Nor-Cal Hobbies

Great spot in the heart of downtown San Jose. I had time to kill before my flight out of town and…read morestopped by for a few hours and some dinner. About two dozen pinball machines in the back with a handful of video games in the front. Full bar and grab and go style food to be eaten in the facility. I ordered up one of the burger selections with fries. My bartender was quick to inform me of what the happenings were and I ordered up a local beer and a whisky chaser. I hope to come back and check out the pinball tournaments.

My first time at Mini Boss since turning 21, and it did not disappoint! My friends brought me here…read moreto start the night, and we each got a cocktail. I totally forgot the names, but the one I ordered had mint in it and was definitely strong! As someone who doesn't drink very often, it definitely hit me pretty quickly, but it was really good and not overly sweet. My friend ordered the drink with the flower garnish, which was a piña colada. It was sweet, refreshing, and super enjoyable. The ambiance was such a vibe, and the staff were amazing. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and consistently checked on us while we were at the bar. Even after we sat down, I noticed several employees walking around collecting empty glasses and keeping everything tidy, which is something you don't see everywhere and really stood out to me. Overall, it was a great experience with chill bar vibes, great drinks, and excellent service. I'll definitely be coming back next time I'm looking for a fun and relaxed night out.

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Tonkotsu Ramen

Round1 Bowling & Arcade - San Jose

To think I haven't reviewed this place after visiting occasionally over the years. This is the…read moreclosest round 1 in the San Jose area, part of eastridge mall. There are two entrances - one on the second floor of the mall and an outside entrance on the same side of the 24 hour fitness. For both entrances, they will wand you for any weapons to ensure safety. From there, you can explore to find claw machines, arcade machines, a bowling alley and pool tables and darts. The collection of claw machines are from pop culture like Hello Kitty, One Piece, and cute animals. There are specific claw machines where you'll need to glad a staff member so they can unlock the machine and give you your prize. My partner wasn't too pleased by the collection of plushies since her round 1 in Roseville has a lot more to offer. Nonetheless, it was fun as we all got stuffed animals.

Round1 in San Jose is a large entertainment complex that combines bowling, arcade games, karaoke…read morerooms, and claw machines under one roof, and the format works well enough as a group activity destination even if individual elements have their limitations. I walked into a space that gets loud and warm during busy periods, and cleanliness varied by section, but the overall setup gave my group plenty of options for a few hours of entertainment. The arcade is the strongest part of the offering. I found the selection of rhythm games solid and reasonably well maintained, and the claw and gacha style machines are what Round1 does better than most chain arcades. That said, individual claw machine plays run around four dollars, which adds up quickly if I am playing multiple rounds, and the tension on the machines is inconsistent enough that results feel more variable than skill based. The prize section near those machines tends to run warm compared to the rest of the floor. Racing games, fighting games, and photo booths fill out the rest of the arcade floor, and the overall variety was broad enough to keep my group occupied. Bowling is available but came with some caveats. The ball selection skewed toward smaller finger holes and very heavy options, with limited middle ground, so bringing my own ball would be worth considering if I bowled regularly. Party packages are available and include shoes and games, which streamlines the booking process for larger groups. For a casual group outing, birthday celebration, or evening with a mix of activities on offer, Round1 covers the bases adequately. Going in with realistic expectations about the cost per activity makes the experience more enjoyable. It is not a refined destination, but for what it is, it delivered a fun few hours.

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Claw Meee

We had such a great time here! Every game is only one token. I think we got about 30 tokens for…read more$20. You can get an extra 10 tokens if it is your birthday month so that is nice. Lots of claw games. Also had a cute wall full of stuffies. Love the decor. Best part is...we won two prizes!! Woohooo! Had so much fun. =D

I didn't have any cash but they were able to give me tokens with my credit cards. The attendant…read morehanded a bag to me after the transaction, which I thought was just wishful thinking bc I expected to get fleeced by the machines like I do in Asia Turns out I came home with 2 prizes! It was a fun time with my friend and they had such cute toys in the machine. I feel it could definitely use some lovely music to make the experience even more fun, and maybe a few easy machines at a higher price for the claw-challenged crowd like my friend, so everyone comes home a winner.

