What’s up, everyone? Blake here with a fun review of the new High 5 entertainment spot up here in Austin. As you guys know, I’m always on the lookout for cool new places to take my wife and kids for some family bonding time. We’re big fans of activities like bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and the like, so when I heard about this spot called High 5 offering all that and more, I just had to round up the fam and check it out!
Let me tell you, this place totally lived up to the hype and then some. As soon as we walked in the front doors, we were met with bright neon lights, blasting music, rows of arcade and video games, a shiny smooth bowling alley, and people everywhere playing, eating, and having an all-around kick-butt time. My kids’ eyes lit up like Christmas trees, and Patty and I exchanged excited grins – we just knew this was going to be an epic family adventure!
The Venue
High 5 is conveniently located right off Anderson Lane. The 15,000 square foot space is decked out with vintage-style bowling lanes, karaoke rooms, a bunch of the latest video and arcade games, plus specialty attractions like a virtual reality section, indoor axe throwing lanes, a nice big patio with yard games – you name it, this place has got it all!
As soon as we stepped inside, the sensory overload was real. The vibe was very modern, trendy, and energetic, with colorful lights strung up all over and neon-painted walls showcasing an incredibly cool one-of-a-kind mural done by the famous local Austin artist Rory Skagen. His giant, graffiti-style masterpiece covers an entire wall behind the bowling lanes and bar and ties together Austin’s funky, artistic culture. Leave it to my trendy wife Patty to immediately recognize Skagen’s signature style – that woman never ceases to impress me with her eclectic knowledge of local art and artists!
In between checking out all the awesome games and activities, my family and I grabbed a lane and bowled a few rounds. The scoring system was ultra modern with screens and sensors – my tech nerd side relished in all the bells and whistles! We also made sure to explore the video arcade section, which was any kid’s paradise with rows of games, even a basketball free throw shooting one that I have to admit I dominated.
My daughter Jenette made a beeline right for the Giant Connect 4 game, which has always been one of her favorites. Even Patty took a turn showing off her surprise air hockey skills against John and left him scratching his head, wondering where his mom’s hidden talents were coming from. Like I said, that woman continues to amaze me! All in all, with 28 bowling lanes, 4000 square feet of arcade and redemption games, plus specialty attractions like axe throwing, this place was entertainment heaven for sure.
The Food
After working up our appetites racing around High 5 for a couple of hours straight, we grabbed a table at their restaurant area to refuel and recharge. When I caught sight of their menu with loaded tater tots, wings, burgers, and the like, I knew we were in for a lip-smacking good meal!
We started with an order of their famous Thai chili boneless wings, and let me tell you guys, those tangy little suckers were absolutely destroyed. My favorite part was watching Patty try one then immediately go bug-eyed and grab for her water, only to dissolve into giggles two seconds later. What can I say, 15 years together, and that woman still keeps me on my toes! Good thing they had an excellent craft beer selection to wash down the fiery wings – I went with one of Austin’s own brews, the Pathfinder IPA, which was crisp and delicious.
For his main meal, my son John opted for their chorizo burger served with tater tots and bacon. I swear that’s all the 14-year-old eats these days with his bottomless teenage appetite! Jenette decided to copy Mom and ordered her favorite go-to chicken tenders, which looked perfectly crispy. Leave it to my girl to play it safe with her all-time favorite. Never one to pass up anything with the words “loaded tater tots” in front of it — I chose the cheesy bacon option, and man oh man did High 5 deliver.
Smothered in gooey queso, crispy bits of bacon, green onion, and their special seasoning, one bite of those babies and my taste buds did a happy dance! And Patty, my little risk-taker, decided to try one of their adventurous Brazilian-inspired steak kabobs. Watching her eyes light up after her first juicy, garlicky bite, I knew she had picked another winning dish. Every meal with this family of mine is an absolute joy.
Wrapping Up
As we finished up our delicious dinner, full bellies all around, I gazed around at the crowd of smiling faces bowling, playing games, and generally enjoying themselves at High 5. Friends and families bonding, kids’ laughter echoing throughout the venue, couples casually drinking cocktails and snacking on loaded nachos or wings — I was filled with a comforting sense of community and just pure gladness.
Places like this that bring people together to have good old-fashioned fun are few and far between. As both a parent and loving husband, any opportunity I get to build joy-filled memories with my family I will forever cherish as an absolute gift. We live in cynical, trying times, and I believe with my whole heart that we truly need more spots like High 5 – colorful havens filled with neon lights, booming music, delicious comfort food, and most importantly, human connection through the power of play.
As we finally gathered up our things and shuffled toward the exit after several blissful hours, John and Jenette begged us to come back again soon. I told them if they kept their grades up, we just might make this a yearly family tradition! Even Patty chimed in that she’d happily return anytime, which surprised me, considering I had to drag her here in the first place. But that’s the magic of a place like High 5 – it brings out the inner child in all of us, despite our ages.
Sure, the venue had a few minimal flaws here and there – the bathroom cleanliness could use some help, and the servers tended to disappear occasionally leaving dirty tables lingering longer than desired. But the good FAR outweighed any negatives. With the smiling staff, the thrill of the games, the mouthwatering food and drinks, the infectious laughter, and fun vibes pulsing through the very air, High 5 delivered an evening my family will relish and remember for years to come.
So, if you’re looking for a local spot to kick back, relax, and create special moments with your friends or family, take it from this happy husband and father of two – get yourself over to High 5 and let the good times roll!