Starfighters Cafe

Fantastic arcade. Whether you like pinball or classic arcade games, they have all of the best games. They also have the volume of the cabs at an audible level, which makes the experience so much better. I was pleasantly surprised to find a well-​maintained Japanese Dance Dance Revolution cabinet there as well. Can’t wait to come back!

Every time I develop the urge to play some classic arcade games, I used to venture out to Dave and Busters or Castles N Coasters. In the end, it never ends up being as much fun as I had hoped. This is primarily because most of the games are ultra-​lame «interactive» machines that were released long after arcades reached their peak in the early 90s. Plus, do any of us really give a damn about winning tickets to buy plush prizes? If you’re looking for that experience, go to Peter Piper!
Most retro gamers will tell you that the classics are where it’s at. Thankfully, Starfighters Café is one of the few arcade establishment that actually «gets it.» This place completely embraces nostalgia, serving as a tribute to a pastime that is gone, but certainly not forgotten by many of us who grew up in the 1980s. Starfighters fits the bill perfectly, as a place that would completely seduce my 10 year-​old self, while my overprotective mother lectures me that spending more than 30 minutes inside will inevitably «warp» my brain. Perfect!
You have the option of either a 30 dollar monthly membership or 14 dollar one-​time fee for the evening for yourself and a guest. This is the most logical choice for me, since I don’t live anywhere near Mesa. After getting your hand stamped, you’re granted unlimited access to many arcade and pinball classics, all set to free play (as they should be), allowing you to relive many great memories from your childhood.
My girlfriend and I enjoyed a full play through of Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker, I embarrassingly got my ass handed to me during a round of Street Fighter II, and munched up multiple ghosts on one of a handful of Pacman machines. Additionally, there’s many other games worth reliving, including Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Tron, and Golden Axe. There’s a mini snack bar, a jukebox playing awesome 80s tunes, and a little room with an NES hooked up that we didn’t get the opportunity to check out.
For me, the real treat lies within the pinball machines. Pin-​Bot, Scared Stiff, Indiana Jones (Williams Version), and Space Station. I was even surprised to see a Data East Back to the Future on location! Some games appear to have been recently shopped with LEDs, while others look like their better days are probably behind them. But all are in playable condition and great fun!
My only complaint is that the music is so loud that often times, you can’t even hear many of the games. Part of the charm of arcades is hearing all of these machines fill the room by simultaneously buzzing, beeping, ringing, and churning out delightfully simplistic MIDI music. I love 80s music, but I also like being able to hear what’s happening in the games I’m playing.
Since I rarely venture over to Mesa, it’s unlikely that I’ll ever become a regular. But with places like this being so uncommon when there’s obviously a niche demand, we definitely will return in the future!
Highly recommended to those who have fond memories of growing up in arcades!

Possibly the coolest venue I’ve ever been to. The staff was nice, cordial, and accommodating. Private party rental was painless and they made it personal. Games were well kept, fun, and truly a blast from the past. Bring your own food and drinks. Not a huge area for food, but they work with the room they have!

Love the nostalgia of this place! I love playing these classic games and love playing on the pinball! What a deal too!

This is a great place! All of the classic arcade games brought back lots of happy memories from back in the day. Went here on a whim, looking to do something different than going to a bar or movie on Friday night, and had a blast. Check it out if you have a chance!

At first I was a little nervous driving into an empty business complex and not seeing any life to be had, then as I turned the corner following the road Star Fighters Café illuminated before my eyes. I was getting clammy now as I guided my wife through the front door.
We were greeted by a lifesize Wonder woman figure and a super nice guy at the front desk who put up with my jokes with a smile. Then we got our hand stamps that says «I heart nerds» and the nights was ours to seize!
Spy Hunter, Castlevania, Michael Jackson Moonwalker thrilled us for hours. When we were ready for a change the countless pinball machines were a blast as well. The atmosphere is perfect with 80’s music, colored dance lights and old geeky movies from a projector you can’t go wrong. Travel back to your childhood and come here to play for the night. You’ll be glad you did!
Side note — this place is rad for all ages, but the games are typically classics and retro in case you are looking for newer stuff.

