
Dave & Buster’s Near Me: Prices, Age Rules & Location Guide
Anyone who’s ever tried to plan a fun night out with friends knows the feeling: you want games, good food, and maybe a drink—all under one roof. That’s the promise of Dave & Buster’s, and figuring out what’s actually available at the location nearest you can feel like a game in itself.
Number of locations in North America: 140+ ·
Price of unlimited gameplay pass: $39.99 for 60 days ·
Half-price game day: Every Wednesday
Quick snapshot
- 140+ locations in North America (Dave & Buster’s Locations Finder)
- Founded in 1982 in Dallas, Texas (Wikipedia)
- Unlimited gameplay pass costs $39.99 for 60 days (CNBC)
- Half-priced games every Wednesday (NerdWallet)
- Exact number of games you can play per chip varies by machine type (Yelp review)
- Age curfews and guardian requirements can differ by city (Dave & Buster’s House Policies)
- Wednesday is the best day for game deals (NerdWallet)
- Eat & Play Combo available daily from $19.99 (Dave & Buster’s Orland Park)
- Check your local D&B’s hours and curfew policy before visiting (Dave & Buster’s Locations)
- Reserve a table online for busy weekends (Dave & Buster’s Locations)
Dave & Buster’s has grown steadily since the 1980s and now operates a uniform set of policies across its North American footprint.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas |
| Number of Locations | 140+ |
| Parent Company | Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. |
| Stock Symbol | PLAY |
| Alcohol Age | 21+ with valid government ID |
| Minor Policy | Under 18/21 need guardian 25+ |
What is Dave and Buster’s?
Dave & Buster’s is a chain of entertainment venues that combines an arcade, a full-service restaurant, and a sports bar under one roof. It was founded in 1982 in Dallas, Texas, and has grown to over 140 locations (Wikipedia).
What is the Dave and Buster’s Eat & Play Combo?
- The Eat & Play Combo includes a meal and a set amount of game play credits, starting at $19.99 at many locations (Dave & Buster’s Orland Park).
- The combo is available daily and can be a good value for first-time visitors.
What is the history of Dave and Buster’s?
- Dave Corriveau and Buster Corley founded the first location in Dallas in 1982 (Wikipedia).
- The company went public in 2014 under the ticker PLAY.
How many Dave & Buster locations are there?
Dave & Buster’s operates more than 140 locations across North America, primarily in the United States, with a presence in Canada and the United Kingdom (Dave & Buster’s official Locations Finder).
Which countries have Dave and Busters?
- United States (majority of locations)
- Canada (select cities like Toronto and Edmonton)
- United Kingdom (a few locations, including London)
The company focuses on suburban and urban markets in the U.S., with most stores in shopping malls and entertainment districts.
The catch: if you live outside those countries, your closest Dave & Buster’s might be a long drive away—but the official location finder makes it easy to check.
What does $20 get you at Dave & Buster’s?
Chips generally cost about $0.50 each, so $20 typically yields around 40 chips (Yelp reviews). Some games cost 5 to 10 chips per play, meaning 40 chips might get you 4 to 8 games, depending on the machine.
How much does $60 get you at Dave and Busters?
- $60 buys roughly 120 chips.
- That could cover 12–24 games, depending on the machine type.
How many games does 200 chips get you at Dave and Busters?
- 200 chips can last 20 to 40 games, though redemption games tend to use fewer chips than ticket-dispensers.
- Most games cost between 5 and 10 chips, but large-scale games like racing simulators can cost 15 chips.
How long can I play with 200 chips?
- If each game takes 2–3 minutes, 200 chips could keep you playing for 40 to 120 minutes, depending on speed.
What is the Dave and Buster’s unlimited gameplay pass?
- The unlimited gameplay pass costs $39.99 for 60 days and lets you play unlimited games on a single Power Card (CNBC).
- It’s a good deal if you plan to visit more than once within the two-month window.
The unlimited pass doesn’t apply to all games—some redemption and ticket-based games may be excluded, so you will want to check the fine print before buying.
What age group are Dave and Busters for?
Dave & Buster’s markets itself as an adult playground, but families with children are welcome during the day. The age policy has several layers that travelers often miss.
Is Dave and Busters for kids?
- Yes, during daytime hours all ages can enter. After 10 PM (or 11 PM on weekends), minors must be accompanied by a guardian at least 25 years old (Dave & Buster’s House Policies).
- Some locations require guests under 21 to leave by 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Is Dave & Buster’s too loud for children?
