The 5 Best Video Game-Themed Bars in Ottawa
Video games are great when you’re playing alone at home but they’re extra special when you get to enjoy them with someone special.
Luckily, Ottawa has numerous video game-themed bars you can visit that offer a variety of games to check out while enjoying a drink.
In this article, we will be reviewing the best video game-themed bars in Ottawa.
1. The Ottawa Pinball Arcade
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Games | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★(5/5) |
If you’re into classic pinball and arcade games, a great spot is the Ottawa Pinball Arcade. Gamers who want to experience a burst of nostalgia will love this place for its collection of vintage games, including Ghostbusters, Time Crisis, and more.
The restaurant and bar here are also great for those who prefer a casual night out with friends, with an extensive menu of comfort foods and drinks.
The arcade hosts weekly tournaments as well with prizes for those who want to play consistently. Another great thing about this place is Free Play Wednesdays where patrons can play any of the arcade games without having to pay!
Of course, this means the place will be crowded but it’s a great way to get together with other gamers and have a fun-filled night.
The Ottawa Pinball Arcade is inspired by video games from the 80s and 90s. The aesthetic of the establishment itself reminds one of a retro gaming cabinet, and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in your childhood memories.
We also love the fact that the space is actually available for rental. If you have the budget and want to have a video game-themed party, this is the perfect spot.
Overall, we think the Ottawa Pinball Arcade is a worthy addition to the city’s entertainment scene and we definitely recommend it.
Pros
- Perfect for nostalgic games
- Classic and rare arcade games
- Free Play Wednesdays
- Weekly tournaments
- Available for rental
Cons
- Can be crowded during Free Play Wednesdays
Customer Reviews
Awesome
“Great little space to get your classic pinball fix! The games either have 3 or 5 ball games for a dollar. There’s also a classic Pac-Man arcade cabinet and Baby Pac-Man! Overall a fun time while we were there!” – F.G.
Awesome selection
“Great titles from the 70’s through 90’s. Excellent collection. Don’t let the connected bar room discourage you. Staff and patrons are very friendly. Anyone who can’t have a good time in a pin room like this doesn’t know what they are missing” – Rodger Martins
2. Room 104
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Games | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★(4/5) |
Room 104 is another great option if you’re looking to get drinks while playing video games. The arcade bar is located on Clarence St, one of Ottawa’s best nightlife spots, and offers great food and drinks to go along with the video game action.
In Room 104, you can play a variety of games for free in the arcade as long as you pay for your drinks and food. The selection of games includes classic games like Pac-Man and Street Fighter and more.
What’s great about this bar is that it closes late. It has its own open bar and dance floor as well so you can enjoy a night out with your friends while playing your favorite video games.
Its menu is pretty extensive as well, with great cocktails, craft beers, and more. It also has a special menu that changes daily with unique food to help you make the most of your visit.
If you’re looking for more video game options, however, you may be a bit disappointed. The games here are only classic arcades and none of the modern stuff.
It should be noted that the place is a bit noisy since people are partying, so if you want to game seriously, you may have to go elsewhere.
Overall, it’s still a great place to get drinks and play games with your friends if you’re looking for something different than your average night out.
Pros
- Closes late
- Great drink selection
- Open bar with dance floor
- Live music
- Classic arcade
Cons
- More focused on bar aspect
- No website
Customer Reviews
Great experience
“Drinks and video games… it’s both quirky and sexy! This is a HOT spot – can’t wait for the summer so that we can do the Street Patio again!!” – ANON
Excellent bar
“One of my fav bar on Clarence St. Very welcoming and friendly. Great music as well. Definitely a place to go if you wanna have a great time with your friends. Thanks to the GM” – Gustel N.
3. House of TARG
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (5/5) |
| Games | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★(4/5) |
The House of TARG is another solid choice for a video game-themed bar in Ottawa. With more than 50 different classic video games available for play, the bar offers something for everyone.
The arcades are well-maintained and feature a wide variety of games, including some that haven’t been seen in years! In addition to the arcade games, the bar features multiple screens for watching sports.
There are two main things that make this place unique: video games and live music. The bar hosts live music on multiple nights throughout the week, so there’s always something happening on-premises.
Another thing we love about the House of TARG is its Free Play Sunday where guests can play classic arcade games for free. It also holds tournaments at selected times throughout the year where players can compete for great prizes.
