Thinking about adding an element of fun to your bar? Investing in bar games for your establishment can be a great way to create an exciting and unique experience for your patrons.
You don’t have to go straight for something big and expensive like billiards or skeeball. Smaller-scale games like board games or even Jenga can make a big impact for your bar promotion strategy. If you’ve got the space, you may be able to add an entire room full of games or host game nights and competitions.
If you have kids at your football party (or adults who are young at heart), organize a game of hot potato with a football. Have everyone sit in a circle and toss the football to each other while you play music. Stop the music at random points. The player who’s left holding the football when the music stops is out and must leave the circle. Manage your very own beach bar make sure all your customers are happy to win. Manage your dream bar on the beach in the Bahamas! If you can keep expenses down and profits up, you will be a big winner and ensure your retirement! But beware of low season, hurricanes, and production problems that might shipwreck your bar! Play a lot more restaurant games only on y8.com.
Best Bar Games in 2020
1. Pool
Billiards, or Pool, is a classic bar game that encourages customers to get up and socialize a bit, maybe even get a little competitive. Pool tables are expensive and take up a lot of space, but they can really add an element of coolness to yo your bar. You can make your pool tables coin-operated, or charge by the hour.
2. Dice Games
A few dice and some cups can be all you need to give your patrons hours of fun. Dice are very cheap and can be used to play hundreds of different games. You can provide simple cards to show players the rules to a few of the most popular games to give them a head start.
3. Air Hockey
Air hockey has been a popular game since the 1970s and has become a beloved game across the United States. This one is also a bit of an investment and can take up a lot of space but can definitely be worth it if it’s the type of game your customers like to play.
4. Bingo
Another inexpensive crowd favorite is bingo. It’s got all the social benefits of a game like trivia with a little less intensity. The secret to hosting a great bingo night is choosing a lively host calling the numbers. You’ll have to replenish your supplies from time to time, but funding a regular bingo night into your bar event schedule shouldn’t break the bank.
5. Shuffleboard
While a regulation Shuffleboard court is likely too big for your space, tabletop versions are becoming wildly popular in bars all over the US. Table Shuffleboard encourages competition and fun – this game could be just what your bar is missing.
6. Skeeball
Skeeball is a game that reminds a lot of us of our childhoods. It’s a quick and fun game for patrons to play, and you can make the machines coin-operated so each round makes brings your business a bit of revenue.
7. Cornhole
Cornhole, sometimes called Bags, is a great game for sports bars. It’s become increasingly popular over the past several years but has existed in different forms for over one hundred years. This game is low-cost and you can even build your own boards. They take up a good amount of space to be played, but are portable and can be easily stored.
8. Cards Against Humanity
This game is sure to have your patrons laughing nonstop and won’t cost you a ton to get going. Definitely Rated R, Cards Against Humanity has plenty of themed expansion packs you can buy to host fun and exciting play nights as often as you please.
9. Pinball
Pinball machines have gone through many evolutions and became a mainstay in taverns and drug stores in the 1930s. Because they were considered a game of chance rather than skill, pinball machines were outlawed in many places including New York City between the 1940s and the mid-1970s. Today we’re seeing a revival of pinball machines in bars and other types of establishments all over the world.
10. Board Games
Bringing board games like scrabble or trivial pursuit into your establishment is a simple and inexpensive way to incorporate games into your business. They are popular with millennials and don’t take up a ton of space in your bar.
11. Darts
Possibly the most classic of bar games is darts. Patrons have been playing this game in bars and pubs since before World War I. Dartboards and accompanying equipment can be relatively inexpensive and give you the opportunity to start leagues and encourage people to become repeat loyal customers.
12. Foosball
Foosball is an exciting and competitive game that’s a great option if you have space for the table and enough money to spend. You can make the table coin-operated or charge by the hour.
13. Klask
You may not have heard of this one before, and that’s because it’s a Danish game mainly popular in Europe, but it’s gaining traction in the US as well. The Klask setup consists of a tabletop magnetic board that very loosely resembles Air Hockey, several magnets, and a small round ball.
14. Big Buck Hunter
A great game for any bar’s game room is Big Buck Hunter. It’s a straightforward game that taps into many bargoers’ more primal nature, allowing players to hunt deer and ducks by pointing their plastic rifle at the game screen. It’s so popular, they will be hosting their 13th annual World Championship competition in 2020.
15. Buzztime Tablets
A high-tech option for offering games in your bar is investing in Buzztime Tablets. These tablets can be used at the table so patrons can use them to play digital games or participate in live events, check out your menu, or they can be used behind the scenes to manage marketing efforts. If you’ve got the budget and a tech-savvy customer base, this might be the game solution for your bar.
16. Hook and Ring Toss
This game is simple, and that’s what’s made it such a fun and low-maintenance game in bars and pubs for hundreds of years. It’s gone by a number of names throughout its history, like Bimini Ring or Ring The Bull but hasn’t changed much at all over the years. It’s a tried and true staple.
