Dave & Buster’s Marietta: A Local Guide for Atlanta Families and Visitors
If you’re looking for indoor fun near Atlanta that works for kids, teens, and adults, Dave & Buster’s in Marietta is one of the most familiar options on the northwest side of town. It blends an arcade, full-service restaurant, and sports bar under one roof, making it a flexible choice for family outings, birthday parties, and group events—especially when the weather rules out outdoor plans.
Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what to expect, how to plan your visit, and tips for making it work for different ages and budgets.
Where Dave & Buster’s Marietta Fits into Atlanta Family Fun
For people who live in or visit metro Atlanta, Dave & Buster’s Marietta is often compared to:
- Main Event (in spots like Atlanta/West Cobb or Alpharetta)
- Andretti Indoor Karting & Games (Marietta and Roswell)
- Bowling and arcade hybrids (such as Bowlero or similar centers)
What sets Dave & Buster’s Marietta apart is the mix of:
- A large arcade with modern video games, VR-style experiences, racing games, and ticket redemption games
- A full sit-down restaurant with a broad menu
- A sports bar atmosphere with lots of TVs, especially appealing during major games
For families in Atlanta, that means:
- You can eat and play in one place without moving the car.
- It works well as a backup plan when youth sports get rained out, or when it’s too hot or cold to be outside.
- It’s convenient if you already spend time on the I‑75 corridor between Midtown, Cumberland, and Marietta.
Location, Contact Info, and Getting There
Dave & Buster’s – Marietta
- Address: 2215 D&B Drive SE, Marietta, GA 30067
- Area: Just off I‑75 near the Cumberland/Galleria area, between Atlanta and central Marietta
You’ll typically access it from I‑75 via the Cobb Parkway/US‑41 or Delk Road exits, depending on which direction you’re coming from. For most Atlanta neighborhoods:
- From Midtown/Intown Atlanta: Take I‑75 North.
- From Buckhead: Usually I‑75 North via the I‑285 interchange, depending on traffic.
- From Smyrna/Vinings: Short drive using local roads or I‑285 to I‑75.
Parking is usually surface lot parking around the building. Families often appreciate that you can park close to the entrance, which helps when wrangling kids, strollers, or birthday supplies.
☎️ For current hours, game offerings, or event booking, it’s best to call the location directly, as hours and policies can change over time.
What You’ll Find Inside: Games, Food, and Atmosphere
Arcade and Games
The Marietta location offers a large selection of arcade and interactive games, which often includes:
- Racing and driving games (motorcycles, cars, off-road)
- Basketball hoops and sports games
- Shooter and adventure games
- Ticket/point redemption games like claw machines, coin pushers, and spinners
- Large-format games that multiple players can use at once
For Atlanta families, this works well for:
- Mixed-age groups (elementary kids through teens)
- Sibling outings where each child wants something different
- Short, flexible visits—you can pop in for an hour of games or stay longer if you add a meal
Games are activated using a rechargeable play card, so you load money onto a card and tap it at each game.
Restaurant and Dining
Dave & Buster’s Marietta includes a full-service restaurant and bar. The food is typical American casual fare, often including:
- Burgers, sandwiches, and sliders
- Chicken dishes, wings, and shareable appetizers
- Salads and some lighter options
- Desserts sized for sharing
For family planning:
- Portions are often shareable, which can help control cost for younger kids.
- Many families use the restaurant area as a “home base”—eat first, then put play cards in pockets and head to the arcade.
Sports Viewing
The Marietta location usually has a large central bar area with multiple large-screen TVs. This appeals to:
- Adults who want to watch the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, or college games while kids play
- Groups that want a sports-bar feel, but also need activities for kids and teens
If you want a quieter dining experience with younger kids, you may prefer choosing tables further from the bar and main TV clusters, especially during big games.
Kid- and Family-Friendliness
Dave & Buster’s is aimed at adults and older kids, but many Atlanta families use it for family outings and birthday parties. Some key considerations:
Age Suitability
- Younger kids (5–8): Plenty of ticket games, simple racing games, and brightly lit areas. Parents usually stay close and help manage the play card.
- Tweens (9–12): Usually very engaged with both ticket games and multiplayer or competitive options.
- Teens: Often drawn to higher-intensity games and the more “arcade plus hangout” feel.
Parents in Atlanta often see Dave & Buster’s as a step up in intensity and independence from places that are strictly for younger kids, like some smaller play centers or soft-play gyms.
Noise and Crowds
- It can get loud, especially on weekends and evenings, and during major sports events.
- If your child is sensitive to noise or crowds, consider:
- Visiting earlier in the day, especially on weekends
- Going on weeknights when local schools are in session
Costs, Play Cards, and Budget Tips
Dave & Buster’s uses a cashless play-card system:
- You buy or reload a card at a kiosk or counter.
- Games deduct a set number of “chips” or credits each time you play.
- Tickets or points you win are stored on the card for later prize redemption.
