Barcade

Imagine a place where eighties nostalgia blends harmoniously with modern craft brewing culture. The city of New Haven has become home to the unique Barcade—the original arcade bar that transports its guests back to the golden age of video games. It is part of the famous chain recognized as the largest in the USA by the number of retro machines.

Inside, an energy of excitement and neon light prevails: featuring between 40 and 75 classic arcade games and pinball machines. The interior is complemented by original design elements from old cabinets, creating an authentic setting. For drink connoisseurs, there is a full bar with an emphasis on craft beer—24 taps with a regularly updated selection will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Barcade is more than just a game room or a pub. It is a social space that brings together history buffs, gamers, and those who simply want to spend an evening in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to its high ratings and popularity among locals, it is rightfully considered one of the highlights on Connecticut's entertainment map.

You can contact the venue to check the menu or book tables for large groups using the following details:

The main reason to stop by is, of course, the legendary arcade cabinets. You can test your skills in classics like Pac-Man Battle Royale, designed for four players, or face off in Mortal Kombat. For action lovers, NBA Jam and Operation Thunderbolt are available, while space battle fans will appreciate Asteroids and Satan's Hollow. High score tables are updated in real-time, giving everyone a chance to write their name into the club's history.

Beyond the games, it's worth paying attention to the food. A daily changing kitchen menu offers excellent snacks and full meals that perfectly complement the evening. You can sit at unique arcade-style tables and take your time sampling rare varieties of craft beer. The regular tap rotation allows you to discover new flavors from local breweries every time you visit.

Barcade is perfect for parties, corporate events, or just meeting up with friends. The energetic atmosphere, the sounds of familiar 8-bit soundtracks from childhood, and the chance to compete for the title of best player make a visit here a truly memorable adventure.

Finding the venue is easy, as it is located in the heart of New Haven at 56 Orange St. One of the location's main advantages is its walking distance from the New Haven Metro North train station. This makes Barcade an excellent option for those traveling by train from New York or neighboring cities.

If you prefer to travel by car, you can use taxi services or popular ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft. Parking zones are available on nearby streets in the city center, though finding a free spot in the evening can be challenging.

For those already in the downtown area, a walk to the bar is a pleasant addition to your route: the district around Orange Street is safe and filled with other interesting venues, pubs, and cafes, creating a great atmosphere for an evening stroll.

The concept for this place grew from a desire to merge classic gaming culture with a modern craft bar format. The Barcade chain is considered a pioneer in this field and is currently the largest in the USA in terms of available arcade machines. The venue's philosophy is built on the idea of inclusivity, where shared interests blur the lines between different social groups.

The New Haven location opened in 2019 and quickly became an integral part of the city's nightlife. The owners pay great attention to authenticity: every cabinet in the hall is an original 1980s machine that has been meticulously restored and maintained in working order. The interior design often features original panels and graphics from old games, creating a unique retro atmosphere.

The story of this place is one of a revival of interest in the physical culture of the past. In the digital age, such spaces allow guests not just to play, but to literally touch the history of video games while enjoying the best achievements of the modern craft industry.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and have time to try at least some of the arcade machines, we recommend setting aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time to play, sample the craft beer selection, and have a snack at a comfortable pace.

If you are a true fan of retro games or plan to compete with friends for the top spots on the leaderboards, you could easily spend an entire evening here. Barcade offers enough variety to keep your stay interesting for a long time.

The venue is geared toward evening leisure, opening in the afternoon. From Monday to Thursday, Barcade welcomes guests from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM. On weekends, the operating hours are extended so everyone has enough time to enjoy the games.

On Friday and Saturday, the bar is open from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM, and on Sunday, the doors are open from 2:00 PM until midnight. We recommend checking the current schedule on the official website before your visit, as hours may change on holidays.

Its location in the historic center makes it easy to combine a visit to the arcade bar with sightseeing. A walk around the neighborhood will reveal New Haven's architectural diversity and cozy parks.