Tucked away in a warehouse in South Nashville, is an 18,000 square-foot arcade paradise. Game Terminal opened in November 2020 and as word spreads, I’m positive will become a Nashville destination.
Game Terminal has a large collection of arcade games, pinball machines and an outdoor courtyard with even more games. The amazing part is you can enjoy a lot of the games for free.
Is it Really Free to Play?
All but two of the arcade machines are free to play. If you want to play pinball, then it is a dollar a game. You can purchase tokens from the waitstaff or use cash in token machines available near the bars.
The games outside are also free to play. There are a few games that require you to leave your license at the host stand to borrow equipment. For example, to play ping pong, the paddles and balls are at the host stand.
$8 Admission Fee for Under 21s
Starting on January 18, 2022, Game Terminal now has an $8 admission fee for guests under 21. This rate will include access to our 136 free arcade games, board games, outdoor games, and unlimited fun. Guests over the age of 21 will still be able to enter for free.
Open to All Ages
Game Terminal is open to all ages until 8 PM. After 8 PM, you must be 21 or older to visit. We arrived when the arcade opened at 4 PM, and had plenty to keep us busy for 3.5 hours.
Arcade Games and Pinball
The main attraction at Game Terminal is the arcade. There are both arcade games and pinball. From driving games to shooting games to classics like Frogger and Pac-Man, Game Terminal has them all! Check out the full list of games on their website to see if they have your favorite.
If you are a pinball fan, you will be in heaven. There are at least 100 different pinball machines. Each is $1 to play.
If you really love pinball, Game Terminal is also home to Music City Pinball, where you can purchase pinball machines to have at home.
Outdoor Games
The outdoor courtyard has additional seating and a wide range of lawn games.
Mega sized Jenga is ready to play with friends.
You can also play one of many giant Connect 4 games.
Cornhole is (of course) video game themed.
There is one ping pong table that was very popular when we visited. As I mentioned, to play you need to get the paddles and balls from the host stand.
In addition, there are two full sized shuffleboard courts and also trash can beer pong played with rubber playground balls.
Board Games
Challenge your friends and family to a board game. Game Terminal has a large selection for all ages. All you have to do is ask for one at the host stand. From Uno to Battleship to Life to Scrabble and Monopoly, I’m sure they have your favorite.
Food and Drink
Food and drink are available with table service. There are two full bars with an extensive drinks menu, including sodas and non-alcoholic options.
The food is provided by a rotating schedule of food trucks, so the menu will be different depending on when you visit. We had street tacos with chips and queso, which were a hit with the whole family.
Even though the food is prepared in a food truck, it is ordered from waitstaff inside Game Terminal and brought to your table just like any other restaurant. The food truck schedule and menus can be found on the Game Terminal website.
How to Make Reservations
Reservations are required to visit Game Terminal. Tables for up to parties of 8 can be booked via Resy using their website or the app.
Resy requires you to enter a credit card to secure your reservation, and there is a warning that you could be charged $25 per person if you cancel less than 2 hours before your reservation or don’t show up.
My family of four was able to get a table the same day we wanted to visit. Most tables are bar height with stools, but there are a several lounge sofa setups too.
Private Events
Game Terminal has two private party rooms for birthday parties and other fun celebrations. Reach out to Game Terminal’s Private Event staff for more details.
