When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
High 5 Entertainment
Why High 5 Entertainment is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
High 5 Entertainment in Austin, Texas is a vibrant and upscale entertainment destination that offers an exceptional place for friends and families to gather and have fun. This Austin-based venue features a diverse range of activities including upscale bowling, axe throwing, virtual reality gaming, competitive arcades, laser tag, karaoke, and more. It prominently caters to all ages, making it ideal for family outings, birthday parties, and corporate events. The venue is also known for its executive chef-curated scratch kitchen that offers locally-inspired cuisine made from scratch paired with craft cocktails and local beers, enhancing the overall social experience. Whether you want a lively night out, a special celebration, or an interactive group event, High 5 Entertainment provides premium private event spaces and well-executed event planning services that ensure every gathering is memorable. With locations including the spacious 47,000 square-foot High 5 Lake Travis and the cozy yet fun High 5 Austin, this entertainment hub combines fun activities with excellent food and beverage options, creating a sophisticated yet family-friendly atmosphere.
Here's what people think of High 5 Entertainment
As of recent, High 5 Entertainment holds a 4.1-star rating based on 465 reviews.
Users generally rate High 5 Entertainment positively, reflected in its overall 4.1-star rating across 465 reviews. Positive reviews commonly highlight the diverse entertainment options such as bowling, laser tag, axe throwing, and arcade games, with many appreciating the upscale design and family-friendly environment. Reviewers often praise the quality of food and craft cocktails, noting the scratch kitchen's fresh and flavorful dishes along with attentive service. The event spaces and atmosphere receive compliments for being great spots for social events and corporate gatherings, with guests mentioning effective event planning and execution. On the other hand, negative feedback mostly concerns occasional issues such as wait times for food and games during busy periods, pricing perceived as somewhat high by some visitors, and intermittent customer service inconsistencies. Some reviewers pointed out that certain amenities can feel crowded or noisy during peak hours, which may impact a quieter experience. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the majority of patrons express satisfaction and a strong likelihood to return, underscoring High 5 Entertainment's reputation as a preferred venue for upscale, fun-filled socializing in Austin and Lake Travis.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Shane Anciso
here is what you need to know before coming to this location it was a hit or miss experience and that appears to be the commonality of the reviews left here but I'm going to be a little merciful with my review on this one this location actually used to be called The Good night where I would come to watch basketball while drinking unique Dr pepper sugar cane original recipe on tap that had a unique crisp flavor to it and it made it nice unique spot well occasionally taking advantage of bowling and some of the other various games at that time they even had unique foods such as venison and other various meals and very hospitable customer service now let me bring it to today and how it varies here what's different is to have acts throwing they have various other games they expanded to the back a more professional meeting room bowling alley is still about the same and the bar area and dining area in the front is still the same with all the flat screen TVs with a stream whatever sports games you want to watch but no more Dr pepper original sugarcane on the tap so I settled for an $8 cherry slurpee And yes that is $8 Jerry icee slurpee so again choose wisely what you want here cuz again the pricing for here for the food and drinks and even the wings is going to be not the highlight of what you want to focus on but more so the advantage of the location to play games and bowl and enjoy sports games that being said The staff were friendly hospitable gave me the business card and info about the meeting room and how to reserve it and willing to increase the volume on a MBA game finals I wanted to watch they're already wrapping up for tonight after a private party and that appears to be another pattern here is they don't really have a way and they're not really set up to put out wind or closed to the public for private events where you can book the entire place for a private event in addition while the customer staff were doing the best keep the place cleaned and were cleaning up to wrap up for the night and definitely kept a place spotless and clean on my experience there they did let some people know who arrived just after 9:00 that they were not doing food anymore some people left some people stayed and then there were some people just enjoying gaming and bowling it was a very lax crowd tonight for Wednesday night here which again I was fine with and enjoying my drink and NBA game and getting info about coordinating to preserve a room at being said I can see though where some of the complaints and then some of the compliments you come through in this place cuz they also have specials on Sunday where kids eat free with an adult entree something that they really need to advertise right up front more and maybe even advertise even more cuz I could see where this could be a family-friendly venue or you could definitely get your mileage on food and games but the family here on an afternoon or evening that being said I really can't speak to anything else on the venue at this point over saying my overall experience personally was a positive one and bartender did a great job making sure to check in on me and make sure I was all right and got everything I needed which worked fine for me cuz I was just coming to a place to watch the NBA game to a drink relax finish up some work on my phone If you text messages and emails and call it a night notice they have Wi-Fi and outlets as well so that is one other advantage you want to notate and also definitely handicapped accessible but the ramp to get up unless you come in from the long way side through the sushi and grill tatsumi next door so keep that in mind as well and/or come from the ramp from the Office Depot side and the east side of the building that being said one of the other things they apparently do during the week did you ever you can request karaoke and/or virtual reality games
Nacho Average Foodie
High Five Entertainment is a fantastic spot for a laid-back and enjoyable experience. Whether you're planning a cozy date night or a family outing, this amusement restaurant caters to various preferences. The atmosphere is perfect for unwinding – you can immerse yourself in games or simply relish a casual evening. The option to grab a couple of beers, indulge in light drinks, and savor tasty food adds to the charm. It's a gem of a place for those seeking genuine fun without the hustle and bustle, offering a delightful array of activities for everyone. Highly recommended for a simple yet memorable night out!
