(Played 04/18/2025 FR @ 7:00pm): Arcade and bar... two things that went well together!…read more
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, my friend's friend mentioned that Jersey City's Barcade was closing after this very weekend, and she had a ton of tokens that needed to be used before then. Established in 2004 in Brooklyn by four close friends, Barcade was the originator of the arcade bar concept and the largest operator of arcade bars in the United States. Each location featured between 40-75 video games and pinball machines mostly from the classic period of the 1980s as well as 25-30 American craft beers on draft in addition to a full bar with cocktails, craft spirits, and pub food. Locations have opened in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, California, and Michigan. All locations are certified green by the Green Restaurant Assoc., a national non-profit organization that recognized and certified environmentally responsible restaurant and bar operations. I've been to the lone California location in Highland Park and had a blast. On this celebratory somber weekend, how was Barcade's swan song!?
PURCHASE
Pepsi Soda 12floz Draft ($3.00): Not a Coca Cola carrier, my friend had to do with their competitor which she wasn't happy about.
Ginger Beer 12floz Draft ($3.00): My friend switched to one of my favorite non-alcoholic drinks to rinse the Pepsi out of her mouth - LOL!
Rainy Day Real Estate Mocktail 12floz ($10.00): Because I was still in the throes of my annual ritual of no alcohol during Lent, I went with this drink crafted with housemade pineapple shrub, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer. The name initially got me (it was a take of a band I liked) and pineapple. It was a refreshing concoction with too much ice and a steep price tag. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=dpX0j4rsVWmTIksgTrxPnA
Pseudo Fruito Mocktail 12floz ($10.00): This faux cocktail was mixed with housemade strawberry shrub, fresh lime juice, and tonic water. Equally refreshing as my first drink with more fruity flavor, but again too much ice and the price. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=_4Tkt6GNwpcE_I4BX-ReRg
Tokens (N/A): Games ranged between 1-2 tokens ($0.25/token), but because someone had a ton of tokens to use, I received a bunch for free! I geeked-out and played games such as Bubble Bobble, Burger Time, Crystal Castles, Dig Dug, Frogger, and Tapper - memories!
SERVICE
The bar was crazy as you tried to get a drink, and I wasn't a fan that if you opened a tab, you had to give both your credit card and ID. If you needed tokens, just have your cash ready for the machine - 'nuff said.
PARKING (Street; N/A this instance)
This was an easy 25-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, this was on a pedestrian-only section of town, but there appeared to be random spots (no known private lot) off the main drag of Newark Ave. and all surrounding roads, or best to utilize the very good public transportation light rail - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A high ceiling packed layout https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=n7rz5CwjT4kAQpJxOOqTKA of video games and pinball machines along every conceivable wall and even some in the middle of the floor, with a massive bar surrounded by a ton of stools while some tables were here and there. Honestly, every space was maximized to the fullest. Decent natural lighting came through the tinted large windows and doors while minimal electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There weren't any TVs while loud rock music blared in the background and drowned out everything else. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=2WhjRfktJ1jFmWH68IipjQ
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
It was sad to hear that Barcade's Jersey City location was closing, but I was glad to be a part of it in some way, especially since I unknowingly knew the brand from their Highland Park location. Although it was packed during its final weekend, according to my friend's friend, it always seemed busy whenever she went, so the closure couldn't have been due to a lack of business. From the awesome games, frenetic vibe, expansive beer and drinks selection, and the game prices, a fun time was had by all! Apparently, they also had a weekday happy hour! And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible (only nine locations now). I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $28.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS