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    Dave & Buster's Carlsbad

    2.9 (646 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Dave & Buster's Carlsbad Takeout or Delivery

    Dave & Buster's Carlsbad Photos

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    DAVE & BUSTER'S CARLSBAD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Loud
    Good for groups

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    Good fingers
    Joshua S.

    Dave and Busters.. what can I say mediocre food and watered down drinks. That's the Dave and Busters of yesterday. I don't know if this location got new management or if D&B just made a corporate change in trajectory. Our last visit in April, 2026 was a game changer. The food was amazing. The service was great. James our waiter was very attentive. If I had one recommendation it would be to add a button at the table to alert staff you have sat down and request service.

    Beer
    Lisa W.

    Man, haven't been to a D&B for a long time before this. We came back bc our toddlers were at Candeeland and we stopped here to get the husbands. But they were here drinking and eating at the bar. We decided to get food here too. I got the eat and play combo and opted for the 3 smash sliders. It came with a game card and fries. The smash burgers were surprisingly good! My toddler ate one, and I ate the other 2. It was a good smash burger, enough flavors and not too salty. The fries were really good as well. Their cocktails on the menu didn't come with prices so not sure if they just charge based on time. But beers have pricing and it was good with the beers. HH menu gave prices for some cocktails. The play area is big and my toddler was mesmerize by the lights. We'll be back when he understands the game and knows how to play.

    Pinay M.

    I accidentally drove my son and his best friend here one Sunday afternoon. We were supposed to go to the one in Mission Valley, but for some reason, my GPS took us here. It's located inside Carlsbad shopping mall. The place is huge. I kinda liked it, especially since the kids love it because the games pay out more compared to the one in Mission Valley. They were both happy getting plenty of points, so the following day, my son wanted me to take him again. He specifically wanted to come back for this machine. He was enjoying it so much and was really good at it that he accumulated 8,489 points in less than one hour, which doesn't normally happen often. We were very excited picking his prize, and when we went to the cashier, for some reason, his card was locked or whatever happened--I don't understand--it took them too long to give us the prizes. One of the guys, i think he was the manager, asked us if we used the app. I was confused about what he meant by using the app. Never heard of an app as We always use the play card. He couldn't help us, so the lady stepped up and took care of it for us. It took too long, but we got our prizes, so that made us leave happy. Two weeks later, my son asked me to take him back there again, and I did, but to our dismay, they changed the program of the machine. It no longer asked for a $6 credit per swipe but $12 credits per swipe each time you want to play, and it doesn't give out as many points anymore like last time we were there, so that was kind of a bummer. It was not as fun anymore, so I guess we won't be coming back here again, but that was a fun experience, though also frustrating.

    View from restaurant booth
    Anya B.

    Celebrated a birthday and this was a great hangout place for the family. The kids enjoyed the games a lot and most everything looked well maintained and clean. Love that you can have a meal and hang out and play the Arcade afterwards. The food we ordered was really good. Had to deduct one star though because the birthday boys kid's meal wasn't served until we were all done eating. Total bummer. I would expect at least the kids meal to be refunded or something but nothing was offered other than the explanation that the kids meal tickets get printed differently in the kitchen and hence it was missed. I understand, however that was your mistake. If I may make another suggestion for improvement. The paper towels in the bathroom go straight into the trash bin and hang there when the dispenser is activated. That is not optimal. Other than that, a great time was had. Fun place.

    Amanda J.

    I celebrate my birthday here almost every single year. It's perfect because they have a full bar, good bar food, and lots of arcade games! They also have TVs where they play sports. You can order from a table or the bar and you can walk around playing games with your drink. Most games have tables next to them so you can set your drink down while you play. They use a game card for you to put points on to play games and the tickets you win are also on that card. I've had my game card for over 10 years so I have a lot of tickets I'm saving up for a really good prize one of these days. Servers have always been friendly.

    Happy hour is gone now at Dave & Busters
    Erich C.

    Came here for happy hour on Friday to celebrate the start of Memorial Day weekend and as we sat down, we asked for a happy hour menu and the bartender said that as of today, there is no more happy hour. Only discounts on "light beers". As we don't typically game, the only reason we came to D&B was because of the great happy hour and now that reason has been taken away.

    Jessica Z.

    All I can say is if you don't come on a day they have a promotion be prepared to spend quite some money. Not only is it very expensive, but the time goes by very fast...... I have three kids and let's just say I always spend over $100 on just games!

    Main bar area. Good TV and seating area.

    Was here on a Saturday around 3pm. My experience was great with our server Mitchell very attentive and friendly. Food quality was way better than the Irvine Spectrum- ordered pretzel dogs, sweet potato fries, bar burger and wings platter. It was hot and tasty. Overall a good experience.

    Matthew A.

