You’re walking down 42nd Street, dodging Elmos and trying not to get whacked by a tourist’s selfie stick, and suddenly you just need a break. Not a "sit in a quiet park" break—this is Manhattan, after all—but a "let me hit something with a digital hammer" break. That’s usually when people find themselves staring at the glowing sign for Dave & Buster's Times Square.
It’s on the third floor of 234 West 42nd Street. Most people expect it to be a massive, sprawling warehouse like the ones in the suburbs, but honestly? It’s a bit more compact. It has to be. It’s squeezed into one of the most expensive pieces of real estate on the planet. But don't let the vertical layout fool you; it still packs in enough neon and noise to make your head spin in the best way possible.
What to Expect at Dave & Buster's Times Square
If you’ve been to a D&B in, say, Dallas or Jersey, the first thing you’ll notice here is the vibe. It’s frantic. It’s loud. It’s pure New York energy. You’ve got theater-goers grabbing a quick drink before Wicked, families trying to bribe their kids into better behavior with arcade tickets, and locals who just want to watch the UFC fight on a screen bigger than their entire apartment.
The layout is split up. You have the main dining area, which recently went through some "Future of Play" remodeling to look sleeker, and then you have the Midway. There are two separate bar areas—one in the restaurant and one right in the thick of the games. If you’re there to actually play, stay by the arcade bar. The service is usually faster because nobody is ordering a three-course meal; they just want a beer or a "Million Dollar 'Rita" before heading back to the coin pushers.
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The Game Situation
Let’s talk games. They have the heavy hitters: Halo: Fireteam Raven, Connect 4 Hoops, and those massive Godzilla VR setups. But because this location is a major hub, the prices per game can feel a bit higher than your hometown spot. It’s the "Times Square tax."
One weird thing you should know? Unlike most other locations, this one sometimes lacks the high-end prizes like iPads in the Winners Circle. Regulars on Reddit have noted that while you can find a PS5 or Xbox Series X if you’re lucky, the prize inventory fluctuates wildly. You might walk out with a New York Giants mini football or a mountain of finger traps instead of a tablet.
The Menu: Is the Food Actually Good?
Look, nobody goes to Dave & Buster's Times Square for a Michelin-star experience. You go for the "Mountain O’ Nachos." And honestly, they usually deliver on that front.
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The menu is standard American fare, but it’s consistent. The Bistro Steak & Shrimp Alfredo is surprisingly popular for a place that also has a "Human Crane" game, and the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls ($18.89) are basically the unofficial mascot of the appetizer list.
- Happy Hour: This is the secret weapon. Monday through Friday, usually from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (and late nights too), you can snag $5 drinks. In Times Square, a $5 drink is basically a miracle.
- The 5:15 Platter: If you’re with a group, just get this. It’s wings, quesadillas, pretzel dogs, and fries. It’s $41.69, which sounds steep, but it feeds a small army of hungry gamers.
- Refills: Sodas have unlimited refills. You can literally walk around with your cup while you play and keep hitting the fountain. It’s a small win, but in this neighborhood, small wins count.
Why Wednesday is the Only Day That Matters
If you go on a Saturday night, you’re going to pay full price and you’re going to get bumped into by a lot of strangers. It’s the nature of the beast. But Dave & Buster's Times Square has half-price games every single Wednesday.
This changes the math entirely. Suddenly, that expensive VR game doesn't feel like a rip-off. If you’re trying to "AP" (Advantage Play, for the hardcore nerds who try to win prizes for profit), Wednesday is your only window. Just be prepared: the local pros know this too, and they’ll be camped out on the high-ticket games like Quick Drop or Piano Keys.
A Quick Warning on the "Tourist Trap" Cover Charge
There’s a bit of a local legend—well, more of a nuisance—regarding a $5 cover charge. Sometimes on Friday or Saturday nights after 7:00 PM, bouncers at the street-level entrance might ask for a fiver just to go upstairs.
Pro tip: Use the elevator. Often, the cover charge is only enforced at the main stairs or by certain guards. If you’re going there to eat and play, you shouldn't be paying to enter a restaurant. It’s a bit of a "Times Square tax" that catches people off guard.
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Practical Tips for Your Visit
- The App is Essential: Don’t mess around with physical cards if you can help it. Download the D&B app. You can recharge your chips while standing in line for a game instead of trekking back to a kiosk.
- Watch the Clock: If you have kids, get in early. The vibe shifts significantly after 9:00 PM when the bar crowd takes over.
- The Noise Factor: It is incredibly loud. If you’re looking for a place to have a deep, soul-searching conversation, this is not it. This is a place for shouting "DID YOU SEE THAT?" over the sound of a digital jackpot.
- Accessibility: They actually have Braille and large-print menus available, which is a nice touch that a lot of people overlook.
The Verdict on Dave & Buster's Times Square
Is it the best arcade in the world? Probably not. Is it the most relaxing place in Manhattan? Absolutely not. But Dave & Buster's Times Square serves a very specific purpose: it’s an accessible, predictable burst of fun in a neighborhood that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
It’s where you go when you’ve had enough of museums and Broadway shows and you just want to eat a burger and play some Skee-Ball. Just remember to check your card balance before you get too deep into the coin pushers. Those things are addictive.
Your Next Steps
Check the current Happy Hour times on the official app before you head over, as they can shift based on the season. If you're planning a trip, aim for a Wednesday afternoon to maximize your chips. Once you're inside, grab a table near the back of the dining area if you want a slightly lower decibel level while you eat.