Free Play, a new arcade bar near the bustling University of Southern California, opened its doors in late October, according to Time Out L.A. While playing the games isn’t actually free, despite the location’s name, the nostalgia factor makes it worthwhile with classics like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Street Fighter Alpha and Star Trek pinball. The 200-seat restaurant-bar, serving up fried chicken wings, tri-tip nachos and gourmet burgers, is located on the second floor of Exposition Park’s new food hall, The Fields LA.
Next door? The Coliseum, current home of the Los Angeles Rams and permanent home of the USC Trojans. That makes Free Play a busy post-game bar, even if it’s not really a sports bar. In any case, the 5-star reviews on Yelp are already pouring in — a good sign of things to come.