Remember when pizza night meant more than just grabbing a slice? It meant flashing arcade lights, the sound of pinball machines, a pocket full of quarters, and the excitement of trying to beat your highest score before dinner arrived.
Across Tennessee, a handful of pizza parlors are keeping that nostalgic experience alive. These aren’t just places to satisfy a craving for pepperoni and melted cheese. They’re spots where families compete over arcade games, friends challenge each other to retro classics, and adults get to relive a little piece of their childhood.
From a cozy Chattanooga pizza shop near the famous Incline Railway to a lively Nashville arcade bar and a family-friendly pizzeria in Pigeon Forge, each destination brings something different to the table. Some feature vintage game cabinets and pinball machines, while others offer spacious arcades packed with entertainment for all ages.
The best part? You don’t have to choose between good food and a fun night out.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, a family celebration, or simply looking for somewhere different to eat, these six Tennessee pizza parlors deliver a delicious reminder that some old-school traditions never lose their charm.
1. Downtown Pizza & Taproom, Harriman
Pool cues, pinball-style glow, and pizza all live under one roof in downtown Harriman. Few small-town spots pack this much fun into a single address.
Downtown Pizza & Taproom calls itself a family-friendly pizza restaurant with an arcade built right in. The game lineup mixes retro machines with modern ones, so parents and kids can both find their favorite.
Got a competitive streak? The pool tables give you another way to settle who pays for dessert next time.
Pizza is the main event, and it earns plenty of praise. Wings round out the menu nicely if your crew wants something to share between turns.
Want to slow things down? Head outside to the patio, where a fire pit adds a relaxed spot to hang out after eating.
The dining room stays clean and comfortable. That matters when you plan to linger for a couple of games and maybe a second round of slices.
Saturday afternoons and evenings tend to draw a crowd. Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings get busy too, so go a little earlier for an easier table.
Reservations are accepted, which helps if you’re bringing a big group. Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery work too, though you’d miss the games that way.
Harriman sits in East Tennessee, and this spot makes the downtown area worth a detour. Parking is free, with a lot and street spaces nearby.
Even if you only come for lunch, sneak in a game. Your inner ten-year-old will thank you on the drive home.
2. Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream, Chattanooga
Riding the Incline Railway works up an appetite, and this pizza shop sits right across the street. Talk about convenient planning.
Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream keeps things simple and unassuming. The dough and sauce are made in-house, which shows real care for a casual counter-service spot.
Then there’s the look. The shop carries a prime 90s pizza parlor feel, complete with old-school arcade machines waiting for your quarters.
Don’t expect a giant game room here. There are only a few cabinets, but they fit the retro mood perfectly.
Save room, because the name isn’t kidding about ice cream. Hand-dipped cones and sundaes make a sweet finish after a slice or two.
Eating plant-based? The shop offers vegetarian choices and vegan-friendly options, including dairy-free cheese. That makes it an easy pick for groups with mixed diets.
Kids are well covered too. A kids’ menu and high chairs help families settle in without fuss.
Service runs fast and friendly, which helps when you’re squeezing in a meal between Lookout Mountain attractions. Takeout and delivery are options if your schedule is tight.
Weekday mornings tend to be calm. That’s a smart window if you want first dibs on the arcade machines.
Outdoor seating gives you another choice on a nice Tennessee day. Dogs are welcome outside, so your four-legged buddy can tag along.
This place proves you don’t need flashy screens to have fun. Sometimes a good pie, a cold scoop, and a vintage joystick are plenty.
3. Up-Down Nashville
Night owls, this one’s for you. Up-Down Nashville keeps its retro games running until 3 AM every single day.
Set on Woodland Street in East Nashville, this spot is a lively arcade bar for grown-ups. Think rows of classic games and a crowd ready to chase high scores.
Hungry between rounds? Pizza by the slice keeps you fueled without pulling you away from the action for long.
Slices fit the setting perfectly. You can grab one, eat fast, and get back to defending your spot on the leaderboard.
There’s no table service, so you order and find a seat on your own. Service tends to move quickly, which suits a game-focused crowd.
Want some fresh air? Rooftop seating adds a fun change of scene from the glowing screens downstairs.
Live performances show up here too. That adds an extra layer of energy on top of the beeps and bloops.
Friday and Saturday nights get the biggest crowds. If you’d rather have room to roam, weekday afternoons and early evenings run much quieter.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so just show up and jump in. Groups do well here, especially if your friends love a little trash talk.
Nashville already draws visitors from all over, and this place pulls in plenty of them. It makes a fun break from the usual downtown Tennessee routine.
