Super fun - arcade meets bar meets nerds meets club meets something for everyone if this is you thing

If you're looking for a spot to end a night out in Boulder, you've come to the right place. Press play is an arcade bar that features house music, pool tables and a dance floor, with old arcade games lining the wall. The bar drinks are what you'd expect, nothing special but no complaints. I couldn't give it five stars because of how many arcade games ate our money. Pac man was the only one that really worked - and we somehow got it to play all night on two quarters! The music was pretty good. Definitely danceable. I appreciated the latin music within the set list. Definitely feels like a last-stop for a college aged crowd. read more

Press Play - Bars Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

This was our last stop on a Friday night of bar hopping and it was such a fun spot to finish off the night at. We played pool and some arcade games (so much pac man throughout the night, I think I discovered a new passion) which was super fun. I will say that some of the games just ate our quarters which was a bummer but overall the arcade games were a great addition to the bar. We had some basic well drinks and some beers and they were exactly what you would expect from a local game bar like this. However, they did have a small dancing section which made the place even better because there's really something there to do for every type of person. The dance floor was pretty busy and the music was fun and lively so we had a good time and were impressed by that it wasn't too gross or dirty in the place. I think this is a super fun place to go out in Boulder and I would totally go there again, definitely recommend. read more

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Press play was a fun little bar. $4 drinks after 7pm on Sunday? And ping pong for free? God bless America :,) read more

Press Play - Bars Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Press Play definitely brought out my inner child! I came here a couple times for dates and it's never disappointed. The only reason for taking away a star is because the first time I came here one of the driving games was broken-the wheel didn't work, but that was the only game we couldn't play. We did miss the Simpson game though, when we came back for our second visit, but some of the new games were fun too. I'd definitely come back, it's a good way to have a laugh. read more

I got assaulted as I was leaving this bar. Absolutely do not go here, my buddy just 21 and it was late so we were in and out in 5 minutes. The bouncer had refused entry to some of my other friends for taking shooters so as we were leaving I tapped him on the back and told him to have a bad night. Not exactly polite of me but I was drunk. His response was to grab me by the neck and slam my head into the ground. Both my head and knee were bleeding from this violent and unnecessary escalation. If you go there and there is an old bald security guard, go somewhere else. He was undoubtedly on a power trip and used extreme violence against someone who was impolite as they left at two in the morning. With such a needless display of power it will undoubtedly happen again. Be careful or avoid this bar until they hire someone without anger issues. read more

Press Play is such a cool bar! Love coming here for a drink and some pinball. Also, the bartenders are great! If you come in on a Saturday afternoon, it's so chill and the girl who's working is super nice (I think her name was Mia or something)! Made me a great drink, and we had a fun convo when things weren't too busy. Def recommend for a chill Saturday to continue the vibes from a good Friday night read more

If I could give this place 0 stars I would.. although if you enjoy expensive drinks made by unqualified bartenders I would recommend. Let me start off by saying this bar used to be a cool vibe but it completely went down hill in recent times. For it being a college town bar, I understand it's not the cleanest but the tables are always sticky and the bathrooms are on whole other level of grime. The manager was very rude to me and made this experience awful. This bar is not at all what it used to be after my favorite bartender left I can't see myself going back. Not to mention the manager is a P E R V! read more

So so glad this spot finally reopened! I literally walked by a few times a week during pretty much the entire height of the pandemic. I was overcome with joy when I saw the "we're hiring" sign. Finally the opening day came! I headed straight over from work with my bestie in tow. We just had to be the first to play big buck hunter & ski ball (these have been moved to the back room). New staff, new drink specials (I recommend the Mermaid Tail) and new games (I recommend the motorcycle racing) added to the adventure and excitement. And did I mention? They also offer pizza baked right in house (can't wait to try - I love pizza). Since the reopening I've been back every weekend. There is no better spot in Boulder to get your dance on. Just walk by late night and count the number of people in line anxiously waiting for others to leave so they can get in. There are many reasons this is my to go dance spot: 1.) The lighting lends to the atmosphere. Sexy and. A bit dark with a light show that enhances rather than disrupts the experience, 2.) The acoustics are top notch. They even have their own sound technician to ensure the dj' as music hits just right., 3.) The mixed drinks are tasty!, 4.) The staff are efficient and friendly. Highly recommend dropping in anytime but especially to shake or leg or post work happy hour & games. read more

