About Up-Down Minneapolis
An energetic retro arcade bar boasting a massive selection of 80s and 90s classic cabinet games and pinball machines, paired with an extensive beer menu and tasty house-made pizza slices.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Parents' date nightsNostalgic gamers wanting to play 80s and 90s classicsCasual group outings with friendsAdults and young adults (typically 21+ venue, perfect for parents' night out or older teens depending on daytime family hours)
Why families love it
- Huge selection of classic 80s and 90s arcade games and pinball machines kept in great condition
- Excellent value with games costing only a quarter (one token) each
- Saturday evening 2-for-1 token special that lets you play for hours on a budget
- Surprisingly delicious pizza by the slice featuring high-quality sauce and meats
- Thoughtful cabinet designs featuring convenient drink holders and ledges
- Quieter, relaxed upstairs and outdoor patio areas to escape the energetic main floor crowd
Insider tips
- Visit on Saturday evenings to take advantage of the 2-for-1 token deal to stretch $20 into a full night of gaming
- If the main floor feels too loud or chaotic, head upstairs or to the outdoor patio for a much quieter and relaxed vibe
- Be prepared to hover or wait a bit for the most popular pinball machines during busy weekend nights
Good to know before you go
- Peak weekend hours if you dislike loud, energetic crowds or waiting to play specific games
- Can get very crowded, leading to wait times for popular pinball machines
- Pizza crust consistency can occasionally be hit-or-miss
- Crowds
- Highly popular and busy, especially on Saturday nights, though upstairs and outdoor spaces offer a quieter retreat
- Value
- Outstanding value for entertainment. Games are only $0.25 per play, and the Saturday night 2-for-1 token special allows two people to play extensively for just $20.
- Food
- Serves hot pizza by the slice with various meat toppings; full bar service available with roaming servers taking drink orders
- Accessibility
- Features an upstairs area and an outdoor area, though wheelchair accessibility to the upper level is not detailed in reviews
What parents say
"Wow, this place blew me away! I loved the gritty and energetic atmosphere. The beer selection is simply nuts, and the game selection is huge! The staff were great, and the pizza I saw people eating looked yummy! If you are spending the night in Minneapolis, stop by here for sure!"
a month ago
"We visited on a Saturday evening when there are 2x for 1 tokens and played forever on $20. Lots of classic video games in great condition and many pinball games that were fun. The atmosphere was very relaxed. Many of the games have drink holders or a ledge which is handy. There were servers got around to take drink orders. We went outside and upstairs to visit those areas and it was much more quiet and relaxed. It was a great night and id recommended going here if you enjoy that classic arcade scene."
9 months ago
"Great place, lots of retro games from my childhood as well as pinball machines. Prices are reasonable too. Highly recommend!"
3 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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