When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Harkins Norterra BackLot
Why Harkins Norterra BackLot is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Harkins Norterra BackLot stands out as a vibrant social entertainment hub located at The Shops at Norterra in north Phoenix. This venue offers a unique blend of activities perfect for meeting up with friends or family. With 12 state-of-the-art Spark® bowling lanes, visitors can enjoy a fun and interactive bowling experience. The venue's arcade is packed with engaging games like Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR, Marvel Avengers Coin Pusher, Guardians of the Galaxy, Funko Funcade, and Krazy Darts, providing hours of entertainment for all ages. One of the BackLot's main highlights is the BackLot Arena, home to Arizona’s largest cinema-sized sports screen, delivering an unparalleled sports viewing experience for fans to gather and cheer on their favorite teams. In addition to gaming and sports, the venue features a full-service restaurant and bar, making it a complete destination for dining and socializing. Whether you are there to bowl, watch a game, play arcade games, or enjoy a meal with friends, Harkins Norterra BackLot is designed to deliver unforgettable moments and great times together.
Here's what people think of Harkins Norterra BackLot
As of recent, Harkins Norterra BackLot holds a 4-star rating based on 69 reviews.
Reviews of Harkins Norterra BackLot generally paint it as a lively and enjoyable hangout spot, with an overall rating of 4.0 based on around 69 reviews. Users appreciate the variety of entertainment options, likening the space to a mini Dave & Busters, with bowling, arcade games, darts, and a large sports screen as key attractions. Many reviewers highlight the friendly and attentive staff, with several noting excellent customer service that enhances the experience. The drinks and food have been praised for both quality and value, making it a well-rounded entertainment venue. On the negative side, some reviews mention that prices are a bit on the higher end, and occasionally technical issues with certain games have occurred, though customer service typically responded positively in those cases. A few comments also point out that while the space is not huge, it is sufficient for a fun night out. Overall, the positive user feedback outweighs the negatives, and many visitors recommend it as a fun place to catch a game, enjoy arcade challenges, and share memorable times with friends and family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jeff Aspland
The bowling alley has some cool projection games that make it extra fun for kids. We ordered Carne asada fries and they were good, but the portion was a little small.
Tinisha Garneata
Location: my family and I were excited to see this open up in the Norterra area because there isn’t anything like it nearby. North Phoenix finally has an entertainment spot. Staff: everyone we spoke with was friendly and helpful. The hostess, waitress, and manager double-checked their menu for me to ensure I could swap out food items due to allergies. Cleanliness: the entire area was clean including the bathrooms. Staff would walk around and wipe games down. Services: There is an arcade area, bowling, birthday party tables and business party rooms, bar area and restaurant. We didn’t have the opportunity to do bowling, but the area looked really cool. I’d recommend this spot for family fun, date nights or hanging with friends. We will be returning.
Dean Kirkpatrick
I'm really impressed with how this place turned out. The food was good. The menu has a lot to choose from. The service was great. My kids had fun. It's not cheap but comparable to similar places.
Steve Oberaigner
This is a great place even though the staff was brand new they are very well trained and very helpful. Food was great! Games were fun and definitely heading back to play darts and bowling soon.
