Relive the days when video games were something to be shared at these cloistered carnivals.
1. The Arcade Era
123 Palmer Park Mall Suite B3, Easton | 610.438.0255 | thearcadeera.com
The second location for a Stroudsburg-based business, this arcade doubles up on nostalgia by being located in a mall, Palmer Park Mall nestled west of Easton proper. No quarters required here, where you pay one admission fee to play as long as you want, and it might take time to get through 60-plus retro and modern games.
2. AFK Allentown
21 N. 7th St. Suite 3, Allentown | 484.809.8058 | Facebook
Gaming today means the PS5, vivid graphics and immersive action, and that's the kind catered to at AFK Gaming, not so much arcade in the traditional sense as gaming lounge. Part of Downtown Allentown's vivacious community, it offers over 200 games in all genres so you can leave the headsets at home and play elbow-to-elbow.
3. Cyber Quest
77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.625.2306 | kidsquest.com
Located in The Outlets at Wind Creek, Cyber Quest is a kid-friendly arcade, bright and colorful and outfitted with nonviolent games. To add to the fun, games are programmed to offer generous payouts so that everyone goes home a winner with toys from the Prize Zone. Game play is offered through purchase of credits and ranges from 50 cents for simple games to $5 for VR adventures.
4. Back to the Arcade
3300 Lehigh St., Allentown | 610.573.8655 | Facebook
A tribute to '80s masterpiece Back to the Future, this arcade in Allentown's South Mall has it all: dimly lit, loudly carpeted and staffed by a friendly team. With a dizzying array of arcade cabinets and pinball machines from vintage to modern, this family-owned business is a winning birthday party venue with games for the whole crew!
5. Sports & Social
645 Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.638.0899 | sportsandsocial.com/allentown
An elevated sports bar with a huge media wall and luscious cocktails as well as draft beers, this hot spot in the heart of Allentown isn't just for watching games. With foosball, arcade cabinets and pop-a-shots, Sports & Social lets you show off your gaming chops while also providing a full menu—and milkshakes!
Published as “5 Things” in the June 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
