Dave & Buster’s opening its Santa Rosa Plaza location Monday. Here’s what to expect
Arcade fans, sports watchers, and cocktail sippers: the joysticks and jumbo screens are coming to downtown Santa Rosa. Dave & Buster’s throws open the doors of its first Sonoma County outpost on Monday at 600 Santa Rosa Plaza, and early birds have a big reason to line up—when the venue opens at 11 a.m., the first 100 guests to enter will unlock complimentary gameplay for the entire day.
How the games work
There’s no cover to step inside, but you’ll need a rechargeable Power Card to play. Load credits at the front desk kiosks or with staff, then tap to start any machine. Pricing varies by game—expect everything from quick-hit classics around the 50-cent range to premium experiences that run a couple of dollars per play.
Arcade highlights and VR thrills
This location brings a deep mix of retro-leaning hits and modern showpieces, including:
- Pacman Rollers, a rollerball twist on the arcade icon
- A Top Gun: Maverick-inspired flight simulator built for high-speed aerial action
- A UFC-themed fighter for competitive throwdowns
- Godzilla Virtual Reality, the venue’s marquee immersive monster experience
As a gaming-and-VR-focused hangout, the lineup aims to cover all skill levels—button-mash brawls, precision rollers, cockpit-style simulators, and a dedicated VR attraction for headset-curious players looking for something more cinematic.
Sports, screens, and social energy
Beyond the arcade floor, the Santa Rosa buildout leans into watch-party scale. A 40-foot mega screen anchors the space, with dozens of additional HDTVs ringed around the bar area, so big games stay visible no matter where you land. It’s designed for simultaneous cheering, snacking, and side quests to the claw machines between quarters.
Eats and drinks
The kitchen fires a crowd-friendly menu: wings, burgers, bowls, and shareables for squad-style sampling. On the beverage side, you’ll find house cocktails, beer, and specialty sips to pair with marathon sessions on the sticks.
One of the chain’s biggest builds
Set inside a former department store space that later housed a fashion retailer, the Santa Rosa venue spans roughly 43,000 square feet—well above the company’s typical footprint of around 25,000 square feet. Translation: more room for games, more seating, and wider walkways for weekend traffic.
Regional footprint
The opening marks the brand’s second North Bay location after Fairfield and expands its Bay Area tally to five, alongside Concord, Daly City, and San Jose. Founded in 1982, the company has grown to roughly 180 locations across the United States.
Hours of operation
- Monday–Tuesday: 11 a.m.–12 a.m.
- Wednesday–Friday: 11 a.m.–1 a.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.–1 a.m.
- Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–12 a.m.
Pro tips for opening day
- Arrive early if you’re aiming for the first-100 all-day gameplay perk.
- Plan a mix: start with quick-play arcade staples, then slot in higher-credit attractions like flight sims or VR when lines dip.
- If you’re there for sports, stake out a sightline to the 40-foot screen before big matchups begin.
Whether you’re chasing high scores, a headset-powered monster showdown, or a front-row seat to the night’s game, Santa Rosa’s newest playground is ready to level up downtown.
