Everyone who works here doesn't give a crap about this place. I exchanged $5 of tokens to play X-Men and NBA Jam with my friends and neither game worked, thus I eneded up wasting a ton of tokens on games that don't work. I should have just stayed at Ordinary or Owl Shop where there isn't this stupid, gimmicky broken old school video game crap. Epic fail and I shall never return. Oh and you can bet your butt I will tell everyone I know in New Haven this bar is very weak. Yep. My prediction is that it will fail just like 9th Note and Palimera before it. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Matt, I love you brother, but you know Ordinary is a far superior establishment. TERRIBLE! read more

Barcade is a wonderful time. They have a variety of games, like Pac-man and ninja turtles. They also have a great selection of beers on draft and serve some yummy looking sandwiches. My friend had a grilled cheese, and said it was great. There are cup holders conveniently located next to cabinets, so that you have a safe spot to store your beverage while you play. The only negative was that the temperature of the room was really warm, and it's hard to hold your jacket and play. They might need to revamp the ventilation system. I recommend coming before 9 on a Saturday night, as it starts to get pretty crowded. read more

Steve at Barcade was a total doll. I was being harassed by a customer and Steve offered to jump in. The guy got really inappropriate. Steve held his cool. I don't usually go there, but this was the first time I came in while Steve was working. He made sure I was ok. The other customer got abrasive. He kept his cool and was very nice. Steve knows how to handle situations and was very professional. I recommend going in while he is working. read more

Games are pretty neat. Brings back memories as a kid. Food is ok. Craft beer selection is good, but no cheaper beer options like miller high life, pbr or Narragansett. $7 for the cheapest beer. I am disappointed. Also, please serve water with the food, I was dying of thirst after eating my salty bar food. read more

Love this place. Classic video games and not to expensive. What little good they serve is good. A great selection of beers. Great games I played when I was young. read more

Just came back from the Grand Opening. Great craft beer selection on tap. The chicken and waffle grilled cheese made my life, as did the Tetris tater tots! As expected, the place was ridiculously packed and as the night went on it grew increasingly harder to get served at the bar. No table service but the food came out very quickly. The game selection is on point. Tapper will continue to enthrall and infuriate me! All games take tokens, and there are a few machines in various places around the place. There were lines at the games, but that's what you get for going on opening night. Overall, I was pleased with the experience. Not too crazy about the pulled pork sliders (a bit soggy) but that was my only complaint. My friend had the pickles and said they were tasty, with a bit of a kick to 'em. I'll wait a few weeks until the hype dies down so I can actually enjoy the place. People were pissy at the bar trying to get a drink, but people need to relax a bit and level their expectations for a grand opening. The bar and wait staff were doing the best they could and were as attentive as possible. Kudos to all staff for providing service with a smile and not straight up punching some unreasonable folk. 4 stars for the potential of what it will be. They need to work out the kinks of opening a new place, but really excited for this to be a regular haunt! :) read more

Sick place! Never too crowded, incredible beer selection and retro games! My favorite spot in New Haven by far

The drinks were good but the bar smelled like sweaty teenage boys. We didnt even get to the games because of it!

I have been to a few of these places and this one is one of the nicer ones. It's externally clean and all the staff I encountered was very pleasant. It's defiantly on the small side and has a total hipster vibe. I can't comment on the food because we didn't have any. The beer menu on the other hand is defiantly top notch. They have a very large selection of great IPA's on tap which is a huge plus. The game selection is good, but it's a smaller collection then some of the others I have been to in other states. It's defiantly worth going to if your in the mood for some old school arcade games or a great beer. We went on a Friday night early and it was not to busy but considering the size I assume they could fill up fast.. read more

Food was great. Priced a little high for the proportion size. Terrible service. Waitress wasn't busy just ignoring us. No engagement on her part at all. Couple of the games were broken. Not as many as I thought or the website would lead you to believe. read more

Good drinks, fun game, good atmosphere. They could definitely use a few more relevant games, and a few weren't working, but overall it's a good environment. The music was a bit loud for it being so early in the evening, but you got used to it. Definitely more of a young crowd. read more

Make sure to skip this place! The management is beyond rude, never offering to fix their own mistakes. They randomly close for events and don't announce it on their website or Facebook page. Offered an "apology" didn't offer drinks, food, play time, or even reimburse parking. read more

