Here Are The Best Arcades in Each New England State

Hi. I'm Jeff and I've loved arcades, pinball, and video games, pretty much my entire life. When LaVerdiere's Drug Store in South Paris, Maine opened an arcade in the early 80s, I spent half my summer there trying to get high scores on Galaga, Donkey Kong, and Ms. Pac-Man.

Video arcades died a slow death when the video game crash of 1983 happened, but in the last decade, adults, who were kids in the 80s, have brought them back in many forms including arcade bars where you can play the classics while drinking local brews.

I frequent many of these places and have put together what I think are the best arcades in every state in New England. This is only my opinion and you are free to disagree, but I think you'll find at least a couple of these arcades favorites of yours as well.

Funspot / American Classic Arcade Museum - Weirs Beach, NH

American Classic Arcade Museum via Facebook

It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest arcade in the world nearly 600 classic and modern arcade games over three floors. The upstairs floor is home to the American Classic Arcade Museum and when you walk in you would swear you travelled back to the 80s. Nothing else in New England comes close.

Arcadia - Portland, ME

Jeff Parsons - Townsquare Media

Arcadia became a big hit in Portland with its great selection of local brews, delicious food, classic arcade games, pinball, tabletop games, and console video games. It quickly became a hangout for a whole bunch of regulars. They originally opened on Preble Street and moved to the former Port City Music Hall around the corner on Congress Street. They now have two floors of gaming, a large bar, and a kitchen that makes some amazing pizza.

Joe's Playland - Salisbury, MA

Google Maps

Joe's Playland in Salisbury, MA is like the southern brother of Fun-O-Rama in York. It too is on the beach and also is stuck in time. When you walk into Joe's Playland it's like you travelled back to the late 70s and early 80s. You'll still find plenty of modern games and the classics here.

Spring Lake Arcade - Burrillville, RI

Robin Dinda via YouTube

Spring Lake Arcade is a gem next to the water in Burrillville, RI. You'll find modern games, but also games and amusements for only a penny that date back nearly a century. Click the photo to watch a video tour of the arcade and you'll see what we mean.

Barcade - New Haven, CT

Bracade - New Haven via Facebook

Barcade is the original franchise that started the boom of arcade bars, and the fifth of nine Barcades across the country.

Pastime Pinball - Manchester, VT

Pastime Pinball via Facebook

You won't find a more beautiful collection of pristine condition pinball machines anywhere in New England that matches what is on display and available to play at Pastime Pinball in Manchester, Vermont. Pinball machines from all eras are here and they work like they are brand new.