Visited Barcade this week. I love going there. Great games, especially the pinball, and the staff is always super friendly too. If you like beer, this is definitely your place. If you're not into crowded bars, be aware this place is popular in the evenings. If you want a quieter experience to chill and play a game, great spot to check out on a weekend afternoon. I was just there this past Tuesday, and both the bartenders, Caitlin and Mike, were awesome and made me some great old fashioneds too, if beer isn't your thing. The new food and cocktail menu is a great upgrade. read more

Update: I am still not a fan of Barcade on their busy nights as it is a bit too loud and crowded for me. But I have to give them five stars because they not only have one of the best draft selections I have seen anywhere but they also have really great prices. And everything is $2 off during happy hour- which is pretty long. Plus, they have an awesome lunch special (beer, sandwich, and pretzels) for only $10. And half off small plates from 4-7 pm. The food here is actually quite good too, better than I would expect. So five stars for their awesome beer selection (they make a mean cocktail too if beer isn't your thing) and their fairly good food. Original review below-- What I liked: -Great draft beer selection (definitely one of the better draft selections I've seen in the area) -Beer menu with descriptions, ABV, and other information about each beer, something I wish more places with interesting beer selections did (I think it is a necessity for a place this busy and loud) --Drinks I ordered here were all good and quite strong -Food menu seems interesting and has a lot of options I came here on a Saturday night and it was very loud and very busy. It is probably just a matter of personal preference; my friend really liked it, but I like things to be a little more chill. The beer pricing also seems a little weird. Some beers, especially some of the stronger/more hoppy stuff, were definitely on the cheaper side (compared to other places), but, some of their lighter selections seemed like it should have been less. I think they are trying to keep draft prices fairly uniform. I like the arcade games, although I didn't really play them myself; these were also super crowded and some had people waiting. I kind of have mixed feelings about this place, and I think I would like it a lot more if I came when it was less crazy (i.e. not on Saturday night). I would come back to try more of their beer at some point, and maybe try their food. read more

I dislike the fact that at 10:30pm on Saturday night I'm standing in a line 25+ people deep. Luckily a group (who must have been waiting a long while) got fed up and left so I ended up getting in quicker. Considering no other places are open after 11pm in JC means that everyone is now flocking here. Regardless, its cool that they opened something different like Barcade in JC. We were needing some flair. I've wanted to go the Barcade in Williamsburg for awhile so I was really looking forward to coming here. I didn't try any of the beer while I was there, but will when I return. I'm definitely heading there earlier next time. I saw something crazy about nutella and bacon on their menu.. I'm probably going to be checking back once I check that out. I enjoyed the music selection, but it was obnoxiously loud in there at times and I couldn't tell if it was just the crowd or the music was too loud. Games are fun and addicting. Line for the bathrooms was ridiculous, luckily I live three blocks away. For any of you others that aren't that lucky, get in line when you get your beer. What? You don't have to go yet? Don't worry, you'll be happy you are already in line when you have to go. read more

They play Zeppelin here. And have Tetris. And serve alcohol. It's basically a win-win on all counts.

When you're a video game lover like me, you can't help but fall in love with Barcade. There are so many arcade games!!! Now granted, at any given time some of the machines may be out of order. But then again, wasn't that always the case with the classic arcades as well? The machine generally trend towards the oldest models, but some machines from the later days of the arcade era can also be found. Of course this is also a bar, and there is a healthy selective of brews. One day they had a Sixpoint tap take over so you never know what you could find. I can say that the selection is always varied. The food is also pretty good, but honestly not the draw. You'll find a selection of sandwiches and items like cheese and crackers. Simply put, if you like video games, you'll like Barcade! If you don't, why are you even reading this review?????? read more

Very fun place. The space is big and open with plenty of room. It didn't take us very long to sit at a table. The beer selection is vast and amazing. So many craft beers to choose from, and the selection changes often. Anything by Dogfish, Stone, Troegs, Sixpoint or Victory are my sure-fire bets - amazing beer. Prices are reasonable. They offer some unique and good bar grub, too! They have sandwiches - ranging from classics like grilled cheese to more unique flavors like turkey and brie with a apricot-cherry chutney (not your usual bar fare). I really enjoyed their small bites. We got pepperoni crostini (think mini pepperoni pizzas almost - and they had a pretty good kick), deviled eggs which were great, and my absolute favorite, nutella and bacon. The nutella and bacon is the ultimate bar snack. It's basically toast spread with nutella and super crunchy bacon bits. It's sweet and salty and perfect along with your beer - trust me! The games are fun, some more than others, and lines can be long. I recommend The Simpsons game - it allows up to 4 players to play and it's incredibly fun. read more

