I'm not a barcade regular, but it always tends to be something that my husband and I do on vacation. I found there was a good selection of games that even I enjoyed! We did get a couple drinks and the bartender was MIA for a while so it took probably 10 minutes, but other than that we had a great time! read more

Our group of seven went to I/O Arcade Wednesday night after dinner. I've been to I/O a few times and I always enjoy it. It's a fairly large building with multiple spaces including the bar area, a table area and multiple game areas. They've got the classic arcade games I love like Ms. Pacman, Burger Time, and Dig Dug as well as a bunch of pinball machines and even skeet ball. The video games are only a quarter. Drinks are very reasonable and there are many beers and cocktails to choose from. This is a fun place to kick back and relax with friends and play some of your old favorites. read more

Great place to come to play arcade games! It does get crowded on a Friday night. Pretty wide selection of your classic game styles like racing, shooting, pinball, plus some ones I'd never seen like a newspaper delivery one which was fun and only a quarter! Game prices vary, I think only a handful are 0.25, most are 2-3 quarters. Too bad skee ball doesn't give out tickets... read more

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My husband surprised me with a date night to this bar, and I was super excited! Total 80's vibes, reminiscent of Aladdin's Castle at the mall. The best part is that the games are priced from 25 cents to a dollar! We played so many games and still had some extra change left over. The games are all in great condition. I was very happy to see they had Skee-Ball, as it's one of my favorites! There is an ATM on site as well as a coin exchange machine, just in case you're unprepared like we were. I'm a huge fan of this place, and I will definitely be back! read more

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Pro: Games! Cheap Booze! Clean Bathroom! Con: Missing some classic games. North of downtown Madison hides this gem. Pinballs in the back, Smash bro by boardgame room, guitar hero by the front entrance, bar right in the middle. There are tons of retro games from paper boy to TMNT to MK2. Drinks are cheap, Long Island, Sex on the Beach, and beer was only 18 dollars. Freaking amazing. Do respect the neighborhood and be quiet when leaving the joint, it's around residential area. read more

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I/O Arcade Bar is a 21+ barcade in Madison near Lake Monona. There are many vintage games, and most of them are just a quarter. The staff seemed nice enough. I will say that the crowd tends to be in their 20s. I love going here with my friends on the weekends. I only have two complaints. One, some of the games have eaten my quarters before. Two, the food selection is minimal which is not great when you are drinking. Overall, I recommend I/O Arcade Bar for a fun night out with friends if you want to play some games and sip on some cocktails. read more

I/O Arcade Bar - Salvatore's Pepperoni Pizza and a vodka pineapple - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Went to I/O for the first time a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the whole experience. There are tons of arcade games, pinball machines, and board games to choose from and all are in good condition. Make sure to bring a good amount of quarters so you can play to your heart's content - or you can use their coin exchange machine too. They've got fun alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks too - I got their nonalcoholic "Full Restore" and it was much better than most mocktails you can get other places. We went earlier in the afternoon and it was fairly quiet, but got much busier as the day went on. So, if you want a more intimate experience, definitely go earlier. I/O Arcade is a great place to spend an afternoon and I can't wait to go again soon! read more

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Okay, some things I loved about this place: all gender multi person bathroom like it's Ally McBeal, $3 PBR tallboys, super great lighting and the best wallpaper I've ever encountered in person, dollars turn into quarters not tokens so if for some reason you need to leave before you spend all your gaming money you just have a pocket full o' change and not a bunch of tokens that you can't use anywhere else, good service, spots for all different types of gaming (tables for board/ttrpg, skeeball, pinball, standard arcade cabinets), and interesting variety of music playing that I was mostly down with. I will say I was a little sad that the games I really wanted to play were all out of service. Teller 4 was just facing a wall next to the bathroom. Another game had a sign on it that it was broken. Some other games DIDNT say they needed repairing, but they do. I do love a good barcade, I really do. Sadly, I think this is missing out on some of its potential. Swap out some of these rando retro (not the classics, just the no name crap ones) cabinets for something else like House of the Dead. Make sure all the games work. I know it's hard because people are spilling drinks on them all day, but imagine how many more people are going to come in if you do! Take your four stars to a five! I believe in you! read more

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Fun place to spend a few hours! We came on Saturday night, relatively early, and it got real busy real quick. They've got ATMs and a cash/coin machine. Games are pretty fairly priced I'd say. The popular ones are busy busy but so fun (Guitar Hero/DDR). The pin ball machines are $1.00 a play... like not everyone is gonna be a pro? We got a Salvatore's pepperoni pizza 10', and dude it was like those little lunchables pizzas--texture bad, kinda bland. I thought Salvatore's was supposed to be good, but it seriously was like a lower end frozen pizza you get from the gas station, and it was like 15 dollars? Like come on. BUT other than that, we got some cocktails that had punny video/computer game names. They were good but kinda pricey--$14/15 range. It's fun no doubt! Maybe pre-game and eat elsewhere before you go LOL read more