Beer, food, and all of my favorite, old video games. The beer selection is decent and the food not too bad either. Some of the menu items are like the types of creations you create after a night of partying. The first time I was there I got an order of fries smothered in New England clam chowder. The second time I was there we had this amazingly spicy fried cauliflower. The best part is getting nostalgic over your favorite old games: Centipede, Galaga, Crazy Taxi, Ms. Pac Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Double Dragon. They also have 4 player Pac Man. It is way more fun than you would think it would be. My friends and I are a bit competitive though. I have always had a good time here, but I also am a bit nerdy. It definitely is a niche bar. read more

Great place for a date if you're into awesome video games. Nice environment, great establishment and some really cool old school video games. Nice bar if you're looking to loosen up. My only complaint is the food. We ordered wings and it tasted like 9 pounds of salt drizzled with teriyaki sauce. If you're looking for high blood pressure, only then will I recommend their wings read more

Great old games. A Yuengling type craft beer was fantastic. I went in early afternoon so it was nice and empty, no hipster trash to deal with. I'll be back! read more

Went here last night on a whim. Started the night with a nice glass of gin, and followed it with a turkey sandwich and tots. All three were fantastic. Another glass of gin chased me on to the game floor and I finished out the night with pinball, Joust, Street Fighter, and X-Men. The bartender was an angel and gave my bddy excellent beer advice. Would definitely recommend if any of these things appeal to you. read more

I loved Barcade! They have a huge selection of craft beer as well as a full bar if beer isn't your thing. The snacks were great- greasy bar food with some unique ones such as the Indian spiced cauliflower. Didn't try any entrees. The set-up works, even in the packed bar I didn't feel like people were on top of me while playing the games. Everything was in good condition, plenty of space to put your drink down next to you while you play. The games are classic and many of them made me nostalgic- Recently read the book "Ready Player One" and was so thrilled to have a Joust tournament with a friend. Overall, will definitely return! read more

I would have given five stars but everyone is right, the bartenders are SLOW. I love everything else. The food is actually surprisingly good! I've tried several things here so far and I've liked everything. My favorite was the french dipper. Their selection of beer is pretty good too. I really like that have local beers to choose from. As far as the games go, I haven't had any issues but I do tend to stick to the same games. I'd say try this place out. It's a fun change from the normal bar scene. read more

Wasn't very fond of the place . over crowded I actually brought tokens off another patron and only got to play one game the entire night still have a bunch of tokens til this day Thu need to expand it more .. maybe try again when weather breaks .. read more

My husband and I drive 2 hours to visit the barcade because it is worth it. We have been a few times now and always have a blast. The bar itself is huge with countless old school video games that are in unbelievably good condition. Lots of beer and cider on tap and great bar food options. Has a good vibe. Fun place to hang out. read more

Wide selection of micro brews on tap. Bar menu is solid and my group of 6 all liked their food. There is no waitstaff so you have to order at the bar and two of the 3 bar staff were uninterested in taking orders so it was slow getting served. Once it gets busy, don't bother ordering food. Hopefully, more CT beers will be represented. Most of the arcade games of the 80's are well represented. read more

This is definitely one of the more unique places in the area that mostly anyone could enjoy, including those who aren't big into arcade games. There's a nice selection of beer and sufficient cocktails on the menu. There's also a nice selection of food that just pairs perfectly with beer and arcade games. The only complaint I have is a decent wait for drinks from the bar when they're busy! read more

Great beer selection. Awesome arcade games (but no pinball games). So much fun. Lively but not rowdy. Very attentive and knowledgeable staff. Thank you for a wonderful time! read more

First went on a Friday night, so let's start there... Game selection was, Meh at best... Bar service was slow and inexperienced. Not it took forever for me to get a drink because they were busy... Because the staff is slow 3 bartenders and they only take one drink order from one person at a time, when they are paying attention and not wandering behind the bar like lost children in a candy store... Hire experienced bartenders... We won't get into 7$ beer for slow service... Can't comment on the food. read more

The games here are awesome! mappy, pac man, the bubble bubble game, donkey kong, galaga.... and many more. they have good drunks and a decent variety. bathrooms are cool filled with creative graffiti and clean. they have some cool food options, a few vegetarian as well. not a ton of places to sit if you are looking for that. read more