Barcade - Nutella bacon. Pepperoni crostini. Deviled eggs - Bars Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Cider on tap? Old video games? I'm sold. Couldn't get near Ms. Pacman, another time I guess. Forgot how badly I suck at some of these old games. read more

3.65 stars. THEY HAVE MS. PACMAN!! (And other throwback arcade games!) It's dark, crowded, and loud in here. They have an interesting menu but you have to remember to pick it up at the little window towards the back of the bar. Grab yourself some grub and a craft beer, play some fun games, and you'll have a great time! read more

Came in after work. HH until 7! For a Wednesday night, the place was super spacious with ample seating. They didn't have all the arcade games I wanted to play as in the Brooklyn location but this was nonetheless a good place to past the time. Beer selection was good. I ordered the Allagash Curieux, strong but tasty. Food and HH snacks are available if you're hungry. read more

After you are done eating or socializing at the bar you can enjoy some retro gaming on the various stand up arcade games lining the walls. They have things that will bring you 30 years back and remind you of the good ole' days, of which most of you reading this probably can't relate to because 30 years ago you were just a tickle in your dad's britches. The worst part about going here was the parking situation. I went there on Thursday after work and I got there around 6 and must have cirlced the area for a good 15 minutes before I found something in a shaddy alleyway next to Bon Chon. This is great for locals but a bit of a drag for those not within walking distance of the bar. Speaking of which, this is a block up from the Path Grove Street train station, so its easily accessible to the NYC folks. Overall this place evokes great nostalgia in a warm comfortable atmosphere surrounded by good people and great beer. The tap list is extensive and I recommend you read the descriptions on the printed sheet or else you might get something that gives you the I just got smacked in the mouth face. The food is good and simple for a quick eat but that's a good thing, this place isn't pretending to be a restaurant, its taking its niche and doing it well. Stay thirsty but stay different! read more

I know they're known for their craft beers and vintage games but sometimes all I want is first person shooter where I can let out all my rage (House of the Dead!!!). Instead, these are the games of old days where it's a lot of button smashing. If you like vintage games then this is the place for you. Also, sadly the music is a bit too loud to the point where you can't talk to anyone nor can you hear the sounds of the game (come on, I love the pew pew pew noise of the Galaga machine!!!). Sadly, I prefer D&B. Also, the location's not the best to get to either since you're struggling to find parking on the streets of Jersey City. read more

Dude. You MUST go here when you find yourself burdened with a bored afternoon and can't find anything to do. The beer menu = fantastic. The food = ok. The games = AWESOME. It's a full bar that focuses mostly on craft beer supported by a unique but tasty kitchen with sandwiches and good food. Small snacks like chips are available too. But the real fun comes in the form of old school games, most of which are only 25 cents to play. This allows you to have fun and be competitive without the burden of an expensive night out. Stay as long as you want and bring your friends. read more

I've been to barcade twice now and it has not disappointed. The food is fairly priced. The first time I went I had the chicken quesadilla and some pilsner beer which was good. The second time I had a delicious grilled cheese sandwich and clown shoes clementine on tap! You can never go wrong with German beer! I've only had the chance to play double dragon, donkey kong, mrs pacman and TMNT. I am dying to go again to play contra. I saw it at the very end last time and didn't get a chance to play. :0( Some games required a lot of quarters due to the fact that I kept losing and needed to put more quarters in to continue, but overall a great place for drinks and retro video games!! I've only been there on Wednesday nights and it doesn't get too packed, but I heard it gets crowded during the weekends. read more

Barcade - Chicken quesadillas with pilsner beer! - Bars Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Always a great selection of beer along with a full bar and great selection of retro games. Great place to just chill, have fun and beat your friends at a few rounds of Pacman. I've never gotten food here but I've heard good things. Security can be a little... abrasive. Only reason why I'm not giving this place a full 5 stars. Someone knocked my beer over while playing a game and security followed me, probably assuming I was heavily intoxicated and that I dropped my glass. Also, another time I came with a friend and he was told that he was too enthusiastic over a game which led to security following us inside all night. I'm glad they keep an eye out but, at the same time, a little too intense. Overall, a good time. read more

