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Chinatown Fair Video Arcade
Rating Details »
- Nearest Transit:
-
Chambers-Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall (4, 5, 6, J, M, Z)
Canal Street (J, M, Z, N, Q, R, W, 6)
Grand St (B, D)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
37 reviews for Chinatown Fair Video Arcade
It's an arcade in the city! Unlike D&B, this place isn't filled with screaming children who have no sense of body space and have yet to learn the words 'please' and ' thank you'. Instead, you get a very calm place to play games before meeting with a group for dim sum.
They have the required old school games, Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, Centipede, etc. and new/newish games like Guitar Hero and DDR. There are lots of fighting games and if I was a glutton for punishment I would have spent tons of money getting whooped by the pros that still hang here. I'm more of a shooting game person myself and the only one I remember seeing is one I've already beaten.
I do have to give them props. They have a fighting game that has nothing but chick characters! That is so awesome that I can't stand it. It's too bad all of the moves are written in Asian characters and they sort of looked a like* so I couldn't really figure out what my girl's special moves were. Next time I'll bring a translator.
*This was not meant to be a racist Asian joke. They really did look similar. I swear!
The Chinatown Arcade has a pretty big reputation among fighting game circles. It's pretty well-known that all the best east coast fighting gamers come here to play and compete. It's probably a not a coincidence that it's one of the few arcades left on the entire eastern seaboard.
In terms of game selection, pretty much every fighting game played competitively is available, including numerous iterations of the Street Fighter and King of Fighters series. They also have some racing games, a DDR machine, a Guitar Hero machine and some classic games. There seems to be little consistency in how games are payed for, however.
Thankfully, when I came by it wasn't the sea of humanity that I was expecting so it didn't smell like bodily fluids.
Perhaps the last true arcade, in the purest sense of the word, in Manhattan.
It's not pretty to look at, the smell is horrendous and the floors haven't been cleaned in what seems like a decade, but if you're into playing video games competitively with people who know what they're doing, this is the place to be.
It would be nice if there were a broader range of games here, but the focus is generally on dance/rhythm games and fighting games. Some more shmups would be nice, but hey, what can you do? The crowd is generally a decent mix of people, ranging from business men to goth-loli high school girls (wtf NY?) to professional game players.
Worth checking out if you need a challenge or even to bring that feeling of nostalgia.
Great place to either vent, sweat, or get your game on. I once seen a sweaty bald man with his shirt of completely rockin the DDR as if a machine gun were flying across his ankles. You see hardcore gamers plug in their PS2 pads and memory cards challenging other players making special moves look like kids stuff.
This place, no institution has changed for the better throughout the years. They've gotten the Tic-Tac-Toe chicken (he always won via an electrified wire), machines are better maintained, and management is happier to help as triad members don't cause any more trouble (if they even still exist). The place is still dark but I like it as it still feels very underground.
I came here with my Cantonese teachers/friends and classmates/friends for a walk-thru. Although video arcade is not my thing but upon entering there is so much energy yet competition as it attracts youngsters after school and weekends. It can be crowded very easily at some games of Street Fighter, BlazBlue, and King of Fighters '98. One can easily dig a hole in your wallet as video games can become addicting. There is a change machine and a arcade staff to assist with change or problems with the arcade machines.
N.B. It is quite dark with very little lighting and monster truck loud from the sounds of the arcade games and crowds cheering on.
Decent size arcade for Chinatown. I didn't play any games but it seemed like many of the hardcore gamers were having fun K.O.-ing the CPU. I also didn't get a chance to see the price per game though there are a decent selection (mostly fighting games though, if that's your game). The arcade does have some classics like Ms Pac-Man and such.
O.k I'm a weekly regular at Chinatown Arcade. I mean I usually set up my Friday plans around Chinatown Arcade. I don't if any of you have been there recently but they have:
2 Intial D (I was siting in that chair when i took my primary pic)
4 other racing games I never play (its one u might see in ur laundromat)
4 Street Fighter 4 games
Tekken 6 (thats right not 5, 6)
Marvel vs. Capcom
King of Fighters
DDR : EXTREME
DDR: SUPERNOVA
GUILTY GEAR
A hell of a lot of Japanese games
In The Groove 2
and others games I see and don't pay attention to.
