Mix it up on your next night out with a spot where you can grab a drink and a snack while you engage in some classic amusements 
by Rachel Simmon

Whether you’re a pinball pro, a billiards buff or an arcade aficionado, the Triangle has no shortage of spots for you to show off your gaming prowess while enjoying some tasty food and libations. “It turns a typical night out into something interactive and memorable,” says Amber Moshakos, the president of LM Restaurants, which owns the newly opened Smash Social Club. With Pins Mechanical set to bring duckpin bowling and foosball to Raleigh’s Seaboard Station later this year, the area’s roster of adult-friendly gaming spots continues to grow — but of course, there’s always the nostalgia factor from spots that have been there for ages (hello, Frankie’s Fun Park!). Consider one of these spots for your next group hang or date night. 

Battle and Birdie

The name says it all: this new Raleigh venue from the Partee Shack team specializes in competitive laser tag and neon mini golf, aimed primarily at adults (the under-21 crowd is asked to leave after 8 p.m.). The food menu is small but impressive and the drink selection includes cocktails and wine in addition to beer, all of which can be enjoyed in a cozy lounge overlooking the games. 7407 Six Forks Road; battleandbirdie.com

Boxcar Bar + Arcade

With a large assortment of arcade games, frequent live music and ample outdoor spaces, both Boxcar locations have become popular spots for those looking to fill a fun few hours in the Triangle. Play rowdy rounds of air hockey or race your pals in Mario Kart while sipping on beers and eating pizza from the bar’s large kitchens. And did we mention there are weekly SkeeBall tournaments?
330 W. Davie Street & 621 Foster Street, Durham; theboxcarbar.com

Frankie’s Fun Park

A Raleigh institution, Frankie’s truly has something for everyone: arcade games, mini golf, go-kart racing, bumper cars, laser tag — even a roller coaster. It’s bound to be crowded with visitors of all ages whenever you go, but you can reserve your spot with a group party package and snack on burgers and beers while you wait in line for each fun activity.
11190 Fun Park Drive; frankies.com

The Gathering Place

Since its 2022 opening, this Chapel Hill shop has become a must-go for board and card game fans alike. “Where else can you look through a showcase of high-end, vintage Magic: The Gathering cards or fill out a deck you’re working on before sitting down to play with a limited-release, seasonal local beer?” says communications director Victor Lewis. “We’re a spot for everyone, and we’re glad to be here.” Choose from the Gathering Place’s big variety of options or bring your own games to enjoy on-site — don’t forget to check out its monthly Magic: The Gathering and D&D tournaments, too! With 30 beer taps, “far-flung offerings” like mead, cider and sake, plus a pizza kitchen, it’s
a casual spot to get together with friends of all ages.
157 E. Rosemary Street, 2nd floor, Chapel Hill; gatheringplacegames.com

Gamers Geekery and Tavern

A haven for board game obsessives, Cary’s Gamers Geekery has a library stocked with hundreds of titles, from family-friendly classics like Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit to action-packed options like Exploding Kittens and Catan. There are regular evening events for D&D and Pokémon GO play, with a sizable food and drink menu to accompany the entertainment. Thanks to the shop’s fun atmosphere and offerings, “Gamers is one of the premier places to come and play board games in an inviting setting,” says owner Lance Shrader.
107 Edinburgh South Drive, #213, Cary; gamersgeekery.com

ParTee Shack

Partee Shack’s original South Raleigh location keeps things sweet and simple with mini golf and an arcade, but the newer North Raleigh venue also includes VR laser tag and duckpin bowling. At either location, you’ll find fun and unique twists interwoven among the golf course, like cornhole and ziplines, to make things extra entertaining. “Each hole is built around interactive challenges and mini games that determine how close or far away you get to start your putt,” says chief marketing officer Danté Valor. “Instead of simply putting through a themed course, guests might have to sink a basketball shot, complete a physical challenge or win a quick game before they ever pick up the putter — and we’re constantly redesigning the holes.” Pub classics like pizza and wings are available to order, with beverages spanning light beers to sugary cocktails.
6231 Triangle Plantation Drive & 5300 Fayetteville Road; parteeshack.com

Smash Social Club

The newest addition to Raleigh’s game scene, Smash Social Club opened on Glenwood Avenue last December with a roster of party-friendly activities including table tennis, shuffleboard and electric darts. Cocktails and snacks (like pretzel bites and pizzas) can be enjoyed inside or outside within this 9,600-square-foot space. “We’ve layered in high-tech, approachable games and a rooftop atmosphere that give people a reason to connect,” says Amber Moshakos, president of parent company LM Restaurants.500 Glenwood Avenue,
Suite 300; smashraleigh.com

Side Quest Game Lounge + Bar

With over 400 games (ranging from card classics to complex RPGs) plus a sizable food and drink menu, downtown Raleigh’s Side Quest is really more like the main event. Visitors can purchase $5 “Play Passes” for unlimited all-day gaming, and nights can be spent learning how to play hits like Pokémon GO and D&D with friends and strangers alike.
317-113 W. Morgan Street; sidequestgameloungeandbar.com

Stars and Strikes

If you’re bored of traditional games and want something more action-packed, Raleigh’s Stars and Strikes is the place for you. The 62,000-square-foot facility includes laser tag, bumper cars, bowling and even virtual reality, with low-priced nightly specials on many of its most popular options. And while the spot is absolutely family-friendly, there’s also a quieter corporate event space and a large menu that’ll appeal to visitors of every age.
4020 Capital Boulevard; starsandstrikes.com

Triangle Pinball Collective

Got some time to kill before your next flight at RDU? Stop by Triangle Pinball Collective, located inside the nearby bar/bottle shop Flight Deck NC. Founded by members of the Triangle Pinball Players last year, the shop has more than 20 pinball machines (the most of anywhere in the Triangle) with some vintage options dating back to the 1970s. Visitors can sign up for classes and tournaments or just enjoy some casual drinks and play. “Our mission is to create Raleigh and Durham’s premier pinball location,” says co-owner Ovid Dillard. 9521 Lumley Road, Morrisville; trianglepinballcollective.com   

This article originally appeared in the May 2026 issue of WALTER magazine.