Woo hoo! Games! Booze! Fun! That pretty much sums up the Barcade experience. Some folks lean heavy to the games side. Not I. I come for the beer. They always have a great selection and often do tap takeovers. I recently came here for a Bolero Snort takeover, which is a smaller NJ brewery cranking out some solid beers, and it was great! They are usually always crowded but I've never had to wait that long for a drink. Bartenders are friendly enough. Sometimes you encounter leeches that won't leave a game machine but that could happen anywhere. As long as I can sip on a delicious brew and enjoy a round or two of Ms. Pac-Man, I am a happy man. read more

- overall rating: 3.5 - reasonable pricing - personable bartenders - worst pastrami sandwich of my life (also smallest), avoid at all cost - jerky was inedibly salty, packaged (hickory flavor) - gets fairly crowded on the weekend - wish the music were lower, I get that its a bar but its basically an arcade for adults, not a club read more

I think my error was coming here on a Friday night. I felt like I was back in college. Everyone was very young and this place is way too loud, I know I sound really old right now but this place its cool if you are 25 and under. I give this place another shot during the week. I was a little hungry so I ordered the pizza what a mistake. I think it was frozen pizza and totally not worth it. read more

Fun place, interesting variety of beers as well as some fun video games. Friendly bartenders, laid back vibe. Sometimes the bros get a little loud when they're playing the "NBA Jam" game, but overall a relaxing experience! Go there and get it on like Donkey Kong! read more

I knew what I was getting into... craft beer and classic video games that today's youth will never understand. Yes, this place can only really be described hipster. However, as much as we try to deny it, aren't we all really hipsters? We can't get much more hipster than shunning the label anyway, right? What a revelation! (Don't tell anyone I said that, ok?) Rustic at it's core, Barcade doesn't rely on bells and whistles to make it's point, just two things that nearly everyone in their mid-20's and older can appreciate. The bartenders were nice and attentive. Clientele was a bit scruffy and very laid back. This is a great place to grab a drink after work with $1 off beer and well drinks until 8pm. Definitely worth a return trip! read more

Barcade - old school video games - Bars Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

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My boyfriend is obsessed with broccoli rabe. When he heard barcade was serving it on a sandwich he insisted we go. Unfortunately, last night it wasn't on the menu, so we picked the chickpea sandwich instead. After waiting for some time, the manager came over to tell us they JUST ran out of the chickpea sandwich and he was so sorry. Gave my boyfriend a different sandwich and didn't charge him the difference. He ALSO offered us a free round of beers... we almost took him up on it, but decided we wanted to go to Torico's before they closed. Besides, we're in there all the time anyway. Our food was hot and delicious. Love the ever changing drink selection. My boyfriend will probably be in there again before the weekend's up. I've also been doing better at Frogger and Donkey Kong! read more

Great Beer Menu!!! Unfortunately, I'm not to much of a beer kind of gal. I love my vodka. As I walked into Barcade, I felt like I had stepped into a time machine and I was a little girl again. Seeing all these amazing old school arcade games brings back tons of memories and it's a quarter per game. Barcade is a great place to bring a large group of friends! They need to utilize your space more. Since they have the ability to put out larger tables, I would suggest board games. Checkers, monopoly, candy land...you get the picture =) Barcade should also hold a Bingo Night... I would definitely be there! This is a great addition to Jersey City. read more

Barcade - Good selection of local beer - Bars Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Nice fun little stop after dinner with friends. Although I did not have any food I found the staff to be very friendly, much more than I would have expected from a bar to be honest. Some of the game prices were a little more than I would have expected. For example 1 token for 1 life on the TMNT machine and 3 tokens for a pinball machine from the late 90s. That being said, I noted all of the games are in working order. Since this was my first trip there, I do not know how often they rotate games. Overall it was a nice trip and I plan on stopping by again whenever possible. read more

My friends and I went in last Friday for a few drinks and we were so pleasantly surprised with the experience. Although the games are obviously unavailable at the moment, the waitstaff makes up for it. We had Dani as a waitress and she was absolutely stellar. Our drinks were never empty and she was so social and pleasant. Dani was incredibly attentive all night and was smiling, laughing, and engaging with us, and honestly made our night. We'd go back just to hang out with her. Additionally, tables are spaced appropriately apart, and a great for people-watching on Newark Avenue. They take a contact from the group for tracing and they have solid guidelines being put into place that take your temperature and have you use sanitizer before you enter inside to use the bathroom which made us feel really safe. Thanks for everything Dani! read more

