On one hand: We're a little skeptical of the idea behind Dave & Buster's -- a chain arcade/restaurant/bar/Chuck-E-Cheese-type-thing for adults. It makes us think of a "pieces of flair" place, but, you know, with games.

On the other: We do really like to play skee ball...

So, when we were invited to get an early look at the new Crossgates location today -- it opens this Saturday (August 24) -- we figured, sure, why not.

Here's a quick trip through it...



First a few bits about Dave & Buster's

+ Dave & Buster's was started in 1982 in Dallas. Counting Crossgates, the chain has 64 locations around the country.

+ The Crossgates location is on the first floor of the mall, adjacent to the Dick's Sporting Goods.

+ It's big -- 33,000 square feet.

+ The bar and restaurant area can sit 265 people. The menu is pretty much what you'd expect: burgers, steaks, sandwiches, salads, mountain o' nachos.

+ There are 170 games in the arcade (many of them multi player). You pay for the games by loading money onto a card.

+ It's open 11 am to midnight Sunday-Thursday, and 11 am to 2 am Friday and Saturday.

+ The place is oriented toward adults. People under 18 aren't allowed without accompanying someone over 25. And after 11 pm, the whole space is 21 and over.

+ The interior is dark, probably to accentuate all the flashing lights on the games. And it's not quiet. Today, when the place was mostly empty, there was a robust din. We gotta think it will get pretty loud when it's packed with people.

There are a handful of photos above in large format -- click or scroll all the way up.