Went here for a few hours when we were in Madison and had an absolute blast (and I'm not even a big gamer/arcade person). Molly the bartender is truly one of the nicest service people I've ever encountered in my life. She chatted with us here and there as we explored, pointed out games we might want to try ("Ice Cold Beer is a must play!) and introduced us to their "capri sun shots" which were awesome read more

Super fun "barcade" went here when visiting some people in Maddison. The beer selection was good and reasonably priced. There's arcades, pinball, Mario card, and even board games. Love the vibe very chill hipster place. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun night out! read more

I/O Arcade Bar - Pinball - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Games, drinks, and nostalgia!? I'm in! I/O is in arcade bar located inside a refurbished warehouse in Madison. They have arcade games, pinball, skee ball, board games, video games, and video game themed cocktails! They even have lockers you can put your things in while you play. The games are so much fun and the drinks are delicious! The only downside is all the machines take quarters. It can be a bit expensive, especially since I've been to other arcade bars that give you tokens with every drink you purchase. However, it's totally worth the money! I will definitely be returning for more! This is such a unique, fun spot in Madison! read more

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Enjoyed all the arcade options with retro prices of a quarter to a dollar per game. Gungeon was a lot of fun. If you want to go with under 21, check their website for those hours. It was well worth it. read more

A super fun spot. Obviously, I miss plan b but this is a great replacement. They have all different types of arcade games that are fun for anyone. We mostly stuck to dance dance revolution for the majority of our time. I wish my friends would've seen that they offer Mario kart for multiple players but we missed it until the very end. The arcade bar has a nice offering of drinks, but the food took awhile to get after ordering. I can't wait to go back and try some new games. read more

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Noodle was the best bartender ever and they make the best drinks ever the service was great and the drinks even better read more

I/O Arcade Bar - hot mfs - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The line up of pinball machines is pretty impressive and known even by a friend of mine in the Netherlands. The local tap bear line up isn't bad either. The coin-up vintage video games are what you would expect. Joist was on had and I enjoyed a couple of games. There were several contemporary games on hand as well, including an interesting riff on pong. The vibe is decent... pinball machine variety trumps the coin-op video games. read more

I/O Arcade Bar - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Love going here. My ADHD stays happily stimulated, while also soothed by Bob Ross frequently playing on a tv.

One of my favorite bars in town. They don't have a lot of games but the variety is there. From a wall of pinball machines, old school single players to new school 10 players. Yes, that's 10 players - Killer Queen is the game and rare in the nation. You have racing games, fighting and shooting games. Another new one is a 4 player PAC-Man. And the 4 player console of Mario Smash Bris. projected on a screen (free to play, first come first serve). So the variety is definitely there. Also, most games have either cup holders built in or a spot along side of the game for your drinks. It does get pretty "pac" weekend nights but hey, there's a bar you can get drinks from and tables you can chill at. The barcade has a nice balance between bar and arcade, whether you just want to hang and drink or just want to feed the machines with all your laundry quarters, they serve both purpose. They have an ATM and two change machines. And the staff are super friendly and can help with any game issues or tips on playing the games ;) read more

It's a fun place but so incredibly packed I don't even know how they allowed that many people in to begin with. There was a short line when we got there but there was no way we were going to be able to play any games and took forever and a day to get a drink. Would be cool if it wasn't as busy, but it's also kind of far off where you would expect it to be. Bummer read more

This is probably one of my new favorite places in Madison! I love the atmosphere, workers and games here. For the arcade part of it - I'm not a gamer girl or anything but they have a lot of the classics. Some of my favorites are Galaga and Street Fighter. They have a big screen/projector that currently is hooked up to smash (that's free). Most of the other games are 25 cents and they have a change machine there. I suggest bringing cash. Honestly we spent like $6 and it amused the two of us for quite awhile. There's never a huge line at the games and everyone is pretty friendly so I haven't seen any hogs or anything. For the bar - can't speak for mixers or anything but they have a great tap list and every flavor of white claw so this girl is happy. They also have frozen pizzas and like pretzel nuggets with cheese/mustard if you get kinda hungry. (I get the pretzel nugs and cheese frequently because they're so yummy and just an easy fix for a snack craving). And to be one of *those* people I love that this place is 21+. I do know they have family days on Sunday or something like that! Will definitely try to check those out, I'll be back soon (very soon). read more

I/O Arcade Bar - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

There's a decent selection of games. Many of the titles are just a quarter so you can get by with a roll all night if you're into more of the classic-type of arcade console. If you want to play any of the modern titles, though, make sure you plan accordingly and bring the dolla dolla bills ya'll. The "21 and over only" advantage of having no children underfoot is easily offset by the fact you need to yell to your friends to be heard owing to the loud music that has been belting out on the three times I've been here and its competition with the games. It's a real cacophony. The fact it is also a bar and has no flat fee is great for getting people in the door and probably thus great for business but the downside to this is it gets crowded pretty quickly. With the amount of weaving I've had to do on my visits there I'd have least liked to get a basket. If there's lines for certain titles you can run into some real choke-points and thus the accompanying awkward situations and/or spilled drinks they cause. While it's 21 and over the environment is definitely much more fitting for an early 20s crowd. I would definitely not say my visits to I/O were bad but the limitations of the environment certainly were not my bag especially since there are more chill arcades in Madison at present. That said: Madison -- if you want a pint with your Mario right now I/O is all you've got! read more

