Came here for a date night, and we will be back! From the moment you walk in, it is like a flash back to the 80's and in the best way. Old school video games, and pinball. We must have spent 3 hours here. I love the idea of a cover charge to play as much video games as you want. We ended up drinking some fun local beers and going hard on the pinball. Food is fun small bar eats, so Dont expect fancy dining. We spit a turkey club, it was perfect for a quick snack. Hopefully they will have the koozies back in stock, because that is literally the only thing missing while walking around. A way to keep my drink from sweating so my hands can stay dry for optimum gaming . Also- love that after 9pm it becomes a kid free zone. Such a great concept, and really well executed. read more

This place is fun ASF. Classic arcade game and lots of pinball. There are great local beers and mix drinks available as well.

We've been several times now since our first visit, and now I can say for certain: we really hate coming here. On our last visit, which was to celebrate our birthday, we could not get on any machine we wanted to play. We would stand behind the person actively playing and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, while the person would keep hitting the "start" button to play AGAIN. We started off by coughing or clearing our throat. Then we would talk loudly about when we might get to play ("How long have you been waiting? GEEZ!"). One of us would stand in a position where the person would clearly be able to see us in their peripheral vision. Sometimes they would even turn around, see us, and hit "play" again. It was the worst at the pinball machines, where the folks there would hit the "start" button four times before starting - that's four games played by one person. Once they would finally finish (it took about 10-15 minutes for them to finish all 4 games), they would hit the "start" button four times again!! We literally waited 35 minutes behind the active player to play a single pinball machine. Finally, I started asking them (as they would hit the "start" button AGAIN) if we could please have the next turn. That was met with dirty looks and snide comments. It's like these people grew up in an alternate universe and never learned how to share their toys. I realize not everyone has the courage to speak up and ask people for their turn, especially when you've paid money to be there and well, it's supposed to be FUN. This is the problem with a place that has all the machines on free play. People abuse the free play function and make it a crappy experience for everyone else. Our party left after about an hour, since it just wasn't fun to wait around. I think Freeplay could be doing a lot more to address this. They could post signs, and they should be reminding people of simple etiquette when they give their spiel at entrance. Maybe they even limit how many people are allowed in at once? Freeplay could also post very simple rules at each game for those folks not familiar with each game. In addition, I think Freeplay could do a lot more on their marketing efforts to cater to game aficiandos. They should be hosting tournaments. They should be posting overall high scores and resetting the high scores on games weekly. They should also have "date nights" where no kids are allowed. Heck, they could even have a singles night, or a GNO. Freeplay does one thing right now and honestly doesn't do it that well. Saving Freeplay from one star: variety of beers in bottle and on tap, and I've only once ever had an issue with any of their machines not working properly. Also, friendly and helpful staff. We'd rather keep making trips to Las Vegas to the Pinball Hall of Fame. read more

I just LOVE this place! We decided to skip the fancy dinner for our Anniversary and came here instead!! We played games that I have not seen in 30 years. Phoneix, Galaga, Defender, Tron, DigDug, Space Invaders, Asteriods, Frogger, Run On, Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Joust... too many to name here. Well worth the $10 cover charge. We also split a margherita pizza and the fruit-cheese platter and both were quite good plus we washed it down with a Big Red and an Orange Crush. We ended the night with a stop at the Baskin-Robbins for ice cream a few doors down in the shopping center. Free Play staff was very response and lots of fun. We will definitely be back! I was told they are opening a new location in Arlington soon! read more

Free Play - Jeff, the former Galaga champion of Dallas, dominating this game once again! - Bars Near Me - Richardson, Texas

I met my friend here after he got off work today and it was actually so much fun! Lots of retro games, both ones that I remember and ones I was just introduced to that were lots of fun. They also have a wide drink selection and lots of options for food, but we actually left and grabbed dinner and came back (they give you a wristband to re enter). The evening we were here they were having a video game tournament with a huge belt as the prize and made sure that it was accesible to people of all levels. I also like that at a certain hour they make the venue adults only. read more

