We loved cobra arcade! The space is much larger than it appears to be (it has 2 levels) and as an added plus it caters to the 30+ crowd as it's a 21+ bar with lots of throw back arcade games, a live dj, friendly bartenders drinks specials and inexpensive games! They also have beautiful art work inside and lots of detail even on the tables and outside the restrooms. Parking is a biatch but it's downtown so get there early or expect to do a little walking. It is in a great location because it's close to dining. Whether you want a burger, sushi, upscale dining it's all within a 5-10 minute walk. We went here with a group and will be back again and definitely recommend it! read more

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Such a fun night! It was ladies night, so there were free tokens and half price beer for the ladies. There are two floors with arcade games on both floors. Service is good at the bar. There was a Dj, and we danced a little bit. read more

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Video games from your childhood and solid drink options make this place a cool weekend outing. This place was packed on a Saturday night. They have a long bar with several bartenders, so despite how crowded it was, our group never had to wait long for drinks. We did have to wait a while for certain games, however, as some had lines several people deep. There is a slight claustrophobic feel to this place when it's packed, so keep that in mind. For me, I like being crowded places on the weekend. It's all about the energy and this place has it. They even have a DJ and a small dance floor--and people were actually dancing. It puts some other "clubs" in downtown Tucson to shame, to be honest. read more

Cobra Bar is a meticulously curated arcade bar that had the ability to make me simultaneously feel young and old. It is certainly an interesting concept, but I think it has some issues that would prevent me from returning any time soon. So, let's start with the good (the same things that happened to make me feel young): It was super fun to play the games I remember as a kid (from Donkey Kong to DDR and even Street Fighter). It's even more fun to play them while enjoying drinks with friends. The playlists were full of fun throwbacks, and the TVs behind the bar featured some old school movies. Now you may be thinking, "Dag yo! That sounds super rad. Why only three stars?" Welp, here's the thing... enjoying those drinks isn't easy (as you'll likely wait 20+ minutes to score something at the bar). And then there's inevitably a line for all the good games. And that kitschy throwback playlist is blaring so loud you can't even hear the games much less conversations with anyone you came with. Then there was this weirdness with tokens. Our friends who didn't open tabs and paid for their drinks outright got a handful of tokens. Because I opened a tab, I didn't get any (even though the tab meant we ordered more drinks). We did come just a week after opening, so maybe the bar will speed up and master its POS system so that it's not such a long wait for drinks. Maybe they'll be more even handed with tokens. Unfortunately, I think the other issues may not be so easily overcome. When we left there was a huge line and a bouncer. I realized, maybe they are trying to be more like a club? I guess that would explain the ridiculously loud music. Maybe Cobra's problem is that it's trying to do to many things. I think, if I want to go to an arcade there are other options in town. And there is no shortage of great bars downtown. I probably won't be going clubbing any time soon, but I know Tucson has other options in that department too. read more

So much fun!!! I cannot believe that have been out so many times in downtown Tucson, but never went here till last night. It is a smaller arcade bar than the ones I have been to in the past, but I definitely liked it immensely. The space is packed with different arcade games and they are not all stacked one after the other, there is several place to move around and not feel claustrophobic. I do wish some of the games they had multiples of such as DDR. The line to wait for it was a little busy. The place uses tokens and most games require only one (equivalent to 25 cents), relatively cheap. The drink selection at the bar is great to, have most of the liquors and the bartenders are all very friendly. The prices are reasonable for the drinks, they always are in Tucson. The DJ last night was quite good, my friends and I were the only people dancing, and the DJ made sure to keep playing music that we could dance to. We all enjoyed our time here, this might have become our new hangout spot. read more

First time here and I can't wait to return! We went sort of early on a Saturday night so we avoided that really long line that begins to gather around 10pm. But we had pretty fast access to the bar which is always a concern. But no issues there! They had plenty of bar tenders. The drinks also were not terribly expensive. The little video game themed drinks were, but the domestic and craft beer was reasonable. Lots of games to play! Most of them $.25 or one token which was cool. There was a machine that stole my coins but it wasn't a huge deal. The air conditioning was a little inconsistent, blowing nice cool air in some areas and like no air in others. But it could be due to the odd shape of the building. The music was the best part! Decent oldies, I liked it! I'll be back! read more