Outside

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Immersive Gamebox

It was a good one time thing to do with the kids…read more It's cool to be immersed in a room like that, the kids had fun for an hour. But the kids games (floor is lava and box party) were honestly not that fun, even for the kids. The tracking technology is just OK, the games aren't actually that immersive - you're just kind of a human controller. So yeah. Glad we did it once, would do the same, but don't feel any desire to go back really.

We had an amazing experience at Immersive Gamebox at Valley Fair, thanks to Benji!…read more He was incredibly patient while explaining all the game options and helped us choose the best one for our group. He took the time to make sure everyone understood how to play and never made us feel rushed. His enthusiasm and customer service really made the experience even more enjoyable. We ended up having so much fun that we're already planning to book my nephew's birthday party here! Thank you, Benji, for making our visit such a great one. We can't wait to come back!

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HyperSpace

4.6(22 reviews)

15.1 mi

Booked an end of season party for a kids soccer team. The manager; Scott, was super communicative,…read moreflexible, and easy to work with. Our team had an added game during a tournament, and Scott allowed us flexibility with the party start time. He also helped us to sort extra food for our group, and it was super easy to add additional kids to the initial amount we'd confirmed. The space is clean and well maintained. The staff seem to be mostly teens, but they were more attentive and friendly than other places. Overall, it's a great local space for kids parties, and everyone loved it!

First time at hyperspace and it was pretty great! Staff was very helpful with information…read more Unfortunately they do not serve food unless it's for a reserved party which they cater from local businesses, and more information is available on their website. The ambiance is great with music not too loud and plenty of seating outdoors with shade. Definitely a great place to check out when you're in the area.

Plinko

Doodle Jump

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Super Bikes 3

California Extreme

4.0(33 reviews)

5.5 mi•North San Jose

Our favorite convention every year is CAX! Crowds have grown a lot over the years (my first was in…read more1999) but Mark, Michelle, Jim, and everyone else who puts on this show do an amazing job of keeping it well-run, fun, and friendly! Now that it's at the Hyatt Regency each year, we've often stayed in the hotel or one of the other closeby partner hotels and make a local vacation out of it. There's nothing like waking up in the morning and heading right to the pinball action! Lots of new and classic video games, too! My 6-year old is shaping up to be a li'l pinball wizard and her 2-year old sister is not far behind! It's really awesome and encouraging to see all the young kids picking up on pinball! If you've never been, plan on checking this out next tine it's going on (usually late July every year)!

This event used to be very fun. Last time I was there, I did have some fun playing old games…read moreagainst my sweetie. However, this event has gotten overly crowded. When we went to it this year, we came early so we can get to play the most popular games and avoid the crowds. My sweetie and I got our tickets- $40 each! About 40 minutes before the facilities opened. No one told us where to wait nor anything so we decided to hang out in the lounge but found it strange that there were not crowds of people there waiting as well. Finally, about 10 minutes before the event, a staff person told us where we had to wait in line! Now that was after we acted confused and thought the event already started as we almost walked into the room. NO STAFF PERSON INFORMED US WHERE WE HAD TO WAIT IN LINE AT TIME OF PURCHASING THE TICKETS! So we found out that it was like a ballroom where there was a line that went around the wall. My sweetie told a staff person how upset he was. The guy said that once the event starts, that line will move fast. And yes, he was right but that is not why people come early! People come early to be the first to play the latest games. Once we got in, there were already long lines for the most popular pinball games. Even the games I recall in my teens were already taken up. I played a few rounds of the Skee Ball but once an annoying preteen girl who was so into herself cut in front of me. I found the merchandise that was over priced as well as always. To save money, my sweetie and I took a break for lunch and simply ate our cold deli sandwiches in our car as we watched a young couple construct hammocks from their SUV to lounge in all the while in the garage! It was hilarious to see!! But mostly, I did not like this event as much as I did in the past. Not being properly informed of where to wait before the event started, it being extremely crowded, no great deals on merchandise, ...and that allusive raffle for a pinball machine that only someone who is financially well off and who probably already owns one or more pinball machines should own. Pinball machines are fun but when they break down as I constantly see at events like this, they are costly to repair if you do not know how to repair them. I did not even see the Alameda Pinball Museum represented here which would have made the event more fun for me. I always enjoyed seeing that they were selling and to hear about the progress in getting a larger facility for the large pinball game collection that they have. Come to think of it, I would have rather went to the museum where there is not large groups of people - museum may be small and may only have one or two of the latest pinball computerized games but I would enjoy it more. I just sat around most of the time at the Pinball Extreme feeling tired not from lots of pinball game playing but from the overwhelmed crowds of people there.

