Happy Valley Arcade Bar

The arcade cabinets here are original machines, not reproductions, and the wear on the joysticks proves it. You'll find Pac-Man, Frogger, Centipede, Donkey Kong, and a whole run of pinball machines, all of them taking real quarters instead of the card-swipe systems that have taken over everywhere else.

Kids are welcome until 7pm, when the place switches to adults-only. The beer list stays mostly regional New York breweries on tap, with a rotating cocktail list and simple bar food: tater tots, chicken tenders, pizza. Once the weather turns warm, the courtyard (string lights, picnic tables) is where everyone ends up. On a good night, it becomes someone's backyard party.

Friday and Saturday nights get crowded fast, and they'll charge a $10 cover once the room fills up. If you want real space to play, come on a weeknight or right when they open at noon. Bring quarters, or break a bill at the bar; the change machine gets a real workout on weekends. They also host birthday parties and private events for a minimum spend, allowing outside food in for kids' parties.