#7: The Golden Era of Arcades
In the ’80s, arcades weren’t just a pastime—they were the cornerstone of social life, akin to previous decades’ pool halls and burger joints. They were central hubs for entertainment on weeknights and weekend afternoons alike.

Before the digital age introduced online gaming, avid players flocked to arcades to challenge one another in games like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man, vying for the top scores and boasting rights. Picture today’s Dave & Buster’s, but swap out the upscale dining for classic pizza and hot dogs complemented by soda and slushies.