Diana Mitchell
Happy they've opened, this is just what we needed here! Each bowling lane's seating will comfortably hold +/- 6 adults. Game controls were easy to navigate, interactive projection on each lane as you bowl is cool. The large main screen covers the classic "1st ball / 2nd ball" lights, heads up for any old school bowlers -- I do wish there were a setting to just have the lights on the pins stay white rather thsn changing colors at random, it's a really minor thing but kinda distracting when it's not a specific glow event. Each lane was pre-set with 8/10/12/14 lb balls, 6 lb balls were readily available upon request for the littles. All of our food was delicious, & the service was truly EXCELLENT this opening weekend. The 2 meeting spaces look nice, they staged them as a 16 & 20, fully opened it looks like it could host 50ish people? The arcade was spotless, & was swarmed with employees wiping down railings and glass. Like its modern competitors, the over a dozen claw/coin push/prize box games felt like a lot. I'd love a second air hockey table, in lieu of whatever claw machine breaks first. Their air hockey table is the kind that makes the satisfying metal "tink" sound when it ricochets... the line to play will be a problem *because* it's a good table. I did mention to them that their hours aren't posted on their website, and the automated message when you call said they would open at 10am Sundays... but they didn't open until 11:30am. Logistical wrinkles that should be an easy fix. Fingers crossed. Overall: YAY
How to reach Harkins Norterra BackLot
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Why Harkins Norterra BackLot may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Harkins Norterra BackLot with your friends? This vibrant entertainment destination in north Phoenix offers everything a group could want for an unforgettable meetup experience. Whether you're looking to enjoy thrilling interactive games, catch a major sports event on a massive cinema-sized screen, or relax over great food and drinks, BackLot seamlessly combines socializing with high-tech fun. Its spacious, Hollywood backlot-inspired setting gives groups plenty of room to gather, play, and celebrate together. The variety of activities means there’s something for everyone — from competitive bowling to immersive virtual reality — making it the perfect gathering spot for friends and families alike. Also, the presence of private event spaces enhances its appeal for groups that want some exclusivity alongside lively atmosphere. Overall, Harkins BackLot caters expertly to social groups searching for a multi-dimensional venue that fosters shared fun and connection in an energetic, unique environment.
What kind of entertainment options can you enjoy at Harkins Norterra BackLot? This destination houses 12 state-of-the-art Spark® bowling lanes which elevate traditional bowling with augmented reality effects and neon-bright visuals, creating a fresh and exhilarating experience beyond classic cosmic bowling. For those seeking arcade excitement, the venue offers a massive collection of video and redemption games, including fan favorites like “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Space Invaders Frenzy,” and “Hot Wheels: King of the Road.” Notably, the “Krazy Darts” experience modernizes darts with towering interactive screens that challenge players to pop balloons, topple ducks, and even take out zombies, blending skill and fun in a visually spectacular way. Additionally, virtual reality enthusiasts can immerse themselves in games like “Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR,” providing a thrilling, futuristic form of entertainment that’s sure to spark lively competition or cooperative play within groups. These varied offerings position BackLot as a premier spot for active, engaging entertainment that appeals to all ages and interests.
Why is Harkins Norterra BackLot ideal for watching sports with friends? The venue boasts the BackLot Arena, home to Arizona’s largest cinema-sized sports screen complemented by over 60 high-definition televisions scattered throughout the space. This setup ensures every seat provides an excellent view, so your group can watch live sports events — whether football, basketball, soccer, or more — in dynamic, crystal-clear quality. The atmosphere is electric, with a stadium-like feeling that energizes fans and encourages shared excitement during games. Moreover, the venue includes a fully stocked bar and indoor-outdoor patio options, making it easy to enjoy refreshments and socialize during the action. This combination of impressive audiovisual technology and social convenience makes BackLot a top choice for groups wanting to rally behind their favorite teams, celebrate wins, and enjoy the camaraderie that sports viewing naturally inspires.
How does Harkins Norterra BackLot cater to dining and nightlife in a group setting? The full-service restaurant and bar provide a lively culinary experience designed to complement the entertainment attractions. Its menu offers a variety of crowd-pleasing dishes alongside a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages, including specialty cocktails available at the bar. Groups can comfortably gather around expansive tables, enjoying meals together in a casual but stylish atmosphere inspired by classic Hollywood glamour. The bar area serves as a nightlife hub within the venue, suitable for post-game or late-evening relaxation. Whether you want to fuel up before bowling, grab a bite between gaming sessions, or unwind after watching a big game, the seamless integration of food and entertainment spaces delivers convenience and variety, ensuring everyone in the party finds something to enjoy.