One of the worst bars I've ever been to. Only reason it's not getting 1 star is because Abby was a good bartender. The bartender that was helping me was the second worst bartender I've ever seen though. She sat in the corner on a barstool, on her phone, and barely helped out. She also was wearing an oversized tee and yoga shorts while Abby was dressed very nicely. The worst bartender I've ever seen acted the same but also chain smoked cigs behind the bar too. Not sure how she still has a job. Aside from that bartender, the drinks were absolutely the worst drinks I've ever had. Firstly they poured .75oz in drinks, usually they have 1-1.5oz, I can count pours in my sleep. I had a bourbon ginger ale for my first and could barely get it down, I thought the ginger ale was bad (tasted like ginger beer). I ordered a whiskey coke for the 2nd round since coke has a stronger taste to drown out bad tastes, I could barely get that down too. So even though it was a light pour, it was definitely the whiskey that was the issue. I've never tasted such a bad whiskey in my life. Next point was the music, more specifically the acoustics. I sat at the bar and couldn't understand a single lyric in any of the songs that were playing. I barely even could tell there were lyrics. All you could hear was the bass, muffled mids, and the loud parts of the treble. It sounded like loud music coming from a car next to you at a red light that has its windows rolled up. You know there is music playing but it's unrecognizable. Lastly, they have fake advertising. They advertise "25cent drinks all night" on Wednesdays from 10pm-close. They actually have 3 rounds that last 20min during that time frame where you get discounted drinks. Only the first 20min round is 25cents then each round after that increases in price. The 20min "panic hour" (how is 20min called an hour?...) are completely random so you never know when they will happen. So you have to get there at 10 and hope the first round starts shortly after that, if it doesn't you're out of luck. If you show up at 11, you might be out of luck also. It's extremely manipulative and untrustworthy. I really wish I went somewhere else, this really ruined my only night in Boulder. Not to mention, it tempts patrons to chug as many drinks as they can in 20min intervals. No wonder 3 people fell into me while I sat at the bar... read more

Press Play - False advertising, 25cent drinks only happen for 20min at some random time between 10-close. It clearly states all night. - Bars Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Hannah at the island bar, o where do I begin. Her island bar next to the dance floor is an oasis for liquor on a parched desert dance floor. After dancing and sweating for hours I look up from the dance floor and believe that her beauty and her hoop earrings are but a mirage, but I go to get my drink and she is the princess of the bar that any shiek or prince would drink at. I will continue to support Hannah and her island oasis of a bar at press play for eternities to come! read more

Overall: Fun dive bar option for a casual late night. Crowd can be mixed and the later it gets, it leans more on the young side (college). The music is spot on and very danceable - dj knows how to read the crowd. Space : Divey, meaning it's a bit grungy. Sticky counters and floors. Chill vibe. The back area behind the second bar turns into a dance floor at 10pm. Staff: Quick considering how crowded it can get. I'm very impressed by the bartenders' hearing. Drinks: Nothing fancy. Standard dive bar options plus 2-3 mixed drink specials on the menu, which are surprisingly done well and not watered down. Games: Nice variety and spread out in multiple rooms. I wish there was another pool table or air hockey table. Those are quite popular and seem to have a wait whenever my friends and I are here. read more

Good little bar that seems like a hole in the wall. Drinks are so so, however the atmosphere makes up for it. There are a few retro arcade games to play along with ping pong, foosball, and air hockey. There's a DJ that comes around 10 pm and turns into a dancing area. read more

5STARS FOR KATE!! She was very hospitable and had a great attitude!! Keep smiling we had fun playing games and taking shots!!

Staff is rude and negligent. Someone fell off a bar stool and hit her head and they did nothing about it. When asked why they didn't do anything, a snotty brown-haired bartender replied, "well she's drunk! It's her fault." If she were so drunk, why would you let her in and serve her more alcohol? When we asked to speak to the manager, she ignored us. It was a terrible experience. Give your money to another business. ANY other business. read more

If you're looking for cheap drinks to go with the best old time pin ball machines and video games, this is the place to be! Tucked in the basement/downstairs level of the mall.... this little treasure makes the kid in me jump for joy! They have great happy hour specials and a cool, dark atmosphere that makes you feel like you can kick back with your friends and stay for a while. Stop in just to check out the games if you don't want to drink! It a wild trip dOwn memory lane that you don't want to miss out on! read more