Super fun and well laid out barcade! Awesome feel, location, and overall selection of games. Just point me to that Jurassic Park pinball machine and I'll see you in an hour or so. read more

Tons of arcade machines, including a DDR machine! Enjoyed playing some Soul Caliber 2 against my husband and their Killer Queen game. Bartenders were friendly and prompt. read more

Originally was disappointed with some mechanical issues on the older pinball machines, but the management has addressed these issues since and all the machines play great. Cannot recommended enough, very refreshing to go to a place that maintains their games. read more

Awesome bar with the best pinball in town! The tap selection is always awesome, and the bar tenders know how to mix up a tasty cocktail if that is what you wantz read more

Came with some friends to a women's networking event on a weekday at 6pm. Fifteen minutes into a conversation, an employee approaches my friend and tells her that she and her breastfed 4 month old need to leave. We were unaware of their STRICT 21+ rule but never in our lives have we had someone approach a baby and it's parent and tell them to leave. Mind you the baby was in a worn carrier, at a table of a dozen women, and said baby had made no noise in this time. If you or someone you know chooses to bring their breastfed baby with them, please warn them. The experience was humiliating. read more

Great staff and games are awesome! The variety of games is very good. They also have an area to play board games!

FYI: if you order a martini, make sure you specify DRY to the bartender because apparently hipster beverage preferences are based in the early 1900's and they use a ratio of 2:1. They won't remake your drink, but instead condescend to you and tell you they'll make your next drink that way. Games are by the quarter, decent selection. read more

Great atmosphere for chilling gaming and drinking... very busy but ton of space to Hang out and try New games! read more

I/O Arcade Bar - Absolutely perfect atmosphere! If you wanna need out and game for a while and drink some Alcohol stop here! - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Pinball, skeeball, good variety of arcade games, and nice bar with good selection of beers on tap. Clean establishment, friendly staff. My high score on Rick and Morty pinball is 7,242,202. read more

I/O Arcade Bar - Plenty of pinball - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Fun vibe and cool games. I wish there was a little more variation though or more games--some arcade bars I've been to don't have tables and instead have all games. Also some of the games ate my quarters and wouldn't give them back which sucked :( read more

I/O Arcade Bar - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This place kicks ass! Madison absolutely needed an arcade bar. Yes, it can be super crowded at times. But that's to be expected since there is no other arcade bar in Madison. Since they've opened, crowds have become less of an issue. Fantastic assortment of games and pinball machines. They've got great local beers on tap and I love that they do a weekly drink special challenge that benefits local communities and organizations. Craft cocktails are unique and tasty and rail cocktails are fairly priced and decent pours. They also have a lot of events and tournaments going on, so check their Facebook page (updated regularly) to make sure there isn't something happening the night you plan to go. Great community involvement though, and super fitting for the Willy Street area. Just wish I lived closer! read more

My friend and I went here for the first time yesterday. I haven't played arcade games in decades and it was so fun to play games, have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. read more

A pleasure to hit the flippers and especially find some skee ball now that Vitense has abandoned theirs. Arcade has a great beer selection and even a shelf of board games to play when you want to sit down with friends. Excellent space, reasonable pricing. Now if only there was a "guide" for pinball idiots like us. read more

Games are fun, but service and drink/snack selection not so much. Bar staff may have had a bad day, but not the usual Midwest friendly.

Amazing service in a cool place! The drink specials are on point and they have them almost every day. One of the highlights: the strict 21+ rule! Seriously, nobody needs children in a bar! Thanks to this rule, I/O is nothing like the tacky/trashy vibe you get at Dave & Busters! Even if you're not going to play games, this place is still great! read more

Awesome new bar with a great concept and a unique location. I/O has reasonably-priced drinks and a great selection of games for gamers and novices alike! read more

Stopped here with some friends and their family. Went to the bar to watch the bartender chatting with their friends for over 5minutes, no interest in helping anyone. When she finally came over to serve us she was completely rude. The set up is terrible, they don't have the games you miss from your childhood, and the staff is rude. We wont be back read more

All in all, we had a GREAT time at I/O and we're definitely coming back. Arcade games were reasonably priced per play and there was a large variety of games to choose from, including board games, arcade games, and console games. The beer selection was fabulous, and one of my favorites was on tap when I visited (Infectious Groove...mm!) The bar lost a star because of the food. I'm a vegetarian so I even messaged the bar on Facebook to ask about vegetarian options as the website does not have a menu, and does not allow outside food. They were very responsive and told me there would be plenty of options for me (which there were!). However, the food was underwhelming and expensive for what it was. We paid $15 for a "large" (i.e. not personal size, but definitely not "large") frozen pizza cooked in a tabletop oven. We also paid $3.25 for Tostitos and salsa from a gallon jug. We'll be back, but we'll definitely be getting food before we stop in! read more

Came here with a friend. Bartender was friendly, and attentive. Played some mortal kombat, rampage, pinball, pong, and some really interesting modern arcade games. Definitely going back ASAP. read more