You’re standing in the middle of 42nd Street, neon lights blurring into a dizzying haze, and you just want to sit down. But not just sit—you want a drink, maybe a burger that doesn't cost fifty bucks, and a way to drown out the city's frantic energy with some old-school button-mashing. That’s usually when you find yourself staring at the glowing sign for Dave and Buster's Times Square.
Most people think of this place as just another tourist trap. Honestly? It kinda is, but it’s also a localized sanctuary for people who know how to play the system. If you walk in blindly on a Saturday night, you’re going to have a bad time. You’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists who don't know that "half-price Wednesdays" exist, and you'll probably wait forty minutes for a beer. But if you treat it like a strategic mission rather than a casual stroll, this 32,000-square-foot behemoth is one of the most reliable entertainment hubs in Manhattan.
📖 Related: Chandler AZ: What Most People Get Wrong About the Silicon Desert
The Reality of Dave and Buster's Times Square
Located at 234 West 42nd Street, on the third floor, this isn't your average suburban arcade. It’s dense. It’s loud. And it’s surprisingly well-equipped. While other locations might feel like a cavernous warehouse, the Times Square spot feels like a high-energy urban bunker.
You’ve got over 200 games packed into the space. We’re talking about the heavy hitters like Wicked Tuna, Halo: Fireteam Raven, and those massive Godzilla VR setups. It’s basically a "kiddie casino" for adults, but without the soul-crushing loss of actual rent money. Instead, you lose your dignity trying to hit the jackpot on Skee-Ball while a ten-year-old watches you fail.
The layout is a bit weird. You have to take an escalator up, and once you're in, the space is divided into two main bar areas and the dining room. One bar is tucked into the back of the gaming floor, which is usually the move if you want to avoid the main restaurant crowd.
Why the Timing is Everything
If you show up at 8:00 PM on a Friday, prepare for chaos. It’s wall-to-wall people. Most of the crowd at that hour is inebriated and just there for the vibe, not the tickets.
If you actually want to play games without a queue, Tuesday or Monday nights are your best friend. Seriously. The place is remarkably calm. Most locals avoid 42nd Street like the plague during these times, which means you can hop from Connect 4 Hoops to Mario Kart Arcade GP without anyone breathing down your neck.
Then there’s Wednesday. The holy grail of arcade gaming. All games are half-price. This is when the "Advantage Players" (the pros who farm tickets for iPads and PlayStations) show up. It’s a bit more competitive, but your credits go twice as far. If you're on a budget, don't even bother going any other day.
🔗 Read more: Honduras Location on World Map: Why It’s Actually the Heart of Central America
The Food: Better Than It Has to Be
Look, nobody goes to an arcade for a five-course meal. But the food here is actually decent for what it is. It’s American comfort food designed to be eaten with one hand while the other holds a Power Card.
The "Triple Play" is the standard order for groups—pretzel dogs, sliders, and wings. The wings are actually hand-breaded, which is a nice touch for a chain. Lately, they’ve been pushing the "Million Dollar 'Rita," which is basically a fancy margarita that hits harder than you'd expect. If you're trying to save a few bucks, look for the "Eat & Play" combos. It’s a flat fee that gives you a meal and a card with a set amount of chips.
Strategy for the Winner’s Circle
The Prize Shop (or Winner's Circle) at this location is notorious for being a bit hit-or-miss. Because it’s in the heart of NYC, the high-end stuff like PS5s or iPads disappears fast.
I’ve seen people spend $200 on chips just to walk away with a stuffed banana and some Nerds. Don't be that person. If you're serious about prizes:
- Download the app. You can reload your card from your phone and skip the kiosk lines.
- Check the "snipability." Look for games like Tippin' Bloks or Flappy Bird where the jackpot hasn't been hit in a while.
- The "Play Until You Win" trick. Certain crane games, like the duck ones, don't stop until you actually grab something. Great for kids who are about to have a meltdown.
Getting There (The Survival Guide)
Parking? Don't even think about it. If you must drive, there’s an Icon Parking on 43rd Street, but it’ll cost you more than the arcade games.
The subway is the only logical way. The A, C, and E lines drop you at Port Authority, which is a two-minute walk. The 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, and W trains all hit the Times Square-42nd St station. Basically, every train in the city leads here.
One thing most people overlook is the heat. Arcades generate a ton of thermal energy from all those machines, and the HVAC in this building works hard but sometimes loses the battle. If you're visiting in the winter, dress in layers. You’ll be sweating ten minutes into a Dance Dance Revolution session.
✨ Don't miss: Water level in Venice: What Most People Get Wrong
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- The $10 Wing Deal: On Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, they often run a $10 for 10 wings promotion. It’s one of the few genuine food deals left in Times Square.
- Happy Hour: Usually happens from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays. $5 beers and cocktails. In an area where a pint can easily be $12, this is a lifesaver.
- The Costco Hack: If you have a membership, you can often buy $100 worth of D&B gift cards for $80. It’s an instant 20% discount before you even walk through the door.
- Late Night: They’re open until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The crowd shifts from families to a much younger, rowdier group after 10:00 PM. If you're with kids, get out by 9:00 PM.
The reality of Dave and Buster's Times Square is that it’s a high-stimulus environment that serves a very specific purpose. It’s where you go when you want to feel the pulse of the city without actually being outside in the rain or humidity. It’s loud, it’s overpriced if you aren't careful, and it's quintessentially New York in its chaotic energy.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your calendar: Aim for a Wednesday afternoon to maximize your chip value.
- Pre-load the app: Do this before you leave your hotel or apartment so you can walk straight to the games.
- Plan your exit: Times Square is a nightmare to navigate late at night; know which subway entrance is closest (typically the 42nd St/8th Ave entrance for the A/C/E) to avoid the street crowds.