Press Play - Bars Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

I really wanted to like this place, unfortunately I did not read all the reviews. This place sadly, is for noticeably white Americans only, I found out the hard way. I did not realize this until they saw our ID, saw that we weren't local and had non traditional American last names, the worker immediately took our ID and told us to call the cops if we really wanted it back, otherwise he is holding our ID hostages. We were very confused by this, and he, the taller guy with long hair, brought his face an inch from mine and screamed, his face completely red with anger, "IN ENGLISH I SAID GO HOME GET THE **** OUT", GET OUT!!. I have never experienced anything like this, it was humiliating and I was scared of what he would do next, thought he might physically harm us, so my friend dialed 911. I was stunned, we did absolutely nothing to warrant his rage towards us, we were just here to celebrate my birthday. There light was on, so we approached with our IDs ready, never would I have thought I would be dealing with a verbal/psychological abuser. It was a real life nightmare horror show. I tried explaining we are here on a trip for my birthday. He refused to give back the ID, so we had to wait for cops to come to verify our identity, in which the cop confirmed we were legitimate. Very sad and traumatizing experience. I didn't realize some parts of Boulder still believe in xenophobia and sexism . When I saw the other reviews, it confirmed I experienced the same xenophobic hate...sometimes I forget that I do not look like a classic American, same with my friend, and don't understand why I am experiencing such hate, I was very confused, disappointed. I hope one day they can see beyond this way of thinking. Very upsetting experience. Low class. read more

Press play is definitely aimed at a more younger crowd but a great casual spot during the day! We always pop in on weekend afternoons post brunch for a cheap pitcher and some ping pong read more

This used to be my favorite bar in Boulder! But recently it's really been on the decline, I assume from other bars closing in on Pearl and more people coming here than were before. Last time I was there the puck was missing from the air hockey table, and I asked a bartender if they had another and they didn't. And than on the motorcycle game one of the motorcycles was broken, so I couldn't play with a friend, such real bummer! And the DJ could've been better, but I don't fault Press Play for that. But I hope they're able to fix these problems soon, with the extra money they have coming in from the over flow, or else this will turn into just another generic dive bar on Pearl. read more

I'm livid, bro. I was having a reasonably decent time dancing and playing pool with strangers until that fateful event. Some dude (admirably, riskily) decided to try a backflip in front of the DJ stand. Landed on his face, pouring blood, needs stitches, may have a concussion. This is an emergency situation! I take control of the situation and get him to the bathroom, trying to figure out what needs to be done to get this dude the help he needs. I retrieve a towel from the bartender and learn he's lost his two friends. I return to the DJ, Brian Howe, who clearly had access to a working microphone, and demand his attention from outside the DJ stand. He angrily shoos me away multiple times after I explain I need him to call out the friends' names over the mic. Are you serious? Is continuing to mix shitty transitions from Guns 'n' Roses to T-Pain honestly more important than helping a patron quickly resolve an emergency? So why does Press Play receive a 1-star review? Livid and after the injured kid leaves to find an urgent care, I seek out the manager or owner to give feedback. Asian-complexion guy, I didn't get his name. I relay the feedback that the DJ is a prick with shitty ethics, and receive barely a head-nod in return. Wouldn't shake my hand after introducing myself. OK. Clearly this is not a priority to them. I did see the manager guy relay something to the DJ briefly. If they cared enough about their business to claim it, they could reply here with a solution which might've occurred--but they haven't. I will say, the security guards downstairs did a solid job of making sure the kid was okay. Otherwise, these events completely killed my vibe. Upon leaving I figured the best I could do to get over it was ask the door guy his opinion. Young kid, early 20's, quickly snapped that it's "not the DJ's job" to have participated in resolving the emergency. BRO. None of us get paid to resolve emergencies unless in uniform. It's simple human decency and to a further extent, positive masculinity, to make sure all parties involved find each other and the injured is safe and taken care of. To have no one other than the female bartenders and security guards take ownership of the situation was disgusting. That kid is going to have a badass scar for his grandkids. When they're college-age I really hope they don't try some risky shit at Press Play in Boulder--they won't be taken care of. read more

Been coming to this place for years. Be safe going down the steep stairs. There is a garage a block down from the Rio. I love the atmosphere and the arcade!! The have pool and a dance floor small but fun. There are always drink deals. They have had some awesome DJ's and lighting. The restrooms need to be updated but keep the body mirror. They have a microwave for vending machine food! It's awesome. The bartenders are friendly. We will be seeing you guys again soon. read more