And for all though single bachelors and bachelorettes there a plent of hot asian guys and girls to chill with. Oh yeah and ladies theres a single, muscular, intelligent and did I mention guy who likes to walk around with his shirt offf.
But seriously all in all Cf is a great place to hang with pfiends and get that real arcade experience. I think this the last real arcade I went too was um... somewhere on Broadway. Only real beef I have with this place is the lack of a bathroom. Sometimes your bladder just won't let u walk across the street and down the stairs to the bathroom, Sometimes the Chinese people get tired of u using their bathroom and not bying anything. Sometimes u don't wanna leave the arcade so someone can skip your turn on DDR or Street Fighter 4. But besides the B.O that has a habit of sneaking up on u if u don't go outside often enough the place is great. I'll be there tonight. hope to see you there
When I asked a frequent NYC visitor what places I should visit, this arcade was among his suggestions.
"An arcade, of all places?" This is something you may ask if you don't really know me personally. As soon as I walked into the dank little hallway that constitutes this place, I knew I was in a little sample of heaven.
Big crowds were hovering around Street Fighter IV, BlazBlue, and King of Fighters '98 (really?) People were hopping around on DDR and ITG. I did not find one broken joystick or button (though there were a couple of mis-bannered arcades). Most of the games here I had only played on console, and was amazed to see them in their upright glory.
Couple tips: this ain't a place for your kids (ie not a Chuck E Cheese). Or to hang out at on a first date (ie not a Dave and Busters). No food served, no drinks save for a pop machine and Red Bull dispenser. This is for serious gamers to get on with their bidness. Also, while most of the games take tokens, most of the newer games only take dollar bills, so don't go converting all your cash right when you walk in.
It's tiny, cramped, loud, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Streetfighter versus X-Men? That is all, really, that needs to be said.
Haters begone! This is the best arcade I've ever been to.
First off, what you won't find:
1. Shooting games
2. Driving games
3. Pinball
4. Stupid gimmick games (I'm looking at you Sega Horse Racing simulator)
5. Carnival games
6. Natural light
What you will find:
1. An insane number of Street Fighter machines including Street Fighter 4
2. Guilty Gear XX Core
3. Multiple Samurai Showdown machines (Samurai Shodown 5... beat em' up game?? Who knew this even existed???)
4. Fighting games
5. Fighting games
6. Crazy fighting games you have never even heard of
6. Sweaty dudes
7. Old school games and not so old school games for $0.25 (Pacman, Galaga, Centipede, Puzzle Fighter, etc)
8. Hilarious DDR masters
9. More dudes
10. Bored looking girlfriends
Like I said, best arcade ever.
I hear back in the day, this place used to be a big gang hangout. It's just kids now. They had an awesome version of Centipede/Millipede/Missile Command in one game. They had a lot more fun stuff, but I think a lot's been changed, they're modern now. Dance Dance Revolution is there.
Amazing fun!! The dance revolution games (there are several) and AMAZING SEGA imports rock. We come here after a lil BYOB at a local chinese restaurant- and then game til we are too tired to go on.. Super fun!!
Pretty good! Of course it's hot, but they have just about every SF game ever here and of course pacman for the ladies. My only gripe, $1 for street fighter 4! Kinda sucks when you're trying it for the first time and keep gettin' yo ass jacked trying to learn the moves against some super robot opponent person =[
Yes, this is probably the last authentic arcade in the area. The machine are really good and the game selection is excellent. However, I have a huge problem with CF. This place reeks of bodily...everything. Body odor, urine, feces, you name it, I've seen it. I used to come here when my friend had to DDR. CF was actually where I first played it, and eventually got better. However, the guy who used to be there was a pedo and scared me away when I was 13-15 (even though he got fired, he scarred me for life..).
