We were in downtown Monterey looking for something fun to do with our son. As we were walking the streets we came across an arcade that looked fun and inviting. I decided to check it out. I arrived on a nice sunny Saturday afternoon. High Scores Arcade is located in a nice area off Alvarado street in downtown Monterey. Parking is free and accessible along the streets and the nearby parking lots. The arcade games collection are classic, vintage, and from the 80's-90's. The space is on the smaller side but has just enough video games to look reputable. The decor is vibrant, bright, and playful. In the front is the counter where you purchase your admission, snacks, and alcohol/non alcoholic drinks. The admission is fairly priced. 1 hour of unlimited play is $10.00. All day unlimited play is $22.00. Overall we enjoyed our experience at High Scores Arcade. The staff were friendly and accommodating. The vibe was nostalgic and bustling. It was nice to introduce the games I use to play back in the day and play along side with my son. We hope to be back when we are in the area. read more

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Snug little place packed with arcade games~ For $10, you can play unlimited games which is pretty well worth the price. We were so shocked to see smash on n64 as an option! Overall, fun place to spend some time with your people! read more

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Good honest fun Retro vibe with extra retro prices Pre inflation Just go trust me!!! read more

This place is a lot of fun but I wish they discounted the wristbands when its closer to closing time. We paid $20 for 2 but only had about an hour before they closed. The machines are on a timer and just shut off at closing. Its small but has a decent selection of games. read more

What a cool place to come hang out. They have a bunch of old retro video arcade games that you can play for an affordable price. For $10 for an hour per person you can play to your hearts content reliving in nostalgia or for $22 you can play all day. They got a bunch of arcade games to choose from like Pac Man, Area 51, Tetris and Galaga just to name a few. I loved bringing my kids here to show them what I used to play with while growing up. They definitely took an interest in it which made me very happy. Definitely a place I can spend a whole day at! read more

If you were a kid in the 1980s, just go. You will love it! The guy running the place was really nice and helpful too

Cute date night spot in downtown Monterey. Small selection of games but they have everything you need! read more

High Scores Arcade - Arcade - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

Key Points: - Totally throwback to the 1980s/1990s with old school arcade machines - $10/hr unlimited play - beer/drinks - Even Oregon Trail and Super Smash Bros! Stumbled upon High Scores after our group grabbed a bite at Revival Ice Cream next door, and what a pleasant surprise! This place is a treasure trove of 1980s-1990s arcade games, bringing back loads of childhood nostalgia. They have an impressive selection including but not necessarily limited to: Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Rampage, Metal Slug, Double Dragon, Fatal Fury, Final Fight. Even not-so arcade-like Oregon Trail and Super Smash Brothers! It's like going back in time to the arcades my generation frequented as kids. Though honestly, no single arcade in my childhood ever really had such a great collection in one place. The best part? Just $10 per hour for unlimited play! Considering how many quarters I would have burned through back in the day, especially with how many times I would have lost, along with inflation, this is an absolute steal. They also cater to the adults of our generation who grew up with these classics, offering old classic beers (genius touch). I made the rookie mistake of bringing my Little One along just to see the place once, and I literally had to peel her off the Rampage machine as she didn't want to leave. Lesson learned: next time, leave the kids at home for a parents' night out. If you're in Monterey and want a fun, nostalgic, affordable throwback experience, High Scores Arcade is a must-visit. You can also grab amazing ice cream at Revival next door. read more

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My husband had a nice time playing here. Lots of games from his childhood. $10/hour is a nice deal. They give you a wristband and you can play all the games. no coins needed. They have a sign that states you're free to look around but don't play. If you wanna play, buy a wristband. totally get that. I don't play video games or games in general like this, but I was able to hang with my husband in the games area and watch him play for a bit. I got tired so I sat in the waiting area where they had stools, so I wouldn't be in the way of someone else playing. My husband said some of the games did not work properly or the stick or buttons weren't working, so, that kinda sucks. But most of the games worked. They have stools spread around the area if you want to sit and play, and also offer step-stools for the kids. Again, didn't want to take a seat from someone else. When we arrived, it wasn't too busy, so that was nice. You could have your choice of games. But towards the end, more folks arrived and then a family arrived w/a baby and 3 small kids. Only the dad got a wrist band. But the problem I saw was that the whole family followed dad around the arcade, which meant they were blocking the games from others. So mom would sit on a stool in front of a game, but that meant she was blocking that game, so no one could play. She could've sat where I was in the waiting area. The other kids were climbing on the stools or just sitting there, playing w/the buttons, therefore not allowing a paying customer to play. I get they're kids and that's what kids do, but I don't think this was the place for them. People don't like it when others discipline their kids but obviously both parents were oblivious to what their children were doing and the guy working there is a young kid himself so probably did not feel comfortable telling them something. I wasn't even playing, but their obliviousness annoyed me. A player + 5 non-playing family members following them is too many people. I think the business should consider some rule about this or a limit. If they're not paying to play, they cannot be in the area to avoid interfering with other's play time. read more

