Game Night in NYC
Adult arcades and niche clubs—head to these lively spots and let the fun and games begin!
There’s always something going on in New York City. Whether it’s arts and culture, non-stop work or all those social obligations, the city is so full of distractions that it can be easy to forget about the simple things—like a good, ol’ fashioned “game night”, for instance. In a city with so much to offer, getting together with friends just to participate in a seemingly meaningless activity for the sheer joy of it sounds almost, well, exotic.
And we’re here for it. There’s something refreshing about the idea of unplugging long enough to connect with others for some regular old fun. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spaces across the city that specialize in activity-based play. So, read on and let the fun and games begin!
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The Lawn Club is perfect for, well, all things lawn: croquet, cornhole, shuffleboard, bocce and beyond. With 30,000 square feet of classic lawn games on their custom green turf, you may just forget about the snowy streets long enough to pretend that’s actual green grass beneath your feet as you indulge in a casual game of croquet on a warm summer’s day, cocktail in hand. Speaking of cocktails, Lawn Club’s bar is extensive, with signature seasonal cocktails and a large selection of food designed specially for “eating-while-playing”.
1 Fulton St; (833) 529-6258
For one of the largest libraries of games on the East Coast, head to The Uncommons. A board game coffeehouse within walking distance of the NYU campus, The Uncommons is a no-brainer for the college crowd. But the appeal reaches far beyond academia. With seating for 65 and a private room for parties, The Uncommons also makes a great birthday spot and particularly appealing for those looking to locate that rare and hard-to-find game you never even knew you were looking for.
230 Thompson St; (646) 543-9215
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The London-born Swingers centers around “crazy golf” — essentially a British take on mini golf with a more adult-friendly tone. While the game is basically the same, the addition of drinks and DJs make this rousing, high-end golf experience more date night party vibes than good ol’ family fare. The subterranean space is adorned with chandeliers, over-the-top floral arrangements and astroturf-a-plenty. The extravagance in decor makes it an ideal place for parties or special events. And though you can expect cocktail service directly on the fairway, there are also six cocktail bars and numerous street food vendors to keep you going well after you hang up your clubs.
35 W 29th St; (646) 661-3509
What sets Wonderville apart from the usual arcade bar is the rotating display of custom-built, free-to-play games curated by members of the NYC games community. The first fully-independent barcade, Wonderville is a space clearly run by—and for—artists. And while the game scene is at the center of the Wonderville experience, the space also serves as a venue, hosting live music, dance parties, workshops, tournaments and performance art. If that’s not enough, there’s also a full bar offering craft cocktails and a selection of game-appropriate creative hot dogs. And yes, there are vegan options too!
1186 Broadway, Brooklyn
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The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club
A place like Gowanus may not be the first location you’d have in mind for a tropical-themed shuffleboard club, but then there’s Royal Palms. With frozen cocktails, an abundance of flamingos and, yes, a whole lot of palms adorning the decor, the kitschy theme and spacious location will make you forget you’re standing in a former industrial zone. With 10 shuffleboard courts, jumbo jenga, DJs, live performances and rotating food trucks, there is plenty to keep your attention. Just don’t forget to take a bathroom selfie in front of that pink flamingo wallpaper—it wouldn’t be a night at Royal Palms without it.
514 Union St, Brooklyn
At 9,000 square feet, Cellar Dog is a basement bar and pool hall with an impressive array of activities to offer. You’ll find 10 ping pong tables, 10 pool tables, two shuffleboard tables, scrabble, checkers, chess, arcade games and—as if that wasn’t enough—there’s live jazz seven nights a week. In other words, there’s something for everyone. And, hey, if you’re just looking for a place to have a drink and maybe a bite, the space has plenty of booths and sofas for those looking for a little less game and a little more hang.
75 Christopher St; (212) 675-6056
WORDS Hillary Sproul
PHOTOGRAPHY @thelawnclubnyc