I went here around 9ish nervous to go because grove street isn't the best with COVID procedures but I will say first off pre COVID this was me and my partners spot. We love it there. The beer selection is amazing as well as the games and staff knows there selection which is great cause I love to try new ipas. When I came yesterday, the security guard was on point with there procedures. Everyone was at distance. The bartender, I wish I got her name was so nice and so attentive. I appreciate them making sure to make us sanitize and do proper capacity procedures. I always loved this place but I appreciate it even more now during these times. Great staff. Great beer. Thank you! read more

Very popular spot that has a nice array of craft beers on tap and some classic video game systems. The place is a little dark and dirty looking but its a cool spot thats worth checking out. The beer is reasonably priced and you're sure to find something you've neevr drank before. And who doesn't love arcade games? they have all the classics: Galaga, The Simpsons, Mortal Kombat, Pac man.. you name it. read more

I have been to the Barcade in Brooklyn before, but I really loved this location in Jersey City! If you are looking to have a relatively cheap, fun night this is the place to go. Beers run for about $6-$8, but happy hour specials include $2 off drafts. Food also ranges from $4-$14, and $1 gets you 4 tokens. Basically, you can buy a beer and 8 tokens for around $10 and have a great night. Barcade is home to a bunch of old school arcade games. I recommend trying out the 4-player Pac Man, and they have Galaga! The employees are friendly, the food is good, and you can't beat the beer selection. It's tucked away close to Grove Street, and it's worth the trip! read more

Decent selection of beer on tap, and childhood arcade games, what more do you want? Street parking in this part of town is a Bit^h! read more

If you're anything like me, you enjoy a good pub or bar not for the amount of TVs it has mounted on it's walls or what kind of clientele it attracts. You love a bar for the one and only reason everyone should love a bar. You love it for it's BEER! Barcade does not disappoint! I fancy myself a beer connoisseur, of sorts. When I go to a place and I see their beer list and I don't recognize half of them, I get excited! The selection here is vast and it changes frequently enough that drinkers like myself do not get bored so easily. Add to that the fact that they serve delicious food late into the night and you have yourself a recipe for a wondrous night of entertainment right there at the bar. Luckily for you, reader, that is just the tip of the iceberg. It is called Barcade for a reason and the amount of retro, $0.25 coin-operated games there will sing to your inner child and make you come with enough loose change to do 3 loads of laundry! Hell the old Tetris machine may take a good chunk of your paycheck and for all you single nerds out there, nothing breaks the ice better than when someone needs a little help in Contra or Double Dragon. As for groups, it's always better taking on the Shredder with all 4 ninja turtles. (Cowabunga!) I've gone there by myself and in groups. Had fun with both scenarios. It can get a bit crowded and the age ratio varies as a place like that is likely to attract a wide range of the young and the older so don't be surprised if you get hit on by someone ten years your senior...or your junior, for that matter. Parking is atrocious as usual but it's not too far from the Light Rail station which is a boon on summer nights given that the local taxi cab companies around there will fleece you for your last quarter come last call. That being said, I love it there. Granted, I wish they would change out some of their games like they would their beers. It definitely needs more fighting games! Hence the 4 stars. read more

I love me some Barcade, not going to lie. Seeing my former bank converted into something that I could gleefully throw money at while basking in the glow of vintage arcade games was exciting, and I am thrilled that Barcade found a home here Downtown. Selections = Awesome, and there's always something for everyone. They also have a full bar if beer isn't your thing, including Michter's Rye. Service = Barcade JC is a high volume establishment, and the barstaff really does a tremendous job considering they're on their feet non-stop for hours on end. Barking at your bartenders or waving money at them will probably not reward you with prompt service, so be nice and they'll be nice, too. If you want a beer quickly, the liquor store/pharmacy across the street is open until 8pm and you can get a 40oz of Ballantine Ale in your very own paper bag. Atmosphere = Weeknights tend to bring out more locals, so if you're looking to hang out without wandering through a sea of unfamiliar faces from Hoboken, consider dropping by on a Tuesday or Wednesday as opposed to a weekend when it's crushed with people from all over. I'm really happy that Barcade Jersey City is contributing to the downtown scene and has already jumped in and started collaborating with area organizations and events to promote the great things we have going on around here. read more

