Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Free Play Bar Arcade

    4.4 (172 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars, Arcades
    Closed 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Free Play Bar Arcade Photos

    FREE PLAY BAR ARCADE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Free Play Bar Arcade

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Steve D.

    more clubs than I can count, but this is hands down the best one I've ever visited. I was in Providence for a four-day weekend attending a flight simming convention, and a group of about eight of us decided to check this place out. The cover charge was super cheap, around twelve dollars if I remember right, and the drinks were strong and reasonably priced. The bar had a full selection and a long list of creative, delicious cocktails. The Terminator was my personal favorite, packed with flavor and definitely worth trying. But the real star of the show is the arcade. The variety blew me away. Everywhere you looked there was something different and exciting to play. They had old-school classics like Pac-Man and Galaga, intense fighters like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, racing games that make you feel like you're tearing up a track, shooters with light guns, air hockey tables, skee-ball, basketball hoops, a whole row of pinball machines, and multiple Dance Dance Revolution games. It felt like stepping into the ultimate arcade fantasy, and the best part is it's all free and unlimited once you're inside. I could have spent the whole night just exploring all the machines. Then we discovered a huge outdoor patio buzzing with people taking turns singing karaoke on stage. The energy was amazing, and everyone was cheering each other on. And just when we thought it couldn't get better, we went upstairs and found another full bar and a dance floor where literally everyone was moving. No one was standing around trying to look cool. People were actually dancing, smiling, and just having fun. We danced for about three hours straight without stopping because the DJ was dropping one incredible track after another. I can't recommend this place enough. It's a blast from start to finish, and if you're anywhere near Providence, you absolutely have to check it out. You will have an unforgettable time.

    Memories of a misspent youth in video arcades.
    Daniel B.

    The Free Play Bar Arcade may not be everyone's idea of heaven, but it's definitely mine. Holy cow! This place is amazing. I don't use those words lightly. Before heading out for the night, I was advised by an older local that this might be a sketchy part of town. However, I saw nothing sketch, and I know for sketch. I've lived in Oakland, CA and Philadelphia, PA. This was not sketch. There was a bouncer at the door, which made me think the warning wasn't completely out of line, but I felt entirely safe both inside the bar and outside while waiting a moment for my Lyft to pull up. That said, back to the amazing part of it all. I came for the all-you-can-eat pinball, which during the week was a knockout low price of $7. The only bummer is that the place is 21+ which means it will be years until I can bring my kids. There are family days once a month, so maybe in the future, I can schedule my visits to RI accordingly. The pinball machines were in great shape and there was a fantastic variety from which to choose from. Modern Sterns had functioning Insider Connect readers. There were even drink holders attached to the sides of the machines for your convenience. Pinball was spread out in two banks, with the newest machines towards the front door, and more classic machines along with recent tables from the past decade tucked on a fall wall in the back right. Ventilation was good. Noise is loud, but it always is. Here's the truly remarkable part though. I was not expecting to see so many classic arcade games from the 1970s and 80s. Seriously, these things brought me back to my youth, and it made the Free Play Bar Arcade really seem like it was someone's labor of love. These aren't just machines. They are a collection. And putting together a collection like this could represent a life's work. All open to the public, for a mere $7? With the ability to buy and drink good beer? But it goes just a little bit deeper too. The art on the walls. Chef's kiss. What a throwback to the arcade days of the 80s, and again, just bursting with love. You want more? Well, how about rhythm games! Dancing ones in addition to some hand eye coordination options, the likes of which I've never seen. There were folks who were seriously dancing up a sweat in their pursuit to be a master of the dance! Which also means, this place is serving multiple communities, which makes it even cooler. Seriously, one of the coolest places I have ever been. Just go. Go. It's awesome. Maybe you can even beat my high score on James Bond.

    More arcade games
    George W.

    Nostalgia. Both good legacy games and newer stuff. Air hockey. Arcade "ambiance" - what more could you ask for in an arcade. It's our first night in Providence, RI (we're in for a wedding, and I wanted to visit some places.) My wife spotted this place, and we walked from The Graduate (the former Providence Biltmore Hotel) - it was less than 1/2 a mile, and as costly as parking is in Providence, walking is your BEST BET (hint!) You hit the door, pay your $7 per person (no re-entry (TIP!)) and go to the games. The bar is to your left as you walk in, the games are to your right. They had a TON of games - Asteroids, Robotron, Joust, Sinistar, Qix, Q-Bert, Super Sprint, Area 51 (nice to play this, now I def don't want to buy one) and literally dozens more. 2 x 2 person air hockey games, 1 x 4 person. They had a good variety of the old classics, and the newer stuff. It was quite entertaining - we had a heck of a good time!

    Holly K.