Pinball everywhere

Waiting in line for anything was the norm.

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This is just the start of the crowd size

Gama Ride

4.3(130 reviews)

29.0 mi

Family-owned & operated

Kid friendly

This place has everything that you can think of! Arcade for all ages, billiards (pool table and…read moredarts), food/snacks, mini bowling alley, go karts, and VR games. FYI - Fridays are HALF OFF all games!!! All staff are super helpful and it's spacious.

Very unique and pretty fun experience. Never been to an arcade that offers interactive and…read moresimulation rides before. Start off by putting a certain amount of money into their gama ride cards. I noticed that games typically cost around $1-3 while their rides range around $7-10. You can swipe for games until the money you put into the card runs out. This place has a mix of single player and double player games which I appreciated. Also, the food downstairs at the bar was pretty solid! The workers were helpful for the most part!

Experience our specially selected arcade games.

Pool tabbles for all you billiard enthusiasts

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Bumber Cars, bowling, arcade fun, and more!

The Retro Fix II TURBO

4.4(67 reviews)

5.0 mi

Bought a "refurbished" DS here for my kid's Christmas present here Dec. 2025 (and a bunch of other…read morevintage consoles and games over the years). Seemed to work fine to me, but my kid found a problem with the contrast and/or screen when he tried to play Christmas morning. We took it back to the location on Campbell Ave where I bought it. Showed the manager/owner and provided receipts. He said they would fix the DS because it was sold "refurbished." He said it would be ready in a few weeks, after the new year, and took my contact into. Never heard back. Called the store after the first month came and went. No answer. Months go by and my kid keeps asking about it. I keep calling the location but then I read on their instagram that the shop is permanently closed. But they they're still doing business online. So I reach out to their instagram and email the address on their Shopify, where in fact they are now selling a metallic blue DS, just like the one I bought in December! Still no reply. Hope to hear back now that I'm posting about this problem.

What a gem! These guys are why we all love to support small businesses! My son was able to get…read moreanime comic books at a great deal here. The sweetest part about this shop is how there are many arcade machines for kids (of all ages) to play with. They've got a deal where you pay by the hour or buy an all day pass. They've got a section in the back for group gaming too! Bring the kids for a few hours on the weekend or before summer is over.

Video Games

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Video Games

Sunnyvale Golfland USA

3.9(482 reviews)

9.2 mi

I came here for a family fun game of mini golf on a Saturday afternoon. There were 5 of us…read moreplaying. Price is $18.50 for ages 12+ or $17.50 for 4 - 11 or seniors 62+. You can save by buying online via their website for as cheap as $10 on Wednesdays. Price varies on the day of the week. Weekends are $18.00 via online. There's a ball vending machine which allows you to select which of 6 color balls to play. For us two of the colors was not available. so we weren't able to get 5 different colors for each player. If two people uses the same color ball, that means you need to pay attention where the ball lands to avoid mix-up. Plenty of parking. There are 2 courses to pick from. To maximize your score, check out each hole before you play to review where the hole is and what obstacle you need to avoid. The starting point usually has 3 or 4 holes on a black rubber mat for you to set your ball. A few of the holes had worn out starting point holes. It can get busy on a weekend which means having to wait for the group ahead of you before proceeding.. Our family had fun.

We love coming to Goldland USA to mini golf. It is always a good time. We have come here for…read morebirthday parties and just to get our mini gold fix and it always does the job. Friendly staff, great service and two different fun mini golf courses. If you are looking for a good time and want to get some steps in, head on over to Golfland USA!

Arcade

Golfland

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1st hole on Safari side

Lost Worlds Funtropolous

3.7(267 reviews)

5.5 mi•Cambrian Park

amazing place,we been here once of week,better than luv to play and food is really good tooread more

Great indoor play place. My kids had so much fun! This place has great deals and the staff is very…read morehelpful We spent a few hours here in the nice AC. They can't wait to come back!

