When my son turned nine this year, he had one big birthday wish: a party at Dave & Buster’s (Tempe Marketplace). And honestly? It ended up being one of the easiest, most fun, and most memorable birthday parties we’ve ever thrown.
If you’re considering where to host your child’s next party, let this mom be the one to say: do it at Dave & Buster’s.
Keep reading for tips and hacks for coordinating a birthday party at Tempe Marketplace’s Dave & Busters. And for more local birthday party reviews from our team, from first birthdays to tweens, check out all our birthday party recaps here.
XO,
Effortless Planning from the Start
From my first contact with the Dave & Buster’s event team, it was smooth sailing. An event planner:
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Sent me a clear menu with food options for both kids and adults
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Walked me through party packages
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Handled all the logistics after I signed the contract
I barely lifted a finger leading up to the party—a total dream for a busy mom.
A Warm Welcome + Awesome Setup
We chose a Sunday afternoon party and walked into a vibrant, energetic setup. The staff had:
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A decorated party section with a great view of the game floor
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Balloons, a festive birthday sign, and branded Dave & Buster’s goodie cups
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A dedicated party host who truly made the day stress-free
Seriously, having a party host manage everything was one of my favorite parts.
Nonstop Fun with Unlimited Games
Every child got:
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A pre-loaded game card
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Access to unlimited video games
The birthday boy even got a special wristband for extra perks.
And the games? Incredible. From VR headsets and basketball hoops to a giant human claw machine, there was something for:
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Toddlers
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Tweens
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Even the adults who snuck in a round or two
Surprisingly Great Food
We ordered:
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Kids menu: Chicken tenders, sliders, fries
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Adults menu: Southwest fiesta and chicken platters, fruit trays, and all the dipping sauces
The food was honestly way better than I expected—fresh, tasty, and well-presented. And yes, almost every kid sat down to eat, which felt like a birthday miracle.
Easy Cake Time, No Clean-Up Needed
We brought our own Mario & Luigi cake, and the host:
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Had plates, napkins, and serveware set up
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Even brought a lighter when it was time to sing ????
It was so simple. I literally just put the cake on the table and enjoyed the moment.
Great Prizes = Happy Kids
After gaming, each child headed to the prize redemption area. And unlike other arcades:
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The prizes were actually worth it
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Every kid left with fun goodies and big smiles
My son felt like a VIP the entire day—and I didn’t have to clean up a single thing.
Final Thoughts: Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely. Dave & Buster’s nailed it—from planning and food to games and cleanup. If you’re looking for:
✅ A fun, high-energy birthday
✅ No stress or planning overload
✅ A party that works for all ages
Then you seriously can’t go wrong with a Dave & Buster’s birthday party.
