Oscar's Playground — Local services in Monterey

What a great place to throw a birthday party! Oscar's Playground is where the old Blue Fin bar used to be so it's on the third level of the building in Cannery Row. This is one of the best deals in town!! They really take care of you and give you a beautiful, clean and spacious party room to set up a party in. They put out the tables for you and the chairs and even had a Bluetooth speaker to play music through. I didn't even realize until the actual party day that there was a beautiful balcony/patio that overlooks Cannery Row and all the exciting action below. The giant room had windows and fresh air coming through and an awesome view from all sides. We got to set up the party and have banners with permission with approved tape and it was great! I can't say enough wonderful things about their staff. Shout out to Malcolm especially for being the initial person who drew me into wanting to have a party here and he answered all my questions with such patience. He gave me all the information I needed to call in and reserve a date. I spoke with the wonderful Christine and she is an absolute doll. She really worked with me on setting a date and explained everything thoroughly. It's a great deal for the room and game cards. When I invited my daughter's classmates, another mom had said they already had a party and loved it here. The best deal is to get the unlimited cards and let the kids have free reign for 90 minutes. You can alter it how you see fit but they explain to me why it was such a great deal at the way they suggested. The arcade area is clean, and they even have a couple of old school games and carnival like games too. They have a great little bar that serves beer and seltzers and pizza. They also have a way better system for getting prizes that are won by the tickets in the carnival games which is a vending machine type of carousel. My daughter loves this way better than trying to pick from behind a glass counter with some poor attendant that has to patiently stand there while the kids try and spend every last ticket. Lol. Just a note if you get certain cards, they don't always give out game tickets to win prizes but you can talk to the attendant about that before you purchase. I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone and everyone! Again all the staff were so courteous and so polite that we ended up feeding them pizzas and cupcakes and did I mention that they do the clean up for you? We threw away the main trash but they tell you not to worry about the wiping of tables and stuff like that and they throw away your trash. Out of respect though, any decent person should clean up after themselves within reason. I hope they never get rid of the employees, especially Malcolm who is an asset to the business!!! 💕 And the great thing about this is you can have anybody cater the event or bring your own food in, or just order from Oscar's Playground. They also have a couple of escape rooms which I have yet to try but want to. All in all, this is a great place to come on any day to have fun and play video games, and also to throw a party, or just have a date night! And after having a pretty rough week before, with a couple of personal tragedies, they were silver lining...

We visited this place last Saturday, the 18th around 6pm. After a busy day at the aquarium, my wife and I were looking for something to do as a family with our kids to end the day. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a smiling face. The lady working the front recommended that we walk around and check out the establishment before making any purchases. The majority of games were only $1 to play, which is a pleasant change when compared to other places charging near $3 per swipe. The entire level was clean and the staff was very attentive and polite. There were multiple arcade games, pinball machines, a jenga playset, a connect four set, a tic-tac-toe set, and a lounge area with bean bags that kept my little family entertained for hours. The snack bar had plenty of snacks and drinks for both adults and children. The restrooms were also very clean and secure, and when you have little ones, this is a major plus! However, if you're looking for an arcade setup that would rival Dave and Buster's or Round One, this may not be the place for you. This is a smaller venue but for myself, my wife, 4 year old daughter, and 3 year old son...this was the PERFECT place for our family night. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice and relaxing evening surrounded by polite staff in a clean and secure...

Strong in the Force, this place is. A sanctuary of play and challenge, Oscar’s Playground is—a hidden gem where the lighthearted and the bold may test their skills.

The arcade, a battleground of reflex and strategy, offers trials aplenty: ticket redemption games, air hockey, pinball, basketball, and swift-moving racer and shooter games. Most demand but a modest tribute of credits—$1 to $1.50—though some trials, great in reward but steep in price ($5), I chose to forgo. Yet, the wise may find value in their game card offerings, for the credits bestowed are generous.

Beyond the arcade lies a test of mind and will—an escape room, for those who seek to unravel its mysteries. Though this time, my path did not lead me there. A place of respite exists as well, where Jedi and younglings alike may engage in games of oversized Jenga and Connect 4, free to all who seek a moment’s peace. And for those who hunger, sustenance is within reach, ensuring the adventure need not end prematurely.

Oscar’s Playground—balanced it is, in fun and challenge. Whether family, ally, or wandering traveler you may be, a visit to this place is one worth making. If in Monterey you are, seek it...