 8 p.m., the facility is closed to visitors below the age of 19, allowing adult members to enjoy slots-style gaming and exclusive events.
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5. Dave & Buster’s
Finally, on this list of Dave & Buster’s, a household name for arcade centers in North America. While it’s surprising that the brand has no arcades in Montreal yet, it’s a solid win for Toronto that there’s a location in the city.
Due to its popularity and growth over the years, Dave & Buster’s has a huge space filled with the latest games and hospitality offerings. It also prides itself in its swift and customer-friendly service offering. Besides being a hub for single-person visits, the arcade bar is also perfect for adventures in groups.
Final Thoughts: Selecting Your Preferred Arcade Spot
Now that you have our list of the best five arcades in Toronto, all that’s left is that you make a choice. In doing so, you should consider the kind of games you prefer and which Barcade offers them. Also, ensure you select a location that is in line with your budget. That way, you can enjoy your time without breaking the bank.
