As the second-largest U.S. arcade chain behind Chuck E. Cheese – and number one in profits – Texas-based Dave & Buster’s surprisingly only has two Orange County outposts: One at the Irvine Spectrum Center, the other at The Outlets at Orange. Unlike younger rival Round1, which caters to teenagers as well as families, Dave & Buster’s is darker and more adult-themed, with a larger concentration of edgy arcade games, fewer redemption machines, and a heavier emphasis on happy hour drink specials. While there are still family-friendly games, including updated versions of classic arcade (Centipede, Frogger, Rampage), console (Mario Kart, Halo), and mobile (Asphalt) titles, players will also find UFC machines, numerous gun titles, and movie tie-in redemption titles that wouldn’t be found at, say, Chuck E. Cheese. D&B’s mix of racing, shooting, and VR games is notably higher than Round1’s, with fewer rhythm/music or straight-from-Japan arcade games.
Renovated locations, including the Orange space, include large interactive screens for groups to play darts and shuffleboard together, giant TVs, and modernized bars, augmenting on-site restaurant offerings including burgers, steaks, wings, seafood, pasta, and desserts. Prepaid Power Cards are used instead of coins as a currency for the gaming experiences, with the option of season passes and discounted days to bring per-play charges down. Mall parking at both OC locations is free and ample.
