Dave and Buster’s

We were a bit happy to have a Dave and Buster’s open up nearby, after years and decades of San Francisco having and losing entertainment centers. The Daly City location opened in 2016 at Serramonte Mall, and we have since celebrated a couple of birthdays here. 

Growing up in the city (both San Francisco and Daly City), I didn’t really have an easy access to hang out in such places. I had the normal kind of youth where I spent my afterschool doing sports and hanging out at the library, or going straight home to watch TV. Parents were working, so I had to be independent. On the weekends, we were taken to some attractions but there were a lot of church-related activities I was brought along to. 

These days, I don’t think that has changed much. Except for the church activities. Our family still goes sometimes, but we are not very active... perhaps that will change, as I do see the value of a strong church community. 

That’s just a brief look into my past as a kid growing up in the city. As a parent in the same city, I am parenting a bit differently because of my own experiences growing up. There were things I was aware of, but didn’t really get to do. I’m now able to do some of them, and I am open to sharing them with the kids. Such being the entertainment of Dave and Buster’s. 

As a young adult in San Francisco, I got to experience the Metreon (fun, and I miss that!) In having Dave & Busters, it’s nice to be able to plan to go, and it’s nearby. 

The gaming experience is very different, but only in technology. No need to be dragging tokens anymore. You can either get a game card, or download the app. I find it convenient, and I like it that way. Tickets are loaded to your card or app, and they are scanned when you redeem for prizes. No more dropping your tickets to another kid’s joy. The food is not bad, it’s priced “normal” in Bay Area terms. I love that there’s also a bar, for when I might just want to meet with grown up friends sometimes! 

Is it safe to say that D&B is an acceptable replacement for the legendary Pizza and Pipes? I think, with all the circumstances, it is. Some things can’t be replaced, but new formations of those things come by and I am for it.