17. Jenga
This childhood favorite is becoming increasingly popular in bars. You can get it in a standard or super-sized version and your customers are sure to be playing non-stop. Gameplay can get a little loud but it is a simple and cheap way to get people having fun.
18. Bocce Ball
Bocce is an Italian ball game with its roots in the ancient games of the Roman Empire. In more recent history’ it’s become a popular game for bargoers. It takes up a lot of space, but it gets patrons moving around and socializing, which can be great for your business.
19. Pac-Man
If you have the funds and the space to accommodate them, old-school arcade games like Pacman can give your bar a cool nostalgic feel. People love Pac-Man. From its creation in 1980 to 2016, Pac-Man generated over $14 billion in revenue and is recognized as the highest-grossing arcade game of all time.
20. Trivia
Trivia can be held regularly and gives patrons a reason to keep returning to your establishment. It’s a fun and competitive game sure to keep attendees spending money in your bar all night. The best part? Aside from promotion and a modest PA system, trivia is a relatively low-cost endeavor. You can also use trivia nights to cater to different demographics or reinforce your bar’s reputation by choosing specific themes.
21. Beer Pong
The ultimate college game, beer pong has now made its way into bars, college dorms, startup offices, and even homes. As tech advances, so does the innovation of beer pong tables. An LED or customized beer pong table is sure to attract more customers to your bar.
Benefits of Adding Games to Your Bar
Bar games are can bring in new business, encourage customers to have fun and socialize, and they can make any experience at your establishment memorable. Patrons playing games are also more likely to stay longer and spend more money in your establishment. Some games even cost money to play, allowing you to really increase your profits.
Before choosing the best games to add to your restaurant or bar’s environment you’ll want to take some time to consider the interests of your patrons, how much you can afford to spend, and the atmosphere of your business.
Next Steps for Your Bar
We know you want your customers to have a great time in your establishment. The better the experience, the longer they’ll stay, the more they’ll purchase, and the more likely they’ll be to return. Incorporating games into the mix can be a fantastic way to create exciting and memorable experiences for your guests.
Now that you’ve read more about all the different options on the market and know what to take into consideration as a business, you’re ready to get started!
Additional Resources for Bars:
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Categories:Breweries
Want guests to stay longer, spend more, and return often? Break out the bar games. You’ll bring patrons together for a great time while creating a lively atmosphere that attracts crowds. Before dusting off Trivial Pursuit, ensure you have the right games for your guests. We make it easy by sharing the 18 best bar games for 2019. Are you game?
ATTRACT MILLENNIALS WITH ON-TREND PARTY GAMES
Adult party games launch laughing fits in living rooms across America. Now, bring the fun (and millennials) to your place. Always have multiple sets of these popular bar games on hand. Fair warning: they’re definitely R-Rated.
1. Cards Against Humanity
With a 5-star Amazon rating based on nearly 40,000 reviews, this is a no brainer as far as bar games go. It’s simple to play: One player asks a question from a black card, the other players answer with their funniest white card. For a PG-version ideal for families, get Apples to Apples instead.
2. What Do You Meme?
Launched in late 2017, this one is already Amazon’s #2 best-selling adult party game. If you want millennials in your bar, you need this game that’s based on trending internet memes.
3. Exploding Kittens
Not as sinister as it sounds, this easy-to-learn party game is actually suitable for ages 7 and up. Created by the millennial-approved cartoonist, The Oatmeal, this is one of the best bar games to purchase now.
4. Pop Culture and Movie Night Trivia
While the first 3 bar games require cards (and are best for groups of 8), there’s no limit to how many people can play Pop Culture and Movie Night Trivia. Questions are pulled from the week’s biggest headlines: viral videos, trending movies, and celeb gossip. Basically, if millennials are talking about it – the topics are in these 2 bar games.
BONUS! More Bar Games Millennials Love Right Now
- Jenga
- Catchphrase
- Settlers of Catan (a strategic board game, known as a Euro Style game)
GET THE CROWD JUMPING WITH PHYSICAL BAR GAMES
Ideal for sports bars, turn your location into an arena with these bar games that require (minimal) physical activity.
5. Cornhole
This bean bag toss game is trending at college campuses and backyard barbeques. Now it’s your turn. You can easily build your own cornhole boards or buy them for about $100 per set. Clear space indoors for a cornhole tournament when it’s raining or snowing outside – you’ll cure cabin fever for guests.
6. Darts
Dart leagues continue to build momentum into 2019. Already have dartboards? Get more guests in the game by asking your best player to host a training session (reward them with a gift card).
7. Shuffleboard
Not just for seniors in Florida, shuffleboard is showing up everywhere from hipster Brooklyn bars to trendy breweries. No, you don’t need to install a regulation 52-foot shuffleboard court – a 9-foot tabletop shuffleboard works well.
8. Hook and Ring Toss
Got shuffleboard sticker shock? Island Jay’s Hook and Ring Toss bar game will cure it…considering you can make it yourself for under $10. Sometimes, the simplest bar games are the best bar games.
BONUS! Other Physical Bar Games to Try
- Bocce ball…big in the South
- Table hockey (or even table tennis)
- Any Wii Sports
- Twister
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The ultimate guide for owners & managers.