Barcade New Haven is a great addition to the local bar scene, especially since it brings something new to the table. With over fifty arcade cabinets, there is sure to be something for everyone. The beer list is also quite robust, with tons of great craft beer on tap. Be advised, this isn't the place to go if you're looking for a Bud Light or anything like that; this place does not stock bottles or cans. That being said, there will definitely be something to please the palates of anyone that comes in the door. The music is sometimes a bit too loud, with the crowd adding to the myriad blips and beeps coming from the games, but you don't have to scream to be heard. The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, but the bar is a bit small, so you may have to wait a moment or two for an opening if you want to place an order. Make sure you know what you want when you're called on or else you'll just have to wait longer. The food leaves something to be desired, especially the Buffalo Tots, which is just a mushy mess of potato and spicy buffalo sauce. Make sure you ask for water if you're going to be ordering food, too; this isn't the fanciest place so water isn't automatic. That being said, it's just a bar, so don't expect to be treated like royalty. The size of the place is good, and it never really feels truly packed or crowded. ATMs allow for people to get money for tokens and such, which is helpful. The games sometime eat tokens, but remember, some of these cabinets are over thirty years old, so give them a break. Just tell someone that the machine isn't working and they'll get it repaired as soon as possible. Overall, this place is a really fun place to go if you're tired of the same old thing. Bring cash for the token machines and have a blast! read more

The beer menu was unbelievable, and the sliders were *the best* I'd ever had! Great vibe.

First time there on Fathers Day. Since my husband lived video games, our daughter took him there to enjoy himself. I love video games, but was hoping for some pinball machines. Hopefully they will get some read more

Hung out here today. Service has definitely improved which is a good thing to see. The games are the same as when they opened. Hopefully, they will rotate The beer selection was good and prices kept reasonable as they do with other BARcade locations. Didn't try the food as it really looked basic and there are dozens of great restaurants within walking distance. Worthwhile to visit if in the area. It can get very crowded during peak times. read more

I loved Barcade! I just went this past Wednesday and it was a great way to chill and have fun after a long day. The chicken sandwich was delicious and the Tetris tater tots were hilarious! The retro games took me back to my childhood, when we played at the movies. I liked the adult-only atmosphere, as anywhere else there's remotely arcade games, there're screaming kids underfoot. I hope they really take off and get into a bigger spot to have more games and a bigger bar! read more

Great appetizers, we had the beef sliders and philly egg rolls. Bartender was kind, quick, and attentive. Loved our experience here, they had all my favorite games, including Centipede. I would give five stars, but I was disappointed that they did not even have one pinball machine. Definitely will come back, though! Great place. read more

Tried barcade a couple of weeks ago with my friend. We drove about 45 minutes just to check this place out. I was looking forward to TMNT! Was super excited when I saw the marvel vs capcom and kicked my friend's butt! Then she turned around and schooled me in Mortal Kombat. Beer selection is pretty on point, didn't try any mixed cocktails...not sure if they even have a cocktail list? Staff is very friendly! Though service could be kicked up a notch for sure. Food was typical bar food, but my side of Mac & cheese was rather pricey. Overall, enjoyed the experience and will certainly be back soon! read more

Great atmosphere, awesome nostalgia, the numerous and rotating draft selection is fantastic. Bartenders are very personable and attentive. High quality food at decent prices. read more

Went in for the first time on a Tuesday night with a group of friends around 11. Weren't a lot of people in the bar but we grabbed drinks and started playing some games. The service was good and drink was made well. I'm giving it three stars because of an unfortunate turn of events with their bouncer. Not sure why a bar needs a bouncer on a Tuesday but whatever. Our friend showed up around 12:30 to pick us up and the bouncer told him they were closing, mind you the bar hadn't called last call yet. He told him he was coming to give us a ride and the guy let him in. We were mid-game with a bag of coins (they actually gave us which was awesome, so thanks for that). We asked him to join in on our last round of the game and he was quickly grabbed by the bouncer and told he had to leave as they were closed, yet did not tell us to leave or kick us out, last call still wasn't called yet and no one else was told to leave. It left a bad taste in my mouth, hopefully it was a one time misunderstanding. But the rest of our group ended up leaving with him, when we probably would've stuck around for another game and drink. I'll go back, and hopefully have a better experience next time. read more