Sometimes, all we want is to feel like a kid again, enjoy a little nostalgia, and transport ourselves into simpler times. And what better way to do that than arcade games? The purity of arcades harkens back to the 1980s, a cultural era that has seen a revitalization of late. In addition to vinyl records and grunge fashion, retro-style arcades are making a comeback, and are here to stay. Luckily for North Jersey residents, there are plenty of arcades to satisfy our cravings. Read on for our guide to arcades in North Jersey below.
Barcade Jersey City | 163 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Of course, Barcade is the adult version of the classic arcade, complete with an array of craft beers on rotating taps. There are happy hour specials on both food and drinks, and lunch specials from Monday to Friday. Essentially, the best parts of a traditional bar meet an arcade in this spot right on the Jersey City pedestrian strip.
Billy’s Midway Arcade | 312 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne
(Photo credit: Billy’s Midway Arcade)
This small business hosts an array of arcade games that range in era from 1954 through 2004. Billy and Allyson Smith opened the arcade on Memorial Day Weekend in 2018, and aim to bring back the ‘80s nostalgia of racing to the arcade after a long day at school. In a modern twist, all games and their respective leaderboards are posted online. An all-day pass costs $30.
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Gamers Paradise | 5 W Passaic Street, Rochelle Park
(Photo credit: @gpvideogames)
This arcade has both vintage and modern games and consoles, as well as a lounge area where all of the latest games can be tested. Gamers Paradise also hosts tournaments and sells consoles and games to bring home. Players can host video game parties in the Rochelle Park space.
Marcade Family Fun Center | 437 US-46, Dover
(Photo credit: @marcade.us)
Open every day at 11AM, this arcade has over 100 games available to play. It costs $7 to play unlimited games for a half-hour, $10 for an hour, and $20 for an all-day pass. There is plenty more to do than just play games: tournaments and special events are held in the space; players can host parties, and the arcade buys other games. So, that game gathering dust in your basement might take on a second life at Marcade.
Morristown Game Vault | 22 South Street, Morristown
(Photo credit: @morristowngamevault)
This arcade is open seven days a week and has a pricing structure based on time. It costs $9 for 30 minutes of gameplay, $12 for an hour, and a 5-hour pass is $25. One and two-hour passes are also available, and the space regularly hosts public events and tournaments as well as private parties. The Game Vault team has kept track of high scores on arcade and pinball games since its opening. The scores are displayed online and projected on the wall of the arcade, so everyone will know you beat the final level.
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Rack N Roll Family Fun Center | 212 Washington Place, Passaic
(Photo credit: Rack N Roll Family Fun Center)
Complete with video games, pool tables, pinball machines, rides, and a food kiosk, this business has it all for a day of indoor, family-friendly activities. Party rates start at $9.99 per person for a three-hour event. For guests and parties alike, there are over 100 games to choose from and enjoy.
YESTERcades of Westfield | 151 E Broad Street, Westfield
(Photo credit: YESTERcades of Westfield)
This retro-inspired arcade, with locations in Red Bank and Sommerville as well as Westfield, has a wide array of video game consoles at fair prices. For an hour of gameplay, the cost is $9.25, and the flat fee comes with unlimited access to every game in the arcade. Prorated fees for every 15 minutes come after the first hour, and day passes, complete with unlimited re-entry, can be purchased for $25.
