If you’ve been following me, you already know my claw machine obsession is out of control, so forgive me for being THIS excited: Kako Claw just opened a new location inside Westfield Montgomery in Bethesda, and I could not stay away. Short version for the Nomsters who want the verdict: I’m a mega fan, the machines are actually winnable, and at $1 per token it’s a genuinely fun little detour when you’re at the mall.
This is the same crane-game brand I fell for at their Arundel Mills location, now expanding into Montgomery County, and honestly I’m just thrilled they’re doing so well. You’ll find it on Level 1 over in the Cheesecake Factory wing, stocked with the cutest plushies and a wall of machines that’ll happily eat your afternoon. Let me put you on to how it works.
View this reel on Instagram
What Makes Kako Claw a Standout Claw Machine Arcade
Here’s the thing that sets Kako Claw apart from the sad, impossible claw machines bolted to the front of every grocery store: theirs are built to be winnable. The whole pitch is a fair, skill-based shot at the prize, and I can vouch, it’s not impossible to win ’em. They also run a trade-up system, so if you win a smaller prize you can exchange it toward a bigger one you actually want, which takes the sting out of a near-miss. The prizes are the real draw for me, think plushies, anime figures, collectible blind boxes, and keychains, and there’s always something cute to go for. If you’ve only ever played the rigged mall claw of your childhood, this is a completely different (much cuter) animal.
What to Know Before You Play at Kako Claw
How the Tokens Work
It’s $1 per token, and most machines take 2 tokens per play, so budget accordingly. If you know you’re going to be there a while (no judgment, same), the bigger token packages give you a little bonus: $50 gets you 55 tokens and $100 gets you 120, so the more you buy the more play you squeeze out. You load up at a kiosk or with the staff, and they take cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, not just cash.
The Prizes
This is where Kako Claw gets me. The plushies are SO cute, and there’s a good mix of anime figures and blind boxes for the collectors. Everything’s winnable with a little patience, and the trade station means even a modest win can snowball into something bigger. It’s the kind of place where you tell yourself “just one more try” about nine times.
My One Real Tip
Aim for the prizes sitting closest to the chute. I know that sounds obvious, but it’s the tip that actually helps you walk away with something instead of just donating tokens to the machine gods. Play the setup, not just the plush you want most.
Is Kako Claw Actually Winnable?
I’d say YES. Kako Claw’s whole model is skill-based machines that give you a fair chance, which is a real departure from the claw machines most of us grew up losing at. That doesn’t mean every grab is a guaranteed win, it’s still a claw machine, but with a smart target and a little patience you can absolutely leave with a plushie. Pair that with the trade-up program and it feels a lot less like throwing money into a slot.
The Vibe and Experience
It’s bright, colorful, and right in the flow of the mall, so it’s an easy add-on to a shopping trip, catching a movie, or a Cheesecake Factory dinner since it’s tucked in that wing. A huge thanks to the team for hosting us, by the way, @deke_dc and I had a blast as always. It’s great for families, fun on a low-key date, and honestly perfect for killing time with friends. Little kids, teens, and grown adults who refuse to grow up (hi) all leave happy. If you love hunting down a good arcade, the secret little arcade I found in Glen Burnie is another fun one to file away.
If you want to level up from claw machines to full-on competitive challenges, Level99 Tysons is just a few miles away in McLean, a massive entertainment complex with 50-plus physical puzzles and games plus a full bar and restaurant.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 7101 Democracy Blvd Space 1174, Bethesda, MD 20817, inside Westfield Montgomery on Level 1, in the Cheesecake Factory wing.
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 1pm to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 7pm.
- Pricing: $1 per token, most machines are 2 tokens; bigger token packs ($50 for 55, $100 for 120) come with bonus tokens.
- Payment: Cash, all major cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- Parking: Free in the mall garages, and there’s EV charging if you need it.
- More MD locations: They’re also at Arundel Mills, Annapolis Mall, and Westfield Wheaton, so there’s probably one near you.
- Website: See pricing and locations at kakoclaw.com.
If you’ve got any love for claw machines, Kako Claw is a fun, budget-friendly little stop, and the fact that the machines are genuinely winnable is reason enough to come back. It’s not a whole day out on its own, but as a bonus to a mall trip it’s a great time, and Montgomery County folks no longer have to trek out to Arundel Mills to get their fix. For me it’s an easy rec, and if you love a good arcade run, it slots right in with the other Maryland arcades worth the trip.
So that’s the new Bethesda spot, Nomsters. Have you guys been to Kako Claw yet, and what’s the best prize you’ve pulled? Drop it in the comments, Nomsters, and save this for your next mall run.