What Dave & Buster's offers for corporate groups
Dave & Buster's runs private event spaces at most of its locations where groups can book for team outings, client entertainment, and company celebrations. The company does not publish a single national rate sheet — pricing, space availability, and package options vary by location and season. You contact the specific Dave & Buster's where you want to hold your event, and their events team quotes you based on what you need.
Most locations offer semi-private or fully private rooms that can hold anywhere from 20 to several hundred people, depending on the venue size. The space typically includes access to the arcade games, food and beverage service, and sometimes a dedicated bar area. Some locations have multiple rooms you can book together or separately.
Dave & Buster's does not require a minimum spend at every location, but many do. When a minimum exists, it usually applies to food, drinks, and game card purchases combined — not to the room rental alone. The minimum varies widely; some locations set it at $500 for a small group, others at $2,000 or more for larger events.
Key Takeaways
- Each Dave & Buster's location sets its own pricing and availability, so you must contact the specific venue where you want to book.
- Most locations offer semi-private or fully private rooms with arcade access, food service, and bar options included or available.
- Minimum spend requirements exist at many locations but vary; some have none, and others require $500 to $2,000 or more depending on group size and time of day.
- You typically book through the events coordinator at your chosen location by phone or through their website's events inquiry form.
- Peak times (Friday and Saturday evenings, holidays) book faster and may have higher minimums or limited availability than weekday events.
How to book and what information you'll need
Start by identifying which Dave & Buster's location works for your group. Use the location finder on the Dave & Buster's website to see which venues are near you, then call the events or catering department directly. Some locations also accept event inquiries through their website.
When you contact them, have ready: the date and time you want, the number of people in your group, your budget range, and what kind of event it is (team building, client dinner, holiday party, etc.). The events coordinator will tell you what rooms are open on that date, what the space rental costs (if any), what food and drink packages they offer, and whether a minimum spend applies.
Most locations ask for a deposit to hold the date — typically 25 to 50 percent of the estimated total, though this varies. You usually pay the remainder when you arrive or shortly after the event. Ask about their cancellation policy when you book; some allow changes up to a certain number of days before the event, others do not.
Food, drinks, and game card options
Dave & Buster's typically offers catering packages for groups, which may include appetizers, entrees, and desserts. You can often choose from a set menu or work with the catering team to customize options. Prices per person vary by location and what you select, usually ranging from $15 to $40 or more depending on the menu tier.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are usually available. Some locations offer drink packages (for example, a set number of drinks per person) while others charge by the drink. Ask whether your group can bring its own alcohol — most Dave & Buster's locations do not allow outside beverages.
Game cards are separate from food and drink. Groups typically receive a pool of credits to distribute among attendees, or each person gets an individual card with a set amount loaded on it. The cost depends on how many credits you want and the location's pricing. Some event packages include a set game card credit per person; others charge for it separately.
Timing and availability by day and season
Weekday events (Monday through Thursday) are usually easier to book and may have lower minimums than weekend events. Friday and Saturday evenings are the most competitive times; many locations fill up weeks or months in advance during peak seasons.
Holiday periods (December, summer vacation weeks, major holidays) see higher demand and often higher minimums. If you have flexibility in your date, booking a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon can mean more room choices and potentially better pricing.
Availability also depends on the size of your group and the specific location. A large venue in a major city may have more options than a smaller location in a less populated area. Always confirm availability directly with the location rather than assuming online information is current.
What's included versus what costs extra
The room rental itself may be free, or it may carry a separate charge — this varies by location and time. Food and beverages are usually charged per person or as a package total. Game card credits are almost always separate and charged based on the dollar amount you load onto the cards.
Some locations include basic setup (tables, chairs) in the room rental; others charge for it. Audio-visual equipment, if available, may have an additional fee. Ask the events coordinator for a complete breakdown of what is included in the quoted price and what would cost extra.
Gratuity is typically not included in the quoted price and is added at the end, usually 18 to 20 percent of the food and beverage total. Confirm whether gratuity is automatic or optional at your location.
Capacity and layout options
Dave & Buster's locations vary in size, and so do their private spaces. A small semi-private room might hold 20 to 40 people; a large private space could accommodate 200 or more. Some locations have multiple rooms that can be opened up to create one larger space, or kept separate for breakout activities.
The layout typically includes tables and chairs, arcade game access throughout the space, and sometimes a bar area or high-top tables. Ask the events coordinator to describe the exact setup for your group size and to send photos if you have not visited the location before.
If you need a specific layout (classroom style, banquet style, cocktail reception) ask whether the location can accommodate it. Some spaces are more flexible than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to book the entire Dave & Buster's or just a private room?
Most events are held in a semi-private or fully private room within the location, not the entire venue. A fully private room means your group has exclusive use of that space. A semi-private room is cordoned off but may share some facilities with the rest of the restaurant. Ask the events coordinator which option is available on your date.
Can we bring our own food or decorations?
Most Dave & Buster's locations do not allow outside food or alcohol. Decorations are usually permitted, but confirm with the events coordinator first — some locations have restrictions on what can be hung or placed on walls. Ask about setup time and whether you can arrive early to decorate.
What happens if we don't spend the full minimum?
If a minimum spend applies and your group does not reach it, you typically pay the difference. Some locations may waive or reduce the minimum if you book during off-peak times or give them advance notice. Always clarify the minimum policy and whether it is firm or negotiable when you book.
Can we do team-building activities or competitions with the games?
Yes, many groups use the arcade games for informal competitions or team challenges. Dave & Buster's does not typically organize structured team-building activities, but your group can create your own competitions using the games. Ask the events coordinator whether they have any suggestions or experience with how other groups have organized this.
How far in advance should we book?
For weekday events, two to four weeks is usually sufficient. For weekend events or peak seasons (holidays, summer), book at least six to eight weeks ahead. Popular locations and large groups should book even earlier. Contact your chosen location to ask how far out they are currently booking.