Emporium Arcade Bar — Restaurant in San Francisco

Working with The Emporium is a NIGHTMARE if you're an event planner or someone hosting a private event. I have an event planning business and my client was a group of 40 legal professionals in San Francisco. It is literally IMPOSSIBLE to reach a human from The Emporium by phone to ask questions, and coordinate your event! They insist everything be done by email, making it very difficult and arduous to get decisions made, food catered in/delivered (they don't have a kitchen) and to communicate details to your client/guests. (The Emporium person I communicated with---who will not be at the venue for your event---told me that they would tell us the night of our event where in their multi-level building our group would be. Because a large company had bought out the venue the same evening before our event, and their party ended at 6 pm, they wouldn't let us enter the building until 7 pm, which was the start time of our event. Even though I was having food delivered from 2 caterers, the guard outside wouldn't even let me stand in the lobby so I'd have somewhere to put the trays of food. He wouldn't let my volunteer and I even stand OUTSIDE of the lobby to get off the sidewalk where the guests leaving the previous party were milling around. It was windy and rainy and we had to stand outside on the sidewalk for 45 min. He was rude and NOT cooperative (even though I told him I was the person organizing the event, not a guest).

When we finally got inside, there was no one to greet us to give us the location for our event. Throughout the planning process---it was like pulling teeth to get any commitments from The Emporium re: how many tables we could have for our group, where the tables would be etc. We didn't expect to have seating for all guests but wanted somewhere to display the food. We had been told we'd be on the "main level" since that supposedly was the only level to be open that night. Instead, after I had to go looking for someone (I was told in an email to "check in" with the bartender---who appeared to be drunk) and finally a woman behind the bar told us we'd be on the third level.

The corner they gave us was very dark, only had 4 - 5 small cocktail rounds, and benches along the wall. There was a bar a few steps down from this space---but it was closed. This meant our guests had to go up & down approx. 30 steps every time they wanted a beverage!

Half the picnic tables were empty on the level below where we were crammed into a dark corner and one of our sponsors had to find a garbage can so our guests would have somewhere to throw out their used paper plates, napkins etc.

They did not give me a place to check in our guests at the door so I could let them know where our space was, so I positioned myself on a table-top Pac Man arcade game just to have a 3 ft. square spot to meet & greet guests, get their entries for a drawing, get name tags etc. Of course, the security guards came over to tell me I had to move (even though no one came over to say " I really want to play that Pac Man game you're on") so they put me at a barrel in the middle of the lobby and I managed to find a stool to sit on. And this was our check-in "table".

If you're an Event Planner, or someone holding a private event at The Emporium S.F. for 30 or more people, expect to have a VERY FRUSTRATING time getting details from their staff while planning the event, knowing BEFORE your event where your space will be and how many tables you can have (and then actually BEING in that space once you arrive, getting cooperation from staff once you arrive, or having the things venues usually provide e.g. a check-in table, places to put signage (they don't allow signage of any kind anywhere), and an on-site manager who can give you reliable answers to questions or resolve issues. If you'd like to feel respected or valued as a customer, I'D BOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE!

There was one bright spot in the evening: Nick the bartender (who wasn't drunk) was friendly, helpful and efficient.

Emporium: You have A LOT to learn about hosting...

San Francisco abounds with entertainment options. It’s the type of place you can enjoy solo or with children as part of a family trip. I visited here most recently with my family, but my wife and I made it a point to get away on our own at least once and one of the places we visited was The Emporium, an adult arcade.

Walk inside The Emporium and you will notice a large movie screen on the back wall, an upper balcony, and seats that are curved and oriented toward the screen. It should be obvious that this was once a movie theater that has been converted to a place for fun and games. And there are quite a few games from which to choose. You can play pinball, pool, air hockey, foosball, and assorted video games all in the company of adult friends and adult family.

Since The Emporium is all about adult entertainment, one would expect to find lots of tasty adult beverages, and that is certainly the case at this establishment. I tended to focus on the beer and I made many memorable malt beverage discoveries when I was here. If beer isn’t your preference, they have other drinks, too. Walking around and playing different video games will certainly invoke feelings of yesteryear when you would hang out at with your besties at the local arcade. With beer or cocktail in hand, the memories will be even more enhanced, and this is what I like best about The Emporium. It’s all about adult fun, reminiscing about your gaming days, and leaving the kids behind.

Could The Emporium be improved? One way would be to add food to the mix. It would be cool to sit down with a quick burger or sandwich, then focus on playing games. Another way to improve would be with more frequent maintenance on the games. I noticed more than one pair of individuals having issues with the air hockey, for example. The air was barely flowing and that meant the puck didn’t glide the way it should.

Family fun and entertainment can create lasting memories. But adults need to have fun, too, and The Emporium is a satisfying means to spend adult time playing games and drinking beer or cocktails. It’s a nice getaway that anyone age 21 and up should check out on their next visit to...

Emporium Arcade Bar is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for nostalgic fun mixed with a modern, energetic vibe. Spread across three massive levels, this place is more than just an arcade — it’s a full-blown entertainment experience.

From the moment you enter, you can tell this place is well-run. Security is tight and professional — they check IDs at the entrance, which adds a sense of safety. The venue itself is impressively clean, which is not always the case with arcade-style venues. That immediately made the experience more enjoyable.

Now let’s talk games — there are over 20 to 30 machines, including everything from classic pinball, basketball shootouts, Mario Kart, DDR, Fruit Ninja, and so much more. Whether you’re into rhythm games, racing, sports, or nostalgic button-mashers, you’ll find something that brings out your inner child. There’s even a pool table, vending machines, and a photo booth for extra fun moments with friends.

What really surprised me was the value: you can exchange $10 for 40 tokens, and most games cost just 4–8 credits per player — super reasonable for hours of entertainment. It’s not overly expensive considering the quality of the space and variety of options.

Aside from games, there’s a great selection of bar bites and drinks, plus free plain water, which is such a thoughtful touch when you’re staying for a while or moving between games. The bar staff are quick, friendly, and the vibe is upbeat without being too chaotic.

And don’t miss the huge stage area that hosts events and live music — the energy really shifts on performance nights, turning the place into a mini concert venue.

In short, Emporium Arcade Bar hits the sweet spot: ✅ Clean & secure ✅ Packed with entertainment ✅ Reasonable pricing ✅ Good food & drinks ✅ Great layout across 3 levels

Whether you’re with friends, on a date, or just feeling nostalgic for the games you grew up with — this place delivers. 💯 🔥 Best place ever, I'll certainly come back many...