5 Dallas Bars That Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again: A New Definition of Adult Fun Emerges with Arcade Games, Adult Juice Boxes and Zany Twists

Being an adult has its perks, but the stresses of life leave many of us yearning for the carefree lifestyle that comes with being a kid.

Whether your favorite childhood pastime was slipping a dollar into the pinball machine, keeping Donkey Kong out of harm’s way, or challenging someone to Connect Four, there’s something for everyone at these five Dallas area bars — including spiked Capri Suns. From Dallas’ best arcade bars to a new board game hangout, this lineup gives new definition to what adult fun means.

Cidercade

Bishop Cider Company transformed its Dallas warehouse into an arcade for adults back in 2016. A crisp Alexander Hamilton ($10) grants visitors unlimited gameplay on more than 150 machines at this Design District taproom. Win or lose, there are always 24 hard ciders on tap including Bishop’s top sellers: Crackberry, Blood Orange and The OG.

2777 Irving Blvd #200

Dallas

Free Play

This retro arcade with multiple locations boasts more than 95 machines ranging from Pac-Man to Ghostbusters pinball. Customers often come for the games and stay for the small plates, Panini sandwiches and handcrafted pizzas. Keep an eye on social media for the themed party nights made rowdy by a local DJ or live band.

1730 E. Belt Line Road

Richardson

400 E. South Street

Arlington

Game Theory

Fort Worth’s very own board game lounge is slated to open in early 2019. For a mere $5, gamers will have a library of more than 500 board games at their fingertips. Ahead of the grand opening, swing by Wild Acre Brewing Company for its periodic board game nights hosted by Game Theory’s founders — Patrick Lai and Erika Ramos.

804 S. Main Street

Fort Worth

Wild Acre Brewing Company

1734 E. El Paso St #190

Fort Worth

Backyard

Nestled in Deep Ellum, this pet-friendly, outdoor space is the ultimate hangout. Cop-a-squat at one of the many picnic tables and challenge your friends to a game of checkers, chess, or backgammon. Not into strategy? Then try your hand at cornhole, pingpong, or oversized Jenga.

This local hotspot, known for its grub and good service, is also a perfect place to catch a Dallas Cowboys game or any other big sporting event.

505 N. Good Latimer Expressway

Dallas

Playground

Break for recess after a long workweek at Uptown’s Playground — which has been going at it since August 2017. When it comes to nostalgia, this watering hole, which boasts swings, a seesaw and hopscotch, gets an A-plus. Along with the tasty street tacos, we recommend ordering a spiked childhood beverage, whether that be Tang, Sunny Delight, Yoo-hoo, or Capri Sun.

2908 McKinney Avenue

Dallas