You’re driving down U.S. 31, past the endless sea of strip malls and traffic lights that define the south side of Indy, when you see it. The glowing orange and blue sign at the Greenwood Park Mall. It’s Dave and Busters Greenwood, and honestly, it’s not exactly what some people expected when it first moved into the old J.C. Penney Home Store spot.
If you grew up going to the massive, sprawling Castleton location, the Greenwood vibe hits a little different. It’s sleeker. It’s about 34,500 square feet, which sounds huge until you realize some of the older "legacy" locations are nearly double that. But size isn't everything. This spot was designed as part of their "store of the future" initiative, focusing heavily on the "Watch" part of their "Eat, Drink, Play, Watch" mantra.
Why the Greenwood Vibe is Actually Different
Most folks walk in expecting a dark, noisy cavern filled with nothing but flashing lights. While the arcade is definitely there (and loud), the Greenwood layout prioritizes the sports bar. We're talking 40-foot wide screens that make you feel like you're sitting on the 50-yard line at Lucas Oil Stadium.
It’s basically a high-tech sports book atmosphere without the actual gambling. If you’re trying to catch a Colts game or a UFC fight, the seating here is arguably better than the northside location. The sightlines are cleaner. No weird poles blocking your view of the TV while you’re trying to eat your wings.
The Game Floor: Quality Over Quantity?
Let's talk about the Million Dollar Midway. It’s packed. You’ve got the heavy hitters like Skee-Ball, Connect 4 Hoops, and the massive Wicked Tuna machines that people seem to spend their entire life savings on.
- Virtual Reality: They have the multi-player VR platform that’s usually running something like Jurassic World or Star Wars.
- The Classics: Yes, they still have the coin pushers.
- Ticket Redemption: The "Winner's Circle" shop is tucked in the back, and yes, you still need about a billion tickets to get that iPad.
Some regulars complain that there aren't as many "obscure" games here. It’s a curated list. They’ve swapped out the old, dusty cabinets for the high-margin, flashy redemption games that kids (and tipsy adults) love.
The Menu: More Than Just "Arcade Food"
Honestly, the food at Dave and Busters Greenwood has stepped up. It’s not just frozen pizza and soggy fries anymore. They’ve leaned into a "chef-crafted" approach, which sounds like marketing fluff, but the execution is actually decent.
The Bistro Steak & Shrimp Alfredo is surprisingly legit for a place where a giant plush banana is a common prize. If you’re looking for a deal, the Eat & Play Combo is still the king of value. You can grab an entrée—like the Dave’s Double Cheeseburger or Classic Goldfingers—plus a $10 Power Card for around $20. It's the most efficient way to do a date night without feeling like you got robbed at the door.
What to Order (and What to Skip)
If you're going for the full experience, the Smokehouse BBQ Ribs & Wings platter is the move. It’s messy, sure, but it fits the "I’m about to go play air hockey" energy. On the flip side, the salads are... fine. They exist. But let’s be real, nobody goes to D&B because they’re craving a Caesar salad.
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Timing Your Visit to Avoid the Chaos
If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday, be prepared for a sensory assault. It's loud, it's crowded, and the wait for a table can easily hit an hour.
Pro Tip: Half-Price Games Wednesdays are the absolute best time to go if you actually want to play. Your chips go twice as far, and the crowd is usually a bit more manageable.
- Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Late Night: Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 PM to close.
- Drink Deals: Look for the $5 "Lime Time" Ritas on Sundays and Thursdays.
The location at 1251 US Hwy 31 N is nestled right next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Parking is usually easy since it’s at the mall, but that U.S. 31 traffic can be a nightmare during the holidays or peak shopping hours.
The Logistics: What You Need to Know
If you’re a veteran or a first responder, bring your ID. They offer a 15% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks, which is a nice touch that a lot of people forget to ask for.
Also, download the D&B Rewards app before you get there. You can reload your Power Card from your phone. Standing in line at the kiosks is for rookies. Plus, the app usually gives you a "Buy $20, Get $20" coupon just for signing up, which basically pays for your first round of drinks.
The Crowd and Age Restrictions
During the day, it's a suburban paradise for families and birthday parties. Once the sun goes down, especially on Friday and Saturday, it shifts. They usually have a "minor policy" where anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a guardian 25 or older. Check the sign at the door; they do enforce it, especially when the bar gets busy.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you live on the south side, Dave and Busters Greenwood is the best entertainment hub you’ve got without driving to downtown or up to the 82nd Street corridor. It’s clean, the staff is generally faster than the northside crew (mostly because the layout is more efficient), and the screens are unbeatable for sports.
It isn't a quiet night out. It’s a place to be loud, eat a burger that’s definitely too big for you, and lose to your nephew at Mario Kart.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your rewards app for the Buy $20, Get $20 offer before you leave the house. If you're planning a visit during a major sporting event, call ahead to see if they're taking table reservations, as the "Watch" area fills up fast. Stick to the Half-Price Wednesdays for the best value on game chips.