Natali Carrera
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Dave & Busters… It’s finally here!
Back in January of 2010, a Facebook page was started called “Fresno Needs a Dave & Busters”. I wasn’t sure what a Dave & Busters was, and when I asked others, what I heard was essentially, “It’s basically like a really nice Chuck-e-Cheese for grown-ups.” I was told they had a huge arcade, restaurant and bar and it’s geared toward adults. Sounded pretty great to me! I liked the page and kept an eye on it from time to time. The page’s fandom grew to a crowd of over 4,000 Fresnans, all rallying for Dave & Busters to consider making Fresno their next home – and after six years, we finally got our wish!
Dave & Busters is now officially open for business just off of the 41 freeway at Friant. Directly East of Riverpark & Universal Park’s popular shopping and dining mega-centers, and easily accessible via the freeway, Dave & Busters Fresno is sure to see a steady stream of guests from men less than enthusiastic about shopping with their wives nearby to couples looking for a fun date night and groups of friends wanting to watch the big game or celebrate a birthday or special occasion.
First Impressions
My husband and I were lucky enough to be able to attend the media preview lunch held last week, and sample a variety of items from the Dave & Busters menu and even chat with their chef, Antonio. All of the food we tried was very tasty – with my husband’s favorite being the Smokehouse BBQ Ribs, and my favorite being the Three-Cheese Grilled Cheese Sticks, though I also really liked the Bass Ale Battered Fish – the batter was the crispiest I’d even had. Chef Antonio said his favorite menu items were the Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese and the Bananas Foster Pie. There wasn’t anything that I tasted that wasn’t good.
Upon entering the Fresno Dave & Busters, guests will see a large dining area on their right and an expansive sports bar to their left. With more screens that I could quickly count, sports fans are sure to be able to find their favorite team on, so long as they’re playing. The dining area is localized (nice touch) with photos of monuments from Downtown Fresno. At the West end of the dining area is a large private party/meeting room that can be booked for banquets – and this room displays large wall murals featuring the Fresno sign and Half Dome.
Beyond the dining area and bar is the arcade and prize redemption area. The arcade is HUGE and filled with the latest and greatest like Star Wars Battle Pods with immersive curved screens and pod seating and giant Crossy Road games, as well as old favorites in pristine, brand new condition like basketball shooting and PacMan.
As someone who’d previously never been to any other Dave & Busters locations, my overall impression of Dave & Busters Fresno was very positive. The entire building was well designed, spacious and not at all reminiscent of a kids’ pizza-cade like Chuck-e-Cheese. I can definitely see myself wanting to try more items from the expansive menu, (if I’m being honest, it’s the many, many finger foods that call to me most, though I want to try that Ultimate Mac & Cheese, too). I’m grateful to have Dave & Busters here in Fresno now, as a new entertainment and dining option, and whether you’re already a fan, or new to the experience as I am, I think you will be, too!