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Bazooka tag field

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Obstacle course to drop off shoes

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56 reviews that are not currently recommended

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jed k.

3 years ago

Hit up Norcal Hobbies in San Jose recently, and man, what a cool spot. The team there, Landon, Govany, and Will the manager, are legit. They're not just about sales; they really dive into what you need, especially when I was getting my new Team Associated RC10 B7 dialed in. It's rare to find folks who mix that kind of knowledge with such a chill attitude. The vibe there is just right, whether you're just starting with RCs or you've been in the game for ages. They've got this carpet track that's top-notch, and it's clear everyone's there for a good time. Major props to the Norcal crew for making even the new guys feel like part of the community. Definitely worth checking out if you're into RCs or thinking about getting into it. The place is super organized, making it really fun to browse, and it just hits you with that nostalgic wave, reminding me of the early days when I got into RCs (back in the 90's). It's not just about the gear; it's about recapturing those golden days of getting into the hobby for the first time. The community vibe is strong here. Met a bunch of the regulars on the track, and everyone was super welcoming. Even on a non-race day, the camaraderie was palpable. Had a bit of a hiccup with my new motor, and one of the guys there, without a moment's hesitation, helped me solder it up--talk about being in good hands! And Govany, man, that guy deserves a shoutout. He didn't just help me out; he made sure my car could hold its own on the track, spending extra time fine-tuning things with me. It's that level of care and friendliness from Govany and everyone I met that really left an impression. Whether you're reliving your childhood hobby or just getting into the scene, Norcal Hobbies is more than a shop; it's a community where everyone's ready to lend a hand or share a tip. Can't wait to see what race day vibes are like! read more

Goldfighter G.

6 years ago

I felt it was time to say somthing since I have spent over $4,000 here. To start off I want to say that Erik the owner is a cool and nice guy but getting him to spend the time with you on some stuff that is either simple or difficult is damn near impossible. He cannot just give you the time and patience no matter how much money you spend in his store which is super super upsetting. I am all about supporting small businesses but when I come here and Spend as much as I do I would atleast expect a little more common courtesy and help from Erik and his staff. I cant say how many times I ended up finding somthing on my own or having someone on his staff guarantee me the part they give me is the right part and then I have to end up coming back 2 to 3 to 4 times until they get it right. Every single staff member in there majority of the time blows you off. I am patient. I wait my turn i always so no rush but it doesn't matter they still try and rush and just to get away from you. I jjst don't get why no one there can spend the time with you on these things. I mean isn't that what they are there for ? I can't say how many times I have had Erik walk away from me why I am strictly asking him RC questions just super rude and sad. I might have to find another location to another RC shop who appreciates my business Hi Eric Thanks for responding, as I meant no disrespect and do appreciate your response. I wrote the review out of a little frustration but honest review. I completely understand what your saying its just been since I been coming here for over a year now and I don't wanna give up coming to your store because besides those issues you have a really great store and I do appreciate anytime you do give me. Hoping you do get the staff you need and deserve and all of this gets resolved. Cheers read more

Charles H.

9 years ago

Horrible!!! Got a Groupon since it looked fun for my 11 year old son. Showed up. Got almost zero instructions. Then proceeded to be criticized, corrected, stink eyed by what appear to be a bunch of grown "men" going on14 years old. Really, this sport is for sad men who suffered from some kind of arrested development psychological damage. No one is having fun in this place. The business presents itself as kid friendly. See their own photo in Groupon with smiling kids. On the Sunday, March 19th when I went, there were ZERO kids (by age anyway) but there were dozens of grown men seriously playing with their silly toys. With the intensity of the vitriol we received for having committed the crime of being first time racers, you would think the business would find a way to separate beginners from these emotionally and developmentally scarred "men". Maybe have separate times by level. Maybe have a separate track for beginners, like a single loop for example. But no, they throw everyone into one group and I am warning you, if you are not mentally defective like the vast majority of the people I saw there on the day I visited, you will pay to be harassed, attacked and threatened. Kids stay away! Males with normal mental development don't go. If you haven't played with these silly toys, don't go either. This is not a place to learn or have fun. This is a serious activity used by grown men to work out their childhood issues. I am not kidding. I am not exaggerating. Never again for me. Total waste of money. I wish they advertised more honestly. read more

John D.