Rob Tulloh
We had an enjoyable evening here. We started at the bar for a happy hour cocktail. The bartender was very friendly and told us about the menu and that it was possible to run a tab if we wanted to. After drinks were delivered we paid for an hour of axe throwing. It was our first time to do this and we were pretty terrible at it. While ax throwing we ordered cheese sticks and nachos. The nachos were really good, but I found the cheese sticks to be big and bready. After ax throwing, we enjoyed playing arcade games - many of them free to play. All in all a fun time. Next time, I want to try bowling.
Johnny Campos
Experienced my first High 5 in Austin, Texas last weekend on AndersonLane. Just used bowling lanes. Apparently the establishment does not believe in oiling its lanes on a regular basis. Or it only caters to customers who don't know how to bowl very well. I had to use a 14-pound plastic ball and throw it as hard as I could so it would not end up in the left gutter. Ball hooked instantly. Using some oil for the more experienced bowlers might result in more repeat customers. I hope we don't go back there for next year's outing. Just one man's opinion.
Shuronda Robinson
I planned a company outing. The food was really good. That was the highlight. We had ribs and chicken. Mashed potatoes were on point - creamy and flavored well. But the staff didn't quite have it together. Our arcade passes didn't work after multiple attempts, Our lanes weren't ready. We couldn't find the golf balls or golf tees. The place needs some TLC. Bowling was a big hit.
How to reach High 5 Entertainment
None
Website: None
Why High 5 Entertainment may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why Rally at High 5 Entertainment with Your Friends?
When planning a memorable outing with friends or family, finding a venue that offers a variety of fun activities, good food, and a lively atmosphere is essential. High 5 Entertainment stands out as the perfect destination for such gatherings, blending an upscale yet approachable environment with an array of engaging options. Whether you're seeking competitive bowling, exciting arcade games, or simply a casual spot to catch up over drinks, High 5 caters to all moods and preferences under one roof. Its vibrant social setting encourages laughter, friendly rivalry, and bonding—ideal ingredients for creating lasting memories with your favorite people.
Moreover, High 5 strikes a balance between a family-friendly atmosphere by day and an adults-only vibe in the evenings, providing flexibility for different groups. Located conveniently in Austin and Lakeway, the spacious venues allow large parties to mingle without feeling cramped, enhancing comfort and enjoyment. The multiple entertainment options paired with a chef-curated menu and craft cocktails make High 5 more than just a place to hang out; it’s a true one-stop experience for group fun. This multi-dimensional appeal is why many choose High 5 as their go-to spot for meetups, celebrations, and casual nights out.
What Activities Does High 5 Entertainment Offer?
High 5 Entertainment hosts a variety of activities designed to satisfy diverse interests and energy levels, which is a major reason it excels as a meetup venue. At the core is their bowling experience: Lakeway hosts 28 upscale bowling lanes, while the Austin location features 8 historic lanes that combine classic charm with modern amenities. Both spots ensure that whether you're a casual bowler or a competitive group, the lanes provide fun for all skill levels with smooth gameplay and easy lane rentals by time.
