Bar games are something universal for humans around the world. No matter where you go, you’ll find people finding a way to fill the time with a drink in hand: cards, dice, billiards, darts, the list is nearly endless. And the best part? You can leverage that to get customers coming back time and again. So today, we’re talking about bar games; more specifically, we’re breaking down the best games to build a following in your area.
The Best Bar Games to Keep Customers Entertained
Bar games are an odd pastime. While they may seem like a simple distraction, there are a lot of people out there that treat them as a hobby. Some of the options we’ll talk about today even have the option to go professional! Because of this, many of the choices below will be an excellent way to encourage guests to return.
Darts
Darts is an excellent option for bars and restaurants that have spare space. While you can’t just slap a dart board anywhere and expect it to go well, with proper planning, it can make a great attraction. Darts are easy to use, simple to collect at the end of the night, and cost very little, making them a wonderful option — as long as you can set space aside for them.
Keep in mind that, at the end of the day, darts are sharp objects flying through the air. Because of this, having space that’s away from common thoroughfares and can keep the board against a wall is a must. Otherwise, you risk darts in places that we don’t want. And as a final tip, charge a deposit for the darts — you’ll be far more likely to get them back.
Pool (Billiards)
Pool is a game that’s thought to date as far back as the 14th century. Throughout the centuries, it’s become an extremely common bar game that’s managed to elevate itself to the status of a professional sport. Now, your bar regulars likely won’t be pro hustlers, but chances are that you’ve got a handful of hobbyists in your area. And just like any other hobbyist, pool players are likely to spend a bit of money for the opportunity to play.
The major downsides to pool are space and money. Pool tables are… not cheap, and they take up a lot of space. Because of this, most spaces that invest in bar games like pool tend to invest heavily with multiple tables. This allows you to host pool nights, where tables are discounted (or free), and draw in more groups than you might have otherwise.
Trivia Nights
Trivia nights are an event that have gained traction over the past twenty or so years. While trivia is no new invention, the act of hosting a themed night at your bar or restaurant is a bit more modern. Many areas have individuals that specialize in hosting trivia who’ve built their own local followings, making the decision easy. Even if you can’t find a professional trivia host, with some time and preparation, it’s something that most owners/operators can manage to host.
The two main things you’ll need to keep in mind when trying to run a trivia night are marketing and space. When marketed properly, you’ll bring in lots of large groups — which is great if you have the space. So take time to organize your lobby and ensure everyone can get cozy for a good night of trivia and drinks.
Shuffleboard
While it’s not quite in the same price range as billiards, shuffleboard can be another relatively expensive bar game to get up and running. However, if you can find space for several tables, it provides another great excuse for hobbyists to come in and play. Keep in mind that, like pool, you’ll need to devote a good bit of space to your tables and you’ll be all set.
Foosball
Foosball is a hallmark of bars and college dorms everywhere. It’s far cheaper than alternatives like shuffleboard or pool, running at around $150 for a full table, but it still faces the same struggle of space. This is doubly important as you’ll need to plan for multiple people on each side of the table — in other words, foosball is for bars and restaurants with a decent amount of space to spare.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic game for barbeques and days spent drinking by the river, and for good reason. It’s easy to set up, affordable, and something that can easily get competitive (especially when enjoying a drink with friends). As such, it’s a clear winner for one of the best bar games that you can run.
Like many of the other bar games we’ve talked about today, cornhole will require a bit of space. Most sets will take between six and ten feet in length to keep set up, meaning (again) that an outdoor space or large indoor non-dining area is a must. With that said, though, it’s a great way to make a bit of spare cash on rentals and is super easy to maintain, meaning you won’t need to worry about repairs beyond replacing the bean bags.
Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga is, put simply, a blast. Most of us will be familiar with Jenga as a concept; you build a tower from blocks and then slowly break it down piece by piece until it collapses. Giant Jenga is an excellent game for family friendly restaurants with large outdoor spaces, as it provides a clear game for children and adults alike to play.
Once again, though, it’s crucial that you have the space to accommodate games like Giant Jenga. Seeing as most sets can get up to two feet in height, it’s important to have space that’s away from common walking areas for people to play — we don’t want anyone tripping over a massive Jenga block.
Card Games, Board Games and Tabletop Games
Card games are a classic for bars, though where you live will likely affect which card games you can play. Many areas ban gambling, making poker tournaments and card tables a bar game to avoid. However, there are so many more options than blackjack or Texas hold ’em. Whether you stick to the classic Uno, delve into party games like Cards Against Humanity, or dive head-first into the world of competitive card games like Magic the Gathering, card games have a massive selection for you to choose from.
And should card games prove not enough, there are always your trusty board games. From classics like Monopoly or Risk, board games are affordable and incredibly easy to rent out to patrons. Even better, there’s another direction you can go with this — tabletop games.
Not to be confused with board games, tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons often have large communities that obsessively play them. Creating an environment where, say, every Tuesday is TTRPG night can create a massive incentive for multiple large groups to frequent your establishment.
Arcade Machines
Arcade machines are often a hefty investment, but they pay off in spades. While there’s the obvious appeal of the money they can bring in, they also hold a certain appeal for a wide range of customers. Depending on the type of environment you’ve created (i.e., family-friendly or not), they can also serve as an excellent way to get families into your business!
How to Host Bar Game Tournaments
Bar games are great on their own, but they’re excellent when turned competitive. Bar game tournaments are an excellent way to draw in new and returning guests because, let’s be real here, who doesn’t love a few drinks with friends while absolutely wrecking them in a competition? While all of the options discussed above work wonders for bringing in crowds, there are plenty of other options that you can pursue.
Mario Kart nights pop off in bars all over, trivia tournaments pull in dozens, and karaoke contests pull in hundreds. While bragging rights and a gift card are an excellent way to encourage people to attend, the most appealing prize is often receiving cash. Charge a buy-in that’s paid out (at least in part) to a pot for the winner and you’ve got a paid tournament on your hands.
From there, your main concern should be marketing. Take full advantage of your social media accounts, reach out to guests that have provided contact information through any loyalty programs or newsletters, and get the word out! If you need a few pointers on digital marketing, be sure to check out our guide here.
Creating a Fun Atmosphere with Bar Games
After you’ve gotten the games and set them up, there’s another important aspect that needs to be tended to, bar games need to be fun! Because of this, we can’t just place a pool table in the middle of the lobby and call it done. We need to create ambiance; play lively music, make sure the drinks keep flowing, and encourage competition between guests.
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