9 years ago

Came here the other day to get some help with my old RC car or to possibly buy myself a new one. I always was interested in the racing side of the hobby since I was very young, and "Was" very excited that found this place. I walked into the shop to find that the employee that looks like a Hobbit was just sitting there watching videos or something on the computer. I started to look around and started talking with another customer that was there with his son and he told me that he had been there for the last 15mins and the Hobbit guy never once asked him if he needed any help. I eventually went to ask him for some assistance and by this time he was soldering something for what I assume was a friend of his and before I even finished he told me that he is busy at the moment and that he will be for at least 10 more minutes. I turned to look at the other customer but he had already left so I figured that I should do the same. This creep of an employee of this place really put a bad taste in my mouth for this hobby and my excitement is no more. Thanks Froto from Norcal Hobbies!! **Before I wrote this revue I wanted to see what other people had to say about this place and low and behold I see the exact same person that worked in the shop writing a 5 star review of this place acting as if he is some expert on RC racetracks or something. What a joke of an establishment this place is. FYI the hobbit looking guy that gave the review and is also an employee is Daniel Z. read more

At T.

2 years ago

Title: Best RC Store Experience - Hidden Gem for Off-Road RC Fans! If you're into RC cars, especially off-road 1/24 Axial rigs, THIS is the place to go! From the moment we walked in, the store felt like a treasure trove for RC enthusiasts. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about all things RC. We went in looking for some gear for our Axial off-road cars, and not only did we find everything we needed, but the owner went above and beyond. He personally helped us pick out the best upgrades and accessories, offering tips and advice that only an expert could provide. Then came the highlight: he invited us into their closed room filled with an insane collection of RC parts and supplies. It was like stepping into a hidden paradise for RC hobbyists! From tools and replacement parts to rare upgrades, they had it all. The owner's dedication to customer service and his willingness to share insider knowledge truly set this place apart. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned RC enthusiast, this is the kind of shop that keeps the hobby exciting. Highly recommend stopping by--you won't be disappointed! Thank you for an unforgettable experience--we'll definitely be back! read more

Michael A.

151

3 months ago

Big shoutout to Will and Landon for the excellent customer service. I highly recommend Nor-Cal Hobbies & Raceway to anyone into RC cars, from beginners to serious racers. This place is a gem. Nor-Cal Hobbies & Raceway is hands down one of the best RC spots around. From the moment I walked in, the customer support was outstanding. Will and Landon were both incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and patient. They took the time to answer questions, offer guidance, and make the experience feel welcoming instead of intimidating. The tracks are awesome for RCs -- fun, well-kept, and challenging enough to keep things exciting whether you are just getting started or already deep into the hobby. You can tell this place is built by people who genuinely care about RC racing and the community around it. What really stands out is that Nor-Cal Hobbies is more than just a hobby shop. It is a place where you can shop, race, learn, get help with your vehicle, and meet other people who love the hobby. The staff makes you feel supported, the tracks make you want to keep coming back, and the overall atmosphere is positive and fun. read more

Sayali s.

1 year ago

Nor-Cal Hobbies & Raceway is hands-down the BEST RC car track and hobby shop! From the moment you walk in, you can feel the passion and dedication the owner has poured into this place. The track is impeccably maintained - smooth, fast, and challenging - perfect for both beginners and serious RC racers. The shop is fully stocked with everything you need, from top-notch RC cars and parts to expert advice. The owner truly goes above and beyond for every customer. He's not just knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly and patient, always ready to help you tune your car, pick the right upgrades, or share tips to improve your lap times. You can tell he genuinely loves this community and wants everyone, no matter their skill level, to have a great experience. The atmosphere is amazing - a mix of fun, competition, and camaraderie. Whether you're new to RC racing or a seasoned pro, you'll feel welcomed and supported here. If you're into RC cars, Nor-Cal Hobbies & Raceway is the ultimate spot - the track, the shop, and the people make it an unbeatable experience. read more

Nina C.