I love this place, admission is worth way more than what you pay and you get unlimited play with the arcade games you grew up with! The staff there is so friendly, I plan on being a regular there. I recommend any video game lover to come check it out!

$ 14 and free play for five hours! That is great! Large number of machines, both vid and pinball. Went from machine to machine playing everything from Defender to Paperboy to Attack from Mars. Definitely will return!

This place is an awesome trip. We came from Avondale and it was well worth the drive. I’m Not a huge arcade game fan but loved every minute and almost everything about this place. So many good games brought back great memories. The owner/​owners/​employees could not have been more sincere responsive kind people. My emails/​phone calls/​questions were addressed/​answered immidiately (well done) only downside was it was kinda busy (I expect it to get busier) and it got a little warm. Owners are doing things right. I’m rooting for you. Got my month long membership and wish great things. Keep up the good work. We will be back
DBS

AWESOMEEEEEEEE!!!
This place is a hidden gem!!! There were so many cool games, a few I recall were Centipede, Tetris, Mario games, Donkey Kong, Q-​Bert, Alien Vs. Predator, and Star Wars. There were also some pinball machines including The Creature From the Black Lagoon, and Elvira. This list goes on. They are open Fridays and Saturdays from 7−11pm. We walked in the front door and were greeting by a man behind the counter. He could tell it was our first time and was very polite in taking the time to explain the prices. One can purchase a yearly, monthly, or one night membership. We chose the one night membership to check it out. For one night, for one person the cost is $ 14 for unlimited game play. However, with the one night purchase you can bring a friend for free. So if two people split the cost for one night (4 hours of game play) it would be $ 7 per person. They also sell T-​shirts with their logo on it and snacks like sodas and chips. Everyone we encountered was there having a great time. It felt like stepping into a time warp. I HIGHLY suggest checking this place out if you miss old school arcades. We will be returning and bringing others.

All I really need say is GO! They have moved but they are in the same immediate complex. Best Arcade in town. Stop wasting your money on all those big arcades on so many games that are just so lame. Classics is where it is at for an arcade. I will be going back for sure. If I loved on that side of town I would be there several times a month. Very cheap to play too. I would love to be able to find a way to help grow this company into other venues across the valley.

Blast from the past! This place has all the old school games. My favorite Mrs. Pac-​man! If you are an 80’s child this is the place to relive your childhood!!!

Starfighter’s Arcade is such a BLAST! Straight out of the 70’s and 80’s, here are your favorite arcade video games! Plus, they’ve got vintage candy for purchase, Star Wars toys everywhere to play with, 80’s movies playing on a projector on the wall, and a great classic jukebox loaded with tons of old tunes you love. Believe it or not, this place does BYOB! Yeah, you heard me right! Pinball machines, classic arcade games, and a great vibe. You need to check this place out. Only open on Friday’s and Saturday’s from 7pm-​11pm. Great for parties!

5 stars — for preserving nostalgic arcade games from our childhood and making them available in 1 place so we can enjoy them.
5 stars — for the price $ 14 for 2 people from 7−11pm. Unfortunately this dream is just barely getting started so Fridays and Saturdays is the only chance you’re going to catch a good time for now.
5 stars — for a jukebox that’s not only free but has the sweetest jams from back in the day.
The only thing that there is to complain about is a lack of space between the games. It’s a little tight. Take in mind though, the owners of this establishment are working really hard to grow and provide us with a nostalgic piece of our childhood so the more we support them the sooner they can get to a bigger place and provide us with even more games! I had a chance to speak to both of the owners, I didn’t clarify who does what but both of the guys seem like really awesome guys and they were excited to have their dream a reality.
I took 2 kids w me 8 & 11 and I’ve never seen them have so much fun in their life. They both thanked me and told me it was the best time they ever had and they really love playing these old games. Old or young this is well worth the cost. I’m really looking forward to getting the guys together so we can geek out and play sum old school games.