Play great games at these video arcades in Calgary
The once-ubiquitous video arcade is now a distinct rarity in Calgary. However, there are a number of games rooms and even a couple of restaurants in which the blinking and blasting pleasures of arcade pinball and video games can yet be savoured.
Boogie's Burgers
1-908 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3K1Boogie’s Burgers serves its big, beautiful diner meals with a chiming and clanging side order of arcade games. Pre- or post-burger nosh, try your hand at stand-up Street Fighter II and Ms. Pac-Man video machines and a table-top King Kong as well as Robo-Cop pinball.
SilverCity Cinemas & XSCAPE Entertainment Centre
261055 Crossiron Blvd, Rocky View, AB T4A 0G3This multiplex cinema just north of Calgary in the CrossIron Mills shopping centre features XSCAPE Entertainment Centre. The room’s game selection includes stand-up video machines such as Guitar Hero and Big Buck Safari. Its pinball selection naturally includes movie-themed machines such as Iron Man.
Schanks Sports Grill
9627 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2J 0P6There’s a Shanks Virtual Reality Arcade Room at both the north and south locations of this adult entertainment centre and sports bar and grill. The arcades feature an array of video games including two-seater race game Indy 500. Further games include the ever-popular Buck Hunter and the puttin’ and swingin’ Golden Tee Golf. All machines accept loonies. You’re welcome to eat and drink in these arcade rooms, which also feature pool tables.
SML Entertainment
500-261055 Crossiron Blvd, Calgary, AB T4A 0G3There are four Flippers Arcades locations strategically positioned throughout the Calgary International Airport to relieve the boredom of pre-flight waits. Games include old-school video machines, Golden Tee Golf machines and pinball machines. Find one pre-security arcade on the east departure level and post-security arcades on concourses A, B and C.
Tubby Dog
1022 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0A5Known for its wildly dressed tube steaks, gourmet hotdog diner Tubby Dog also serves tacos and burgers on special nights. And the way-cool, alt-culture hotspot always features a tidy selection of video game machines. Augmented in 2014, its latest array includes classic quarter-eaters such as Ms. Pac-Man, Burger Time, Joust and Street Fighter. Fun House is its one pinball machine.
Chuck E. Cheese
2612 32 Street Northeast, Calgary, AB T1Y 7L8This kids’ fun centre features a games room decked out with various video machines including Fast and Furious, Bat Man and Transformers. The room also features kiddie rides and midway-style skill games such as Ski Bowl. All machines are token-operated.
Empire Theatres
300-388 Country Hills Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3K 5A6Landmark Cinemas 16 in Country Hills complements its multi-screen movie selection with Zone Arcade. When you’re in the Zone, enjoy interactive multiplayer games such as Dance Dance Revolution and Let’s Make a Deal. Also take on your opponent in a face-to-face air hockey match.
