The Basement Arcade Bar in Concord, NC, stands out as a nostalgic haven for gamers of all ages. Nestled at 14 Union St S, this lively bar offers a unique blend of vintage arcade games and a creative cocktail menu featuring playful drinks like the “High Score” and “Super Speed.” Customers rave about the well-maintained pinball machines and classic games, making it an ideal spot for family outings or adult get-togethers, particularly after 8 PM when the space transforms into a 21-and-over atmosphere. One highlight from reviews is the affordability; guests appreciate the $10 entry that allows for unlimited gameplay. The staff’s friendliness and the efficient run-a-tab service further enhance the experience, allowing patrons to focus on fun without worrying about their wallet. Families find joy here, with many sharing moments that feel reminiscent of their childhood. While the bar could improve on drink ratios and seating comfort, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement makes it a worthy destination. The Basement Arcade Bar is not just a place to play games; it's an experience that evokes joy and camaraderie, making it a must-visit for those seeking both cheap entertainment and a trip down memory lane.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Serves dine-in
No delivery
No takeaway
Highlights
Has bar games
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves food
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Parking
Free multi-storey car park
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For The Basement Arcade Bar
Brian Conlee
May 12,2025
Cheap fun and great lineup of pins and arcade games. Took my son and we had a great time. Friendly staff and they will run a tab so you just pay when you leave instead of everything you buy a drink. Drink holders everywhere. Pins were very well kept . Highly recommend everybody go. No negatives except maybe parking (if you have a trailer like we did)
Erin Tolman
Apr 21,2025
I brought my sister and her family in from DC to visit, she has teens and they absolutely fell in love with this idea. We went the night of free play with door admission and we played for a couple hours. The games are well maintained, everything is clean and functioning, the staff acted as a family, who were just having some friends over. This is a nostalgic blast, and I will suggest it to anyone!
Scott Miles
Apr 12,2025
Went last night with a group of friends for my birthday. After 8 pm its 21 and up only. That's excellent. It was 10 each to get in and then all the games are free. The guy at the front door and the bartender were both super nice and efficient. The place is really clean including the bathrooms. All of the games were in great condition. They have these portable holders that you can set by any game to put your drink in. They have a pretty good selection of arcade games and pinball machines, newer ones and classic. The space isn't very big but they use it well. They have one multi game machine. They might want to invest in one like I've seen in other places that holds 50 to 100 games, just for some variety. Drinks were reasonably priced although my Jack and coke was more coke with a tiny splash of Jack. Could use some comfortable seating for people to chill. Overall, excellent experience. We were a group of nine. Everyone found plenty of games to play and we all had a great time. We will definitely be back.
UltimateNinja3x
Mar 24,2025
I really wish more places like this existed. This is the peak of cheap entertainment. Pay 10 to get in, and have hours of worry free fun. It's so refreshing knowing you get to actually get your money's worth instead of a modern arcade, spending 50 to play cash grab/ gambling games that are over in seconds. By far the most underrated game in this arcade that my friend and I had the most fun with was track and field. Such a simple game that has a really nice learning curve and super competitive. Hockey was a close second place. And the arcade racers in the back were definitely 3rd.
Amy Fielding
Mar 14,2025
This is an awesome hole in the wall place to hang out. I have known about it for a few years and just got to go on my daughter birthday. She wanted to go to a real old school arcade. From 5 to 8 it's family friendly. They have so many games, all kinds. Tons of pinball, which is my favorite. And the classics, pac man, frogger, street fighter and more. Go have fun, feel like a child again. They have a bar.
Terry Campbell
Feb 21,2025
Some of the best pinball machines I have ever played. All the machines are in great working order and they are really fun. They have some old school video games also and they are in top notch shape. I have been to a few of these types of places and this one is the best so far. Well worth the price and worth a visit.
Tara Silver
Feb 16,2025
Great place!!! Clean, well managed, family friendly and a great price.
Bradley Blackburn
Feb 12,2025
Love this place! Best spot in Concord. Been coming for years because they got me hooked on pinball. 5-10 entry fee and you can play all the games you want! Not good at pinball? You can practice without worrying about losing a dollar every game! Or play any of the other many cool retro games. Good relaxed vibes from the bartenders—treat people like family (likeable family). Solid selection of drinks. They rotate out games and beer options pretty regularly, so always something to come back for. Oh, and they are cool with bringing in food from elsewhere if the vending machine isn’t enough for you.
Reviews For The Basement Arcade Bar