    Really fun arcade bar near downtown Providence!!! I'm not a big gamer, but I went here with my boyfriend and his friends, and they loved all the games available (big variety). Everything from pinball machines, to air hockey, to skee ball, to a photo booth! In his opinion, the best part about this bar is the arcade games are FREE and unlimited lives (just a cover at the door). The best part about this place in my opinion, is the PIZZA!!! The cheese pizza at the bar is REALLY good- don't underestimate it, order one!!!! Makes for a fun night out, I would recommend!

    Brad L.

    Great staff, full of fun classic games, fully stocked bar, and clean enough. Great monthly event for kids to attend.

    Ben S.

    If you like arcades, the value and game diversity here are both tough to beat. How can you walk past all these machines without enjoying yourself, I wonder? Good for individuals, couples, groups, and really anybody, Free Play really brings the variety and (more importantly) spirit that arcades once had - and still can have. Drink variety is A-OK here - and if prices aren't great, it's likely because you got in the door pretty inexpensively. The pizza is unspectacular, which is on point for most any arcade I ever frequented when I was young. The people are business-like and friendly. Come in and find your favorites - 2010s dance frenzy machines, 2000s first person shooters, 90s franchise standards, 80s museum pieces, as well as skeeball and tabletop games - visit with the good stuff and take in the nostalgic happiness inherent here. I bet you'll like it!

    Michael S.

    Yelp! is asking me "what went well?" and I'm almost afraid to answer that because if I told y'all the truth--you'd call me a liar. My wife and I were in Providence for the weekend and Free Play was on our itinerary. After stuffing our faces with some tasty pretzels from The Malted Barley, we decided to walk a few blocks over to the barcade. I'm an 80s baby and previously visited a barcade in Salem MA. I had a good time there and was hoping to do the same at Free Play and share in the experience with my wife. We walked in thru the front door and had to pause a moment as I stood there in wide-eyed wonder looking around the place. Arcade games wall to wall. Neon signs. Dim lights. It was as if I was a teenager all over again entering an arcade. The wave of nostalgia was unreal. But the big differences are that I didn't have to save my allowance and beg for a ride to the arcade. Free Play is conveniently located near downtown Providence and $12 provided UNLIMITED play. Oh--and I'm old enough to buy one of the many cocktails they pour up. After paying the cover charge to enter, we bellied up to the bar. I ordered Rainbow Road--ayo, shout out to Mario Kart--and a DownEast cider. Made our way over to Skeeball to get a few rounds in and then perused thru the venue to peep all the other games. Dig dug. Time Crisis. Marvel vs Capcom. Mortal Kombat. The Simpson. Pac Man. Galaga. Star Wars. Street Fighter. Honestly, let me just stop. Because the games they DON'T have is a shorter list. And I haven't even named all the pinball machines lined up on the wall. But let's keep it moving because just when you thought the 1st floor was a blast from the past, at 10pm the dance club inside Free Play opens. The Rewind Retro Dance Lounge is a dance club located on the 2nd floor of the barcade. Doors open for them at 10pm and remember that $12 cover we paid earlier? Yea, it covers your entrance into the night club too. Heading up the stairs I was expecting to dance the night away to the typical 80s and 90s songs every other dj tends to play. Not that they're bad--it just gets old after a while. I mean how many times can you hear "This is how we do it" or "Poison" before your eyes roll out of your head? Thankfully, that wasn't the case at the Rewind Retro Dance Lounge. We were some of the first people thru the door and made our way to the bar. I was in the middle of ordering new drinks when the dj dropped "Young Hearts Run Free" by Candi Staton. I'm pretty sure I let out an audible shriek as I jumped and ran to the dance floor. The absolute bangers didn't stop there. "Music sounds better with you", ABBA, Daft Punk, The Bee Gees, Rick Astley, Depeche Mode. Seriously, the dj didn't miss. When was the last time you've been in a club and "Enjoy the Silence" by Depeche Mode dropped? We danced for hours and ended our night around 1am because we had some activities planned in Newport later that morning. In my opinion, Free Play Bar Arcade is worth a visit if you're in the area. We're already planning our return trip in November for my birthday. That place has no business being that damn cool.

    Bathroom stall

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daniel B.
    2580
    1200
    3387

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Retro, fun atmosphere. Drinks are very reasonable. Helping me decide if I want a racing car or motorcycle.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Great place to play unlimited games for one price! They have cup holders at every game too

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy H.
    0
    50
    28

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ben S.
    214
    370
    1206

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andy C.
    27
    20
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Rose L.
    932
    1104
    3361

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Free Play Bar Arcade

    Are there any nights Karaoke is offered? Is there a separate cover charge at the Dance Club? Thank you in advance!

    Karaoke is offered Sat nights during the summer on the outdoor patio (weather permitting). Both karaoke and the Rewind Retro Dance lounge are included with the $12 Freeplay admission charge.