High Scores Arcade - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

If you're looking for some a good spot to kick back and have fun, grab your friends and check out unlimited play for $10 /hr (each person). It's like a flashback to the 80's with the jukebox machine, hits from the 80's, classic arcade games (Donkey Kong, Duck Hunter, Punch-Out, Tetris, Pacman, and more)... and they have newish games like Super Smash Melee too. The staff are friendly and easy-going, games are cool, and it's easy to lose track of time here. read more

High Scores Arcade - Super Smash Melee is an arcade game! GOAT'ed - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

What a great arcade. $10 for everything you can play in an hour's time. And the cashier was extremely cool about our non-playing member hanging around and cheering us on. Everyone was respectful about not spending too much time on any one machine, and the '80s playlist kept the mood high. Loved it! read more

When I stepped into High Scores Arcade, I was immediately brought back to being a kid again...except I didn't have to go around scrounging for quarters to play. One simple payment and it's like a buffet of nostalgia to enjoy. Super clean, family-oriented to hang out. I have taken dates there, gone in on break, and just to pick up where I left off 35 years ago!!! And the games are STILL cool! If you want to escape reality for a moment in a safe environment, I can't recommend this place enough. read more

Super fun! I wish there were ciders on tap, (please add them)!!!! Clean machines, in working order. Very nice and helpful staff.

I accidentally booked the wrong location, but Meg and the team figured it out and we were able to have our kid's party at the correct location! Thank you so much! Highly recommend fun at high scores! We need more wholesome fun like this in our world. read more

While walking around Monterey searching for something to do, we ran into High Score, an interactive arcade museum. For $10, you can play unlimited arcade games for around an hour! They have a selection of arcade machines from different decades. My partner and I went around trying most of them, and we had a blast! It is a little small inside, and it can get a little busy. However, it was a really fun activity to do for a little date night. Going to High Score makes me wish I had something similar near me! read more

High Scores Arcade - Sign outside - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

Great business i hope they open up more! Honestly the best party of my trip came back twice! read more

High Scores Arcade - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

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Very cool pay by the hour gaming. 1 hour is $10 and they have a full selection of beer. I finally beat some of those pesky games that I never got very far in (e.g. The Simpsons). Very fun throwback venue. read more

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Super awesome little arcade with a ton of the classic games (Oregon Trail, TMNT, Tron, Donkey Kong, PacMan, etc). $10/hr for unlimited play!!! I only passed by because I had my dog with me and didn't realize that it's actually a dog friendly business, so I wanted to put her away and come back but they were super slow today and closed up early (which is not the norm). Of course if it's 9:40 and it's dead, it doesn't make sense for them to stay open until their posted 10pm hours...so if you plan on coming late, just call to check that they will be open until closing time. I'm very excited to come back with friends and my dog :) read more

This place was so fun I like how that had a lot of stuff you can have like Yoo-hoos and more it was very fun and I could come back again if I could give it a 100 stars. read more

Hands down ... It's fun and has great music, location etc. A great night out for good ole fashioned fun. read more

So fun for $10/hr! My husband and I have stopped here for a date night activity and we have also brought our son. The staff is friendly and there are a lot of classic games to play. The bathroom is clean. There are options to buy snacks and drinks at the front counter too. We will definitely be back! read more

This place is a love letter to the arcade classics of the 1980s and 90s. It's small but I think that adds to the charm. Here's how I think of it: imagine there's a time machine that could take you back to play all the arcade machines that used to play at your favorite childhood pizzeria. Street Fighter II? Check. Mortal Kombat? Check. Pacman? Check. The list goes on and on. I'll definitely be back when in the area. read more

High Scores Arcade - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

This place was a great discovery following a rather disappointing visit to the arcades at the Santa Cruz boardwalk, where classic games are few and far in between. This sweet little old-school arcade has dozens of machines, including classic favorites like Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Frogged, Defender, Galaga, Joust, Mortal Kombat II, and Street Fighter II. There's also more games than you may realize at first blush, as several of the machines are loaded with multiple games, both other arcade classics as well as faves from the old Nintendo and Sega console. Just about every game worked perfectly, too. I also liked the general ambience - great 1980s music blasting from the jukebox and nice aesthetics and game layout. As others have written, the games are all set to free play. You can pay $10 for an hour or $22 for unlimited access and in-and-out privs for the day. They also sell beverages, including cans of beer. Why a 4 instead of a 5? Just little things, really. There were a couple of machines that needed repair, and it was missing some classic games I enjoy. Still, it's worth a visit if you're in the area and hankering for some arcade action. read more

This place takes us back to our good old days of playing classic games. I believe that $10 for an hour is a great value for the experience.

