Couple's Review: Adult Night at Area 53 in DUMBO

By Aaron Gold and Christine Stoddard

Well, looky there, we have a couple’s review of Area 53, a laser tag arena and arcade in DUMBO! Read on to see what each of us thought of this venue as a date night spot. Important to note: We went on Adult Night, so no kiddos allowed.

Aaron: People are complex and contain multitudes. I, for one, contain the dualities of being a nearly 36-year-old, and having a deep love for all things laser tag. No matter how old I get, I never seem to tire of running around shooting lasers at people while dodging their harmless volleys back. The most irritating thing about laser tag is probably the children, which is where Area 53’s Adult Night kicks in. Every week, as the sun falls, the kiddies are banned and the adults-only rule comes into effect, and let me tell you, it is absolutely worth it.

Outside of laser tag, there are an abundance of classic arcade games, including air hockey, claw machines (that you can actually win!) I snagged two plushies for Christine out of our combined 6 attempts—including one on the first try! There was one of those basketball shootout games where the hoops move, too. There are the standard arcade edibles: your hot dogs and your chicken nuggets, as well as a bevy of ice cream options. For not having a designated bar, the alcohol menu has a nice smattering of options, including craft beers, wine, alcoholic seltzers, and lemonades, all in cans. There are plenty of comfy couches to rest on in between your 15-minute laser tag sessions, which we were quite grateful for. 

The one critique I’d have is that there didn’t really feel like there was a need for the DJ to be playing music that loud, especially for the non-dance vibe Area 53 gives off. But alas, I am a 36-year-old, so take that with a grain of salt. 

They also have a mini bowling alley open to you, and the staff is friendly and very accommodating. They held our drinks while we entered the laser tag arena, which had plenty of space and items to weave in and out of, allowing for changing strategies on the fly with your team. 

Area 53 is a great time, and I absolutely plan on partaking in more adult nights there. 

Christine: This doesn’t always happen, I swear, but I agree with everything Aaron said. The only difference is that I’m not quite as old as he is, so maybe the loud music bothered me a little less. It definitely pounded the ol’ eardrums, though. Like, to the point where I could barely hear the laser tag guns make their pew-pew sound.
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We had a ton of fun as a couple and I definitely recommend this for date night. Not so much romantic as adrenaline pumping and silly, which is also a good vibe.
One minor complaint: I wish they had cubbies for purses. We had a place to hang our coats but no places for bags. I’m glad I brought a fanny pack! This was no environment for a Kate Spade.

Area53nyc.com