Went August 28. I'm from out of town: California. Coming from there, this place was a bit of fresh air. I've been to an arcade-bar in California, and it was very good, but Free Play Richardson was a step up. I suppose that's because it costs $11 to get in, but hey, totally worth it. Totally. I got to play at least three trippy Japanese games that would probably cost $1 each, if not $2. And I could play them as much as I wanted! Think about it: It costs more to get newer games and keep all the games in good shape. To pay a little more for that is good. I also played thru all of Smash TV. That was probably $20-worth in quarters...really much more, for the peace-of-mind that you'll eventually beat it and not run out of money or waste too much money on it. It was a little sad not to be able to join other groups on multiplayer games, especially as I was solo and new. But I totally get it; COVID, grr. I didn't try the food, but it looked reasonably priced and tasty. Also, the woman at the front (red hair?) was very nice and competent; I never felt pressured to buy food, though I would have if I hadn't lost track of time playing! And she gave me two coasters. You guys should sell those! They're so cute! Thanks for all your hard work, everyone! Long live the arcade(-bar)! read more

Free play is definitely a great place to catch up and hang out with some friends. I definitely had enjoy myself here and played a few of my favorite childhood video games . read more

Wish they had opened up sooner! I grew up around this area and just discovered free play on a visit back to Dallas and I would've loved to have something like this as a kid. The fee is more than worth what you're getting and they even have food options in case you need a snack :) read more

This hidden little gem is definitely worth the visit. Located off Beltline Rd in Richardson, FPA easily became one of my favorite places and this is my first time stopping by. Anyone entering has to pay the $10 "cover" which allows you to play non-stop old school video games, for as long as you want. They also have a small bar area where they offer a variety of craft beer, beers are moderately priced, as well as a dining area, however we didn't eat during our visit. The music played is 80's and 90's which was awesome! Only reason I didn't give it 5 Stars is due to some of the joysticks on some of the games not working properly. Stop by, you'll love it! read more

Free Play - Bars Near Me - Richardson, Texas

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Very nice arcade! They had a great selection of games and pinball machines. Between each game there's a little table to put drinks. You can tell they put alot of thought into the arcade and care about their staff and customers. Had lots of fun! read more

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Just a bunch of low lifes running this place. While in their establishment, an idiot parked behind me blocking me in. Police couldn't do anything because it is private property and told us to have the establishment call a tow company. The oh so unfriendly door guards would not help us. The next business would not because it would cost them. So even though I spent my money in their business they didn't want to be responsible for the tow. The place is just a hang out for the worst crowd, STAY AWAY. Oh and by the way, when I got upset with their resistance to helping us, I was told to leave. read more

Free Play - Bars Near Me - Richardson, Texas

Fun, relaxing, good time with cold beer. Nominal cover charge and you just play old time arcades. Really a great idea, had a wonderful time, coming back soon. read more

This place is amazing! It has all of the old arcade games one could want, and to only pay $12 to get in in awesome! I wish I didn't live 1,200 miles away so I could come here more! The staff was wonderful and very pleasant, would recommend! Food was great and they have a great variety of beers and house crafted cocktails. read more

We didn't get a chance to try the food but the drinks were very good for the prices. The service was fast and the staff were very inviting. It's mainly an arcade and the ambiance is very energetic. read more

I like that all the machines were working, the temperature was good, there was a good variety of games.

This place was fun for me for just about 2 hours or so, but that's because I'm not a big fan of video/arcade games; However, I'd still return here! The variety of different arcade games they had was great and the entrance fee was only $10 for unlimited play the entire night so it's a really affordable date night or a fun night with a group of friends. The night I went, there was a lot of people but there were still enough games available to where you wouldn't have to wait in line to play. There's also a bar and it looks like they rent out small sections for birthday parties as well. *my favorites were the sit-down race car games and the X-Men game that allowed you to play with your group of friends at the same time. Also the music was on point! read more

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Nostalgic 80s and 90s video games, and pinball makes this place cool for all ages. Small, decent selection of food and drink. It can get pretty loud in there tho... They need some sound dampening, or more of it. Also, sometimes they don't staff appropriately - 1 person serving the bar and the line is 20 deep, and 10 people waiting at the door to get in. All in all, a great neighborhood place that embodies the vibe of East Richardson. read more

Wonderful time with our family. Nice environment and a very friendly staff. Games are well cared for. Good beer selection too.

