My friend group tried Dallas’s coolest new take on shuffleboard (& yours should too)
There’s a new game in town. See how Electric Shuffle elevates shuffleboard and provides a delightfully enjoyable group experience.
Coordinating larger group outings can be stressful. What if everyone doesn’t get along? What will the food and beverage situation be like? Will there be enough going on to keep people entertained? Thankfully, Dallas has some solid spots for big groups, and Electric Shuffle is one of the best.
I gathered a crew for some evening shufflin’ and we had a fantastic time. Here’s how it unfolded.
A new way to play shuffleboard
When I invited my friends to check out Electric Shuffle, a few of them expressed surprise at the concept. Wasn’t shuffleboard a game people played on cruise ships and at retirement centers, where you grabbed a sweeper and shuffled pucks down a giant, physical board?
Even if you’ve seen tabletop shuffleboard before, Electric Shuffle brings a different vibe. A large screen at the end of each plank serves up real-time stats, such as point totals and pucks remaining for the current round. This screen also delivers instant replays when you pull off a particularly impressive throw, showing a digital view of the puck and then a real-life video of you and your pals celebrating. It’s a delight.
After a brief introduction from the staff, we each entered our names (from real to faux monikers), took a stylish photo, chose our game mode, and we were off! The system randomly selects players to go against each other, with everyone fighting for the crown. And there is, in fact, a digital crown that goes on the winner’s head for the final scoreboard. Several people in our group have a competitive spirit, so that was a tantalizing prize.
As far as the games go, Electric Shuffle has several options:
- Amplifier: This game is the classic version of shuffleboard. Slide pucks onto the numbered segments of the board (from 1 to 5) and try to get a higher total score than your opponent.
- Eclipse: A small black circle is embedded between the 3 and 4-point segments of the board. In this game, your goal is to get your puck onto that circle. Whoever winds up with a puck the shortest distance from the circle wins. It’s almost a guarantee that at least one player will land a puck exactly on the circle after you have switched to one of the other game modes. They’ll be ecstatic, only to realize the game has moved on and their shot isn’t nearly as impressive. Still, you can give them some words of encouragement so they don’t feel so bad.
- Territory: This game is the most complex, though the digital screen helps clarify how it plays out. By the end, you want your pucks to control a larger percentage of the board than what your opponent has on the playfield.
- Short Circuit: Every puck could use a little buddy. Your aim here is to have two of your pucks closer together than two of your opponent’s pucks.
- Stand and watch: This is not an official Electric Shuffle game, but it’s fun to critique other players while they’re going. Just make sure you’re taking a turn, too!
Things can get a bit intense as the game wears on. As play unfolded, I discovered strategic tactics that worked to my advantage, such as setting up a wall of puck blockers or knocking an opponent’s puck off the table completely with one of mine. Our group was a very supportive bunch and cheered when someone made a highlight play, though a little bit of trash talk kept everyone motivated throughout the night.
A special shout-out to the staff, too. They’re super friendly, do a good job explaining how everything works, and their menu recommendations are chef’s kiss.
Exquisite drinks & fantastic food
Electric Shuffle would already be a good time if it were just shuffleboard, but the food and drinks help elevate it to a new level.
My personal favorite drink is the Son of a Peach, which combines mezcal with peach, lime, orange, and hot honey. I’m tickled by the little Peach-O sour candy that comes as a garnish.
The mix of margs is also a delightful option and was popular among the group. Go with classic, frozen, or spicy—they’ll all steer you the right way. And while I’m not a huge fan of espresso martinis, I tried a sip of a friend’s salted caramel version and thought, “Hmm, maybe I’ve discovered a new top-notch cocktail!”
A handful of non-alcoholic drinks are available, as well. The Orange Creamsicle is the standout here, tasting just like the summer treats we all enjoyed growing up (and into adulthood, if this mocktail is any indication).
Depending on when you visit, you’ll have different food options, and just about everything is exceptionally tasty. Ordering a pizza pie or two is a must; we grabbed a Pepperoni and Truffle & Wild Mushroom at our server’s suggestion, and she was spot on. Every fry option is delectable, too. I’d suggest the sweet potato, but you can rock, paper, scissors with your friends to determine the choice for your group.
Electric Shuffle’s sharing platters ease any concern about people finding something they like. The offering we tried had buffalo chicken quesadillas, classic fries, truffle mac and cheese bites, shishito peppers, and tempura cauliflower. My only complaint was that our group was ravenous enough to finish everything, and I didn’t get to take any leftovers home.
Specialty seasonal events
Electric Shuffle has an eye on the calendar, and it highlights big moments with seasonal events and drinks.
For example, during Pride Month in June, Electric Shuffle hosts drag brunches with new menu items and festive cocktails, including a rainbow collection of margarita cups (try and collect ‘em all!).
In the fall, football season gets top billing. Just like me, you can watch your alma mater act like they know what they’re doing for much of the game, only to crumble apart in the end.
Come winter, there are Christmas-themed weekend brunches and happy hours to help you ring in the holidays. And of course, the bar is dressed up in wintry wonderland decor.
Planning a visit to Electric Shuffle
Looking to check out Electric Shuffle for yourself? Browse the need-to-know info below, including happy hour vibes and pricing.
Address
2615 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226
Hours
3-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday
Happy hours
3-5 p.m. on weekdays; brunch is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Happy hour includes $5 fries, beer, wine, and seltzers, plus $10 espresso martinis, ranch waters, margaritas, and pizzas.
Pricing
Classic shuffleboard is $8 to $15 per person; all-inclusive brunch (including shuffleboard, a bottle of prosecco per person, brunch boards, and bacon jam pizza) is $50 per person; all-inclusive shuffle is $65 per person and includes family-style food and platters and a full open bar. Social event packages range from $50 to $70 per person.
Group size
You’ll need at least two people to play shuffleboard, though up to 20 can participate in a group. You can have more people than that in your party; you’ll just have to have some folks team up when playing.
Reservations
Shuffleboard table reservations are for 90 minutes, though sometimes you may be able to play for a bit longer if no one has the table reserved immediately after you. If you’re not feeling the shuffling vibes, you can always grab a seat at another table or the bar to enjoy food, drinks, or a live DJ on the weekend.
Whether you’re looking for a good indoor spot in Dallas to spend a few hours or are celebrating a big birthday, anniversary, or other event, Electric Shuffle is a terrific setting.
And who knows? You may just become a shuffleboard champion like me.
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