Budgeting for an Atlanta Outing
To keep costs predictable:
- 💳 Set a play limit per child in advance (for example, each child has one card with a specific dollar amount).
- ⏱️ Tie game time to a window (“We’ll play for 90 minutes”) instead of “until the card runs out,” to avoid rushed play at the end.
- 🍽️ Combining meal + games in one trip can sometimes feel expensive, so some families:
- Eat at home or nearby first, then only buy play credits, or
- Share appetizers instead of full meals, then focus on the arcade.
Prices, packages, and promotions can change, so if you’re planning a large group visit from Atlanta or out of town, calling ahead is helpful.
Birthday Parties and Group Events
Many Atlanta parents use Dave & Buster’s Marietta for:
- Birthday parties (elementary through teen)
- Team celebrations after a season (soccer, baseball, cheer, etc.)
- School or youth group outings
What to Expect with Parties
Common party elements (which may vary over time) often include:
- A reserved party space or table
- Pre-set game cards for each guest
- A set food and drink package (pizza, sliders, or similar kid-friendly choices)
- A host or point of contact to help manage timing
For families coming from different parts of Atlanta, the Marietta location can be convenient because it is close to:
- I‑75, which runs south to Midtown and Downtown
- I‑285, which loops around the city and connects to areas like Sandy Springs and Tucker
If you’re inviting families who live in East Atlanta or South Atlanta, be mindful that travel time can be longer, especially on weekday evenings.
Indoor Play vs. Other Atlanta Options
When deciding whether Dave & Buster’s Marietta is the right indoor choice, Atlanta families often compare it to:
How It’s Different from Children’s Museums and Indoor Playgrounds
- More arcade and game-focused, less about hands-on learning or educational exhibits
- Atmosphere is closer to a sports bar plus arcade, rather than a calm, museum-like environment
- Better fit if your priority is games, competition, and “big kid” fun
If you want something more educational in Atlanta, families often look to:
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta (Downtown)
- Fernbank Museum (Druid Hills)
- Tellus Science Museum (a bit farther north in Cartersville, but still popular with Atlanta families)
How It’s Different from Trampoline Parks and Gyms
Unlike trampoline parks or climbing gyms around the metro (for example in Kennesaw, Sandy Springs, or Decatur), Dave & Buster’s is:
- Less physically demanding, more screen-and-skill based
- Fully indoors with no need for special socks or athletic wear
- A place where adults can sit and watch sports or eat while kids play
This can be useful on weeknights after school when kids might be tired, or when you’re hosting family or friends visiting from out of town and want an easy, all-in-one stop.
Practical Tips for Atlanta-Area Visitors
When to Go
- Weeknights (non-holiday): Generally more relaxed and less crowded—good for younger kids or quieter visits.
- Weekend days: Busier but manageable earlier in the day; crowds usually build by afternoon and evening.
- Major sports events: Great if you want a high-energy sports atmosphere, but it can be loud and packed.
What to Bring
- A small bag or crossbody to keep play cards, phones, and any small items secure while moving around.
- A plan for who holds the play cards for younger children (some families prefer one adult per child).
- If you’re meeting multiple Atlanta-area families, agree on a meeting spot inside—for example, near the prize counter or host stand—since the game floor can be disorienting.
Safety and Supervision
- The open floor plan means it’s easy for kids to move quickly out of sight. Many parents:
- Use a “stay in this area” rule for younger kids
- Pair kids in buddy groups
- Teens may want more independence; setting a specific meet-up time and place (like a certain table or the front entrance) helps.
Quick Comparison Snapshot for Atlanta Families
| Factor | Dave & Buster’s Marietta – At a Glance |
|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Arcade games, restaurant, sports viewing |
| Best For | Tweens, teens, mixed-age families, group events |
| Atmosphere | Loud, high-energy, sports-bar plus arcade |
| Location Benefit | Easy I‑75 access between Atlanta and Marietta |
| Food Options | Full-service American casual menu and bar |
| Education Component | Minimal; fun-focused, not instructional |
| Weather-Proof? | Yes – fully indoors, climate-controlled |
| Time Needed | 1–3 hours for typical family visits |
Is Dave & Buster’s Marietta Right for Your Atlanta Plans?
Choose Dave & Buster’s Marietta if you:
- Want a one-stop indoor spot with games, food, and sports
- Have older kids, tweens, or teens who might be bored at younger-focused play centers
- Need a rainy-day or extreme-weather backup plan close to the I‑75 corridor
- Are hosting out-of-town family and want something easy to explain and easy to find from Atlanta
If you prefer quieter, educational, or heavily supervised play, you may be happier with children’s museums, science centers, or soft-play gyms elsewhere in the metro.
For many Atlanta-area families, though, Dave & Buster’s Marietta is a reliable, familiar choice when they need indoor play and entertainment that works for both kids and adults—especially on the northwest side of town.
