GameTime Tampa sits in the heart of Ybor City, Tampa’s historic entertainment district, where it has carved out a reputation as a lively barcade that works for both families and grown-up nights out. Categorized as a video arcade, the venue blends classic coin-op nostalgia with a full bar and kitchen, giving it a hybrid feel that appeals to a wide audience of Tampa gamers.
The arcade draws consistently high marks for its energetic atmosphere and standout staff, while also sparking lively debate around pricing structures and ticket redemptions. With 2,400 Google reviews averaging 4.1 stars, GameTime is one of Tampa’s most-discussed gaming destinations, sitting alongside other notable Tampa spots in the broader arcade scene. Readers can browse neighbors through the arcade finder directory or the interactive arcade map.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Tampa, FL |
| Phone | +1 813-241-9675 |
| Hours | Mon–Wed 11 AM–11 PM; Thu 11 AM–12 AM; Fri 11 AM–2 AM; Sat 10 AM–2 AM; Sun 10 AM–11 PM |
| Rating | 4.1 out of 5 from 2,400 Google reviews |
| Best For | Barcade play, family outings, birthday parties, group events |
What Players Say
GameTime Tampa earns strong praise for an energetic, family-friendly atmosphere, with reviewers consistently highlighting the helpfulness of staff as a reason to return. Unlimited play passes and Groupon deals are widely cited as good value, though opinions split on per-credit pricing and ticket redemptions when compared to chains like Dave & Buster’s. The kitchen is a wildcard: many guests rave about chicken tenders, wings, and bar bites, while a smaller number report inconsistent execution, so visitors may want to calibrate their expectations on the dining side.
The standout theme across hundreds of reviews is service. As one Google review wrote, “Candy is the reason we stayed and this review is a 5 star,” underscoring how individual staff members shape the experience. The vibe itself is also a clear strength, captured in a separate Google review that called it “fun and charged atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff.” Family groups give the venue especially high marks — a Google review noted, “Our kids loved this place! We were happy that all of the kids had fun especially since they range from 6 to 17 years old.”
Value is another recurring talking point. The Tuesday deal drew specific praise: “Tuesday $10 two-hour unlimited play is the best value,” according to a Google review. On the flip side, redemptions frustrate some visitors — “for $200 in credits, I was only able to accumulate ~4,000 tickets” — and parking has drawn comments including “parking which was $20.” Crowds vary with the day, with one Google review advising, “I’d recommend going during the day over the weekend because it wasn’t super crowded.”
A careful caveat applies to the game floor itself. While the variety and selection are widely liked, machine upkeep earns mixed marks: “Some games work, some don’t, some have missing pieces/parts,” per a Google review. Food quality follows the same pattern, with one Google review reporting, “Both of my kids chicken tenders were put on the table as black and burnt as can be,” making this a venue worth visiting with realistic expectations. Birthday and group bookings, however, are an unambiguous bright spot — “I booked the Deluxe Party package for my son’s 9th birthday and it did not disappoint,” one Google review confirmed.
Games & Machines
Because a detailed machine manifest is not part of the public record for this listing, specific titles and platform mixes can’t be quoted here. As a categorised video arcade with barcade trappings, the venue centers its offering on coin-op and card-swipe play alongside redemption and prize games, which is consistent with the family-friendly variety repeatedly mentioned by visitors. For a closer look at redemption value and machine conditions before a visit, the full GameTime Tampa venue page rounds out the picture.
Visiting
GameTime Tampa is in the Ybor City neighborhood, Tampa’s historic entertainment core, and can be reached at +1 813-241-9675 for direct inquiries. Hours run 11 AM to 11 PM Monday through Wednesday, stretch to midnight on Thursday, run late to 2 AM on Friday and Saturday, and open at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday before closing at 11 PM. The full weekly schedule is summarized in the At a Glance table above.
The venue functions as a barcade, so food and drink are part of the package, though kitchen consistency varies by report, with chicken tenders, wings, and bar bites cited as favorites. Groups and birthday parties are a clear strength, with Deluxe Party packages surfacing in visitor feedback as a hit with kids. If you’re planning a visit, the interactive arcade map makes it easy to compare GameTime with other Tampa venues, and venue operators can claim this listing to keep its details current.