CityCade Arcade Bar, located at 122 South Oakland Street in Gastonia, North Carolina, opened its doors as an arcade and bar around late 2019 or early 2020. Prior to its current incarnation, owner Byron Smith operated a car stereo shop at the same address for a decade before transforming the space. The venue offers a blend of classic and modern entertainment, featuring numerous retro arcade cabinets, many of which are set to free play. Its selection of pinball machines includes contemporary Stern titles like Stranger Things and The Mandalorian, with some machines available on a pay-to-play basis and others offered on free play during specific events. Additional attractions include claw machines, racing games, rail gun games, Dance Dance Revolution, and a popular Boxer arcade machine, alongside air hockey and skee ball in its outdoor area.
Beyond its gaming offerings, CityCade functions as a community hub, providing a full bar with cocktails, beer, and a rotating selection of food trucks from Thursday through Saturday, complementing a limited snack menu. The establishment hosts regular themed nights, including a weekly pinball league on Wednesdays, trivia nights on Thursdays, and karaoke on Fridays and sometimes Saturdays, with prizes awarded to participants. While Wednesdays and Thursdays are family-friendly, allowing all ages, the venue transitions to a 21+ environment on Fridays and Saturdays after 9 PM. CityCade is recognized in the local Gastonia community for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse patronage, fostering connections through shared experiences and nostalgic entertainment.
