top of page
Writer's pictureSidney Marie

Rise of the Claw Games: 3 Claw Game Cafes in Flushing

Updated: Aug 14, 2023

It seemed like all at once Flushing was flowing with cutely designed arcades with one focus: claw games.


Update: Since this article was published in April 2022, M Tea convereted into a claw game cafe and Up One opened.
two pikachu plushies in front of a pink background

1. PARTEA NYC (formerly Playdate)

135-29 Roosevelt Ave, Queens, map


The first to claw game cafe to appear on the set, offering the cutest friend-date activity since Toto (RIP), was Par Tea. When you enter Par Tea you enter an eatery inspired by Taiwanese night markets. Equipped with snacks, sandwiches, and boba (their chicken sandwich is the unspoken highlight). Beyond the eating area you'll find two rows of claw machines with a variety of cute plushies. At the back you'll also find some Arcade Hoops adding more of an arcade feel to the place.

a bubble tea cup being held in a black carrier that says playdate x partea in front of a claw machine game

2. Sweet Cats Cafe & Arcade

35-21 Farrington, Queens, map


Sweet Cats Cafe is just across Northern Blvd, away from the hustle and bustle of the Main Street-Roosevelt Ave area but still close to all public transportation. This overflowing-in-pink cafe is two floors of arcade games and photo ops. There's a cafe at the front of the store and ample seating located on the lower level.

girl sitting on pink bathtub holding a pink pig plushies in front of a pink wall

3. Anime Claw

133-20 39th Ave, Queens, map


Anime Claw, is the only one to not have a cafe counterpart (but in Flushing do they really need it?). This spot, in my claw-game skill lacking opinion, is the most beginner-friendly of the three. The staff really went out of their way to teach us the know how and help us win cute plushies.

Girl holding pikachu plushies posing in front of a wall of plushies

What do you think of these heavily claw machine focused arcades? A phase? Or here to stay? They've taken Flushing by storm and now it seems the wave is spreading with a new spot recently opening in Astoria!



You Might Also Enjoy...


If you visit any of these places don't forget to tag @popupgirlsnyc for a chance to be feature on our feed!

bottom of page