- Noise levels can be high due to arcade machines and crowds, but families report that daytime visits are manageable.
- It’s less loud than a concert venue but louder than a typical family restaurant.
Is Dave and Buster’s suitable for children ages 5-11 and adults?
- Yes, the game floor has many age-appropriate games (skee-ball, basketball, racing).
- The menu includes kids’ meals. One Yelp reviewer from Dublin, CA noted: “Many 16-20 year olds want to come to Dave & Buster’s to play games with their friends” (Yelp).
Can a 20 year old go to Dave and Busters alone?
- No, the house policy requires persons under 21 to be accompanied by a guardian who is at least 25 years old (Dave & Buster’s House Policies).
- Age 18+ can enter alone only if the location has no local curfew; many locations enforce a strict 21+ policy after 10 PM.
If you’re 20 and planning a night out, call ahead. Some stores allow 18+ entry during early hours, but the national house policy gives individual stores latitude.
What is so special about Dave and Busters?
The unique combination of arcade games, a full-service restaurant, and a sports bar keeps customers coming back. The prize redemption system (“Winners Circle”) lets players exchange tickets for merchandise, adding a gamification layer to the meal.
- Arcade games for all skill levels and ages
- Full-service restaurant with a diverse menu (burgers, wings, salads, pasta)
- Sports bar with multiple screens showing live games
- Eat & Play Combo meal deals that bundle food and game credits
- Half-priced games every Wednesday (NerdWallet)
The implication: most competitors are either pure arcades or pure restaurants. Dave & Buster’s owns the middle ground, which works for group outings where some want to eat and others want to play.
Upsides
- Wide range of games for all ages
- Food and drinks available on-site
- Good deals like half-price Wednesday
- Large venues suitable for parties
- Prize redemption adds excitement
Downsides
- Can be expensive without deals
- Noisy environment, especially evenings
- Age restrictions limit late-night groups
- Game chip costs add up quickly
- Not all locations have same hours
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Over 140 locations in North America (Dave & Buster’s Locations)
- Half-priced games on Wednesdays (NerdWallet)
- Unlimited pass costs $39.99 for 60 days (CNBC)
- House policy: under 21 need guardian 25+ (Dave & Buster’s House Policies)
What’s unclear
- Exact number of games per chip varies by game type (Yelp review)
- Age curfews differ by location (Dave & Buster’s House Policies)
- Unlimited pass exclusions vary by store
“Many 16-20 year olds want to come to Dave & Buster’s to play games with their friends.”
Yelp reviewer, Dublin, CA (Yelp)
“We keep the Wednesday half-price deal because it drives the most foot traffic of the week—our loyal customers know to come then.”
Corporate spokesperson, Dave & Buster’s (Dave & Buster’s Offers)
Editor’s verdict
For families with young children, the choice is clear: arrive before 11 PM on weekends to avoid curfew, or choose a daytime visit. For groups of friends looking for an affordable night out, Wednesday half-priced games and the unlimited pass offer the best value. The trade-off is that evening visits get noisy and age-restricted, so plan accordingly. Budget-conscious 20-somethings should hit a Wednesday session with an Eat & Play Combo, or skip the dinner and just buy chips with the savings to get the most from their trip.
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For a detailed look at game chip costs and entry age rules at each venue, refer to this Dave & Busters guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the operating hours for Dave & Buster’s?
Hours vary by location. For example, the Davenport, Iowa location is open Sunday 10 AM–midnight and Monday–Thursday 11 AM–midnight (Dave & Buster’s Davenport). Use the official location finder for store-specific hours.
Does Dave & Buster’s have a dress code?
No formal dress code, but the house policy prohibits clothing with offensive graphics or gang-related symbols. Shirts and shoes required.
Can I host a birthday party at Dave & Buster’s?
Yes, many locations offer birthday party packages that include games, food, and a dedicated host. Contact your local store for pricing.
Does Dave & Buster’s serve food?
Yes, a full menu of American classics (burgers, wings, salads, pasta, desserts) is available at the restaurant and bar area.
Is parking free at Dave & Buster’s?
Parking is typically free, especially at suburban strip-mall locations. Downtown venues may have paid parking garages.
Can I use my season pass at any location?
The unlimited gameplay pass is usually valid at any Dave & Buster’s location in the same country. Check the pass terms for cross-border use.
How do I redeem prize tickets?
Bring your Power Card to the Winners Circle counter. Tickets are stored digitally on the card; you can redeem them for prizes displayed in the showroom.