Entry No. 82 — the Dallas file — filed under: arcade-play
Electric Starship Arcade
A space-themed retro arcade on the Fort Worth side of the metroplex with over 140 classic and rare cabinets, from Pac-Man and Galaga to Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, plus a growing pinball lineup that includes Godzilla, Jaws, and King Kong. Everything runs on a pay-once-play-all-day model, so there's no fishing for quarters. The venue leans into community with karaoke nights, live music, and a mascot named Big Bang Bruno, and serves gourmet hot dogs alongside craft beer and cider for the adult crowd.
The story
Tucked along Denton Highway in Haltom City, Electric Starship Arcade operates on a simple, refreshingly honest premise: you pay one flat rate at the door, get a wristband, and leave your pocket change at home. There are no prize counters, no ticket-chewing redemption games, and zero quarters required. Instead, you step into a dark, neon-lit shrine packed with over 140 classic and rare cabinets, spanning everything from original *Pac-Man* and *Galaga* machines to side-scrolling heavyweights like *Contra* and head-to-head fight rigs like *Mortal Kombat* and *Street Fighter*.
What elevates this place beyond a standard nostalgia trap is how thoroughly it commits to being a true community hangout rather than just a venue for button-mashing. Pinball isn't dumped in a dusty corner; the modern silverball lineup features heavy-hitters like *Godzilla*, *Jaws*, and *King Kong*. Add in a mascot named Big Bang Bruno, a stage for scheduled karaoke and live music, and a counter slinging gourmet hot dogs next to local craft beer and ciders, and it feels like the ideal late-80s neighborhood lounge engineered specifically for adults.
What it's like
Show up, pay your cover, and get your all-day wristband stamped. The ambient soundscape is a comforting chaotic blend of synthesized 8-bit chiptunes, silverball thumps, and the occasional battle cry from a fight cabinet. Families dominate the floor early in the day, but at exactly 8:00 PM, the staff shifts the venue to strict 21+-only territory. Pick up a cold craft cider, grab a hot dog, and camp out on your favorite cabinet. If you prefer quiet high-score hunting over crowd noise, check their schedule ahead of time to make sure you aren't walking directly into a high-octane karaoke night.
The move: Buy one all-day wristband, run a head-to-head Mortal Kombat and pinball bracket, then stick around for karaoke night with a craft cider in hand.
📍 Before you go Closed Mon-Tue. All ages by day; 21+ only after 8pm. Karaoke and live music are scheduled events, so check ahead.
- 📍 Haltom City
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Big night
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 5620 Denton Hwy, Haltom City, TX 76148
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- The Velvet Coffin — Swap retro sci-fi neon for wet specimens and gothic taxidermy just under three miles down the road in Richland Hills.
- Coyote Drive-In — Follow up an afternoon of button-mashing arcade nostalgia with an outdoor double feature framing the Fort Worth skyline.
- Dirty Laundry — Trade 8-bit game audio for hidden cocktails behind a row of tumbling washing machines on West 7th.
- Top O' Hill Terrace — Balance Haltom City's modern pay-once gaming lounge with a historical tour of North Texas's original 1930s underground casino.
Good to know
Do I need quarters or tokens to play the games?
Not a single one. Entry is covered by a flat all-day play wristband fee, giving you free-play access to all arcade cabinets and pinball machines without token machines or coin slots.
Are kids allowed at Electric Starship Arcade?
Yes, during daytime hours. However, the venue turns strictly 21+ every evening starting at 8:00 PM.
What days are they open?
Electric Starship Arcade is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, operating Wednesday through Sunday.
What food and drinks are available inside?
They serve gourmet hot dogs along with a curated selection of craft beers and ciders for adults.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Yelp · Tripadvisor · thegeekpub.com
last checked: 2026-06-23