Last night of our work conference and we found this place to hang out at and it was AWESOME!! Take me back to my childhood!! If you grew up in the 80s you'll love this walk down memory lane! 10 bucks for 1 hour and 5 dollar beers! All the classic 80s arcade games can be found here including Oregon Trail lol! They play nothing but 80s music which is super nostalgic! The girl who was working the front door/register was super sweet and I had a moment with her while I was playing Oregon Trail lol she asked about it and what it was and if it was any good lol I told her how this was the first ever type of computer game we played as kids in the 80s and how going to computer lab was the best place to be...she looked at me and said computer lab?? Lol!! Oh it was a great time! read more

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What a cute spot! Nice little variety of games and the pricing to enjoy unlimited play is only $10. However at that price you can't walk in and out. There is an option to be able to do that though. Just costs more money. I'd say check it out. Play a few games and enjoy the retro vibes of the place! Plus it's in walking distance to tons of eateries and places to grab a drink! read more

High Scores Arcade - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

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Great crew that works here. We stepped in 2 different days/times and both times were greeted by smiling friendly people. Old school, original arcade games that I really love and miss playing. They have adorable pins with rhinestones on them by the door with their logo on sale for $10. Speaking of $10, that's how much it is to play for an hour and all day of play is $22. That's for right now. They will be leveling up (pun intended) sometime soon and adding food and drinks and with inflation will also be needing to raise the prices a bit, but if you're an old school gamer like me that geeks out on games like Pac-Man, Centipede, Burger Time, Tron, Donkey Kong, Joust, Defender, Star Wars (original) and Space Invaders, etc. then this is the place to visit! read more

Talk about blast from the past! I'm blown away by the feel in there. It is true to the nature of the 80s but has a modern vibe too. The owner is cool and amiable. I will definitely be checking this place out again. read more

Loved this place. The hour went by fast and will be back again. Our entire family loved it

What a great idea! You pay per hour and then have free reign of the place. They have all our favorite old school games, like Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros, Galaga, Street Fighter, even The Oregon Trail! They played 80's music the entire time and we all had a blast (adults and kids). read more

I'm only 23 but a bigggg 1980's fan and this was the best experience ever. Playing vintage arcade games while listening to some 80's classics! For only $10 it is perfect. Unlimited gameplay. If I lived in the area I'd come everyday!! read more

High Scores Arcade - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

Made for an amazing date night! My 80s born husband was really brought back to his childhood. We had so much fun playing all the games together. We were thrilled to learn there's also one in alameda which is only 30 minutes from where we actually live! Such a great idea for a business! Everyone should definitely stop in to play :) read more

Just stopped in with my 2 children for the first time. We had the best bonding experience ever. $10/hour can be pricey if you're an experienced player. My 12 and 7 year old are not. My daughter played centipede 10 times in about the same amount of time and my son couldn't stop playing the dirt car racing. read more

This place is so fun! My husband, son, and I had a great time playing games. We paid $22/pp for all day, which allows for in/out privileges. So, we played for about an hour, went to eat lunch, and then returned for another hour or so. It was great fun showing our son the games we played as kids. There is also a 4-player Pac-Man game which was pretty fun and hilarious. I had never seen that before, so adding the element of getting to eat your opponents (like they were a ghost) when you ate the pellet was pretty amusing. To note, there is a machine that has multiple games on it. So, if you just scan the games and don't see your old-school favorite, check out the one that has multiple games. It was a bit of a drive to get there (we don't live in Monterey), but it was worth it. I would definitely return! read more

Had a Birthday party here for my Daughter. All the classic greats! NBA jams 4 player, tron, off road, Area 51, pac man, donkey Kong, etc....! Great place to take a break and get back to the 80's and 90's. Owner was great, super knowledgeable, helpful, and eager to do whatever was needed! Would recommend highly, for party's on weekend or just a super fun place to check out throughout the week! read more

High Scores Arcade - Games with children having fun! All games older then players! - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

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Nostalgia!!!. Took the kids here while on vacation in Monterey and had a great time. Price was good for the allotted time. Had an opportunity to play just about all of the arcade games before time was up. It's not a large establishment but it wasn't too busy on the Tuesday afternoon we rolled in so it didn't feel crowded given the size of the space. read more

This place is a ton of fun for those that will enjoy a trip down memory lane playing classic arcade games. Flat fee to play as many games as you can in an hour. read more

Had tons of fun retro arcade games. Brought me back to playing in an arcade for hours as a kid. 10$ an hour. 22$ for all day with in and out privileges. Have all the classics... Mario Bros, Dig Dug, Donkey Long, Galaga. Also had Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jams, Contra, Space Ace. Sounds like they will rotate the games, but definitely recommend. read more

High Scores Arcade - Front Entrance. - Arcades Near Me - Monterey, California

Awesome place we found after having dinner. Music and games were nostalgic and so much fun. I had a blast and will come back next time I'm in Monterey. read more

Retro video games. The upfront is what makes it worth the experience. A fair price to play what you want for how long you can. Remember wanting to dual wield in Area 51? Now you can read more