Whether you’re a casual gamer or head of the online leader boards — there’s something for everyone here in San Jose. Let’s take a look at all the ways you can get your game on.
🎮 MINIBOSS, 52 E. Santa Clara St.
Explore the best of pop culture at Downtown’s popular bar arcade. MINIBOSS boasts 12 pinball machines + 32 arcade games. Decked out in 80s film posters, Tetris blocks, and clever cocktail names like “The Breakfast Club” and “Sailor Venus,” this is a must-see local spot. Psst, it’s also hosting a holiday pop-up until Saturday, Dec. 31.
🎮 Bowlero, 5420 Thornwood Dr.
Bowlero brings dark mode to the bowling alley with black lights + neon decor. Its modern arcade collection includes “Mario Kart,” “The Walking Dead,” and “Space Invaders.” Don’t miss out on weekly specials — including half-price arcade games every Wednesday.
🎮 Round1 USA, 2200 Eastridge Lp.
Two words: claw machines. And if that doesn’t keep you occupied all day, try the extensive arcade, photobooths, bowling lanes, and karaoke rooms.
![A row of arcade games.](https://6amcity.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/060c1ed/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1439x810+1+0/resize/1000x563!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-sixam-city.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F1b%2F87%2F1be99f414c5fb0440f6b1e25deb3%2Flvluproar.jpg)
Play some classic games, as well as new additions.
Photo via @lvluproarsj
🎮 LvL Uproar, 439 S. First St.
Greet Brewtus the elephant as you enter this bar arcade. On top of being a major player in the local beer scene, you can also level up your gamer skills with a classic arcade collection + racing games. Check out cornhole and other outdoor lawn games for some outdoor competition.
🎮 Guildhouse, 420 S. First St.
Get involved in community games at this e-sports hub and bar. Grab a drink with a round of tabletop games or watch player tournaments. Keep an eye out for weekly events — including sessions for Magic the Gathering + Super Smash Bros.
Can’t get enough games? Check out our crash course to local gamer history and learn how Pong, Chuck E. Cheese, and Mario have roots in San Jose.