Beyond bowling, guests can dive into the state-of-the-art arcade, which includes ticket redemption games and interactive amusements that appeal to both kids and adults. The Lakeway venue impresses with its arcade and a notable two-story laser tag arena, adding an active, thrilling option for groups looking for adventure. If you prefer more precision and strategy, the axe-throwing bays found at both locations offer a unique, exciting challenge in a safe, controlled environment—perfect for parties wanting a different kind of competition.
Social games like darts and pool round out the offerings, creating casual yet engaging opportunities for smaller groups within your party to form their own mini-competitions. Additionally, Austin’s location features a karaoke room and augmented reality darts, which enhance the entertainment experience with interactive, crowd-pleasing options. Whether your group wants to unleash their competitive side or just relax with lighthearted games, High 5 accommodates every preference thoroughly.
Why is High 5 Entertainment Perfect for Group Meetups?
The most important aspect of any venue chosen for a group meetup is the space itself—and High 5 prides itself on being spacious, versatile, and welcoming. The Lakeway location, for example, boasts 47,000 square feet of upscale entertainment space, allowing friends and families to gather comfortably without feeling rushed or crowded. Multiple seating areas interspersed between activities make it easy to keep your entire party connected while engaging in different games or grabbing food and drinks.
Private event spaces and party rooms add a layer of exclusivity and convenience for celebrations like birthdays, reunions, or corporate outings. High 5 supports these events with customizable setups, tailored food and drink menus, and staff dedicated to ensuring smooth logistics—this elevates the typical arcade or bowling night to an effortlessly managed group event. Having access to a full-service bar and kitchen means groups don’t need to leave the entertainment hub to enjoy quality meals or craft cocktails, keeping everyone onsite and fully immersed in the experience.
The venue also caters well to different group dynamics. For families, the daytime environment offers kid-friendly gameplay and dining options. By late evening, the upstairs bar area in Lakeway becomes an adults-only zone promoting a more sophisticated atmosphere ideal for friends’ night out or date nights. This dual nature of the space maximizes its appeal and ensures that any group, regardless of age or preferences, finds a comfortable niche in which to relax and have fun.
What Kind of Food and Drinks Can You Expect at High 5 Entertainment?
A key component of any successful meetup is excellent food and drink, and High 5 Entertainment delivers on this front with a chef-curated scratch kitchen menu and a full bar. Guests can enjoy a broad selection of locally inspired dishes, including well-prepared bar favorites that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Many reviews highlight the quality of the pizza and salads, noting that the menu balances indulgent options with lighter fare.
For groups, the presence of craft cocktails and local beers enhances the social experience by allowing everyone to toast the night with unique drinks tailored to Austin’s vibrant culinary scene. The upscale bar areas in both Austin and Lakeway provide a comfortable setting for casual sipping or more celebratory rounds, complete with friendly and efficient service. The overall food and beverage experience at High 5 complements the entertainment perfectly, giving attendees the fuel they need to maintain energy for extended gameplay and socializing.
Is High 5 Entertainment Accessible and Convenient for Groups?
High 5 Entertainment locations offer convenient access and parking to accommodate guests arriving with friends and family. The Austin venue is situated in a shopping center with free parking, easing one of the common frustrations of meeting out with a crowd. This practical aspect helps groups avoid unnecessary hassle and ensures everyone can arrive and leave smoothly.
Moreover, the operations at High 5 are flexible to accommodate group scheduling needs—for example, bowling lanes are rentable by time blocks, which some guests find convenient for planning precisely when and how long to play. Private party bookings are also supported, which means large groups can reserve exclusive spaces to avoid interruptions and maximize time together. The layout itself allows for easy movement between the various entertainment areas, enabling groups to split up or regroup throughout the event with minimal friction.
Overall, High 5’s attention to accessibility, combined with comprehensive amenities, fosters a seamless, enjoyable experience for group meetups of any size or occasion.
High 5 Entertainment’s blend of diverse activities, tasty food and drinks, spacious, flexible spaces, and dual family/adult atmospheres make it an exceptional venue for gatherings. Whether you want to roll strikes, compete in games, share a meal, or just enjoy each other's company in a lively environment, High 5 is equipped to be your next go-to spot for quality time with friends or family.