Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Phone: (984) 377-2791
Boxcar is a gamer’s paradise where vintage pinball and arcade games share space with interactive racing games, Dance Dance Revolution, air hockey and more. The sprawling bar, outdoor space and on-site pizza kitchen keep the non-gamers entertained while kids and adults play to their heart’s content. Folks under 21 are welcome with a parent before 8 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m. on weekdays, and dogs are welcome.
Details
- Total Meeting Area Square Footage 1,500
- Meeting Rooms 1
Hours
Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Map
Google Rating
-
The Force is strong here — but a wise Jedi always knows the rules before entering the arena.
Boxcar Bar + Arcade delivers a high-energy mix of classic arcade nostalgia, pinball, pizza, and drinks that immediately pulls you back to your Padawan days. The glow of the machines, the familiar sounds of flippers and joysticks, and the lively crowd create an atmosphere that’s fun without feeling chaotic.
One key thing to know going in: everything is tokens only. A few games run 1–2 tokens, but most of the popular arcade games and pinball machines cost 4 tokens per play. The machines still show “4 quarters / $1,” but the math works differently here. Tokens are priced at 5 for $5 or 10 for $10 (no bonus for buying more), which puts most of those games at about $1.33 per play. Not a dealbreaker — just something worth knowing before you start a long pinball run.
The pizza menu is better than you might expect for an arcade bar, with solid options that actually hold up as a meal, not just fuel. The bar is equally strong, offering a good tap list and cocktails that are well executed without trying too hard.
The outdoor area is a great bonus — string lights, picnic tables, and space to step away from the noise and regroup between games. Inside, the artwork and murals add personality and keep the space feeling intentional rather than cluttered.
If you’re here for pinball, classic games, good pizza, and a fun night out with friends, this place absolutely delivers. Just remember — tokens are the only currency, most games cost more than a dollar per play, and knowing when to go “one last game” is the true test of Jedi discipline. -
I’ve been here several times, and the vibe is always super fun. I recommend paying in cash because the card machines tend to glitch. The pizza is good, so I’d recommend that. The drinks, not so much when I ordered an Old Fashioned, the bartender didn’t know what it had, and it didn’t taste good. The beer, however, is great!
Keep in mind that while there’s no time limit for using the games, other people are waiting, so it’s best to rotate and share. The outdoor area is awesome, and despite the cold weather, the heating works perfectly. There’s also free parking nearby! -
Great bartenders. Very knowledgeable and service is quick and friendly. Always a fun place to hang out, get a drink, and play games to feel like a kid again. They have both classic and new games so there's something for everyone. Great for individuals and groups.
The food was a miss tonight. Pizza and dips were fair, not as good as in the past. -
Absolutely disappointing experience, especially because since we moved here three years ago, this has been our favorite bar in Durham.
My sister who was visiting out of town is 20 and I am 26, and we went there because the website says underage guests can enter with a guardian. Based on that wording, we reasonably understood that an older responsible family member could accompany someone underage. Instead, we were denied entry at the door.
When we tried to explain our situation, the person at the front door was dismissive, unhelpful, and showed no understanding of the circumstance. He told us they needed someone “older,” like 35, which is nowhere clearly stated on the website. If that is actually the rule, then it should be clearly written online. People should not have to show up, pay for parking, and waste their time and money just to be turned away because of a policy that is vague or not properly explained.
What makes this even more frustrating is how inconsistent and unreasonable the rule seems. Not everyone has a parent or legal guardian available, especially if family is not in the country. In some cases, like ours, an older sibling is the only older family member available. Additionally is frustrating that a 8 year old can enjoy the arcade but someone who is 20 accompanied by an older relative cant even get in. If the venue is going to be this strict, then they need to clearly and honestly communicate the exact rules on their website instead of misleading customers.
Really upsetting experience from a place we used to enjoy so much. -
First time going Saturday night. It was an amazing place mix of classic arcade games and arcade food with a grown up feel. The menus have me so wanting to go back and try more things soon.
Ms. Tyler was on register when ordering my pizza and her interactions were amazing. Her vibe made the experience from order to eat amazing. She went way above on customer service and I appreciated it a lot. A+ customer service bar and pizza side.
We got the 2 pair pizza and pasta combo and it turned out to be really cool in a new modern way that I wasn’t expecting. Got the hot honey sauce on cheese, and for one who don’t like spicy at all it was good.
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