    Dave & Buster's is always a fun time, and this was my first visit to this location. It was missing a few of the dance games I've seen at other spots, but overall still enjoyable. The food was consistent with other locations, pretty solid for an arcade-style restaurant. My only complaint is the boneless wings came with a dry rub and no extra sauce on the side, so they ended up a bit dry.

    Jazmine P.

    We stopped by to celebrate my little sisters birthday here :) Pros -plenty of games to play -not over crowded -I don't care much for the games but found myself playing a few -prizes aren't too bad -most of the game machines looked clean -plenty of bathroom stalls and they have family bathrooms too cons -extremely warm inside I know yall can afford AC :/ -foul odor towards the back headed towards the bathrooms -plenty of abandoned unattended alcoholic drinks even on the childrens games

    Wish kid and family

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    2 months ago

    Excellent service outstanding. Good food. Great place to watch the Padres. Great energy

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    1 year ago

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    Amanda J. thanks for celebrating your birthday with us!

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    4 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Great service, good drinks and lots of fun with the family playing the arcade games! Definitely makes a great night out

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    2 years ago

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    You a real one! Thanks for the review, Wendy R.!

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Elizabeth G. we'll see you again soon for more unforgettable fun!

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

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    now THAT’S how you D&B. appreciate the love! more good times await

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    2 years ago

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    Dave B.

    Reading reviews like yours is almost as fun as a day at D&B!

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    1 year ago

    It's ok. It does what it's supposed to. It's a great indoor place for kids and teens to hang out.

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    5 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    6 months ago

    So much fun brijg ur kids! Orrr come solo, or with a date it's always fun! If u are free on any day of the week head over.

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    It sounds like a day at D&B was the move, Jackie G.!

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    10 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    11 months ago

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    Page 1 of 17

    Dave & Buster's Carlsbad Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Dave & Buster's Carlsbad

    Can I book a reservation for 30 without it being a private event?

    Hi Megan, we do take regular reservations for up to 20 people via OpenTable which you can do here: https://www.daveandbusters.com/locations/carlsbad

    Are you showing UFC fights tonight?

    Hey John! We recommend calling your local D&B regarding specific watch info.

    Do they have Mario kart?

    Hey Jared! Yes! All of our locations have Mario Kart DLX.

    When will Dave & Buster's Reopen in Carlsbad?

    Scheduled to reopen on July 2, 2020

    Hi, how much does it cost to play skee ball? How many tokens does the skee ball machine require? Asking so I know how much it costs

    3.3 credits which is like 50 cents. But if all you have left on your card is less than 3.3 you can use the balance and play

    Hi, I want to know how much money should I put in my power card to play all games on a Wednesday as it says on the website that it's half price?

    Hi, so the great thing about Dave and Buster's is they usually have a deal going on. If you plan to eat most times they offer a free power card and unlimited play which is the way to go. The money you would have paid to just "load your card" covers… Read more

    Good for kids?

    Yes, my kids love it and they range in age from 18 to 6.

    What is the dress code?

    No shoes, No shirt..besides that...your good.

    How much does a reservation party cost?

    Hi, they have soooo many different types of parties and event types, from causal to all our costumed. If you want to see a comprehensive list, you can telephone them and ask about which types are held in your nearest location ...their website lists… Read more

    What is the average price on the games?

    The median game price is 6.8 credits and credits cost 48 for $10, 100 for $20, so about $1.36. Tip: Wednesdays are half price.

    View All 11 Questions

    Review Highlights - Dave & Buster's Carlsbad

    The food was excellent, the adult kids enjoyed game challenges and the kids games had my grandson entertained.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Outside patio

    Rookies Restaurant & Sports Bar - Rookies hot wings

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    My husband and I were here for a little bit of Honky Tonk Fridays. It was a little before 8p and…read morethere were still a couple of available high tops in the bar area. We dined, listened to the country music (DJ 30rack), and watched line dancing. Well, my husband had his eyes on the NCAA game. Jalapeño poppers, mozzarella sticks, and a side salad were on order. Cali Creamin' on Nitro for him. Not a lot of places have it on nitro so we're glad to know it's on tap. Golden State Jamaica Cider for me. I've never had that before and looking forward to having it again. Bar food was as expected. Good, filling. I really enjoyed my side salad with vinaigrette. Simple and satisfying for no meat Friday. Servers were prompt. Food came out quickly. It was an early evening for us. We didn't stay long but enjoyed the outing.

    Great spot for watching NFL games. lots of TVs and an easy view from pretty much anywhere you sit…read more The vibe is lively without being chaotic, and it's the kind of place where everyone's locked into the same big plays. One tip: call ahead to reserve a table or booth, especially on Sundays or for prime-time games. It fills up fast and you'll be glad you did. Service kept things moving even during the rush, and the staff was on top of switching games when asked. If you're looking for a dependable game-day place with a fun crowd, this one's worth it.

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    High table seating near bar

    Dave & Buster's Carlsbad - sportsbars - Updated May 2026

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