Family dinner can be a challenge. Kids want something engaging, parents want time to connect, and everyone wants a meal they will enjoy. Dave & Buster's brings those pieces together by pairing family-friendly dining with arcade play. Dinner becomes an experience the whole family can look forward to, rather than another weeknight chore.

Why the Standard Family Restaurant Model Isn't Working

• The Kids Are Bored: Coloring pages and crayons do not hold every child's attention for long. At many standard family restaurants, kids reach for a parent's phone within minutes of sitting down.
• The Parents Are Rushed: Many family restaurants prioritize quick table turnover. Families order, eat, and leave before they have much time for conversation or connection.
• The Food Is Compromised: It can be difficult to find a menu that works for picky eaters and adults who want a satisfying meal. Someone often ends up with food that feels like an afterthought.
• The Cost-Value Math Is Wrong: A family dinner at a casual dining chain typically runs $60-80 for a family of four, without a memorable experience attached. The money is spent, but the memory may not be.

How Dave & Buster's Redesigns the Family Dinner

• Kids Have Something to Look Forward To: Arcade time after dinner gives kids a clear incentive to stay engaged at the table. They know a fun activity is waiting once the meal is over.
• Parents Get to Eat: The kitchen serves chef-crafted food, the bar offers cocktails, and the pace of service gives families room to enjoy dinner together.
• Everyone Gets What They Want: The kids menu covers familiar favorites, while the adult menu gives parents more satisfying choices. Drinks from the bar round out the meal, so no one feels overlooked.
• The Value Math Works: Family Eat & Play combos pair dinner with entertainment for less than a casual dining family meal alone. The result is a meal and an experience in one visit.

Turning a Weeknight Into a Special Occasion

• End-of-Semester Celebrations: Mark the last day of school, the first day of summer break, or the end of a big project with a relaxed family dinner and arcade time.
• Report Card Rewards: Good grades, honor roll recognition, and other academic accomplishments deserve a celebration kids will enjoy. Dave & Buster's makes a rewarding family dinner easy to plan.
• Team Wins: Celebrate the end of a soccer season, a swim meet, or a team championship with a meal and games the entire family can share.
• Rainy Day Rescues: When outdoor plans are cancelled, an indoor family evening at Dave & Buster's can turn a disappointing day around.
• Just Because: A random Wednesday can become memorable when dinner comes with games, laughter, and a reason to spend time together.

How to Plan a Great Family Dinner Visit

• Reserve Ahead for Weekends: Weekend dinner slots fill up. Reserve online 2-3 days ahead for guaranteed seating.
• Order the Family Eat & Play Combo: The value is better than ordering à la carte, and a combo can make dinner planning simpler for the entire table.
• Set Arcade Time Expectations: Let kids know the plan before you arrive: dinner first, then an hour of play, followed by the trip home. Clear expectations can make leaving easier.
• Split Power Card Credits Wisely: Give each child their own card with their share of credits. This can reduce sibling arguments over which games to play.
• End at the Prize Center: At the end of the visit, everyone can combine their tickets for one shared prize or a family-sized celebration. The prize center provides a natural finish to the evening.

Memorable family dinners are still easy to find when the venue offers more than a meal. Dave & Buster's combines chef-crafted food, active entertainment, and value packages that can make a family night feel special. Reserve a table, choose your combo, and make dinner the kind of outing your kids remember. Available at every Dave & Buster's location.