For someone like me who likes video games, finding an arcade game when I’m out at a bar is as pleasant a surprise as it is a rarity. Turns out though, there are a bunch of bars in Charleston with a whole set of arcade games to enjoy while you drink. There’s no reason not to let your inner-kid play while you’re out drinking responsibly.
Here are 6 dope arcade game bars in Charleston, plus their specials and happy hours. Let’s dive in!
This list is unranked.
Last Updated: 8/23/2024
Garage 75
Garage 75 on James Island has an entire area dedicated to arcade games. While it’s more aimed at giving kids something to do while the parents enjoy some peace, that doesn’t mean we can’t partake. Garage 75 went all out on their games. Not only do they have a host of classic arcade games like Space Invaders, Skee-ball and pinball, they also have pool tables, air hockey, bowling, basketball and a claw machine.
While they don’t have happy hour, they have something going on each night of the week. To give a few examples, Monday burgers are half off all day. Tuesday is sushi night as well as F&B night, offering some huge deals to the service industry community (check out our article of places with F&B discounts here). Thursday is Wing Night and there are chef’s specials on Fridays!
Ireland's Own / Jagerhaus Pub
This cool concept in West Ashley is split into 2 different bar concepts. On one side is a traditional feeling Irish Pub, on the other is a well-lit German-themed sports bar. The latter has a ton of arcade games including racing games, hoops, Skee-ball, Pac-Man, pool tables and 2 GOLF SIMULATORS! I had never heard of a bar with real golf simulators but I could easily spend the whole day here.
The Break
Located in the heart of James Island, this dive bar has an 360 wrap-around-bar and an insane set of games. They have arcade games, pool tables, darts, PINBALL ON PINBALL, Skee-ball and even video games like my all time favorite, Guitar Hero. They don’t have any happy hour but to be able to play Guitar Hero at a bar makes it a must visit.
Mac's Place
Mac’s is a great Irish sports bar on East Bay right around the corner from the markets. It’s a very eclectic bar with a long bar-top, big TVs, and an old school arcade vibe. Enjoy games like Mario Kart, NBA Jam and the punching bag contest game (does it have a name?). Plus there’s a very cool table made from an old Atari.
The Basement
This relatively new spot sits right where 17 and 41 intersect and is one of the coolest dive bars in Mt. Pleasant. They have awesome arcade games like Big Buck Hunter, pinball, basketball, racing games, Golden Tee and more. Plus shuffleboard, foosball, darts, cornhole, giant Jenga and board games.
In place of happy hour, The Basement offers certain deals all day every day, such as $1.75/$2.25 beers, $3 shots, and $5 house wine and well liquor. But there’s also Burgers & Brews Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, and Boozy Brunch Saturday and Sunday.
Charleston Sports Pub
CSP has locations in Mt. Pleasant, James Island, West Ashley and more outside of Charleston, plus a food truck. Not all locations have the same games but you’re bound to come across Skeeball, basketball, the claw, and pinball when you visit any of the 3 in Charleston.
All locations do have the same happy hour though, and it’s pretty impressive. Monday – Friday 4 – 7 pm, it offers tons of drink and appetizers deals. Plus BOGO Burgers on Mondays, Taco & Tequila Tuesday and Brunch deals! There’s literally too much to list it all here so check out their Bartopia pages for all the details.
[Mt. P] [JI] [WA]
MIX
MIX is a new bar and entertainment center on Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. Branded as an ‘Arcade for adults’ they have so much to keep you busy. The main attractions are Duckpin Bowling and Axe Throwing (which are both awesome). But they also have a giant curling game, hoops, darts, air pong, and others.
They have a weekly happy hour with some light drink deals, but more importantly every day of the week has different game discounts (check out Sunday on their Bartopia page below!).
PINKY & CLYDE'S ARCADE BAR
Last but not least, the newest and coolest bar on this list is PINKY & CLYDE’S, dedicated to arcade games and earned the title ‘Arcade Bar’. This small spot in Park Circle is completely lined with arcade games and brings a kind of retro aesthetic.
