Taunton resident Ben Bankert has been going to Free Play Bar Arcade in Providence for the last seven years. He said the gaming complex “has always been special with me” because it is how he has bonded with his father as they often play together.
Bankert’s excited he now has one much closer to home and can’t wait for the opportunity to bring his father here.
“When he’s in town, we’re coming to this location,” Bankert said.
Located at 904 County St. (Route 140) in East Taunton, where Uno Chicago Grill once was, Free Play Bar Arcade boasts hundreds of assorted classic video arcade games from decades past, interactive video games (Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, Pump it Up, and car-racing games to name a few) and traditional games like pinball, ski ball and air hockey.
Free Play caters to an older, more adult crowd, which is why it’s usually 21 and older to enter.
“I’ve been waiting for this place since I first heard about it,” said Taunton resident Breanne Fisher. Fisher said a lot of the games Free Play has are among her favorites, and she is “loving the good, nostalgic vibe” the place provides.
Cover charge
Free Play Bar Arcade has one cover charge to enter the establishment, and all games are free and unlimited inside. The cost to get in is $8 on weekdays and Sunday and $12 on Friday and Saturday.
Food and drinks
Food and beverages aren’t provided under the cover charge.
Free Play has a full bar on site, serving a variety of beer, liquor and cocktails.
Food options consist only of thin-crust bar pizza, offering four styles: plain cheese, pepperoni, buffalo chicken, and chicken bacon ranch.
Co-owner Anthony Santurri, present for Free Play’s soft opening on Friday, April 25, said Free Play isn’t trying to compete with local restaurants; it’s just about providing a filling snack that isn’t too messy while you play games.
Santurri said back in May of 2024 the arcade is intended to be a destination, bringing people to the area, where there are several restaurants in close proximity on County Street, like Smoky Bones, Sol de Mexico, and Mediterranean Bar & Grill, where they can dine.
Opening delays
Santurri told The Gazette there were unforeseen issues that delayed the planned opening in the fall of 2024 as originally intended.
“The building was vacant for five years,” said Santurri, explaining “you think the space is perfect,” but, there were things that had to be addressed first. This includes meeting ADA accessibility standards and meeting health code standards with the kitchen space and grease trap.
“The city has been wonderfully business-friendly, but the code is the code,” said Santurri.
Plans for patio with karaoke, DJs, live music
After the soft and grand openings, Santurri said the next phase is building out an outdoor patio area for karaoke, DJs, and other live music entertainment.
Free Play is also expanding unused space in the building to better accommodate private parties and events.
Hours and age restrictions
The business is a predominantly 21 and over venue, with limited all-ages access.
Free Play Bar Arcade in Taunton will eventually offer all-ages hours for families on Sundays sometime in the near future.
Current hours are:
Monday, Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday, Thursday: 4 p.m. to midnight
Friday, Saturday: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday: 6 p.m. to midnight
Santurri said hours will likely be added for Mondays and Tuesdays down the line. “We’re still feeling out the city’s wants,” he said.
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