The Avalon Theatre’s marquee lights up Belmont, enticing visitors to come in for a night of classic arcade games, video games, movies and more.

Credit: Nick Mendez, nickmendez.com

The Best Arcades in Portland

Find the perfect Portland bar or family-friendly arcade for playing pool, pinball or classic video games.

Updated May 14, 2025 3 min read

Emilly Prado

Emilly Prado is a writer, award-winning journalist and consultant living in Portland. Read More

Going to an arcade is a fascinating, multisensory experience that has never been just for kids. Arcades in Portland offer visitors plenty of opportunities to dive into a good game. Read on for our picks, from family-friendly arcades to pinball-packed dive bars and adults-only arcade bars.

Family-Friendly Arcades in Portland

Avalon Theatre & Wunderland

Have hours of fun at very affordable prices at Wunderland, a family-owned local chain of arcades and theaters around Portland. Second-run shows fill the screens at Oregon’s oldest operating theater, the art deco Avalon Theatre & Electric Castle’s Wunderland on Southeast Belmont Street. The Avalon has housed a “nickel arcade” since 1925, and still offers a vast array of arcade games, plus air hockey and other favorites (though they’ve since transitioned from literal nickels to a swipe card system, games are still priced by the number of nickels, and most cost just a few to play). Head to the suburban Wunderland outposts in Gresham, Beaverton and Milwaukie (a farther-out location can also be found in Salem) to pair arcade fun with other rousing activities like laser tag, miniature golf and go-karts. There are more than 100 arcade games in each location, with plenty of opportunities for ticket collection. All ages.

three youths play a game of air hockey with brightly backlit posters in the background — Play a game of air hockey — or enjoy the redemption games, video games, second-run movies and more — at Avalon Theatre & Electric Castle's Wunderland in Southeast Portland.

a smiling man playing Skee-Ball with other brightly lit games in the background — Indulge your inner child with a game of Skee-Ball at Avalon Theatre & Electric Castle's Wunderland in Southeast Portland.

nighttime street view of neon signs adorning a historic neighborhood theater and arcade — The Avalon Theatre’s marquee lights up Belmont, enticing visitors to come in for a night of classic arcade games, video games, movies and more.

This sprawling establishment occupies the entire third floor of downtown Portland’s Pioneer Place mall and boasts a catalog of entertainment options. Explore an arcade dedicated to golden-era video games and pinball, table-top games and giant-sized versions of Jenga and Scrabble. Find more entertainment in the private karaoke rooms and 10-pin bowling lanes. Punch Bowl has plenty of food and drink options as well — in addition to a full menu of satisfying pub fare, enjoy brunch service, robust happy hour offerings and late-night bites. Open to minors until until 10 p.m. daily.

QuarterWorld

This historic theater-turned-arcade is home to nearly 100 arcade games and pinball machines plus two full bars. Most games range from $0.50 to $1 per play and include selections such as big- and small-screen Pac-Man, Time Crisis II and Mario Bros. Catch live Tessi shows (a custom-built musical Tesla Coil) at QuarterWorld on the first Thursday of every month at 9 p.m. Don’t miss the pun-filled food menu of kid-friendly “bytes” and “Super Smash” burgers (adults can also share vodka-spiked “Luigi’s Mansion Party Bowls”). Admission is generally just $2 per person. Open to minors until 7 p.m., Saturday–Sunday.

WedgeHead

Opened in Northeast Portland’s Hollywood neighborhood in 2018, this arcade offers 25 different pinball machines, ranging from early-1960s relics to high-tech modern games. They also offer pub fare and craft cocktails.
Slingshot Lounge

This Relaxed bar offers big booths, a short menu of house-made American fare and a game room with pool, pinball and air hockey.
C-Bar

This watering hole has 15 pinball machines, plus affordable dining and a rotating selection of taps. Kids are welcome until 9:30 p.m.
Goodfoot Pub & Lounge

An unexpected contender when it comes to pinball retreats. Six machines grace the upstairs portion of this venue. On weekday nights without booked gigs, the lightly populated pub makes an ideal setting for uninterrupted practice.
Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum

As one of the world’s largest arcades with over 250 pinball machines and almost as many arcade games, this attraction offers family-friendly entertainment for kids and adults alike.
My Father’s Place

My Father’s Place is a family-owned and -operated bar and restaurant that has been serving up authentic, old-school comfort food and drinks since 1978.
Level Beer – Level 3

If you enjoy beer that’s subtle, balanced and full of flavor, head to Level Beer for a pint. They also offer an abundance of outdoor seating and several food carts on-site.
Beer

This Southeast Portland bottle shop features over 100 carefully selected bottles for sale and 10 taps pouring a rotating selection of beer. Guests can also enjoy a sandwich or salad from adjoining Meat Cheese Bread, a popular sandwich shop.
Space Room Lounge and Genie’s Too

This outer space-themed cocktail bar serves burgers, sandwiches, salads and bar fare, plus all-day breakfast. They also host events, like stand-up comedy, open mic nights and trivia nights.
Old Gilbert Road Tavern

A neighborhood watering hole in Southeast Portland, the Old Gilbert Road Tavern offers a full bar, affordable pub fare, pinball machines and pool tables.

Portland Bar Arcades

Ground Kontrol

Portland’s best-known bar arcade is Ground Kontrol, a monstrous, two-level gamer heaven beloved by locals and visitors alike. Founded in 1999 (and expanded extensively in 2018), Ground Kontrol houses more than 60 video games and 40 pinball machines. Bring a group to tackle the fan-favorite Killer Queen, which accommodates 10 players at a time. Gaming on a budget? Several times a month, the arcade hosts unlimited free play parties for just $6–12 at the door. Open to minors until 5 p.m., Friday–Sunday.

a group of people surround a large multi-player arcade game called Killer Queen — Ground Kontrol features Killer Queen, a 10-player real-time strategy game.

a man playing pinball in a row of other brightly lit pinball machines — Play endless rounds of pinball at Northwest Portland's stalwart arcade bar, Ground Kontrol.

street view of the front of an arcade bar — Find retro and contemporary video games alongside a wide variety of pinball machines at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar in Old Town Chinatown.

Standard Tavern

For those seeking a classic Portland dive setting, head over to the Standard Tavern, just off East Burnside Street. Named one of Portland’s last true neighborhood bars by Willamette Week, this straightforward, dimly lit watering hole offers stiff drinks and a selection of gaming options, including pool, pinball, Pac-Man and more. For the extra adventurous, try your luck at a mystery bag from the joyous and wacky Venderia vending machine on-site. 21+.

A Guide to Portland Retro Gaming Expo

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Retro Game Bar

Providing arcade fun in the Woodlawn neighborhood since 2019, Retro Game Bar has been likened to the living room of that one childhood friend who had every video game and system in existence (and probably a pool, too). While away the hours playing a slew of vintage consoles, from Super Nintendo to Sega Dreamcast to Xbox (the original!). Plenty of couches and ‘80s/‘90s vibes go well with their numerous themed events. 21+.

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a patron plays Skee-Ball and a bartender leans against the backbar in a tavern lighted with Christmas lights

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