1 month ago

We highly recommend Nor-Cal Hobbies! Our son has taken many STEM camps in the Bay area, and this RC build/racing summer camp has been his absolute favorite. Under Eric's guidance, he has learned RC car mechanics, racing strategies, engineering principles, and real-world physics concepts in a fun and engaging way. Eric didn't just give the answers; he helped the kids learn how to problem solve, trouble shoot, and think creatively/independently. Our son continues to learn even after the camp has ended. He keeps going back, and the staff is just as engaged, helpful, and welcoming. The community is great; they share tips on the track, talk strategy, and help each other out. Highly recommend for anyone who is just starting with their first RC car or has years of experience, who is interested in the camp or just being a part of the community, who wants to rent a car for the day to race or build/work on their own,. Wish we knew about this place sooner! read more

Superhero B.

3 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Bill, the new manager of NorCal Hobbies, and I must say he's a real gem! His charismatic personality and passion for RC cars really shines through. I was in the market for a new body for my RC car and Bill was able to guide me in the right direction. He gave me informative advice on where to look for the perfect body and even helped me choose the right one for my car. His knowledge and expertise in the field was impressive, and I felt confident in his recommendations especially as they are not only really well thought out but even money savers. Overall, my experience at NorCal Hobbies was fantastic thanks to Bill's exceptional customer service. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and friendly RC car enthusiast to help with their hobby needs. Keep up the great work, Bill read more

Keith B.

1 year ago

I recently visited Nor Cal Hobbies to purchase a new RC, and I couldn't be more impressed with the experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Will was the one who assisted me, and his knowledge and passion for the hobby really stood out. He took the time to walk me through different options, explained the pros and cons of each model, and made sure I found exactly what I was looking for based on my needs and experience level. There was zero pressure--just genuine, helpful guidance from someone who clearly loves what he does. Thanks to Will, I walked out with an RC I'm really excited about and the confidence that I got the right setup. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned RC enthusiast, I highly recommend Nor Cal Hobbies and definitely ask for Will--he's top notch. read more

Cristian A.

2 years ago

I went in to try and see if they can help me repair my rc and my first interaction was with a kid named Landon and he was cool at first but then started talking to me like if I was dumb. I told him I had a issue with the motor and he looked at it and said nothing wrong when I know there is and when I told him can you fully check bc I drove a whole hour to get here and I didn't want to waste my time bc I saw it was the best hobby shop he said that he was busy working on other things and that if I wanted to leave my rc in there I could but would charge me 20 the day. Like what ???? I just got my things and left the worst experience in a hobby shop and it's going to be my first and last time coming here because they need to respect there customers. read more

Levi B.

6 months ago

The wife and I took the time to travel most of California to see the RC tracks up and down the state after Christmas. This facility and staff are a great stop for anyone with interest in the sport of rc. They'll take the time to teach you all the moving pieces of the car so you can set it up for your driving style. We really liked their rookie Tuesday educational course, it's a great way to familiarize yourself with rc equipment and put yourself in a situation similar to a real race without the pressure. We had a great time and would definitely stop back if we were in the area. Highly recommend anyone stop by and learn a thing or two. The staff are super friendly and helpful. read more

E N.

12 years ago

This is the R/C RACE PLACE for the SF Bay Area. Whether your into off-road or on-road, Nor-Cal Hobbies has got you covered. And if you just need parts or gear for your R/C addiction, the shop is fully stocked. The staff is very knowledgeable, and the racers are also very helpful. I would say a big plus for Nor Cal is ROOKIE BOOTCAMP on Tuesday Afternoons. Off-Road Racers get to feed their racing addiction every Wed Night, Fri Night, and all day Sunday. On-Road Racers get to lay the rubber down on the asphalt outdoors on the 1st and 3rd Sat. of the month. I would have to consider this place to by my 1st home. My second home is where I sleep. LOL read more

Ken K.

121

3 years ago

Oh man, rainy afternoon and was trying to come up something fun to do with my boy and I remembered a friend told me about Nor-Cal Hobbies...I called, they answered,,and said we could come on down. They have a Super cool indoor RC car track.....and they rent cars for a very reasonable price. Great customer service by Will and the rest of the crew. We had SUCH a good time. My son and I are still grinning and looking forward to coming back.....and we drove over from Santa Cruz!!! Totally worth the trip. read more

Matthew T.

