Dave & Buster's OaklandActivities & Entertainment
Cities/Oakland/Dave & Buster's Oakland

Dave & Buster's Oakland

3.8(88)google
2.7(46)yelp
Free(Free general entry to the venue. Playing individual arcade simulation games requires purchasing and recharging a proprietary Power Card, starting at $20.)
FamilyInteractive

Overview

Sprawling across a massive, high-energy entertainment footprint, this premier restaurant and amusement complex delivers the ultimate modern interactive social experience for families and competitive friend groups. The venue features an expansive state-of-the-art video arcade matrix loaded with the latest virtual reality thrill rides, classic competitive token games, and high-tech simulators. Paired with a massive sports bar boasting dozens of high-definition screens, the venue serves up a bold menu of gourmet burgers, innovative shared plates, and craft cocktails.

Practical Info

Suggested DurationAbout 2-3 hours
Best TimeRecommended to visit on Wednesdays for the half-price games promotion, or during Friday and Saturday evening live sports broadcasts. This mega venue combines a massive arcade, a sports bar, and an American restaurant.
Getting ThereLocated within the premium shopping complex area. Driving is most convenient via major freeway exits, utilizing the massive adjacent parking garage. Alternatively, take an AC Transit feeder bus from the nearest BART station.

Travel Tips

  • Minors under 21 years of age must be accompanied at all times by a physical guardian aged 25 or older, with a strict legal cap of 6 minors per single adult.
  • Arcades operate strictly via electronic Power Cards; note that high-tier Unlimited Video Game Play promotions routinely exclude prize-ticket redemption games.
  • Situated inside a southern retail matrix; late-night weekend clusters trigger severe vehicle break-ins, requiring video recorders unplugged and cabins swept bare.

Reviews

Positive
  • The ultimate entertainment heaven fusing a mega modern arcade, HD sports bar, and American restaurant; high-tech VR and arcades offer immense fun.
  • The interior is incredibly spacious with hundreds of the newest gaming units under scientific routing, making it great for game-day watch parties.
  • You can purchase timed or reloadable Power Cards; the prize redemption center boasts an incredible scale of souvenirs with solid value.
  • Premium location in a bustling retail hub with an oversized free outdoor parking lot and smooth accessible walkways for easy transit.
Heads up
  • The burgers, wings, and drink menus are relatively high-priced and taste quite basic, lacking culinary value for money.
  • Crowd density surges heavily on weekends and major game-stream days, creating long lines for food and hot shooting games in the packed hall.
  • Hundreds of units operating at full blast blend chiptunes and alarm SFX into a high-decibel environment, which can feel noisy and grating over time.
  • Certain trendy multi-player simulator pods show heavy wear and can glitch occasionally, requiring tech maintenance and updates.