Looking to inject some fun into your business? Look no further than bar games. These entertaining activities are sure to keep your customers coming back night after night and week after week. In this article, we’ll explore a selection of the best bar games available, ranging from classic favorites to thrilling arcade options, to help you find the perfect fit for your establishment.
Table of Contents
- Best Classic Bar Games
- Best Drinking Games
- Best Arcade Bar Games
- Best Table Games
- Best Outdoor Bar Games
Best Classic Bar Games
1) Darts
Darts, a timeless classic, can be enjoyed solo or with a group of any size. Set up is a breeze, all you need is a blank wall and you’re good to go. Plus, it’s a cost-effective option for any bar.
2) Pool
Pool, much like darts, is a top contender when it comes to bar games. People from far and wide flock to play, either by themselves or with friends. The game is easy to learn but offers a challenge to master, making it a great choice for patrons looking to improve their skills while sipping on a cold beer.
3) Tabletop Shuffleboard
No longer reserved for cruises or retirement communities, tabletop shuffleboard adds a touch of fun and competition to your bar without taking up much space. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will keep your customers entertained.
4) Foosball
Love soccer but not the running? Foosball is the perfect solution. Grab a drink, gather your friends, and engage in some friendly competition without breaking a sweat.
5) Air Hockey
Unleash your inner competitive spirit with air hockey. It’s a physically-strenuous game transformed into a leisurely activity that can be enjoyed with a drink in hand or nearby.
Best Drinking Games
6) Beer Pong
A staple at frat parties, beer pong is refreshingly simple. Arrange ten cups in a pyramid formation, fill them a quarter of the way, and try to sink a ping-pong ball into your opponent’s cup. Whenever you succeed, your opponent drinks.
7) Quarters
Similar to beer pong, quarters requires you to bounce a quarter off the table and into a cup. If you succeed, your opponent must drink the contents of the cup, excluding the quarter, of course.
8) Flip Cup
Chug an adult beverage, place the cup on the table’s edge, and flip it so it lands upside down. It’s a fast-paced game that adds a playful twist to your night out.
9) Ride the Bus
In this bar game, players are dealt cards and asked simple “yes or no” questions. Answer correctly, and you can assign someone else to drink. Get it wrong, and you’re the one reaching for your glass.
10) Jammin’
Play Bob Marley’s “Jammin’,” taking a sip every time the man himself says “jammin'” or “jam.” It’s a laid-back drinking game that pairs perfectly with Marley’s iconic melodies.
11) Never Have I Ever
“Never have I ever punched a bear.” If you have, take a drink. It’s a game of revelations that uncovers unexpected stories and keeps the drinks flowing.
12) Medusa
Sit in a circle, heads down or looking at your feet. On the count of three, everyone looks up and locks eyes with another player. If someone’s gaze doesn’t meet yours, you’re safe. But if you find yourself in a staring match, cry out “Medusa!” and both take a drink.
13) Rock, Paper, Scissors
This twist on the classic decision-making method is perfect for large or small groups. Pair up, throw your sign, and the loser takes a sip.
Best Arcade Bar Games
14) Pac-Man
An arcade favorite, Pac-Man is a must-have at any bar or social setting. It’s a game that never fails to capture the attention and nostalgia of patrons.
15) Space Invaders
Close on the heels of Pac-Man, Space Invaders is an easy-to-play, yet challenging, game suitable for individuals, groups, or tournaments.
16) Skeeball
Toss the ball up the ramp and aim for the highest-scoring hole. Play to win prizes or simply compete for bragging rights.
17) Pop-A-Shot
If underhand rolling isn’t your style, try your hand at Pop-A-Shot. Test your shooting skills and see how many baskets you can sink before the clock runs out.
18) Pinball
Pinball machines continue to be a crowd-pleaser in bars. Themed machines like Star Wars, Adams Family, Buck Rogers, Kiss, and Batman ensure there’s a machine to suit every preference.
Best Table Games
19) Mancala
Mancala, a board game played with marbles or stones, offers hours of entertainment for bar-goers of all ages. Move your pieces strategically and aim to have the most at the end to claim victory.
20) Spades
All you need for a game of Spades is a deck of cards and four players. If you have a larger group, why not organize a tournament for even more excitement?
21) Hearts
In Hearts, following suit is crucial as you strive to accumulate the fewest points throughout the round. It’s a game of strategy and anticipation that keeps players engaged.
22) Euchre
Euchre, a classic card game, is a blast with four or more players. While the rules may seem tricky at first, they become second nature with a little practice.
23) Uno
Match colors and numbers, shout “Uno!” when you’re down to one card, and be wary of the dreaded Draw Four. Uno is a fast-paced card game perfect for groups of friends.
24) Dominoes
With a set of dominoes, you’ll discover numerous games to enjoy. The simplicity of the game allows for endless variations and countless hours of entertainment.
25) Yahtzee
Dice games are always a hit, and Yahtzee is no exception. Try your luck and aim for the highest score on the score sheet. And don’t forget to yell “Yahtzee!” when you roll that perfect five of a kind.
26) Jenga
Jenga is a hit with or without beverages. Challenge yourself by playing the giant version to take the excitement up a notch.
27) Blokus
Blokus is all about outmaneuvering your opponents by strategically placing your shapes on the board. The goal is to occupy as much space as possible while preventing your rivals from doing the same.
28) Backgammon
Perfect for two players or as part of a tournament, backgammon is a timeless game. Race against your opponent to bring your pieces to safety and claim victory.
29) Clue
Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench… Need we say more? Clue is a beloved board game filled with mystery and intrigue.
30) Sorry
A classic game for four players, Sorry adds an extra layer of entertainment to any bar gathering. Integrate adult beverages into the gameplay for an even more enjoyable experience.
31) Monopoly
Although known for its length, Monopoly can be the highlight of an evening. Organize a tournament, sit back, and watch both the game and the drinks flow.
Best Outdoor Bar Games
32) Cornhole
Challenge your friends to a bean bag toss game. Score a victory by landing your bean bag in the hole from a distance of 30 feet. A miss means it’s time to take a drink.
33) Horseshoes
Set up stakes approximately 40 feet apart, take turns throwing horseshoes, and aim for a ringer. Score points based on how close your horseshoe lands to the stakes.
34) Axe Throwing
For the more adventurous crowd, axe throwing is a thrilling addition to any list of bar games. Enjoy this new and engaging activity with groups of all sizes.
35) Ladder Ball
Create a three-tiered ladder, stand 15 feet away, and toss a bola (a rope with a ball on each end). Aim for the different rungs, each worth varying points. It’s a game that combines precision and skill.
Run Your Bar Smoothly with Ratingperson
Whether you decide to incorporate bar games or not, effectively managing your establishment is key to success. That’s where Ratingperson comes in. With our suite of tools, you can efficiently coordinate your team, streamline operations, and handle the complexities of running a business.
To learn more about how Ratingperson can help you run your bar better, visit our website here.
Remember, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere is essential for customer satisfaction. So why wait? Start incorporating these exciting bar games today! Cheers to a thriving business!
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, tax, HR, or professional advice. For specific guidance, please consult with an attorney or relevant professional.