What makes Harkins Norterra BackLot perfect for private group events or celebrations? Beyond its publicly accessible entertainment options, BackLot features private event spaces that cater specifically to groups seeking exclusivity and customized experiences. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to accommodate celebratory occasions, corporate gatherings, or friend reunions, blending the venue’s vibrant energy with more intimate settings as needed. Coupled with the broad selection of activities — from bowling alleys to arcades and VR — these private areas allow organizers to tailor the event to their group’s preferences, ensuring an engaging and memorable occasion. Professional and flexible event support ensures smooth planning, while the innovative environment elevates gatherings by offering meaningful, shared entertainment opportunities. This versatility makes BackLot a standout destination when planning an event that balances fun, interaction, and privacy.
How accessible and convenient is Harkins Norterra BackLot for group meetups? Located at The Shops at Norterra in north Phoenix, the venue is easy to find and accessible for residents throughout the metro area and suburbs alike. Its operating hours are extensive and friendly to various schedules, from midday through late night on weekends, accommodating lunchtime meetups, afternoon escapes, and late-night socializing. The ample parking at The Shops at Norterra adds convenience for groups arriving in multiple vehicles. Additionally, the venue's spacious design provides ample seating and circulation space, minimizing crowding and enhancing comfort for larger groups. Reservations and special offers further ease planning for meetups, creating a stress-free experience. The thoughtful combination of location, hours, and amenities ensures that BackLot meets the logistical needs of group coordinators seamlessly.
What atmosphere and theme does Harkins Norterra BackLot offer that enhances group experiences? Modeled after iconic Hollywood backlots where movies are made, the venue's aesthetic immerses visitors in the glamour of cinematic production, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge entertainment technology. The themed décor engages visitors visually and emotionally, encouraging playful interaction framed by an environment full of character and style. This cinematic motif is integrated throughout—from the design of the bowling lanes to the layout of arcade and VR areas—crafting an immersive backdrop that stimulates imagination and conversation. This unique environment fosters a sense of occasion for meetups, making time spent at BackLot feel special rather than ordinary. The ambience supports social energy, amplifies excitement, and encourages guests to create memorable moments together.
What special deals and promotions are offered to enhance group outings at Harkins Norterra BackLot? To attract and reward visitors, especially groups exploring the venue for the first time, BackLot periodically offers promotions such as discounts on bowling, food, drinks (excluding alcohol), and selected games like Krazy Darts. For example, a recent offer included a 25% discount on key attractions plus bonus credits on game card purchases. Such deals reduce the cost barrier for group entertainment, enhancing affordability without sacrificing quality of experience. They also encourage longer visits, giving groups the opportunity to sample multiple activities during a single outing. Staying updated on seasonal promotions can help groups add value to their visits, making BackLot not only fun but also financially sensible for outings of friends or family.
How does Harkins Norterra BackLot compare to other entertainment venues for group gatherings? Unlike a standard movie theater, a bowling alley, or a simple arcade, BackLot combines multiple entertainment dimensions into one cohesive, innovative space. It is not just a place to watch a movie or play a game but a comprehensive social hub where everyone in a group can find something engaging and exciting. The integration of a massive sports viewing arena, immersive VR, a full-service restaurant and bar, as well as themed interactive gaming distinguishes it from other venues that offer only one or two of these elements. Additionally, the level of technology and thematic design brings a quality and sophistication rarely seen in family entertainment centers or bars. Thus, BackLot provides a superior option for meetups that seek variety, excitement, and a stylish atmosphere all in one place.
By offering extensive entertainment choices, a unique thematic environment, robust sports viewing options, and fully equipped hospitality spaces, Harkins Norterra BackLot establishes itself as a premier destination for groups looking to create dynamic and memorable social experiences. Whether organizing casual hangouts, lively celebrations, or game-day gatherings, this venue promises an engaging, comfortable, and fun-filled environment that elevates every meetup occasion.