By Camila Rocha
Calling all Riverside gamers and foodies! Situated in downtown Riverside, the Riverside Game Lab is the ideal blend of unique entertainment, drinks, and food. This local hotspot is a fusion of an arcade and bar perfect for private parties or a casual night out with friends. Stop by the Riverside Game Lab to dive into the nostalgic past and innovative future of gaming!
Arcade Gaming
The Riverside Game Lab’s main attraction is clear: the games. This popular destination houses a collection of over 100 game machines to satisfy any player. From modern games like Stranger Things pinball to classics like Donkey Kong, the past and future of arcade games are brought together under one roof. Several virtual reality booths are also available for visitors searching for an immersive gaming experience. Guests craving more physical games can also enjoy basketball hoops and air hockey machines. The categories of games include classic arcade, shooting, racing, pinball, rhythm, fighting, and more!
Drink and Play
Quench your thirst without leaving gaming heaven with the Riverside Game Lab bar! In addition to arcade games, a variety of specialty cocktails and craft beers are available to customers over 21. The menu includes mixed drinks, canned beers, draft beer, specialty Red Bull cocktails, house cocktails, and cocktail shots. Creatively named drinks like the Princess Peach—a house cocktail made from tequila, peach schnapps, ruby red grapefruit, lemon, and lime—or the Inceneroar—a cocktail shot that combines Jack Fire, strawberry liqueur, and orange juice—will surely delight any visitors!
Eat and Play
Even the best game enthusiasts need a stamina boost while smashing high scores! The Riverside Food Lab offers comfort foods and entrees perfect for eating on the go. Try the french fries or tots for an energy powerup! If you are looking for a fresh take on a classic, the Lo-Fries and Lo-Tots—french fries or tater tots with bacon, grilled onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese—will excite your taste buds.
Events and More
Connect with other arcade lovers or host events at the Riverside Game Lab! Groups of over 50 and under 450 people can buyout the building for a private evening of fun. Visitors with a competitive spirit can also join weekly esports tournaments and even win prizes.
Hours, Parking, and Beyond
There are no entry fees for the Riverside Game Lab. Visitors can use Riverside Game Lab Cards available for purchase at kiosks to pay for all arcade and pinball games.
Arcade customers can visit other establishments within the Fox Entertainment Plaza, including the Fox Performing Arts Theatre and the Riverside Food Lab. The building is also located a brief walk away from the historic Mission Inn Hotel, The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, and other culturally significant tourist destinations.
Parking is available behind the building on Fairmount Boulevard in Parking Structure #7. Only guests over the age of 21 can enter after 10 p.m.
The Riverside Game Lab is closed on Mondays and open from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday. On Fridays, the arcade opens from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturdays are from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
For more information about the Riverside Game Lab, visit their online website or send an email to info@riversidegamelab.com.
