The Arcade Near Apex, NC Worth the Drive
Super Rad Retro Lounge is about 25 minutes from Apex — 30+ restored classic arcade games, nine pinball machines, air hockey, and craft cocktails on Glenwood South in downtown Raleigh.
From Apex to Glenwood South in About 25 Minutes
If you live in Apex and you have been hunting for a real arcade — not a ticket redemption center at a family entertainment complex, but an actual arcade with authentic restored cabinets — Super Rad Retro Lounge is your answer. It is roughly a 25-minute drive from Apex, heading east on US-64 and then up I-40 into downtown Raleigh. Once you hit Glenwood South, you are there.
The drive is easy. The parking is manageable. And what is waiting for you on the other end is genuinely unlike anything you will find closer to home. Super Rad opened on Glenwood South with a singular obsession: find the best classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines in the country, restore them to factory spec using original boards and CRT monitors, and put them all under one neon-soaked roof with a full craft cocktail bar. The result is one of the most unique nights out in the Triangle.
Why It Is Worth the Trip from Apex
This is not your average arcade. Here is what makes Super Rad different.
Authentic Restored Originals
Every arcade cabinet at Super Rad is a genuine restored original — Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Tetris, and more. No multi-game reproductions. No emulation boxes. These are the real machines, playing the way they were meant to play, on original hardware.
Nine Real Pinball Machines
Super Rad's pinball row is the real deal: nine machines including Fish Tales, X-Files, and Pirates of the Caribbean. If you have not played pinball on an actual machine in years, this is the place to fix that. More on pinball in Raleigh →
Craft Cocktails and Local Beer
The bar at Super Rad is a full-service craft cocktail bar with retro-inspired drinks, local draft beer, wine, and zero-proof options. You are not stuck with a vending machine Coke. See the drink menu →
Weekly Events and Tournaments
There is always something going on — retro trivia nights, 80s and 90s themed parties, pinball tournaments, and arcade competitions. Check the calendar before you come and plan around a night that fits your crew. View the event calendar →
What to Expect When You Arrive
30+ Arcade Cabinets
The game floor is packed with fully restored classics. Walk in and you will immediately recognize titles you probably have not seen since the 80s or 90s. See all the games →
Air Hockey
Beyond the arcade cabinets and pinball, there is competitive air hockey. Fast, loud, and impossible not to get invested in — even if you are just watching. More on air hockey →
The Full Vibe
Neon lights, CRT glow, 80s and 90s music, and a crowd that is here to have fun. Super Rad is a social place. You will end up talking to strangers over a high score or a pinball ball drain.
Parking and Getting There from Apex
From Apex, the most straightforward route is US-64 East to I-40 East, then take the exit toward downtown Raleigh. The drive is roughly 25 minutes depending on traffic, and you will land right in the heart of Glenwood South.
Parking on Glenwood South: Street parking on Glenwood Ave and the surrounding side streets is free in the evenings. There are also several surface lots and a parking deck within easy walking distance. On weekends, give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot, but it is rarely a problem. Once you park, everything on Glenwood South is walkable — restaurants, bars, and Super Rad are all in the same corridor.
Make a full night of it: One of the best things about Glenwood South is that you never have to move your car. Grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, walk over to Super Rad for games and drinks, and then keep the night going on foot if you want. The district is designed for exactly that kind of evening. See our full guide to things to do in Raleigh →
Family-Friendly Early, 21+ After 8 PM
Super Rad is one of those rare spots that actually works for multiple kinds of outings. Before 8 PM, the venue is family-friendly — so if you want to bring the kids out for a Saturday afternoon of classic games, that is a completely valid plan. The games are the same, the atmosphere is the same, and it is a genuinely fun experience for younger players who have never seen a real arcade cabinet.
After 8 PM, Super Rad becomes a 21+ venue for the night crowd. That is the time for date nights, birthday parties, bachelorette outings, and groups of friends who want to settle an old rivalry on the pinball machine over craft cocktails. Both versions of the experience are great — they just serve different audiences. Plan accordingly and you will have a good time either way.
For Apex residents looking to make a night of it in Raleigh, Super Rad pairs perfectly with dinner on Glenwood South beforehand and the walk back to your car after. It is the kind of outing you will repeat — because you did not beat your high score and you need to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Super Rad from Apex, NC?
Super Rad Retro Lounge is about 25 minutes from Apex, NC by car. The most direct route is US-64 East to I-40 East into downtown Raleigh. Super Rad is located at 106 Glenwood Ave on Glenwood South.
Is there an arcade bar near Apex, NC?
The closest barcade to Apex is Super Rad Retro Lounge in downtown Raleigh — roughly a 25-minute drive. It is the Triangle's premier retro arcade bar, with 30+ restored classic arcade cabinets, nine pinball machines, air hockey, and a full craft cocktail bar. There is nothing else in the area quite like it.
Is Super Rad Retro Lounge family-friendly?
Yes, before 8 PM. Super Rad welcomes all ages until 8 PM, making it a great option for a family afternoon or early evening. After 8 PM the venue becomes 21+ only. If you are bringing kids, plan to arrive earlier in the day.
Where do I park near Super Rad on Glenwood South?
Street parking on Glenwood Ave and the surrounding blocks is typically free in the evenings. There are also surface lots and a parking deck nearby. Weekend evenings can be busy, so give yourself a few extra minutes. Once you park, Super Rad and the rest of Glenwood South are easily walkable.
Ready to Make the Drive?
About 25 minutes from Apex. 30+ restored arcade games, nine pinball machines, air hockey, and craft cocktails waiting on the other side. Come find out what a real arcade feels like.