Arcades I frequented in SB

[GRay Defender]

San Bernardino, California.

 

Let's take a walk down my memory lane going all the way back to the early to mid 80's, I'll share some of the spots I used to frequent as a youngster desperate to play arcade machines, just about any would do.

 

Located at roughly 33rd and E streets across from a gas station, this was the site of my "go to" arcade.   It's the one on the left side which is now some sort of Internet Café.  It has been host to many businesses since being an arcade.  This is where I first saw many arcade games including Williams Defender and Atari Missile Command.  It looks so much smaller to me now.  I remember for a short period of time I had an allowance of two bucks a day for lunch, which of course means I would starve myself to play in this arcade. 

 

 

Just down the street from the local arcade, was a sandwich shop called "Butches Grinders".  It has since been torn down and made into a bus stop + parking.  They always had at least one arcade machine that I would try to play.

 

Located catty corner to the bus stop is P&J Liquor store.  At the time they kept one arcade machine in there.  I would try to sneak in over there after school as well or when my parents went shopping at Alpha Beta which was next door.  I have a rather specific memory of a few kids making fun of me while I was playing a game.  When I asked what they were laughing about, it was because I was wearing a polo shirt with it all buttoned up to the top.

 

A few years went by and there were still a few arcade machines to be found around various places in San Bernardino.  Located just above 40th street and Sierra Way this used to be a Roaring 20s Pizza place.  There was a mini-arcade located in the back where you order.  I cannot remember eating any pizza there however.

 

 

Located at 40th and H street, this used to be multiple businesses including a barber and a small Arcade.

 

 

And finally, at the Inland Center Mall in the heart of the City, there used to be a stairwell leading down to an arcade area for the kids to play in.  It has since been sealed up and turned into a children's play area.  It was still there well into my mid 20's but I rarely went down there.  These are by no means the only places with arcade machines in town, but they are the ones I remembered playing in.  I hope you enjoyed!!

 

 

 

 

[RickR]

Nice post. 

[btbfilms76]

Great post and great idea. Ive been working on map that details all the pizza places we visited and what arcade cabs were in each one. Let's keep this history coming, this is great.

[Atari Creep]

Very cool!!!!