Play Date

"We're an adult entertainment complex," said Greg Taylor, Assistant General Manager of Dave and Buster's, the latest happening place to invade south Tulsa. To find this mega playhouse, look north of the Best Buy on 71st Street.

Having opened in early January, the concept for the gaming began in the late 70s by -- you guessed it -- two fellows named Dave and Buster. Taylor said that the guys had places across the street from each other in Little Rock, Ark.: Dave had a game place while Buster had a restaurant. They "put their heads together," as Taylor said, and developed the idea for a restaurant with games for the adults who still enjoy such things.

Dave and Buster's has a full-service restaurant and bar, plus a 9,000-square-foot Million Dollar Midway -- an area filled with more than 200 games ranging from classic video games to what they deem as "the latest and greatest interactive and video games." There's even a rechargeable Power Card to use with the games. Players can also slip into the Winner's Circle to redeem tickets for cool toys and high-tech gadgets.

Sounds like the state fair, no?

It seemed that way to me on the evening I stopped by for take-out. It was Sunday and the place was crowded. People waited to be seated, the bar was packed and the Midway was moving with lots of people.

To-go orders are placed at the bar, so I bellied up to place my extensive order. The menu is pretty typical for this type of place: starters, soups and small salads, seafood, chicken and ribs, pasta, steaks, combos, sides and extras, burgers and sandwiches, bar burgers and chicks, lunch specials and desserts.

My order consisted of Cheesesticks ($12.98 for two orders); Queso, Guacamole, Chips and Salsa ($5.79), Buffalo "Firehouse" Wings ($8.29), Greek Salad ($9.69), Fried Shrimp Platter ($12.99), Southern Fried Catfish ($10.99), Goldfingers ($10.99), Parmesan Chicken Alfredo ($11.99), Chargrilled Ribeye Steak ($18.99), Monterey Burger ($8.59) and the Belgian Chocolate Fondue for dessert ($8.19).

The drink menu is separate; while I waited on my food and watched the spectacle, I sipped on a Million Dollar Margarita, their "flagship cocktail," which has Sauza Hornitos, 100 percent Blue Agave tequila with Tuaca and Grand Marnier. It was well-made margarita that packed a punch.

While my service was quite good, I noticed a person at the bar also waiting for an order; somehow his order was never filled or it was given to another customer because he left without re-ordering or waiting even longer.

The beer was flowing as bartenders barely kept up with demand. Still, there was calmness about them as they filled orders. TV's were plentiful in the bar area. A large dining room section accommodated a pack crowd of people this evening. Service seemed to be of utmost importance.

Within 20 minutes, I had my food and was out the door. Not only was my order filled accurately, but the food was good - not outstanding but enjoyable.

My Monterey burger -- a large, half-pound meat patty was covered with melted white cheese and sautéed mushrooms -- was quite good, though. The 12-ounce Chargrilled Ribeye Steak was juicy but laced with too much fat. The children enjoyed the crispy mozzarella cheese sticks and the Goldfingers, crispy fried chicken tenders. The Buffalo Wings were tender but nothing too special. And the Belgian Chocolate Fondue was particularly enjoyed by all. The fruit and dessert bites (cubed pieces of cake, marshmallows and graham crackers) were served with rich melted semi-sweet chocolate for dipping.

Taylor said people come to Dave and Buster's to "eat, drink and play;" and they sure do. The Midway was filled with people playing, drinking and enjoying a short escape from reality.

A major draw to Dave and Buster's are the facilities for corporate parties that allow a fun environment for companies to host team building exercises, according to Jamie Payne, special events coordinator. The gatherings mix work with pleasure; and Payne said businesses can come in for a meeting and then play. There are four steps of preparation: rental of an event area or private room (party room, board room, dining room); food service (chef-crafted buffet or package); beverage option (multiple variations); and entertainment options (D&B Great Race, Ticket Master, Mystery Dinner Theater, Ultimate Quest and Company Challenge).

Dave & Buster's is most definitely focused on entertainment for adults; all are welcome and guaranteed a good time.

Dave and Buster's

6812 S. 105th E. Ave.

449-3100

Hours:

Sun.-Thurs. 11am-11pm

Fri.-Sat. 11am-1am

Rating:

Atmosphere ***

Food ***

Service ****