About

Oscar’s Playground brings a bevy of games, snacks, local brews and multigenerational entertainment to a second-floor space with gorgeous bay views. Founders Christina and Barrie Riddoch, who also operate Escape Room 831 on Cannery Row, have created a whimsical hang-out spot for families on the go.

Here’s what to expect when you visit this popular venue.

The vibe

Set above street level at 685 Cannery Row, Oscar’s Playground is a dynamic attraction that appeals to guests of all ages. The spacious venue overlooks the Monterey Bay and surrounding streetscapes. There are games, of course, plus a sparkly purple bar top and a lounge area with big-screen televisions, plush couches and cozy beanbags. A seahorse mural shines under evening blacklights. A special events room is available for private parties, teambuilding events and nonprofit fundraisers.

The games

Oscar’s has more than two dozen arcade games ranging from old-school favorites to modern releases. Headliners include Minecraft, Halo, Plinko, Jurassic Park, skee ball, Down the Clown and classic Pac Man. There are also several escape games, including Mystic Manor, Innocence and Christmas Story, as well as claw machines with prizes, playful selfie stations, and much more.

The menu

Currently, Oscar’s Playground offers grab-and-go snack food, sodas and pints by local favorites like Alvarado Street Brewery.

The backstory

Oscar’s Playground is named for Oscar Hossenfelder’s Edgewater Packing Co., a former Cannery Row destination with arcade amusements, shops and a historic carousel. Christina and Barrie both played games there when they were young, and Cannery Row has remained an important place throughout their adult lives together. Before operating several businesses in the district, the couple met and fell in love at an event on Cannery Row.