Started coming here with my boyfriend couple of months ago. They have quite the amount of fighting games but I don't think they have much variety. The DDR people are always fun to watch and I like to watch my bf play street fighter, well, Street Fighter IV now...lol
Overall, it seems like this is the only legit arcade left in NY. All types of people, males and females alike play here and I like that there's always someone new you can meet here. I like coming here to kill time and it's in the heart of Chinatown so if you ever get tired of the arcade scene, you can always walk around and chill. Even though it's not the prettiest or cleanest place around, it does the job.
Probably the only true arcade left in NYC. First thing first; they have Street Fighter IV. Yes, the new Street Fighter. They imported it from Japan and it's worth the trip alone! Expect a wait of at least 20-30 minutes to play though.
The place is small and cramped with lines of arcade cabinets on both sides. The choices are predominantly fighting games, including Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Marvel vs Capcom, Tekken, and some more obscure Japanese ones. They also have a couple dance games, DDR and Pump It Up (using DDR style pads). A few racing games round things out. No pinball machines are left however.
Expect most games to cost 50 cents to a dollar. The change booth offers water for $1.
The people there are from all walks, races and parts of the city. Those not used to the area or the arcade scene might be a little worried but everyone there came for one reason and that's to play some games with other players. It's the reason we still seek out arcades, for that community aspect, and it's in full force at the CF.
If you're a gamer and your formative years were spent in the 90's arcade scene and if Barcade is just too clean for you... have I got the place for you!
Welcome to the Chinatown arcade!
Where you'll relive the thrill of placing your quarter on the machine and saying "I got next." before you get your butt whooped by that crazy asian guy that happens to be a nationally ranked street fighter tournament player.
Its the only true arcade place that i know of, I always drop by to check the newest games out on the streets, and they rarely disappoint (Street Fighter IV). Great place to watch competitions since some of the best gamers in the world play here.
But the decibels are way too high.
I used to be a regular here during my teen years to play Puzzle Fighter, Para Para Paradise, MoCap Boxing, Pump and DDR. This is one of the last real arcades in the city. Some of the best gamers on the East Coast play here, so be prepared if you get your ass handed to you by a 12 year old. As said by other people, it does have a sleazy feel to it.
I recently stopped by just for a few minutes after a 6-7 year drought, but Huey, the old Chinese token guy who always tends to wear old stained t-shirts, still remembered me and gave me a few games on the house. I had a nice moment of nostalgia from my early years.
Just a warning for all the attractive female gamers out there. Huey, is a very nice guy, but sometimes he can get a little too nice if you know what I mean. Beware of him, especially if you're under aged (I'm not kidding either).
Other reviewer was right, yes, totally seedy, dark, kinda filthy, but...it is some of the most fun I've had without alcohol =)
I prefer this place to corporate arcades such as Dave and Busters or even the arcades in the casinos of my beloved Las Vegas, because it looks like a set from an 80's Michael Jackson video, with the hip kids wearing bandanas and flourescent shirts.
My friend who had a crush on me brought me here. It was kind of a fun crazy date thing to do. We played "Dance Dance Revolution" for TWO HOURS.
Kids from around the world were there with their backpacks and lots of local kids were wondering, looking at me, thinking, wow, she really is a total beginner at Dance Dance Revolution.
I liked noticing the kids standing in line behind us, waiting their turn, just so they could show us how the damned game should be played.
Bring a bunch of quarters and your coolest gymshoes and prepare to show them what you're really made of baby!
Good competition.
The DDR machines should have a deodorant vending machine next to them. This place smells terrible when they start sweating up on that DDR machine.
You know immediately when you walk into Chinatown Fair that you have, at last, found a REAL Arcade. It seems like it's been forever since you've breathed that smell...the smell of a REAL Arcade. The smell of tokens (not refillable cards), the smell of old machines, new machines, sweat, triumph, defeat, joy, despair, and..more tokens. The smell of new champions being crowned, while the loser heads to the back of the line. That certain pulse of energy when someone beats their high score,...yeah this is one of the last, the few, and the great...REAL Arcades. Lets go!