My first experience here was valentines when my geek video game playing hubby brought me here. To be fair we always do "alternative" valentines with friends and this was the perfect spot. We have since been back many times. The concept is simple. You pay a $10 cover and can play all the video games you want (mostly arcade standing games with pinball and car race ones too) Better to come on a week night really when it is quieter and you can choose pretty much any game. The strip mall location in Richardson is nothing special and the building itself is plain inside but it is very cool. They have a bar with great beer selections (I love sour beer and they have that) Also they do have a small menu of simple foods if you want to take a break. The food is nothing fancy but quite good. read more

Free Play - Sour beer and arcade games. Win win - Bars Near Me - Richardson, Texas

$11 entry fee (Aug 2019) to this awesome arcade and then all the machines are set to "free play." I LOVED this place. Fantastic 80s music. Friendly and chill bartenders. They kick out people under 18 at 9pm. Large selection of beers, a handful of house cocktails (but very full bar), and $3 glasses of house wine (St Gen). AC is nice and cool but not chilly. They serve food but kitchen hours seem flexible and maybe not always open til published hours. Most of the machines are true to the retro theme. There is at least one new pinball machine (I'm thinking LOTR, specifically) and my companion told me the Total Annihilation machine at the front is rare. NO coins or tokens to deal with, no tickets, no nonsense. If you are from Austin (or explored arcades there) and have spent any time at Pinballz, this place spanks that place IMO. read more

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You got that right Yelp, I'm definitely a fan! Free Play Arcade has just the right amount of kid/adult atmosphere to remind a girl that she is a kid at heart but still able to enjoy a nice cold one while playing some cool old school arcade games. The place had ample games to play with plenty of room to walk around and people didn't hog the games. I'm definitely going to get over to the one in Arlington and see if I get the same vibe. Thanks FPA! read more

Always love Free Play. Nice set of pinball machines at this location and some classic arcade games, but do wish they had a few more classic games and less of the newer ones. Bar was great and staff were pretty awesome. Would love to visit again. read more

Place seemed cool until I walked in beware of the big bartender lady with all the tattoos(neck tatt), bad service horrible attitude and rude for no reason. Began to talk bad as we were walking out the door. Never again. Racist vibes read more

We decided to come here on a Friday for date night. Pulling up, we looked inside, and it looked super crowded. We weren't sure we'd be able to play any games, and it cost $10 to get in. Would it be a waste of money? We took a chance and went inside. The guy at the front told us that Friday and Saturday are their busiest days, and that the week is a lot less crowded. He did say we'd have a good time, so we took our chances. It was a great choice. The games are all super old school and super fun. They have all kinds of games I remember playing at the bowling alley as a kid. They have The Simpsons game. They have a bunch of pin ball machines including my absolute favorite (The Addams Family). Racing games, shooting games, and games with really bad graphics. The music they pump in is fun stuff from the 80s and 90s. Really fun environment. Definitely crowded, but we had no trouble finding games to play. The drinks are pretty inexpensive as well. They have a various assortment of Austin Eastciders, and they're $5 a pop. Not bad at all. Also have liquor, beer, and wine... So you have a good assortment of drinks. Overall, this place was really fun. We had an excellent time. Definitely want to come experience it on a weeknight (after they kick all the kids out at 9). read more

