Games, Pittsburgh style: South Side's Games N' At is fun for all, regardless of age

The South Side may be known for its expanse of bars, but there are hidden gems for those who are not quite old enough to experience the neighborhood's nightlife.

One of those hidden treasures is Games N' At, located at 2010 Josephine St., just off 18th Street. Games N' At is a family friendly, arcade style establishment that offers cheaper prices than that of Dave and Busters and an instantly welcoming atmosphere.

Owner Marian Jones said the unique blue building, which is covered in paintings of video-game characters and billiard balls, was previously home to her family's truck messenger service garage, until Jones and husband Bill transformed it into a quirky and cozy arcade, complete with new and vintage games, ping pong, a billiards room and duckpin bowling in the loft.

"We wanted to try and get something for everyone," Jones said.

That includes college students. Every Thursday from 4 p.m. – midnight and Friday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. are College Nights at Games N ‘At. Admission is $10 with a valid student I.D., and includes unlimited video games and pool.

Another perk for those are of age is the B.Y.O.B. policy, which includes beer or liquor. ID is required.

The Jones' decided to take the leap from messenger service to arcade after Sept. 11, 2001, when insurance rates for the messenger service skyrocketed and they worried they would not be able to sustain their business. One day, Jones' son went to the newly opened Dave & Buster's in the Waterfront and reported back to his mother that it was too expensive.

That's when they come up with the idea to turn the garage into an arcade. Jones took her son's advice and Games N' At was born.

As soon as you enter the building, you are taken back into the days of Elvis, complete with antique candy machines and bottles of Jones Sodas for sale. A stuffed animal bulldog chained to a table near the door act as the guard dog, warding off anyone who is not interested in having fun.

Even the menu in the concession area is that of a 1950s diner, featuring cheeseburgers, funnel cakes, pizza, candy and Yoohoo.

Arthur Vincent, 21, a current student at the Community College of Allegheny County's South Campus, had his 14th birthday party at Games N' At and has recently started coming back.

"I play pinball, and it's the only place I can get practice in," Vincent said. "I come every Friday for the College Night. It saves a lot of money."

The arcade attracts many loyal customers.

During the snow storm in the winter of 2010, one dedicated patron skied down 18th Street to come play games, Jones said.

"I'll always remember him," she said, with a smile on her face.

Along with the more modern amenities such as Xboxes and computers (which Jones said are used more often for Facebook than games), Games N' At has a room devoted old-school games such as Pac Man, Frogger and Donkey Kong.

Perhaps the most unique part of Games N ‘At is its duckpin bowling, which is basically a smaller version of traditional bowling; the pins are smaller, the ball is about the size of a softball, and no smelly shoe-rental is required. As you walk up the stairs to the bowling alley, you pass little bowling pins painted on the steps that add decorative touch to the already highly outfitted establishment. Each game of bowling costs $2.

The business also hosts many different parties in its two large party rooms. The first room features purple walls, a dance floor and disco ball. The second room houses a big-screen TV, couches and a fire place that leaves a great first impression with the guests.

"We do a ton of parties that range from children's parties to groups of 30-year-olds," Jones said

For hours and prices, visit their Facebook page.