Notice to the timid, easily-frightened out of towners: stay home. Chinatown Fair (or CF to those in the know) is the best traditional-styled arcade left in NYC, after the demise of Faber's Fascination in Coney Island - in fact, it may be the last one standing. And part of its magic is the old school arcade grime that envelops it. Takes your Dave and Busters and shove it.
The game machines are 90% fighters (think Street Fighter, King of the Fighters, Tekken, and Virtua Fighter series), which may turn off those looking for a more varied gaming experience, but most games are worth only one token. The L-shaped floor design isn't very conducive to large crowds - the claustrophobic need not apply. If you're a lover of fighting games, this is your Mecca. My only gripes? In the summer, the air can get a bit heavy in there (to put it kindly) and the owner is a letch.
This place is sketchier than sketch. I went down here here on a random Monday night and checked it out, because I thought it had Pump It Up, which is the Korean version of DDR. Unfortunately, although it DOES say Pump It Up on the machine, it's not the one I'm looking for :( It has the same pad set-up as DDR machine (ie looks like a plus sign and not an X).
In any case, I highly recommend not being in this area of Chiantown at night, haha. On our way back to the train, we watched as a fight got broken up by the police, and then a walked by a guy who was stumbling around and clutching his face, which was bleeding profusely. Yeahhhh. You won't find me down here at night again.
Hilarious place to people watch! Follow the noise and head downstairs to watch men clad in chef outfits get down to Dance Dance Revolution Extreme (* hands behind their backs, holding on, kicking and moving for those final coveted points, must win DDRE, must win DDRE) I don't play video games but the guy at the Pacman game was kicking ass too.
this place has a good amount of games, mix of new and old school.
It would have been nice if the arcade cases matched the game because if you don't know the "moves" of the game, you're completely clueless. the people inside are mostly regulars so if you're not really good at a game you'll probably lose to them but this also could mean a good challenge as well. also, the ventilation is terrible so u can really smell the BO, sweat, farts and whatnot.
It's dark and it's noisy. I always remember mum telling me that gangsters hung out here when I was a kid, though I always thought that was more because she wanted to keep me away from video games. The place does look rather shady though.
I really don't get the point of arcades anymore. Ever heard of Playstation?
THEY HAVE DDR (Supernova and Extreme)!!!
Would be five stars, but definitely QUITE PRICEY. Here's the breakdown:
$1 = 4 Tokens
DDR = 6 Tokens
DDR = $1.50 = NOT COOL :(
Most places it's about a dollar a play, but here everything I guess is a bit jacked up. They have a BUNCH of fighting games, Time Crisis 4 (only shooting game? :( ), and did I mention more fighting games?
For Pump fans, they do have Pump, however the arrows are set up DDR style (up, down, left, right).
If anything, they need more shooting games aside from Time Crisis 4 which is like $1.50 anyway and definitely need to lower the prices!
Nostalgia and NO PINBALL...
I have a love/hate relationship with this place. I came in tonight with my Pops after eating at New Wonton Garden for a second night in a row. It's a long bloody walk from Battery Park City ( BPC ) to Chinatown. I don't recommend doing this. I had high hopes of finding some pins closer to BPC. Alas, none here.
While there's no Tic Tac Toe Chickens anymore (or any friggin' pinball), there's a ton of energy and money flowing through this Arcade. If there's a theme to this place it's gotta be:
FIGHTING GAMES
Tekken 5
Street Fighter
Marvel vs. Capcom
etc...
At least half of the Chinatown Fair Video Arcade is dedicated to fighting games. This was not the case in the 80's when I was a teen. Once upon a time, fireworks weren't illegal in Chinatown. They were cheap and powerful. After buying a small cache of these explosives, I'd stop in here and waste what ever was left of my money on their games.
I do remember seeing the Tic Tac Toe chicken back in the day. I even tried to beat the chicken at the game. I had no idea that they were shocking the poor thing. I just thought that was one smart chicken...
The Chinatown Arcade also has 3 or so dance games: PUMP IT UP and Dance Dance Revolution Extreme (?). I suck at those games so I stay away.
