Jeanie Baker and Chase Jones play pool together in the arcade. Ruby’s has multiple pool tables throughout the restaurant and arcade.

Ruby’s Arcade offers pizza, games

Want to go bowling, play chess and try your hand at old school Tetris all at the same time? Ruby’s Arcade, found at 165 South Main Street, offers all of these things and much more. With such a wide variety of games and activities, Ruby’s seems like it has something for everyone.

Marta Rampini, a James Madison University student and server at Ruby’s Arcade, agrees with many teens, saying there are not many entertainment opportunities within downtown itself specifically catered towards teens.

“When I was 18 I really struggled to find things to do downtown that weren’t just for people over 21. You really have to build your own community, find events to go to, like the cultural festival which is in the spring, and things like the Red Wing Roots music festival,” Rampini said.

The arcade, however, brings something new to the downtown entertainment scene. Ruby’s Arcade is one of the only places in downtown Harrisonburg with activities, as well as food, that really offers something for teenagers.

“During the week we have a lot of parents and kids coming in, as well as teens in groups, JMU students and adults especially at night,” Rampini said.

Along with the arcade and restaurant, Ruby’s also has occasional game tournaments, as well as things like bingo night every Tuesday.

Despite the assumption among some teens that downtown has nothing to do, Ruby’s Arcade is a spot where adults, children and teens alike can all find something to have fun with.

“We have affordable pizza and free games during the week … we play family friendly music,” Rampini said. “The arcade is really for everyone.”

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