Cobra Arcade Bar - Video game themed drinks - Arcades Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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#: Look Around ##: There is a bar to your left. There are games to the right and a staircase. #: Go to Bar ##: Solid tap list and inventive cocktails. $2 off beers and $1 off cocktails during happy hour. Free tokens on Tuesdays. There is also an awesome 4 player competitive Pacman game. There is an outdoor patio to your left. #: Go Upstairs ##: Six pinball machines and some other older cabinets like Outrun and Ms Pacman. Also a space for a DJ #: Look downstairs ##: Lots of multiplayer games like X-Men, Simpsons, NBA Jam . Some gun games like Jurassic Park. DDR in the corner. Some newer stuff like Cuphead, Street Fighter V. Some classics like Frogger are set to free play. Bathrooms in the back. #: Exit ##: Thanks for playing! read more

I'm so excited that Cobra expanded from Phoenix to Tucson. The Tucson Cobra retains the mixture of unique arcade games with a pseudo club atmosphere (at least on the weekends). If you want to avoid the crowds to play the games, go on a weekday -- it really is worth it just as an arcade. On Friday and Saturday nights, though, you'll be sardined in there, which makes seriously playing the games tough. The games are still super fun when it's crowded, but it just turns into a much more communal gaming experience. If you haven't tried Cobra, I definitely suggest you go! read more

Ready Player One. And probably players 2-5 because if you head to Cobra Arcade it's best to bring friends, an Uber, and pockets full of coins. I've never made it to the end of a video game before, but I also hadn't played in an arcade with adult money instead of kid money. Cobra Arcade has all your childhood favorites and the best part is they have not increased the prices since then either.... oh yeah and you get to drink beer while you play, that certainly doesn't hurt. They have a cool two story set up and a great bar. As it is a bar, it can get far too crowded after 10, so just plan accordingly. My only complaint is that it's hard to finish your drink while your saving the planet from the terminators or while you defend New York from the evil Shredder. That being said, this is one great place to spend a weekend night. read more

AVOID THIS PLACE I'm 27 and my GF just turned 26, we both have out of state license because we moved here from work not too long ago. We were going to go to this bar after work for a co-workers birthday celebration, but because her out of state license is the wrong direction the ID checker at the front door would not let her in. They need to get educated that not every state changes the direction of the ID once you turn 21. This place has lost my business for good. Word of mouth is pretty important for a new bar, especially in the young professional demographic, I hope you guys rethink your policy. read more

This is an awesome concept here. My first time coming here and it was pretty cool. They got all the classic arcade games from pinball machines, dig dug, tron, nba jam, street fighter, tekken, and more. The games aren't expensive to play as well. The drinks are pretty good and for a reasonable price. My favorite part of this was the check in offer where you get 10 free tokens. Definitely want to go to the one in Phoenix to try it out. read more

This is a fun new place that has opened up in downtown Tucson. It is loud but plenty of games for anyone's taste. That says a lot coming from someone who hardly ever plays video games. They even have different theme nights. This includes a ladies night when you get to play free all night. We even had a double date here and it was a blast with so many games that are for 4 players during a game. We will be back I am sure several times. read more

Cobra Arcade Bar - Arcades Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

My wife and I came here for our first time this past Tuesday. They had a special that night, so we got free tokens with every drink purchase. They have some fun drink selections. Almost all the games we played required only one token per player. We got there at about 8 pm and left around midnight. It was much busier when we left than when we first got there. Love the decor and style of this bar. Good vibes all around. This is our new favorite hangout. read more

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Very fun good atmosphere. Lots of games to play. You get tons of coins for just $20. Could play all night! I recommend for a fun time a group of friends! They even have Fix it Felix Jr from Wreck it Ralph. There is where my review gets down and I believe its a one off time if they correct what happened to not let it happen again. A waitress working there was definitely drinking while on the job. Having a drunk waitress walk around is sorta off putting. I hope it doesn't happen again or often. I would come back hoping there isn't more issues. read more

The selection of arcade games here is incredible. Pinball, Dance Dance Revolution, NBA Jam, Star Wars Trilogy, Sunset Riders, and many many more. Games use tokens and are very reasonably priced. This location is two story, large bar area with indoor and outdoor patio seating. Full bar and a fun selection of specialty cocktails worth trying. Great atmosphere. read more

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Partner had read about this place somewhere (guess there's one in Phoenix, too?) so we had to try it, especially since possible rainy weather caused cancellation of (Tucson) downtown Sat. night festivities. Fun, secure atmosphere and lots of vintage video games. Drinks are fairly priced so it's easy to hang around without needing to finance the evening, especially since the tokens are readily accessible at 20 for $5. One of the staff said they have more machines to rotate out, too, so your favorite might be there at some point, even if you don't find it on your first visit. Be sure to check out games on the main street level (most diverse selection) arcade AND the smaller second floor gaming area up the stairs. I agree with the earlier reviewer though... they ought to sell snacks of some kind. Pretzels or popcorn would sweep up easily. We had the most fun with Jurassic Park Dino shooting and Atari's Tempest, but Frogger and the 4-person Pacman table were constantly busy, so we didn't even try those. There was also a spy racing game (that I was pretty terrible at, so only played twice) and Tetris (which I was never good at anyway), but overall, a fun way to spend an evening and we never lost a single token, even though most of these machines have got to be older than we are! :-) read more

Bringing our team here for our next work event. So fun with the retro video games and pinball! Loads of fun!