Press Play - Pool time. - Bars Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

I may or may not have caught the flu from here. I was feeling fine all night and once I left Press Play I started feeling like crap the following morning. I do feel like the air filtration should top notch. Being underground and a pretty small area, should be well aired! Fun place to go and dance! read more

Press Play - Holiday Mule! - Bars Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Went on a Monday night Bartender: John Michael I had a blast here with my friend and her friend. Came in, bartender was super friendly, games were standard barcade stuff but I enjoyed myself. Machine ate my money but bartender kindly helped me out. Would recommend this place. Sure it's dingy. But like it's a barcade. What do you want? Floor's sticky, games are dusty, and it's in a basement. Keep your standards reasonable and you'll have a fun time. read more

My fiancé and I just stopped by here to check it out. Pool tables are fun and we like the ambiance. Unfortunately, one of the staffers decided to pick up his drink to clean up, even though he had half the drink left. This was his 2nd drink and they decided to not even let him finish it. We were gonna check out the DJ but decided to close out and leave instead. Otherwise, it's a nice place. read more

Pretty much what you'd expect for a downstairs "bar-cade" - if it claimed to be a regular bar it would maybe be 3 stars but as a barcade it's pretty good. Bring cash to be able to get quarters from the machine. I've only be there during weeknights and before 10 pm. I have heard it sometimes becomes more like a club. We enjoy playing the pinball and went yesterday for the 25 cent pinball special we had heard about. The employee didn't actually know how it worked (she had never worked a Wednesday) but was very nice and called her manager to find out. It was about 4:30 pm and it was only us and one other person. We had to download an app that had a minimum transfer of $10 to get the 25 cent games but not all the games are on the app and not all are 25 cents. So it's not 25 cents for every machine. It's a fun, VERY CASUAL date night. It's in a basement - set your expectations for that and it being a bit dirty and you'll enjoy it. It's nice to have a bar with an activity. They also try to have some fun specials - like on Mondays you can play "rock, paper, scissors" against the bartender (usually they use a beer called Session which has those icons on the bottom of bottle cap). If you win the beer (Session only) is free, if you loose then the beer is $5 - still a good deal. read more

This establishment is one of Boulder's dwindling vestiges of the nightlife it once celebrated, among other good things (totally cool spot during the day as well). Press Play caters to a wide audience, offering a good time for those who want to have fun and actually engage in something (as apposed to just sitting and eating or drinking, which are fine options). Beyond the main attraction - the fact that the place is nearly surrounded with classic arcade games, from Tekken to roll the ball into the hole game, there are pool tables, ping pong tables, human size Jenga blocks and most importantly a pretty awesome DJ on most weekend nights who typically feeds a hungry dance floor. Ski ball, that's what it's called. With other local venues sadly closing down, this is one of the last places around to get weird and dance (I can only think Tahona as an alternative at this point). Inside, there are two bars that offer a decent variety of beer and liquors. There are even flashing sirens that go off on special occasions, which announce really good drink deals. And although this sounds like madness, which it usually is after 10pm on a Friday or Saturday, this underground lair can also be quite the low key and relaxing place to just have some fun during its slower hours. Press Play has a lot going on; not only is it a novel place for those passing through to make a point to visit for its awesome arcade and games, it is also a spot that offers a reliable, consistent and fun social scene and nightlife for those who are looking for it. read more

I want to cry. This bar triggered my existential crisis + nostalgic depression. This bar reminded me of my college days. OMG I feel so old. Seriously though - when people say college are the best four years of your life - THEY WERE NOT KIDDING. But yeah. The bar is located in a basement with a bunch of arcade games and then a huge dance floor in the back. Majority of the crowd seemed like college students - it's a divey arcade + dance bar. I loved it. Can i just give a huge shout out to all my college Coloradans (hope that's a word lol) - THEY ARE SO MUCH FUN! Every single person in the bar was dancing - the music was bomb - everyone looked like they were having the time of their lives. I miss being the careless run wild college student - shout out to my alma mater Rutgers University!!! read more

Fantastic place with friendly staff and hardworking bouncers to keep you safe! Well-made drinks with fun specials during holidays and great DJs on Fridays/Saturday's! Old school vibes with the game consoles are also much fun. Love this place! read more

