Arcades are a Toronto staple. Whether it’s for the nostalgia factor, to challenge yourself or to let your inner child out, we all love taking that trip back in time when we play our favourite games. There’s nothing quite like the excitement of pulling those handles and waiting to hear the clacking of the reels or the blaring of the music. With a variety of arcades throughout the city, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs.

For some of the best in retro gaming, check out the Midnight Arcade in Kensington Market. The space is tucked away behind a discreet door and welcomes you with a cool vibe and neon colours. The bar itself looks like it’s straight out of a video game and has multiple seating options including high bar tables and more private booths. Co-owner Christine Pham has a knack for creating cool, comfortable spaces and this is no exception.

While the hotel’s Arcade Toronto is a pop-up set to close March 19, it certainly has its charms. It’s a great reminder of what it was to be an arcade back in the day before the rise of mall culture. Inside the space are a few pinball machines, air hockey, dance floor, and a quartet of Mario Kart racers that’ll have you feeling like a kid again. The best part is that if you’re staying at the hotel you get free access to all the fun.

With a homage to the old-school, this place has two floors of classic arcade games and consoles that are all for you to enjoy. You’ll also find a jukebox, a dance floor and a menu of street food-inspired eats served from a mock food truck window. It’s a great spot to grab drinks and hang out with friends or have a date night.

The building is a heritage landmark and the original arcade was built in 1884 with contrasting brick and Ohio sandstone. The design was influential and helped to shape the layout of modern shopping centres. The arcade was a popular destination and was the first of its kind in Canada.

Aside from the arcade there’s also a cafe and live performance space. You can order cocktails and beers from the bar while playing your favourite arcade games and listening to live bands. The jukebox is great for picking your favorite tunes and there’s even an option to rent out a pinball machine if you’re craving a little nostalgia.

If you’re looking for an arcade that has a little bit of everything, this is the place to be. This Bloorcourt pub has over 50 classic and midway games to choose from for free, alongside a handful of consoles. For those who aren’t interested in paying cover, they offer all-ages nights with a food and drink menu that caters to the younger crowd. There are also perks for service industry employees and specials on beer like $5 gin on Thursdays and $5 fireball on Fridays.