Dave & Buster’s P395 combo: A feast of fun and play

With summer just around the corner, school vacations bring a promise of playdates and parents looking for fun bonding activities with their kids. The long, lazy days and balmy weather can also produce a midweek slump for just about anyone.

But just in time, Dave & Buster’s Philippines on the third floor of Opus Mall introduces the P395 Eat + Drink Combo, which defines the ultimate value-packed meal. Plus, being the premier eatertainment destination with both a full-service restaurant and a state-of-the-art gaming arcade, you can lose yourself in virtual reality or action, before or after dining!

With gas prices rising—and consequently the cost of everything else—the P395 Combo is an incredible bargain. Available from Monday to Friday, you choose between three appetizers and four mains, with a refreshing glass of iced tea included. I visited with my husband and daughters to see exactly what was on offer, and we were impressed.

For appetizers, you can choose a creamy bowl of clam chowder, freshly made cheese quesadillas with a dip of sour cream, or a flatbread pepperoni pizza. Hands down, we loved the chowder best—perhaps because we were nursing sniffles, the warm soup hit the spot. But the cheesy quesadillas and flatbread pizza with tasty pepperoni (+P50) are also fun choices, a perfect way to start a meal.

We were blown away, however, by the main courses, which were so hearty we even had to take home our leftovers—a happy bonus. Generous is an understatement for the four options, which include two pastas, Pinoy sisig rice, and classic American fried chicken.

The Cajun Shrimp Pasta featured not only the freshest shrimp but also slices of sausage in a spicy sauce tossed with fettucine. The Blackened Chicken (+P50) packed a bit of heat and was served with a cheesy, buttery Alfredo sauce over rigatoni pasta. Fried chicken fans get two pieces with a hefty serving of rice and a mayonnaise-based dip. And sisig lovers will surely swoon, as my husband did, over a large platter of the most unctuous pork.

Despite being full, we still had to try the dessert sampler, which includes a dense American-style chocolate cake, a slice of sponge cake layered with strawberries and cream, and a delicious cheesecake with caramel dripping down the sides.

Tummies filled, it was off to the arcade, where my daughters and their dad indulged in an afternoon of laughter and bonding over games that included car racing, motorcycle racing, ice table hockey, mountain climbing, and shooting. Virtual reality enthusiasts and action fanatics will be happy to know that every Wednesday is half price, with 50% off all arcade games (except during holidays).

Summer should consist of moments like these—great food and fun that create lasting memories with family and friends. And if there’s a good deal to be had, like Dave & Buster’s P395 Eat + Drink Combo, all the better—because it becomes an affordable treat you can enjoy over and over during the warm days to come.