Sometimes, a beer and some thumbs to twiddle isn’t enough. A few bars around State College have dance floors, but that’s not always the move either. Luckily, several bars around here have blessed us with an assortment of games and activities to occupy our time while we down our drinks. If you’re looking for something to do, look no further.

Brothers

Brothers on Allen Street doesn’t have a lot of games, but the ones it does have are bangers. Near the front, there are two arcade games — Buck Hunter and Golden Tee — which are both a ball to play, and are usually open. On the top level, there are a few pool tables, and one of those punching bags that tests your strength.

The bar is usually packed on weekends, so it can be hard to get in on a pool game, but it’s always a vibe to play up there and look down on everyone dancing below. The punching bag is something I avoid at all costs, but people love it.

Phyrst, Zeno’s, and Sharkies

I grouped these three bars together because they have a game in common: pool. Sharkies, once known as a “pool bar” (now called “cool bar”) also occasionally has corn hole out front, but there are a handful of pool tables on the inside. The basement has two more, if it’s open. The Phyrst has two pool tables off to one side, and Zeno’s also has one (though I’ve never seen it).

All three of these bars are much smaller than the other two bars with pool tables, and create an atmosphere more in line with playing pool, especially Sharkies.

Champs

Champs, like Brothers, has a whole bunch of games. If you’re looking for variety, this is the place to go. They’ve got pool, pinball, and a handful of arcade games. My favorite is the four-person Mario Kart machine, where you and three like-minded friends can play on the same track. It’s a ball.

Despite the large amount of pool tables at Champs, I wouldn’t recommend going there for pool, unless it’s an off night. All of the tables are pretty close together, and Champs can get a little too packed. I don’t want to count the times I’ve had to move so someone can make a shot.

Closing Thoughts

Besides the ones mentioned, there’s corn hole at Doggies and that Connect-Four thing at Cafe 210. A’s, in McLanahan’s, has a lottery machine, if that counts. All of these are fun, but since most of these bars end up being packed wall to wall on weekends, it’s not always easy to play.

Champs is probably the easiest if you’re looking for anything but pool, the sheer variety alone seals the deal for them. For pool, Sharkies is probably your best bet, or the Phyrst if you’re willing to wait a few minutes.