GameWorks Seattle – Downtown Seattle, WA, USA
A hybrid arcade and esports lounge packed with PCs, consoles, VR, dining, and event space. Located at 1511 7th Avenue, GameWorks Seattle is a sprawling entertainment destination combining a classic arcade, modern esports lounge, full-service restaurant/bar, and event venue under one roof. It officially reopened in August 2022 under original leadership and offerings after a brief COVID-related closure.
The venue’s esports lounge, situated on a balcony overlooking the arcade floor, features Alienware PCs locked in Cougar Armor chairs, alongside PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles positioned next to the bar for easy social access. GameWorks offers access to over 100 competitive titles, including Fortnite, League of Legends, Apex Legends, Smash Bros, Dota 2, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat.
GameWorks also supports weekly and monthly esports events, including casual tournaments, superfans watch parties, fighting game community meetups (e.g. weekly Smash nights, Street Fighter, Tekken), and official viewing events for RLCS and Red Bull Conquest competitors. These events are organized by both Gameworks staff and local community groups like the Seattle FGC and Seattle Online Broadcasters Alliance (SOBA).
Yet, longtime patrons and Reddit users offer mixed nostalgia—some note that a significant portion of the arcade cabinets remain unchanged from before closure, with reports of dated or broken machines and unchanged design despite a refreshed interior. These critiques suggest GameWorks leans more towards polishing its beloved legacy than completely reinventing itself.
The venue also features The Works Kitchen, a modern American menu offering burgers, sandwiches, large milkshakes, and craft cocktails—a foodie & gamer fusion experience.
As Seattle’s largest arcade and esports venue, GameWorks downtown Seattle offers a nostalgic yet functional setting that blends classic arcade gaming with modern esports, casual hangouts, and event-hosting capabilities—all within walking distance of the convention center and downtown transit hubs.
Gaming at a glance:
📍 1511 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
🕒 Wed–Thu 12 PM–9 PM; Fri 12 PM–11 PM; Sat 11 AM–11 PM; Sun 11 AM–9 PM
💻 Alienware PCs, Xbox/PlayStation/Switch, VR & arcade machines
🏆 Weekly esports events, casual tournaments, live stream screenings
💲 Hourly console/PC rates; restaurant/bar on-site
🎯 Great for mixed groups, family nights, competitive gaming
📞 +1 (425) 307‑8070
📧 via website
🌐 https://www.gameworks.com/