Oddly, there's no Initial D racing games. I think there was just one 2 player racing game in one of the corners.
In anycase, there should be more arcades in NYC and the US. Not the Dave & Buster type places where the games aren't the real attraction. At D&B, the games are a side-show. They're only around to give you a distraction while you're chowing down or drinking their expensive drinks.
The Chintown Arcade is about the pure gaming experience that I remember from my youth. While console games like Playstation and Xbox maybe superior gaming platforms, they don't replace the social interaction and excitement of being at the Arcade, wishing you had another quarter so you could continue playing.
Authenticity! That's the word to describe this place. I'm really happy I didn't have my ID else I would have gone to D&B which was the original plan (well I do hope to hit that up soon).
My first impression of CF upon walking in was, "oh goodness this place is sketch." But then I saw all the games that took me way back! And the prices weren't so bad either compared to the bigger chains! (Except maybe the 6 token shooting game =( ). This place has everything: PacMan, Marvel/Capcom, Tekken, DDR...everything!
Definitely coming back!
You know what I feel sad that there are so few real arcades left. I do like just the feel of going to an arcade. I have been coming to this spot in Chinatown for years and I still have about $2.00 in tokens in one of my summer jackets right now. With that said, I have not been here lately and have not even seen Street Fighter IV there yet. I thought I would have to go to Japan to really get the feel of the arcade scene again. I remember last time I was here I had to "son" this maybe 18 yr old kid on Capcom vs SNK 2. I beat him 3 straight times in front of all his friends and I showed no mercy. I was more content on playing by myself but he came up and challenged so I said lets do this. *You know honestly, this is what I miss though from arcades that people just come up to you to challenge you. I remember the days of Street Fighter 2 when it came out and you had real challenges in the arcades. Man, I miss the early 90's. The Nintendo Wii's and XBOX home systems to me have still not given me the same feeling as playing in a real arcade like this one. I am Jordan, I am a gamer and I love to fight.
When I was growing up, a birthday outing usually involved dinner in Chinatown followed by canolis from Ferrara's. At some point in the evening my group would end up here.
The thing that stands out in my memories of this place are the two chickens they used to have in cages. For a quarter, one chicken supposedly placed tic tac toe with you while the other one danced. It's hard to believe something like this really existed. What made the dancing chicken dance, electric shocks? I'm sure the ASPCA was responsible for shutting down the chicken booths. On the front sign above the door of the arcade you can still see the outlines of the letters advertising the chickens. I don't really recommend going to this place now, it's dark, smelly, and all their video games are those martial arts combat ones.
Chinatown Fair looks seedy. It's been here forever. You can't miss it. You pass by it, you look inside, and all you see is darkness...with people addicted to arcade screens. It's LOUD. There're always teens hanging outside, smoking and taking up the entire goddamn block.
But if you're addicted to stuff like DDR and arcade competitions, then this place would be ideal.
I created my yelp account just to write how awesome this place is. Beyond legit. If you're a diehard gamer they have all your needs, all the fighters, ddrs and co, and other enthusiast machines. I thought i was pretty good at Marvel vs capcom 2 but I proceeded to get my ass handed to me by people who can pull off infinite combos you see at high level tournaments. I saw people bringing their own homemade arcade controllers to play on the machines which is beyond hardcore. Pricing is cheap for arcade in nyc, i cant wait to go back.
strictly arcade lol. opens late.
The only place i know anymore where puri kuri (japanese sticker pictures, the small ones that come in a pack of 25 or 20..) is available. The quality is not that great but this is the only machine i know of that still exist in NYC. =( if anyone noes another one, let me know!
I finally found this place after I got my fill of snails in black bean sauce down the block. It's very small, smells like stale lemons and the games a very old but still kind of cool. It's the perfect place to lose some money and waste a little time when you get a jones for old arcade games.
Never saw the dancing chicken. But played the tic-tac-toe chicken plenty of times in my youth. It's definitely smelly and dark. But it's always a great time playing old school arcade hits like Ms. Pacman, Galaga, 1942, Arkanoid, etc...