Love the atmosphere and I think the idea of playing arcade games for a quarter is pretty innovative/smart for Tucson. Especially enjoyed 4-player PacMan. I was surprised by how many games there are, and even on a Saturday night we didn't have to wait too long to play. Drinks are actually pretty strong here, which is nice given the cost. Unfortunately, the bartender ignored me for 20+ minutes while serving everyone around me, so that drops down my rating for this place. Maybe he was just having an off night, but it was pretty rude. read more

I'm a fan of strong pours and Cobra has got that going for them. . Overall the place is pretty cool. A nice variety of classic arcade games and pinball to choose from. You can also get a lot of play for $5. Something is missing though. To be honest I'm not sure what that something is but whatever it is...it's missing. Possibly more variety. It was a little loud- like all bars really. We would still go back but I feel the novelty will wear off pretty quickly. read more

Cobra Arcade Bar - Arcades Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

My husband and I wanted to have a nice date night. We came here on Saturday for our first time. They have an awesome and unique drink section. Arcade games and drinks were so fun! It got VERY busy around 11pm to the point that all the games were occupied and you had to creepily stalk people to gauge if they were done or not. I also found it strange that they were patting people down in order to get in. We got there at 9pm so we didn't have the pat down treatment but as we were leaving others were getting patted. That definitely made me a little uncomfortable to a word to the wise for the folks coming late. Lastly, the ONLY machine available to dispense token was finicky. 75% of the time, it would spit out our dollars so you'd constantly have to try putting your money in. read more

I went the first night they opened and a few times since. The place is very popular and it's fun

This place has dope games at good prices, awesome happy hour deals and a great atmosphere. They don't offer food (yet? Some snacks hopefully), but the place is dope. I haven't been to other arcade bars, but the openness of the space and planning for where to put your drinks is really intuitive and simple. If ya want a few drinks and to hit an arcade definitely go here. You don't have other choices in Tucson! read more

This is a cool and chill bar. Drinks were good and service from the bartenders was fast. We should've stayed longer as this place really gets hoppin' later -11:30p or later. The DJ on Thursday was just starting his set but was had great mix of ol school R&B/hip hop and new stuff - and there was actually enough room in front of DJ booth to dance, if you wanted (unlike at HiFi). We will definitely return! Good times! read more

I first heard about this when they were about to open up and completely forgot about it. Yesterday while going downtown we took a wrong turn and actually ended up going in here to try it out. It was better than I expected. The wait to get in was short, pat down check for the men, and womans purse check. Once you walk in there's two stories, on the left and upstairs are all the acrade games and even a DJ. They have games were in great condition and they weren't all to expensive. You have to convert into tokens. The DJ played pretty good music, although personally I thought it might have been just a little too loud. The bar was downstairs and they had a little outside patio on the left to be able to go outside and hangout or smoke cigarette. Overall it was pretty neat! We will definitely come back again and recommend it. read more

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This place has a little something for everyone. It's a bar, dance club, trendy downtown patio-viewing spot, and filled with modern and vintage arcade games. There are games you can play with your besties in a group, two-player games, and solo-style pinball machines. If you come earlier in the day the place is a bit more open and chill, come later at night and it's a party. The check-in deal on Yelp for 10 free tokens will get you some generous game-play as well. Speaking of which, the games are priced just right so that this place can be some budget-friendly fun if you want to come and enjoy a few games. read more

Came in for free tokens Tuesday and it was relatively empty. Just buy a drink and they give you a handful of tokens for the machines. The price to play pinball was a bit steep, but there's a good selection of games. You can also play PlayStation (I think) while sitting at the bar. The bartenders were great! Overall I liked the place. I'd come here for happy hour often. read more

Hands down my favorite bar! New and Nostalgic Arcade games but more importantly great atmosphere thanks to the awesome staff and people. Unique drinks that anyone can enjoy plus a great variety of some of the best DJs every night. read more

This place is very cool. All the great classic arcades are there. Wednesday is ladies night and the girls get free tokens! Go it's fun read more

Cobra Arcade Bar - Arcades Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Great and fun bar! Best on that side of town. All the bartenders are very friendly and tons of games to choose from! I recommend this place! read more