The only downsides of this spot are its pricey menu and the fact that it’s closed 3 days a week. Luckily, when it’s open, the House of TARG closes pretty late, at around 2 AM, so there’s a good chance you can finish a few rounds before heading home.
Overall, the House of TARG is definitely one of the most unique spots in Ottawa. The video games and the live music make a unique combination that is rarely seen in the city.
Pros
- Great classics to choose from
- Free Play Sunday
- Closes late
- Hosts events with live music
- Holds tournaments
Cons
- Pricey
- Closed 3 days a week
Customer Reviews
Great for Sundays
“I recommend coming on Sundays because then you can pay for an unlimited pass and play all the machines. Keep in mind if you do come on Sundays there are no board games available. Food is good, a bit overpriced. Not many food options you can basically only get perogies. I would say that it’s a fun environment, especially great for younger families.” – Anna Sophia
So cool
“Haven’t been in this club for years.They’ve revamped the place and the EV sound system is quite good. Dancing, bands, a bar and many pinball machines make this joint multi-faceted. It is located on an underground floor of the building. evening and I can’t wait to show this place to my fiance who is a big gamer and totally into all these games.” – H. G.
4. Level One Game Pub
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Games | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★(5/5) |
If you’re more of a modern gamer and you’re more comfortable with a controller, Level One Game Pub is the perfect place for you.
The pub has different consoles where you can play all your favorite video games, including Xbox One, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Wii, and more. It also has classic consoles like the PSOne, the SNES, and more.
Another cool thing about Level One is its spacious seating and outdoor seating area. It has plenty of seating inside as well as outside so you can relax and enjoy the game with your friends.
Level One accepts gift cards, so if you’re stuck on what to buy someone for a special occasion, a gift card for this place is a great option, especially if they’re a big gamer.
Other than video games, the pub also provides a great space for D&D matches and board games. You can watch or participate in any of these while you’re waiting for your food and drink orders.
The only drawbacks of this venue are that it’s a little on the pricey side and it has a waitlist that tends to get pretty long during peak hours.
Overall, it’s a great spot, especially for couples who want to just sit back, enjoy a few drinks, and play their favorite video games.
Pros
- Great selection of console games
- Open to D&D and other board games
- Accepts event reservations
- Accepts gift cards
Cons
- Pricey
- Waitlist
Customer Reviews
Vast selection
“The game selection was vast and the atmosphere perfect for board games. With an old tavern aesthetic featuring deep stone walls and exposed beams, the place easily brought out the rousing humour and fun in everyone.” – Andrea Ghent
Great place
“What a great place and concept. I was a bit hesitant over the idea of video game controllers combined with a table of food. Nothing to worry about here, everything is so well laid out and cleaned. The food was excellent, beer and cocktails were delicious, and the atmosphere was awesome. Obviously geared towards the younger college crowds, but worth turning into a regular spot.” – James Chesepock
5. The Neighbourhood Pub
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Games | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Another video game bar to check out is the Neighborhood Pub on Baseline Road. It’s got a selection of arcade and pinball machines and a solid menu for food and drinks.
It has a laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to hang out with friends. It’s a spacious bar and has a big selection of beers on tap, as well as cocktails.
The games are the highlight, but the drinks are a welcome addition.
Another great thing about it is the live music that it features on occasion. Up-and-coming musicians get to perform at the bar every now and then as part of its Jam Night.
The food and drinks are also excellent. There are finger foods available if players want to eat before playing.
It should be noted, however, that the Neighborhood Pub has a strict policy of no food or drinks being allowed into the gaming area, so you must eat before you play or drink after you play.
The only drawback here is the pricey menu. The beers and food aren’t cheap and neither is the space.
Overall, we still think it’s a great game pub and worth a visit if you’re in the area. The price may be steep but the atmosphere and the games make up for it.
Plus, there are more than enough drinks to go around.
Pros
- Big location
- Lots of machines to try
- Good food and drink variety
- Live music
Cons
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
Great
“The pinball machines were excellent and there was a couple other fun retro games as well. “ – Mike Lee
Love it
“Great vintage pinball arcade. Interesting local microbrews on tap. Well done typical pub fare. Open mic live music nights. Friendly staff. Friendly patrons. Very welcoming for everyone. Overall, I’m really loving this spot – love the games!” – Scott Perrie
FAQs about Video Game-themed Bars
And that’s it for the best video game-themed bars in Ottawa. If you’re interested in more unique establishments, here are other fun and unique bars and restaurants in Ottawa.