Free Play - Drinks - Bars Near Me - Richardson, Texas

I truly expected more from this place. My friend had a lot of fun though. I think it would be a great place for younger kids, but for adults who are seeking nostalgia, as well as a twist on nah read more

what to do when you are alone on a Saturday night out of town and miss your favorite pinball place at home? You can give hair a try, it's a no-nonsense miniature arcade, Bar venue. When you come in you pay your $10 at the counter and get your wristband that is impossible to take off the next morning if you she'll wake up with a slight hangover. The prices of the beer in here range from $5 to $24. If you are pinball enthusiastic like I am towards the back wall you will find about five pinball machines and one on the end of the arcade leg. There are about 30 arcade machines you could play as well. Just a Note to one of the guys that was repairing the pinball machine next to me, you might want to to bathe instead of covering yourself with cheap cologne because it is a big distraction to people around, especially trying to play. You cannot mask body odor that's bad, sorry not trying to sound offensive but just hopefully this is not a common practice of you. Everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves here, I'm at all I'm just screaming like when somebody scores a touchdown you will find this gleefully type of atmosphere here. Worth at least once a try. read more

It was ok. VERY hot inside, kind of a limited menu, and we didn't know people bring their kids there a LOT. Tons of kids. It wasn't the vibe we thought it would be, but that's not their fault. The service was impeccable. read more

Great place for kids and husbands! The draft beers were tasty and the games were awesome!

My boyfriend and I decided to go here on limb during a spontaneous trip to Dallas and we had the best time. I've never seen a place like this before but it exceeded any expectations I had. The old school games brought back great memories from my childhood and the staff was dope and super laid back and friendly. It was only 11 dollars for an unlimited game play bracelet & drinks were cheap but the experience was priceless! 11/10 would come back and bring friends. It is 18 and up as they have a full service bar but if you plan a trip to Dallas (or end up there by searching on a Sunday night) this is definitely a stop to make! read more

Great deal...$10 for unlimited play...Dr. Mario, Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat, Pac Mac! I had a blast. you're able to order liquor and ciders. I was walkin around that place buzzed! Now the food was delicious, pizza was seasoned, turkey panini with avocado read more

Free Play - drinks - Bars Near Me - Richardson, Texas

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This place was awesome! Such a cool concept to have the arcade with a bar. Fun place to go with friends or on a date! When I went there were gamers live streaming a tournament and it was really cool to see! Their beer selection was awesome too! They have a wide variety and a lot of local beers as well. read more

Such a cool place. We've been going here since before we had kids - it's great for adults and children! Date nights, play dates, overall an awesome experience. They even had a fold up stool for our 4 year old to use so he could reach the controllers! I am a Burger Time fiend myself. read more

This place is the bomb. I will be going back. The young woman at the counter told me there be another location at some point. Uh, yes please. read more

I'm definitely a child who grew up in the 80's. Atari games, space invaders, frogger, pinball...and a great sound track to go with it. Free Play is an arcade where all the games are set to free play. All you pay is a flat $10 entrance free (plus tax) and you get to play, for free, any/all the games they have. You get a wristband and they allow you to come and go all day. They have a good range of games from your scrolling fighters, pvp fighters, vintage Asteroids, Frogger, Tempest, Mario, Tapper, and defender (to name a few), shooting and driving games, and several pinball machines. They do rotate out games so you may see different games each visit. You can get beer and wine and they have a bar with a small selection. They have a good selection of craft beers which are mostly cans but they have a few taps too. The great staff here will look after you. The food menu is basic but that doesn't mean it doesn't taste good. I had the Sasquatch sandwich and it was much better than I imagined it would be. Finally, to really set the atmosphere, they usually play 80's chart music which fits in with the retro theme. From time to time they will have competitions, special events and special pricing to keep an eye out for things like that coming up. It looked like they had a pong tournament over the Easter weekend. I don't give out many 5 star reviews but I know I'm going to be back. Overall, great staff, great beer, great food, great games, great price, great times! read more