12 years ago

I've been racing for years now and have been to a lot of different tracks and this place Nor Cal Hobbies is at the top of my list for RC racing. They have created an awesome track at the new place that they change a lot to help you learn to drive different layouts. When I get time to go there I have found very friendly helpful people and a well stocked hobby shop that has had everything that I have needed. A big thank's to Nor Cal Hobbies for getting me back into RC racing. read more

Nathan S.

1 year ago

They have a wide selection of parts and cars and almost always have everything I need. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, they're always happy to help you and have a conversation. They offer some pretty good deals on special occasions and overall their pricing is great, they usually either beat or match online pricing. I come here every single weekend and it's always a blast and I feel like I'm always getting to learn new things. read more

Jim H.

3 years ago

I'm new to model trains and needed advice on building a train set. The service I received at this hobby shop was exceptional. The staff patiently answered all my questions and provided invaluable guidance. The quality of their expertise is evident in the fantastic advice they gave. Additionally, the value was outstanding; I left with a clear plan for my train set project, feeling confident and excited. Thank you! read more

Jeremy V.

7 months ago

Been racing here two years, and doing business with these guys for over six years now. Eric and company are good people to do business with. I encourage people to try their Tuesday night Boot Camp program if you're thinking about getting involved with the 1:10 scale off road (carpet) racing. If you're new, be sure to sign up for their point program, where you can get a rebate for when you come back later! read more

Rof C.

4 years ago

Will was very helpful. We came in for the 1st time last night and he took the time to to give us an intro into the world of RC cars. My son was not ready to select a car so we came back this morning and again he helped us pick our 1st SCX24! We will be back again and again for all our RC needs. Great place and very welcoming to families! You guys deserve the Gold read more

Dean V.

12 years ago

It is so refreshing to have a well run professional, honest, and fun hobby shop back in San Jose. We have been missing this for 15 plus years. Eric runs the shop like a top and he and his team make looking forward to race day something I can't make enough time for. Will only shop with him and if you have been out of the hobby, its time to reconsider. read more

Nor-Cal Hobbies - hobbyshops - Updated September 2026

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(5 reviews)

Very chill place, has a lot of parts for building toy cars. A racing platform, painting stations…read more Interesting place

I purchased an Axial SCX30 a week ago and have returned twice for parts. The staff is kind and…read morehelpful. They have an insane crawler room with everything from 1/30 to 1/10 scale. They have challenging lines for you to push your rig to its limits!

Gifts Toys Collectibles

(1 review)

Great place to go for some cheap kits! Good selection of tools, both name brand and off brand, and…read morethe prices are fair. Selection is a little limited, but restocks do happen and you can place your own order for you own kits! Owner is a cool guy too, service is great and he's more than happy to come out from his desk to help explain any of the items he has in stock. Great little place for all of your model kit needs!

Epic Pulls Anime Cafe

3.9

(10 reviews)

My sons are in their Pokémon and Naruto phase so we set out on a hunt to find both types of…read morecollectible cards on a Saturday afternoon and came across this spot. They have a fair amount of Pokemon cards, with reasonable prices, and all the recent sets of Kayou Naruto cards. My boys were so excited and the worker (forgot to get his name) was very kind and patient with them! Safe to say that this is the first of many visits for us!

Been frequenting this quaint shop for over a year since moving into the area. The staff,…read moreparticularly David and Solo are very cool people. They are passionate about the hobby and are fun to engage and talk about everything tcg and sports. Great selection of sports cards and trading cards. They have launch events where you get things at MSRP. Which is rare these days. I recently bought a blister of pokemon and hit a God pack! Thanks guys! Please check these guys out. Highly recommended.

RNG Therapy Card Lounge

(48 reviews)

RNG Therapy was great! A Forsure spot to buy, trade, collect cards for sure! Upon calling the shop,…read moresince my wife and I are from out of town visiting. They answered all our questions. Even when we showed up the atmosphere was great. The owner greeted us and made us feel welcome right off the gate. We even got to chat for a bit even though they were busy. He even offered free cards and gifted my son a toy. To add in even the person helping us check out was extremely friendly and patient, making us feel even more welcomed not feeling rush. Everything was fairly priced. Would definitely come back to buy more. And whenever I am in town. I know this is the spot. Yes they have every card collection you can think of there. Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, One Piece, etc Thank you to the team at RNG Therapy again!

