Respect for the arcade game can be paid on many levels, from a legendary rock anthem by The Who to members-only clubs. These fantastic machines introduced a generation to gaming. They were the birthplace of modern gaming, these days people enjoy spending their money on league of legends accounts so they can enjoy their games in a different way. Which isn’t too far from what you could experience in these fun bars. In our drink-focused culture, it only makes sense that the arcade be honored with its own bar, dedicated to all the literal bells and whistles that make the life-size entertainment machines worth playing – plus local beverages. Here are six unique arcade bars deserving of your quarters.
Level Up Arcade | Eugene, OR
A collection of old-school and brand-new arcade games, Level Up Arcade is deceivingly large, with room in the back for an air hockey table and Pop-A-Shot. They also have a plethora of ’80s classics like Ms. PacMan and pinball games with themes like Star Wars but you can also find more recent games like Mortal Combat and Big Buck Hunter, as well as a few PCs on occasion offering League of Legends and other staples. Maybe with the development of games like Among us for Windows, we could hopefully see some other interesting computer games making their way onto the scene. It could be worth checking out boostingboss before swinging on by. Level Up offers a full bar and kids are allowed in until 9 p.m.
Flip Flip, Ding Ding | Seattle
In the historic Georgetown neighborhood, Flip Flip, Ding Ding provides an arcade experience with a focus on pinball. Every third Sunday of the month the bar host its monthly Split Flipper, a doubles pinball tournament. They have 26 different pinball games to choose from along with a selection of Seattle beers, ciders and a full bar.
Ground Kontrol | Portland
In the heart of downtown Portland, Ground Kontrol aims to “preserve and celebrate video gaming’s ‘golden age'” with 60 classic video games and 27 pinball machines. The bar also host DJs, comedy shows and both trivia and game tournaments, with games only costing 25-50 cents to play. There is a cover charge during peak hours and those under 21 are allowed inside from noon to 4:30 p.m. On top of than a full bar of local booze, the menu also touts many vegan and gluten-free options.
Vidiot | Seattle
West Seattle’s Vidiot Arcade Bar offers video and pinball games along with board games and PC games next to the 13 beers on tap, three ciders, canned wine from Idaho’s Split Rail Winery and bar food is available for purchase. Vidiot allows kids in on weekends to play games and there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to choose from.
Vector Volcano | Bend, OR
With rotating pinball and video arcade games, Vector Volcano also proffers fan favorites like Revenge from Mars and Street Fighter 2, with a focus on mainstays from the ’80s and ’90s. If you can’t make it to this bar, then you can always play classic games like this online by, for example, using this Super Mario Sunshine ROM for GameCube. Games like this will remind you of your childhood, like those rainy Sundays spent inches away from the TV screen, desperately trying to make it to the next level. However, playing at home has some disadvantages. You would miss out on the cool atmosphere, talking with other gamers, and, of course, the fantastic drinks. The bar serves hyper-local bevvies, like cider from Red Tank and beer from Deschutes Brewery, along with Humm Kombucha. If you become a regular, you just might make their scoreboard which is updated monthly. You can leave your quarters at home, one hour of play is $5 and all day is $15.
Spacebar Arcade | Boise, Idaho
Spacebar Arcade in downtown Boise has over 30 different games including vintage favs like BurgerTime and Donkey Kong. They host multiple trivia nights per week with different themes, for instance Olympic or Film Trivia. With eight beers on draft and just under 40 different options in can, Spacebar also boasts 15 different wines. You can buy quarters in house, or of course bring your own.