    Is there a cover charge?

    Yes - $7 weeknights, $10 Fri & Sat nights.

    Are there tables on the 2nd floor dance area?

    Yes, there are 6 or 7 high top tables located upstairs in Rewind.

    Do they have any music?

    They sure do! Throughout the gaming area and upstairs at the Dance Club.

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - Free Play Bar Arcade

    They also had a bunch of pinball machines, air hockey, bowling, Tekken, DDR, time crisis, Jurassic park, etc.

    Mentioned in 26 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Bars 6,492 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Dave & Buster's Providence

    Dave & Buster's Providence

    2.9
    (356 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    When to Dave and Busters to watch the Super Bowl and the Halftime show surprisingly we got the last…read moreseats at the bar. The place was full but not jammed back which I could appreciate. The bar was full and yet we didn't have to wait to order drinks nor food. Everyone behind the bar was attentive and nice. There were enough tvs all around and some big screen tvs there is a section for sitting down and a sections to play all sorts of gaming machines. They did not have reservations in this specific day but it wasn't needed. The menu had options as did the drink menu. Reasonably priced. I would return. Keep in mind this is in Prov Place mall so you do have to pay parking which goes by the amount of hours yet not overpriced and it is located on the 3rd floor next to the theatre

    A fun place to come and hang out!!! We always come here on our annual Providence vacation! It's…read moresuper fun for everyone!! We had a great bartender while we were here (not sure if his name but he was new and super nice!!) My only complains here were that several machines would break down or take your cards (star-trek coin pusher). Also I was under the impression that kids under 18 were not allowed here without adult supervision. It was 11pm n Thursday and Friday nights so having to deal with unsupervised children (less than 6 years old) was a little unexpected LOL (some baby wandered up to us with no parent LOL)

    Photos
    Dave & Buster's Providence
    Southwest Nachos
    Southwest Nachos
    Shooting hoops

    See all

    Shooting hoops
    Lang's Bowlarama

    Lang's Bowlarama

    4.2
    (85 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Took out students here for a field trip. Had the place to ourselves! So clean, convenient, staff…read morewas so friendly and accommodating to our students specific needs. I will definitely be coming back !

    Lang's Bowlarama is a great example of how to modernize a classic business the right way. Having…read morebeen around since 1960, this place had seen better days by the '80s when I was in high school, and apparently continued that downward trend for a while. But someone clearly invested wisely in bringing this Rhode Island institution into the modern era. The updates are impressive and practical. Everything runs smoothly - from the quick ball returns and pin setups to the modern scoring system. They've switched to hourly rates instead of per-string pricing, which makes a lot of sense with their efficient setup. Their Monday-Friday special ($20 for an hour of bowling plus shoe rental) is a great deal - and thanks to how quickly everything runs, you can easily fit three strings into that hour, as we discovered when we overbooked for two! The facility itself is super clean, including the bathrooms (always a telling sign). They've covered all the bases for refreshments with both a proper bar/food setup and vending machines. The counter staff is friendly, parking is plentiful, and the whole operation runs like a well-oiled ball return machine. It's great to see a family entertainment spot that's both well-maintained and affordable. Lang's has managed to preserve its community bowling alley character while giving customers all the modern conveniences they expect. Perfect for family time or a fun afternoon with friends.

    Photos
    Lang's Bowlarama
    Lang's Bowlarama
    Lang's Bowlarama

    See all

    Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council

    Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council

    4.7
    (18 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    This small book shop is located inside The Arcade. It's focus is on 'the weird', aka books related…read moreto sci-fi, horror stories, tarot, witchcraft, and more. They have a few t-shirts for sale too. Books include local authors, famous authors, fiction, the history of witch trials such as in Salem, MA and several other non-fiction topics. I picked up a book I have been hoping to find for years now; the original stories by the Brothers Grimm. None of this tinkerbell fairytale stuff. This is raw, gorey, brutal stuff. The woman who assisted me was such fun to chat with and made some recommendations based on my interests. Definitely more books here I plan to return for. They even have a small area out the door (in the center of the building) to sit and read if you have time, or can't wait to begin your new book. Seriously, I have passed this shop half a dozen times and didn't realize what I was missing until I read their write up in Rhode Island Monthly magazine. Very glad I did!

    We visited over the summer because my husband is a huge H.P. Lovecraft fan. The store was a little…read moresmaller than expected, but it was jam packed with awesome stuff! We really liked looking through all the memorabilia and books. The staff member that was there was very friendly and knowledgeable. My husband was satisfied with his T-shirt purchase and gets compliments on it all the time! Check this place out if you're curious about learning about local authors and other weird stuff!

    Photos
    Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council
    Interior hallway, just outside their door.
    Interior hallway, just outside their door.
    Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council

    See all

    Free Play Bar Arcade - bars - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...