BAR GAMES MAKE THE BEST LIVE EVENTS
Build an event around your bar games with these easy, affordable ideas. Don’t forget to set up a Facebook Event for maximum visibility.
9. Olympic Bar Games
The real Olympics kick off in February…so why not launch your own winter Olympics? Guests can form teams to compete in everything from cornhole to flip cup, darts to beer pong. Stagger the competition to keep guests coming back on a weekly basis on your slowest night.
10. Live Trivia
Another one of the best bar games to attract midweek guests? Live trivia events. Every loves trivia night: from college students to baby boomers. It’s one of the best crowd-pleasing bar games.
No need to hire an expensive outside trivia host. Train your own staff to rock the mic. The right live trivia system will provide everything you need – from trivia questions that show up on your TVs to handheld tablets that keep automatic scores.
11. Interactive Trivia Leagues
When you give guests access to nationally scheduled trivia games 15 hours a day, 7 days a week…they’ll find their favorite for sure. In fact, many of the 11 million registered Buzztime players set up Wednesday and Thursday night trivia leagues to play SIX Trivia at their local Buzztime bar. Find out how to become a Buzztime location.
12. Competitive Karaoke
Yes, karaoke can become one of your most popular bar games. Just make it competitive by hiring a local musician or guest panel to give feedback to each performer. You could even use “The Voice” as inspiration and ask that the judges turn their backs to the performers. The winner should get a gift card – and be invited to judge the next week’s event!
13. Poker Tournament
Up the ante on fun with bar games like a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament. Don’t worry. Scoring and standings are generated automatically.
BONUS! More Live Event Ideas
- Charades
- Adult Spelling Bee
- Scrabble Tournament
Take it Outside: Bar Games Perfect for Patios
14. Let’s Go Lawn Bowling
Skittles, or lawn bowling, has been played in Europe for centuries. No lawn? No problem. Set up the 10 wooden pins on the patio floor and let the good times roll with the most traditional of bar games
15. Trick Shot Contest
Score a slam dunk with guests. Set up a mini basketball hoop and let the bar games begin. Run a trick shot contest and let audience applause determine the winner. Or, create a contest with a high stakes prize if someone makes a shot from across the patio.
16. Ping Pong
You’ve got the tables. Now, push them together. Then just add ping pong balls, a net, and paddles. It’s bar games made easy. You could even run a table tennis tournament.
BONUS! More outdoor entertainment:
- KANJAM…it may look like two trash cans and a frisbee, but this game is serious fun.
- Croquet – this classy “sport” is the bar game you need for your next Derby watch party.
- Giant. Scrabble. Tiles. Need we say more? Us this DIY guide to make your own lawn Scrabble tiles and get wordy with your bar games.
UPDATE YOUR ARCADE: WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
No list of bar games would be complete without arcade ideas There are 2 key trends in the world of arcade gaming: retro arcade games and handheld arcade games. Anything in between didn’t make it on our list of the best bar games.
17. Retro Games
Games To Play At A Bar
Ms. Pac-Man. Donkey Kong. Space Invaders. For children of the 1980s, these retro arcade games are a nostalgic escape. Some bars are taking their chances with refurbished arcade classics (they range from $1000-$3000 on eBay). Others are purchasing new versions that look identical to the originals (same price range).
Games To Play At A Barbecue Party
18. Handheld Arcade Games
While retro arcade bar games look “cool,” if you want guests to stay longer and spend more, give them arcade games on tabletop tablets. In fact, an independent Arbitron study* revealed that guests who play Buzztime’s handheld arcade games spend an average of 21% more per table check. Even bars with a physical game room are adding handheld bar games, here’s why:
- Space-saving: Why pull guests away from the bar to the arcade? Save space and increase orders: keep guests at the bar or table.
- Competitive spirit: For many players, the appeal of arcade games is the leaderboard. Handheld arcade bar games on the NTN network let guests compete on a local – and national – leaderboard.
- Strategically Designed: Today’s tabletop tablet arcade games are engineered to keep guests engaged in continuous play.
- All ages and interests: Handheld arcades include classic arcade games – plus newer ones. From racecar challenges to word puzzles, there’s something for all ages and interests. Unlike standalone retro consoles, handheld arcades are updated regularly if you use the right system.
BONUS! Arcade Game Ideas (if You’ve Got Space)
- Skee Ball
- Crane pickup
- Mini basketball
- Table tennis
Drinking Games To Play At A Bar
When it comes to bar games, think about the type of guest you want. Then, select games based on their interests and style of play. For example, if you’re a full-service restaurant that draws in couples for quiet dinners, offer 2-player bar games like chess and paint a few tabletops with a rustic checkerboard (different-sided coasters can be the checkers).
Or, if you’re located on a college campus, cater to big groups with equally big tournaments and trivia events that get everyone in on the gaming action. The ultimate game-winning strategy is one that keeps the customer’s needs in focus. Always.
*2008 Independent Arbitron Study. Actual results may vary.