Barcade
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Barcade offers a vibrant, nostalgic adult-oriented arcade experience, featuring a wide selection of well-maintained classic arcade and pinball machines alongside an extensive craft beer and cocktail menu. It's primarily geared towards a date night or social gathering for adults who enjoy retro gaming.
Key Highlights
- ✓Wide selection of well-maintained classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and 3rd Strike.
- ✓Excellent, fun, and well-maintained selection of pinball machines, including new ones.
- ✓Staff (barkeeps) are super friendly, quick, and knowledgeable about drinks.
- ✓Vibrant, warm, welcoming, and nostalgic atmosphere, described as 'dark enough' to feel like a classic arcade.
- ✓Reasonable prices for the quality and location, providing good value for an adult night out.
- ✓No pressure to buy drinks, allowing guests to focus on gaming if they prefer.
Standout Features
- ⭐Extensive and well-maintained collection of classic arcade and pinball games.
- ⭐Impressive craft beer and cocktail menu for adult enjoyment.
- ⭐Friendly and efficient staff enhance the overall experience.
- ⭐Vibrant and nostalgic ambiance perfect for a relaxed adult outing.
- ⭐Use of tokens for games adds to the classic arcade feel.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Parents should assume this is an adult-oriented venue and check specific age restrictions if considering bringing older teens.
- →Do not bring outside water; be prepared to purchase beverages on-site.
- →Expect a 'packed' but friendly crowd, especially during peak times.
- →Be prepared to use tokens for games (available for purchase on-site).
Things to Consider
- ⚠Strict policy of no outside water allowed, which could be an issue for parents or those needing specific hydration.
- ⚠Atmosphere is described as 'dark enough' and heavily features alcohol (craft beers, cocktails), suggesting it's not designed for young children.
- ⚠The primary focus is on adult entertainment (date night, bar atmosphere), potentially making it unsuitable for a traditional family outing.
Price & Value
Described as 'really reasonable' for the quality of games, drinks, and location. Games operate via tokens, but no specific game or drink prices are mentioned. Value appears high for an adult entertainment venue in NYC.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Strictly no outside water allowed. No information on outside food, but given the water policy and bar focus, it's highly unlikely outside food is permitted. Food availability is not a prominent feature, with one reviewer noting they 'didn't get anything to eat'.
🚗Parking Info
- •No parking information mentioned in reviews for the St. Marks Place location (NYC location often implies street parking or paid garages).
👥Crowd Levels
- •Can get 'packed' but also described as having a 'friendly crowd' and 'just the right size' at times.
- •Atmosphere is generally 'nice and vibrant'.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features related to children or general security are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Bringing young children or planning a family outing where kids are the primary focus.
- • If you require outside water for specific needs (e.g., medical reasons) without prior arrangement.
- • If you are uncomfortable with an environment where alcohol is a prominent feature.
Pricing/Package/Events
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Kimberly Lim Legaspi
a month agoBarcade on St. Marks Place is hands down one of my favorite spots in NYC, especially for a fun date night. As soon as you walk in, you’re hit with this amazing retro vibe—classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong line the walls, and everything’s in great shape, ready for some friendly competition. The drink menu is impressive too, with a solid lineup of craft beers, unique seasonal brews, and cocktails. The staff is super friendly and quick, even when it’s packed, and they really know their stuff when it comes to beer recommendations. The atmosphere is perfect—dark enough to feel like a classic arcade but still warm and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can have a blast playing games, laughing, and just relaxing together. For the quality and location, the prices are really reasonable. With awesome games, great drinks, and that unbeatable nostalgic vibe, Barcade has become my go-to spot for a fun, laid-back night out.
Erik Z
a month agoLots of retro games available. It's pretty fun. They don't allow you to bring water inside which is pretty annoying.
Jill Knapp
3 weeks agoHoly crap, we had such a good time here. The barkeeps are great, they have a nice beer selection, and the crowd was friendly and just the right size. Was so happy to have access to a fun selection of pinball machines that were well-maintained, whether they were older machines or brand-new ones. If I lived closer, I would be here every night.
Jethon Jenkins
5 months agoThey have a 3rd Strike that works. Nobody bothered me about buying a drink. They just let me game in peace. I didn't get anything to eat so I don't know about the food. They use tokesn, but otherwise this place is perfect.
Jiyeon Portnoy
a year agoI’ve been to all the locations in manhattan and Jersey city one too. I loved all the locations. I come to St.Marks location the most. It has always nice and vibrant atmosphere. I loved their new pinball machines! I like their bar too. It’s always a fun place!