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Great vibes. Bar tenders are chill. Mike cox is the man. He was very personable and made sure our group was having a good time. Mike definitely completes the vibe and is the reason we keep coming back. 10/10 bartender. read more

Cobra Arcade Bar - Arcades Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Told me my ID wasn't me and the bouncer talked about my body as I walked away said he didn't wanna be rude and take my ID or he'd have to call the cops I told him he could and he didn't want to ?‍ super rude never coming back here read more

Amazing place to drink and play games and nerd out. I'd suggest going before around 8pm if you don't like crowds. The college crowd really mobs heavy after that. No complaints about the bar though, even when it's super crowded and peaking at around 11 they are super fast and drinks are always consistent. Always rotating game cabinets and putting in really cool games! read more

Not an arcade like you're imagining. Normal dude bro bar with a DJ and loud music, with old games upstairs. If you're looking for a place with an actual dark, mystical arcade vibe, this ain't it. read more

I don't even drink and I think this place is great to come play some retro arcade games while listening to some great DJ's music.

Tried to enjoy my friends birthday here and the staff's security didn't accept my friends VALID STATE ID and refused to let our party in would have to try a different day when they're not so stupid. read more

The bartender was great when I went. He was friendly and even gave us some game tokens to get started. A few more arcade games would have been nice though, like maybe a racing game and skee ball. read more

The first time we visited Cobra Arcade, everything went great, so we wanted to bring my brother in as a part of his birthday night. We came 7/13 around 7:00pm. We walked up to the bouncer like we had the previous Friday to get our I.D's checked. My family just moved here from California and because I was waiting for my Arizona drivers license I had a hole punched in my CA I.D and had a temporary I.D issued from the MVD. Like the previous weekend, I thought I would get in no problem but was very mistaken. The bouncer this weekend was incredibly rude and basically called me a liar. I tried to explain that I got in just fine the week before? So inconsistent. I get it, if you can't take my I.D even though I'm almost 30, then fine. There is a kind way to go about this. There was no need to embarrass me in front of the other guests. I was seriously humiliated by the way I was being talked down to. I was being perfectly civil, so why the hostility? I know that bouncers are usually jerks, so I don't know what I expected...They have to deal with drunk/obnoxious people all the time. But for Pete's sakes, I was being calm and kind, so why couldn't he? So flash forward an hour after I went home to get my Passport. It was my brothers birthday weekend so I didn't want to spoil the fun. They let us in and I think we all instantly regretted it. It took 15 plus minutes to get a drink, all of the games had stacks of people lined up to play, and the music was so loud that you can barely think. We played about 3 games before being exhausted of pushing through all the people and waiting forever to play a 5 minute game. So we decide to close out our tabs and get the heck out of there. Here's the cherry on top! After 20-30minutes of searching, we discovered that they had lost my brothers debit card. Not only had they lost it but they had given to to someone else! They apparently only look at last names when giving someones card back. We have one of the most common last names in the world (Lee). It's mind boggling that there was no I.D asked for before giving a receipt or simply asking for a first name. All we got was a "These things happen, nothing that I can do!". It was absolutely insane. The VERY least they could have done was given a heart felt apology after seriously screwing us over. Also, just because your building can fit X amount of people according to the fire marshal, that doesn't mean you should. If your guests can barely find a place to stand, maybe you should stop being so greedy and not let in so many people so that the people actually inside can somewhat enjoy themselves. read more

I'm from phoenix and have never been to tuscon before, my boyfriend and I came down here for the gem show and at night found ourselves pretty bored at our airbnb. I looked up some close bars and found this gem and decided to stop by. The bar itself has a great atmosphere and the art on the walls is actually very well done. Loved the arcade games which there were plenty of. Only complaints I have are the drinks which were honestly, very weak!!! I bought 3 drinks, two special drinks from their menu and a long island iced tea and I left there with little to no buzz at all. I dont drink much so typically two drinks is good to have me a good bit woozy. Besides that, we still had fun time. My other complaint would be the music, which while we were there was early 2000s rap songs played the entire night. Not bad, but not good either. Over all, we had a good experience, but maybe adding more than one shot to your drinks and mixing up the playlist would be amazing!! read more

Cobra Arcade Bar - Arcades Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Had a great time playing video games and a couple of drinks while on vacation. Good place to have some fun.

This arcade is a really unique addition to the downtown area. There are a ton of old school arcade games from Galaga to Mortal Kombat. Every game is 25 cents! Which is a really awesome plus. The whole atmosphere felt very 80s and the music that was playing when I went was also 80s which is awesome. I highly recommend checking this place out for a drink and to play some really cool games. read more