Went to RNG Therapy Card Lounge after work on Friday 8/21/2026. This place must be poppin cuz the…read moreparking lot was almost full and I grabbed on of the last spots! Very cool artwork in front of the shop with a Corgi on a Snorlax! Walked inside and immediate room was an area set up with tables and chairs for play, along with crane machines. Went to the left and that is the main area with more tables for play and where the shop's goodies are! Was shopping for a seven year olds birthday gift, who wanted Pokémon cards. However, I don't know anything about this world or any trading card game or card shop. The owner Thien was extremely helpful in helping decide that to get - a box with a whole bunch of packs seven year old kids would like! Thien respected the price point I was going for, and really delivered! This place was nice and cool on a warm day, and did not have a card shop feel. Lots of people were there that night to play a League of Legends trading card game. Surely coming back for my next Pokémon or One Piece or Riftbound card needs! Thanks for the great hospitality!

Game Kastle

4.4

(180 reviews)

Consistently good service and an excellent play space. I would say it has been the most stable of…read moregame stores I have encountered in my many years of visiting them. Staff is known and helpful.

Love coming to this store they have great service and good prices, huge selection of board games…read moreand cards! Always support local stores.

Collectables N’ Stuff

3.7

(6 reviews)

Sold them some of my collection, very easy, very fast, very friendly. Would come againread more

AJ goes above and beyond for his customers. Sold some of my collection and was smooth and at a fair…read morevalue. Would sell more to them and AJ is a genuinely good guy

Kingdom Brick Supply

3.0

(2 reviews)

Don't buy from this company, I emailed them in regards to an order that I placed and didn't ship…read morewithin their shipping guidelines per their website. I didn't receive a response until l opened up a claim to get my money back which was like a week later, then the person who emailed me back stated they never saw my email. Then asked if I wanted a refund and I said I didn't but since it was never shipped yes I want one. All in all lasked for the refund in which they didn't do, they stated the item was being shipped, not what I asked for since by this time it was literally 2 weeks later again with lack of communication because they responded periodically and or dayssssss later. They ended up shipping the item then asking if I wanted to cancel!? Like huh I already said I wanted a refund emails ago! Why not refund me!? Why ask after you ship the item as if I didn't already state that, so I respond and then nothing. No refund but instead they ship the item. Bad communication, no accountability, false ship advertisement per their website and poor Customer service. Yea don't waste your time look on other sites for this item there out there. This company doesn't care about customer service clearly.

I bought a gift online here and the customer service was excellent, super friendly, and super nice!…read more :) I will definitely be buying from them again when I need Legos and display cases. They do not sell my fave, BRICKHEADZ a lot, but they do sell a lot of the full size and specialty Lego and cases. So excited to have found this place.

Warhammer

(1 review)

Very knowledgeable and good community feel. Interesting discussions about. One of the best GW…read moreselections I've seen in a small store setting. Word to the noob: you will be paying those stupid GW prices. But this is set by corporate, so don't take it out on the kind and passionate owner.

Kip’s Sports cards

4.8

(6 reviews)

SERVICE Friendly and engaging. I was the only one in the…read morestore and talked shop and sports with the associate. No pressure to buy or leave. SELECTION I would say the usual sports are available: the big four aka MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL. There is also a soccer section as the owner is a big soccer fan. There are sections for local teams like the Giants and 49ers. The cheap $1-5 and priced-as-marked bins were messy and mixed up. I can only imagine kids were going through them. VALUE It's hard to really say. If you find what you want and the price is right - or can be negotiated to be "right", then the value is whatever you believe it is. Wax and pack prices are not my field of expertise so I do not know if they are over-, under-, or at market priced. In a nutshell, this is a simple shop that harkens back to the shops you used to see in the 80s and 90s: cards, boxes, packs, and not filled with social media clout-flaunting slabs.

Beautiful shop with a wide array of sports card singles, sealed product, and memorabilia. Staff is…read morevery knowledgeable and engaging. All in all, how a card shop experience should feel every time you go.

Sequoia Billiard Supply

(31 reviews)