(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Dave & Busters is an explosion of color, thumping sound, flashing neon lights. It may be a little vulgar, a lot loud and way over-the-top, Vegas without the gambling. But what about the food?
That’s what I wanted to find out when I planned a Dave & Buster’s date night/birthday for my husband, Sean.
Pro tip: Wednesdays are half-price games all day—and the night we went. It didn’t feel crowded the entire four hours we were there, from 6 to 10 p.m. With $60 of chips on our card (400 total), we got a little giddy with shoot-‘em-ups like Tomb Raider, Jurassic Park and Halo, playing again and again and again. Then there were the other games, like Dave & Busters’ version of skeeball and a giant Hungry Hungry Hippo where you actually ride the hippos—and where we challenged a couple of 6-year-olds (and they won!).
We were hungry by then too. The restaurant is open to the arcade and offers plenty of seating at high-tops and oversized booths. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the huge bar, thanks to the mega TVs surrounding it, all tuned to sports.
Our waitress came dancing up to us with a big smile and plenty of suggestions on what was popular. Items marked orange are Dave & Buster’s newest, which helps narrow down the generously sized menu.
It includes appetizers such as its fan-favorite giant Bavarian pretzel, a Creole shrimp dip, Korean sticky ribs, garlic parmesan truffle fries and our waitress’ popular suggestions: cantina nachos topped with ancho chile chicken and other fixings or the pepperoni flatbread. Wings and tenders are served with a choice of eight sauces or five dry rubs. Burgers and handhelds include three burgers, including one with a bacon trifecta of pork belly, applewood smoked bacon and bacon jam, and lighter options like a chicken avocado club. Entrees range from a 25-day aged 14-ounce ribeye to fire-grilled Atlantic salmon as well as chicken and pork options. There are also desserts and a kid’s menu.
Not on the menu, but also available to order is the super smash burger, with at least three but up to six thin and crispy patties, and other items featured on the restaurant’s table tents.
We decided to go with our waitress’ entrée suggestions: the brand-new crispy Hawaiian chicken sandwich for me and the voodoo pasta, topped with crispy chicken, for Sean.
While we waited, we let the color and sound wash over us, and we picked out the next games we wanted to play from our vantage point at one of the high-top tables.
Back with her signature smile, our server slid my basket and Sean’s dish of food in front of us. I have to admit: My expectations were low, but I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, it was a little heavy and fried and I didn’t really get any pineapple slaw on my sandwich, but the soft and squishy bun was sweet, the crunchy chicken was also tender inside, and the sauce was packed with flavor—a little sweet, a little spicy from the sriracha and a whole lot of umami. It was different, and I liked it. My fries were also well-cooked, light and crisp with just the right amount of salt.
I was glad Sean ordered the voodoo pasta because I’d been eyeing it on the menu. It was a little more spicy than we expected—sriracha is also one of the ingredients—but I really liked the creamy sauce and the warm sweet heat on my tongue.
When our waitress returned to check on us, I said, “I can tell you really enjoy being here.” She grinned again, and said, “I do!”
We did too. After we finished eating, we went back and played again. It was nearly 10 when we stumbled back outside into the starry darkness. The quiet felt a little odd. “It’s just like being in a casino,” I exclaimed, and Sean agreed. And much like a Vegas casino, you may go for the games, but the food just might surprise you.
Make Your Reservation
Dave & Buster’s
807 Cabela Dr.
daveandbusters.com/locations/augusta
Entrée cost: $11.95 to $29.95
Danielle Wong Moores is a local freelance writer who’ll never turn down a shrimp cocktail, sushi or cheese dip. Her greatest food influences are her mom and writers MFK Fisher and Amanda Hesser. Her Dine and Dish column runs the second and fourth Fridays in The Augusta Press.