Barcade - Bars Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

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Had some beers here while finishing the entire Simpsons arcade game. Only spent $3 to do so, which I consider a huge achievement considering how difficult the game is! As far as the bar itself goes, it has a very laid-back and friendly atmosphere. Great music but not too loud so you'll be able to have a conversation without shouting. There's a bunch of cool retro arcade games all along the walls. Drinks aren't pricey so you'll have enough quarters! read more

Ordered the "Fat Jersey City" which is a pulled pork, loaded cheddar jalapeño hot dog, cheddar, 2 deviled eggs, watercress & tomato on a sub roll...... Nastiest sanwhich I've ever had. The pork tasted like spam out of a can. Could barely taste any cheddar. Was there hot dog? I don't know. Couldn't tell you. It was just awful. Drinks are good. Great? Nah. Just good. Games? You're better off going to Barcade on St. Marks in NYC. read more

Barcade - The awful "Fat Jersey City" tasted like everything was put into a blender and thrown on two pieces of bread. - Bars Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Here's all you need to know: Could be cited for multiple health code violations. When your "cooks" are licking their fingers as they make your food, that's an issue. I would rather go to the bathroom in a third world country. Beer list rarely changes as they keep a LOT of the same bullshit on as they must be getting a great price point for it. Donkey Kong is awesome. read more

Bar! Arcade! Fun! This place rules. I never thought that our group would end up at a place for a celebratory drink on a Friday night and find seating.... around an arcade game! My IPA(s) were crisp and made my heart hoppy happy. The attentive and quick bartenders did the same. Bitchin' tunes weren't blaring but set a groovy tone. After some peeps wanted to actually play the game we were using as a table, we were able to relocate to a cool picnic table (still indoor) which comfortably sat the 7 of us. Cheers, you guys. read more

I have been to barcade often over the years I have lived in the area 13 years, I went there recently and was pleasantly surprised again how nice it was however the following night my sister 58 and I 50 were refused entry by the security on the door for not having ID I have Grey hair ffs this is the first time I have been IDed for a long time great job security Maybe on reflection this is a grey issue read more

Such a fun place! Stopped here about two weeks ago with my cousin and uncle and had a drink, played some games, and just really kicked back! It was super fun and an awesome idea. I'll be back. read more

a place where the beer selection is refreshingly diverse. too bad i brought along my 2 friends that don't drink beer. FAIL! i played a little pacman and a lot of "where is that smell coming from" at this joint. read more

A good place to kill some time and get a beer. I'm not really into videogames, so Tapper, Galaga and Simpsons are more than enough for me. My bf seems satisfied with this place though, so that should be a better vouch for it. Everyday $10 deal for any sandwich + a beer? Yes, please. Pretty wide beer selection. The kind of place you go when you don't really have any other plans. read more

Barcade - Bars Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Subject: Fun times!!! Thank you Jersey City Pride 2015. A few friends invited me and the bf to have a few drinks. After walking around for a few hours we decided to drop into Barcade for a drink and to get away from the noise for a few minutes. It felt like we walked into paradise for gamers & drinkers . This place took us back and I do mean way back to my Atari days. This place had so many old arcade games that we didn't want to leave. We decided to have a few drinks while we played all this oldie arcade games. * Simpsons * Bubble (something lol) * Gaxlaga * Ninja Turtles Just to name a few. We spent an hour there but me and the bf will be back without the friends so we can out the necessary hours in reacquainting ourselves with these childhood games. read more

Barcade - Bars Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

I really like barcade, although I grew up with actual arcades so maybe they are really just counting on the nostalgia factor but I think they are onto something more. On a Saturday night the place gets pretty packed. to the point were sometimes its hard to move around. I think they have a good selection of beers and there food is pretty good. But I remember the kitchen closing a little earlier then I would have liked. The games are pretty diverse and the last time I came here either their zookeeper game was broke or I'm really amazing at zookeeper because I kept getting a ton of free plays which was awesome. All in all not a bad place to spend a night or even part of a night. Worth checking out if you haven't even been here. Place is pretty cool. read more

Great games, food is pretty good and atmostphere. A lot of fun playing all the different games. The big negative is bartenders, extremely rude to guests. read more