Finally after years of waiting DFW has a genuine "barcade" concept up and running. Thank goodness. At Free Play the games are first and the drinks are 2nd. That's important. People in DFW will be familiar with places like "Barcadia" and "Kung Fu Saloon", or modern places like "Dave and Busters" or "Main Event". Well, this is totally different than any of those. What we have here is a genuine, honest to goodness vintage arcade featuring some of the greatest hits of the 80's and 90's. I didn't see a single game newer than 1997 or so in there. Free Play is pretty simple. $10 at the door gets you in. All the games are on free play. It's that easy. A lounge area doubles as a searing for a cafe. A small menu offers a variety of panini type sandwiches and glass bottle sodas. Plenty of beer is on hand also both in the bottle or on tap. I tried the chicken pesto sandwich and found it on par with a place like panera bread. Pretty good! The game selection is tightly packed, making several long rows. Games range from 4 player "Simpsons" to single player racers to Atari classics to obscure titles you never saw when you were a kid. The games are generally in good working condition, but considering they are all low antiques many of the machines wear decades of abuse like a tattoo on a Vietnam veteran. 5 pinball machines line the back wall, which are my favorite. Pinball machines more than anything have replay value because there is no true ending to the game. You can't just keep pressing continue. You require skill. Sadly, pinball is also high maintenance so we may not see more of them here. I hope that changes. For the price you would be hard pressed to find better entertainment. You and some friends could have hours of fun here for just a couple of dollars an hour. Well worth the trip to see. No other business currently offers what Free Play does in Richardson. *** Here are my tips to improve: 1. More Pinball Machines. With more you could start a league and really get crazy. Pinball is he ultimate gaming machine. 2. Lower lighting. The overall lighting was 20-30% too bright for me and the desired mood. 3. JukeBox. While I noticed and appreciated the 100% 80's rock tunes, I wish we could select out own favorite throwback jam. 4. HighScore Board. Getting "on the wall" would be a very cool bonus and would encourage people to play specific games. 5. Projector: I have seen a game (like Street Fighter 2) be projected onto the wall. The players still use the games screen, but spectators watch the wall. This creates massive hype and can even build a crowd. Very fun. 6. Better Menus. The selection is there, just needs to be better presented than black and white. 7. Louder Game Volume. Many of the games volume was too low. Crank it! Despite these suggestions, Free Play is certainly a 5 star business even in its current form. Well worth the visit! I will be back! read more

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LOVE LOVE LOVE This place!! Free Play Arcade is a hidden gem in a shopping center in Richardson. I was looking for a new spot for date night and since the boo enjoys old school arcades games, I thought this would be great. It had pretty good reviews from the Yelp community so I definitely wanted to see what all the hype was about. Well this place took me back to the days where I stayed up late trying to conquer video games except I can drink beer while doing it. If you are into beer they have a variety of craft beers, they also have 40 ounces of malt liquor. We did not have anything to east but from my understanding they have sandwiches. The concept is simple you basically pay about $11.00 dollars for unlimited pay while listening to 80's tunes. We went through the week so it was a small crowd and there was no wait for games. The popular games if there was a wait, people stuck to the two game limit. They have 5 pinball machines that have vary in difficulty. The fact they have the game Paperboy made this place a winner for me. Now my player did get hit by a couple of cars at first but eventually I got the hang of it. I will definitely be back! read more

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This place is SO FUN! Great date spot. Girlfriend and I spent an afternoon there and had some tasty pizza, great brews, and she whooped my butt in the arcade! read more

It's my first time back in over a year and Free Play is actually better than ever. More games than before, robust cocktail and food menus, and excellent service as always. It's a shame that today was bartender Grace's last day because she was a delight and a real peach, very attentive and sociable with all the patrons. Best of luck to her! Beyond that, I'll continue throwing my money at Free Play as long as they'll take it. read more

Need a retro video game fix? A little trip back in time when the arcade was THE PLACE to hang out!?!?! Faster than a time traveling DeLorean, you're there! Free Play has what you're looking for! The sights, tons of retro video games and pinball machines! The retro sounds of the 80's are pumping! The only thing missing is parachute pants and hair teased higher than the national debt! The bar, well equipped for being an adequate watering hole for thirsty gamers. Beer, cocktails and soft drinks with a good variety are available. A limited but fair bar snacks menu is available, but in truth it's the games, the atmosphere and the fun that are the big draws, as it should be. After 9 pm it's 21 and up (city ordinance) this does however allow adults of a certain age to enjoy a trip down memory lane and discriminating connoisseurs of all things retro to have a taste of what it was like growing up in arguably the coolest decade evah! The staff is always welcoming and stands ready to help. Good times await! read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I will be back with all my friends as soon as possible! I love all the game options