|
Location: Northwest, In/Outdoor: Indoor Activity level: Low Features: Dave and Buster's is an entertainment establishment marketed for adults, featuring a full-service restaurant, a midway with arcade games, two bars, billiards and shuffleboard tables, and a shooting gallery. Cost for a family of four: Varies depending on number of games played and if dinner is eaten there; games and dinner for four may run $40-$60. Best for ages: 5 and up | ![]() |
The Experience: Dave and Buster's began in Dallas in 1982 and now has locations throughout the United States. In the midway, cards are purchased to operate the games. The restaurant is on a quiet side of the 40,000 square foot building, and is quiet and tasteful, with palm trees and belt-operated fans. The food includes appetizers, soup and salads, seafood, pasta, chicken, steak, ribs, burgers, sandwiches, panini, and dessert. Although Dave and Busters is designed for adults, children are welcome there as long as they stay with an adult, and you will see many children, especially during the daytime and early evening hours. The atmosphere is more date-oriented later at night and not as appropriate for children. The games are a little more expensive here (the price varies per game), but the selection is great and they are in good working order. Our daughter especially enjoyed the race car game (where two people race each other to the top by shooting water) and the shooting gallery (we liked the skee-ball and the margaritas.) A lot of the games give tickets that can be redeemed for prizes, with a whole roomful of selections. The prizes are much better for the amount of tickets than Chuck E. Cheese or Gattitown. The atmosphere is upscale and sophisticated, and fairly relaxing. The restaurant has delicious food and is nice enough for a really special meal. We tried the Monterey Burger and the Chicken Monte Carlo, and they were both excellent. Dishes we have tried there in the past have also been great. There is a children's menu with selections such as grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken strips.
Before you go: You can end up spending a lot of money here, so you may want to plan it for a special day. Make sure that there is one parent or guardian (age 25 or older) for each child under the age of 18 (store policy). Plan on wrapping up your visit by 10 pm, when children are no longer allowed.How to go cheaper: Right now there is an eat and play special. If you choose from certain entrees, you can get the entree and a $10 game card for $15.99.
Birthday Parties: Dave and Buster's is a popular location for corporate events and other private parties, but I would not recommend it for a child's birthday party.
Accessibility: Coming soon.
Fun Factor: 8/10
Yum Factor: 8/10
Value Factor: 6/10
The Lowdown: A sophisticated and classy notch above other arcades.
Hours: Sun-Wed 11:30 am – 12 am; Thurs 11:30 am – 1 am; Fri-Sat 11:30 am – 2 am.
Website: http://www.daveandbusters.com
Address: Mopac @ Hwy 183/Research Blvd., Austin Map: Google Map Phone: (512) 346-8015
