The 9 Best Bars Around Washington DC with Games

Washington DC, as the nation’s capital city, is filled with an incredibly wide variety of things to see and do. However, while many tourists will be drawn to the National Mall and other well-known tourist areas, you’ll often find the locals exploring and indulging DC’s diverse and always-growing bar scene.

With each passing year, dozens of bars will pop up in and around Washington DC. Many of these bars offer remarkable attractions, including games of all varieties. Between video games, board games, and old-fashioned arcade games inspired by California’s Santa Monica Pier, you’ll have plenty of thrilling amusements to choose from.

In this article, we will discuss nine of our favorite bars with arcades in DC. Whether you are around Penn Quarter, Shaw, or seemingly any other of Washington’s incredible neighborhoods, you are sure to find a good time waiting just around the corner.

1. The Boardwalk DC

Originally opened in 2019, The Boardwalk has already established itself as a favorite among both DC locals and visitors alike. Filled with bright colors, your favorite carnival games, and plenty of beer and drinks, this surprisingly spacious space is perfect for just about any occasion. Inspired by popular boardwalks on both the East and West coasts (Atlantic City, Santa Monica, etc.), the Boardwalk blends games, drinks, and fun in a very unique way. In addition to the ample selection of traditional arcade games, you’ll also find foosball, shuffleboard, skeeball, and arcade basketball. The next time you are near the Gallery Place Metro (located just half a block away), be sure to give Boardwalk DC a well-earned visit.

2. VR Arcade at Flash

If you’re starting to get a little bit bored of our mundane and tedious reality, don’t worry—there is a perfect escape well within reach. Located at 645 Florida Ave NW, VR Arcade at Flash allows users to experience almost any world they can possibly imagine. If you’ve never enjoyed virtual reality before, then this particular VR arcade is an absolute must. Sports, art, music, and travel options all make it very easy to explore and expand your horizons. And, of course, the drinks are always flowing.

 3. Board Room

The Board Room was recently praised as one of the best DC bars to visit in winter, but this cozy game room is a place that provides fun all year round. Remember how fun games like Jenga and Ping Pong used to be when you were a kid? Well, now it’s time to grab some of your adult friends, throw some alcohol into the mix, and relive the good old days.

4. Atomic Billiards

Located in Cleveland Park, Atomic Billiards is a low-key, always exciting bar that is the perfect place to begin (or end) any night. The bar has several open pool tables and an even more impressive collection of beers. If pool isn’t your game, don’t worry—Atomic Billiards also offers shuffleboard, darts, and several other classic games. Between the too-cool atmosphere, the drinks, and the games, you just might find yourself quickly becoming an AB regular.

5. Iron Horse Tap Room

Iron Horse Tap Room, located within easy walking distance of the Verizon Center, is the perfect beer-centric bar to hit up either before and/or after a Capitals or Wizards game. Beyond shuffleboard and skeeball, this sleek little bar also offers some of the best rolling drink specials in the area. Whether you are looking to shoot some skee or simply grab your favorite drink, Iron Horse certainly has a lot to offer. 

6. Comet Ping Pong

Located in nearby Chevy Chase, Maryland, Comet Ping Pong is always serving up a great time. All off CPP’s ping pong tables are free and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you want, you’ll also be able to play beer pong with your closest friends. When the tables are occupied, feel to grab a slice of delicious pizza or, on most nights, even catch a show on the other side of the bar. Comet’s lineup is usually pretty punk-driven, but you’ll be able to find shows of all varieties.

7. Atlas Arcade

Atlas Arcade is one of the best arcade bars, not only in DC but in the entire country. This bar knows exactly what it needs to be and offers an incredibly vast selection of classic games, dating back to the 1980s. For about $0.50 per game, you’ll be able to choose from countless old-school arcade games, along with well-known videogame systems including the SNES, SEGA Genesis, and N64 systems. After a few hours at Atlas, you’ll feel young again, but hey—at least now you can (legally) buy beer.

8. The Eleanor

If you love flashing lights and earning high scores as much as we do, then you will be sure to enjoy the multiple pinball machines that The Eleanor has to offer. As another Florida Ave NE staple, this bar also offers giant Pac-Man, the perfect game to play with friends. Between their min bowling alley, awesome slushies, and delicious lobster rolls, the Eleanor is a good time just waiting to happen.

9. H Street Country Club

There are plenty of beautiful, well-maintained golf courses in the DC area, but if you are looking to save a little bit of money and avoid walking around and dragging your clubs for hours, then the H Street Country Club is probably your best bet. This unique bar features an indoor miniature golf course that is inspired by some of DC’s most well-known landmarks, along with some tongue-in-cheek humor. You’ll find a complete bar on each floor, meaning that it will be easy to forget the inevitable triple bogey. 

Conclusion

Drinking and games are a match made in heaven and, for those who are living in Washington DC, there is a great time to be had at Boardwalk Bar & Arcade. No matter what your mood, game of choice, or drink of choice might be, this eclectic array of drinking venues is sure to be your ticket to a good time.