Nashville’s Grown-Up Playgrounds: 12 Spots for Food, Drinks & Fun

Whether you’re nostalgic for classic arcade games, curious about curling, or ready to show off your golf skills, Nashville is full of places where adults can eat, drink, and play. These grown-up playgrounds pair entertainment — think everything from bowling to axe throwing and pinball — with delicious food and drink menus, making them perfect for date nights, group outings, or simply letting off steam after work. Table of Contents

ARCADES

Game Terminal

Neighborhood: South Nashville

More Info: gameterminal.com

Game Terminal is the ultimate playground for arcade and pinball enthusiasts who can’t pick a favorite. From pop culture-themed pinball machines to arcade classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, there’s something for every type of gamer here. Between games, pop by the bar to order a cocktail, beer, or maybe even a champagne tower. Then, when hunger strikes, enjoy a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, classic burger, or crispy chicken tenders.

SB Tip: While some arcade games are free to play, tokens are required for pinball and select games.

No Quarter

Neighborhood: East Nashville

More Info: noquarternashville.com

A no-frills favorite in East Nashville, No Quarter is all about pinball. While the bar keeps things simple with beer, wine, and cocktails, guests can grab food from the Brave Idiot food truck parked out back. The menu includes everything from a classic burger to a fresh take on the classic tomato sandwich.

Up-Down

Neighborhood: East Nashville

More Info: updownarcadebar.com

Just steps from the Basement East, Up-Down offers a seemingly endless amount of fun. From Skee-Ball to Mario Kart, Dance Dance Revolution, and various pinball machines, you can easily kill a few hours here. After purchasing tokens, order from the bar’s selection of craft cocktails and beer. Or, if you’re hungry, stop by the pizza window to grab a slice (or two).

COMPETITIVE SOCIAL GAMES

Play Playground

Neighborhood: Downtown

More Info: playplayground.com

One of Nashville’s newer additions, Play Playground is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an immersive, adult-only indoor playground that turns happy hour into full-on recess. The 20,000-square-foot space features larger-than-life games, interactive challenges, obstacle courses, and ball pits. In addition to a full bar, you can enjoy light bites like pimento cheese dip, hushpuppies, and fried buffalo cauliflower. General admission is $37 daily and includes 135 game credits, which equals about 90 minutes of gameplay.

SB Tip: While the venue is 21+ in the evenings, guests ages 13 and up are welcome before 7 p.m.

Bad Axe Throwing

Neighborhood: SoBro

More Info: badaxethrowing.com

Downtown’s Bad Axe Throwing is home to 14 indoor lanes, an outdoor patio, and private bar tops at each lane. Before or after your throwing session, stop by the on-site restaurant, Blu Ox Restaurant & Bar. The Northwoods‑inspired menu includes hearty sandwiches, nachos, tater tots, cocktails, and local drafts. While walk-ins are always welcome, book ahead if you’re planning a special night out (or want a lane all to yourself). Admission starts at $31.95 per person.

BOWLING & BEYOND

16-Bit & Pins Mechanical

Neighborhood: The Gulch

More Info: 16-bitbar.com + pinsbar.com

Located under the same roof, 16-Bit Bar & Arcade and Pins Mechanical offer everything from vintage arcade games to pinball, giant Jenga, and bocce ball. Perhaps the biggest draw, however, is duckpin bowling — a smaller, more fast-paced version of traditional bowling where players are given three tries to knock down as many pins as possible.

The bar leans into nostalgia with cheeky, cleverly named cocktails like the Hulk Hogan, Carrie Fisher, and Hazed & Confused. While there’s no on-site kitchen, food trucks are often parked out front, and guests are welcome to bring their own bites.

Most games and pinball machines are free to play, while duckpin bowling is $8 per person Monday through Thursday and $9 Friday through Sunday.

Tee Line

Neighborhood: Charlotte Park/The Nations More Info: teelinenash.com

If you’ve ever wanted to try curling, Tee Line is the place to do it. This one-of-a-kind venue in The Nations offers curling, bowling, and a full-service restaurant and bar for a fun and approachable group outing. Not sure how to curl? Don’t fret! Instructors are available to help walk you through the basics.

Beyond curling and bowling, Tee Line offers a relaxed atmosphere with TVs for catching the game, a menu of elevated bar food, and a solid drink list featuring beer, cocktails, and wine. Admission is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

Pinewood Social

Neighborhood: SoBro More Info: pinewoodsocial.com

Tucked behind Pinewood Social’s dining room, you’ll find six reclaimed wood bowling lanes that blend vintage charm with modern flair. Originally salvaged from a 1950s Bowl-O-Rama in Indiana, the lanes offer a nostalgic escape, with the bonus of Pinewood’s full food and drink menu delivered right to you. Popular picks include the white bean hummus, blackened chicken sandwich, and fried chicken.

Each lane accommodates up to eight people, and while walk-ins are welcome, reservations are strongly recommended. Pricing starts at $67.50 Monday through Thursday and $90 Friday through Sunday.

Brooklyn Bowl

Neighborhood: Germantown

More Info: brooklynbowl.com

At Brooklyn Bowl, the best seats in the house might just be behind a bowling lane. The unique concert venue is home to 19 private bowling lanes — each equipped with high-definited projection screens so you won’t miss a second of the show below. Between turns, relax on the nearby couch while restaurant staff deliver food and drinks straight to your lane. Menu highlights include French bread pizza, fried chicken, and pulled pork sliders.

Eastside Bowl

Neighborhood: Madison

More Info: eastsidebowl.com

Housed in a former Kmart, Eastside Bowl features 16 boutique bowling lanes, a music venue, an old-school diner, and even an arcade. While traditional bowling is always an option, the venue also offers HyperBowling — a tech-savvy form of bowling with interactive challenges designed for all skill levels. (Plus, there are no gutterballs!)

Beyond the lanes, you’ll find a full bar and food menu featuring comfort-food favorites like shepherd’s pie, burgers, and grown-up grilled cheese. Pricing starts at $35 per hour per lane, with up to six people allowed per lane. Shoe rental is $3.

GOLF GAMING

Topgolf

Neighborhood: Downtown/South Nashville

More Info: topgolf.com

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just swinging for fun, Topgolf offers an exciting experience that’s equal parts game and social hangout. The 100+ climate-controlled bays are equipped with a digital scoring system and lounge seating, making this an ideal outing for groups as players aim for large outfield targets using microchipped balls.

The venue also boasts a full-service restaurant and bar, rooftop terrace, and live music on select nights. Menu highlights include shareable apps like nachos and macaroni bites, along with flatbreads, wings, tacos, and signature cocktails.

Pricing varies by time and day, but off-peak hours start around $41 per hour, per bay (up to six players), plus a one-time $5 membership fee.

Puttshack

Neighborhood: The Gulch

More Info: puttshack.com

Puttshack offers a fun and creative twist on mini golf. Decked out in neon lights, the lively atmosphere features tech-infused golf with automated scoring. Between rounds, head to the full-service bar and restaurant for globally inspired bites and inventive cocktails. Standouts include the poutine, Korean BBQ bao buns, and the cold brew espresso martini. Prices start at $14 per person, depending on the day and time, and reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Game on, Nashville!

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