Parking comes in several flavors, from free street spots to paid lots. Check the signs before you leave your car.
Keep in mind this is a bar-style venue built for adults. Up-Down Nashville is a 21-and-over venue, making it suitable for adult outings rather than visits with children.
Bring your competitive side and a little patience. Somebody else probably wants that same machine too.
4. Garibaldi’s Pizza, Memphis
Garibaldi’s Pizza is a long-running local pizzeria chain in the Memphis area. This location serves hand-tossed and Neapolitan pies, plus pasta and subs.
The real star might be the lunch buffet. Fresh pizzas keep coming out, so you can sample different kinds without committing to one pie.
Pasta dishes rotate daily on the buffet. An Italian salad sits alongside them for anyone who wants a little green on the plate.
Got a favorite flavor already? The BBQ pizza gets highly recommended, which makes sense in a corner of Tennessee famous for barbecue.
Now for the fun part. Vintage video games and pinball machines give the place a cool, old-school feel.
Picture yourself lining up a pinball shot between plates. Okay, that’s not a command, just a strong suggestion.
Prices stay friendly too, which helps if you’re feeding a hungry crew. Students and families both find a lot to like here.
The mood tends to be casual and quiet. Most weekdays stay calm, so midweek visits can feel pretty relaxed.
Friday evenings bring the biggest rush. Plan ahead if that’s your night, since reservations aren’t accepted.
It’s the kind of spot where lunch can stretch a little longer than planned. Blame the pinball.
5. Mr Gatti’s Pizza, Knoxville
Grew up with Mr Gatti’s? Then this Knoxville location might feel like a time machine with pepperoni.
It’s the only Mr Gatti’s in Knoxville, and the food tastes the way many folks remember it. That kind of consistency is rare.
Mr Gatti’s Pizza runs as a family-oriented pizza buffet with a large arcade. Plates and prizes are basically the whole game plan here.
The buffet goes beyond pizza. Spaghetti with meat sauce shows up, and a salad bar gives you something crunchy between slices.
Staff work to keep the buffet stocked and fresh. The dining room stays clean, which parents always appreciate.
Planning a party? This spot works well for kids’ birthdays, and a private dining room is available for bigger celebrations.
Reservations are accepted too. That’s handy when you’re wrangling a dozen excited kids and their tickets.
The arcade gives plenty of choices, so siblings won’t need to fight over one machine. Well, hopefully.
Vegetarians have options, thanks to a full vegetarian menu. A kids’ menu and high chairs help the little ones too.
Weekend afternoons get busy, and so do Thursday and Friday evenings. Weekday afternoons shortly after opening are usually calmer.
Counter service keeps things moving. Grab what you want, find a table, and get back to the games.
Need a night in? Takeout and delivery are available, and orders come packed with the extras you need.
Free Wi-Fi helps adults catch up on email while kids spend tokens. Parking is free and usually plentiful on Maynardville Pike.
Some East Tennessee traditions are worth keeping alive. A buffet line and a buzzing arcade definitely make that list.
6. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria, Pigeon Forge
Waiting for pizza is usually the boring part. At Big Daddy’s in Pigeon Forge, the wait comes with a huge arcade.
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria is a local chain known for wood-fired, thin-crust pies. Sandwiches and salads fill out the menu for anyone craving something else.
The crust bakes up crispy, and toppings land in generous amounts. It’s a solid reward after a long day on the Parkway.
Feeling bold? The bee sting pizza brings a sweet and spicy twist that stands out from the usual pepperoni.
Don’t skip the dough balls either. Wood fire roasted wings also make the menu, giving the oven even more to do.
Meanwhile, the arcade keeps everybody busy. Kids and grown-ups both find plenty of games while the kitchen works.
That makes this spot a smart pick for families. A kids’ menu, high chairs, and birthday-friendly setup help too.
Diners skipping meat aren’t left out. Vegetarian diners can choose from several pizza toppings, while those seeking vegan options should confirm suitable ingredients with the restaurant.
Pigeon Forge draws crowds of tourists, and this place fits right into the fun. It’s an easy stop between Smoky Mountain adventures.
Evenings later in the week get busiest, especially Thursday through Saturday. The period shortly after opening at 11 AM may be quieter than the evening rush.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so arrive early if your group is large. Takeout is available, and delivery is offered through DoorDash.
Outdoor seating gives you another option when the Tennessee weather cooperates. Parking is free, which is a nice surprise on the busy Parkway.
Service moves quickly, so you might not get to finish that game. Don’t worry, you can always come back for a rematch after dessert.
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