We have a vintage arcade bar in Seattle and Press Play is what I want that place to be. I'm not kidding, something like Press Play was what I had in mind when we first ventured to the one by us months ago. It was okay, but it didn't have the Basement Arcade Where You're Supposed to Drink More to get Progressive Better at Video Games feel. The wife and I ended up here while visiting Boulder and we had a really good time. Maybe it was because their happy hour special (5p-9p) is $3 for anything you can name. (We named entirely too many and paid for it the next day. Oopsie!) Maybe it was the countless classic video games, pool, pinball or adult sized Jenga. Maybe it was the fact there were about two dozen people there and everyone was chill (read: not douchecanoe overflow city). Maybe it was Sarah, the kick ass bartender that made sure we had a good night. Maybe it was the stealthily hidden quote from Full Metal Jacket written above the bar in chalk. Maybe it was EVERYTHING. How will we ever know?? I can see how it might get run over with a crowd not everyone is a fan of and I docked a star 'cause one of the bartenders wasn't so great, but otherwise I'm a fan. Were there a place like this around here, I'm pretty sure I'd go there a decent amount just to have a few drinks and play sweet ass games. Games I remember: (Surprised I remember anything at all!) Paperboy Arch Rivals Joust Defender Dig Dug Street Fighter 2 Mortal Kombat 2 Spy Hunter Centipede Pac-Man (4 Player) X-Men Pinball Transformers Pinball read more

Press Play - Bars Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Pretty greasy bar. Its very disgusting, and drinks are overpriced. The staff was not very pleasant. Only plus side was the DJ and dance floor read more

Best bar in boulder! Great service can't beat it anywhere else! Messick will get you the quickest corona in your life

Discovered this little dive bar by accident as I tried to get out of the rain. What a great discovery! This little gem is full of nostalgic tokens from the decor to the activities and music, everything was in style with the 80s retro theme. The drinks here are CHEAP and they aren't watered down at all. I had a my fare share of martinis as our group played game after game of pool and air hockey. You will not be bored in here with plenty to do from the arcade games, ping pong tables, skee ball, and other fun elements everyone can find something to enjoy in here. Great place to just hang out and have a couple of rounds while you kick back with friends. read more

Great location for drinking and fun with no limit to try a little of everything out. This location is underground in a sense, you go downstairs underneath the main location strips and you are brought to early 80's retro vibe. They have pool tables, ping pong tables, big board Jenga and tons of arcade and pinball games- all for that awesome quarter price like the old days. Loved the bar with fun choices or IBA beers, domestics and various liquors . We had a blast! After 10pm they have live DJ open a set and play music so it becomes more of a club too. read more

I've been coming here for years when I'm in town. My wife and I love it. Between the pinball and the classic arcades you really can't get a better place to enjoy a beer and tally up a high score. read more

It was a fun place to hang out with friends. Their drinks are ok. They would be getting 5 stars if it wasn't for the rude bartender we had. Not sure if she was having a bad night or what was going on with her but it was bad. Everyone was walking away talking about how bad she was and as I was walking out people were even complaining to the bouncer about her. Fun place but customer service tonight was below bottom tier. DJ was really good though. read more

Calloway aka the big blonde bouncer was the kindest man i've ever met! Great spot to play some ping pong! Give Calloway a raise!!!!

When I walked into this place last night it was like I stepped back into my childhood. It's the perfect place for an 80's geek. So many choices! It was so much fun. We got there before 5 so it wasn't inundated with college kids. I've read reviews saying that the drinks ordered were weak. We must've gotten lucky because our drinks were plenty strong. I can't believe I've lived in Boulder for 3 months and never visited until yesterday; we will definitely make it a frequent stop. read more

Why are people playing pool in a dance club? I'm not going to sit at the bar and do my taxes. Also, the DJ is bad. I feel like DJs in Boulder are too insecure to play good dance music. Everything has to be macho aggressive angry trash music. read more

I have been going here for over 9 months and have never had a problem with my vertical MA ID... until tonight. After showing multiple forms of IDs proving I was 21, the management took my ID and threw it across the sidewalk. It was incredibly unprofessional of them and I do not plan to go back soon. read more

The arcade is cool and has a good selection of games, all from the last century, which makes it a unique little underground place in Boulder. What I can't get over, however, is how incredibly dirty it is. I pulled my chair at the bar to sit on and my hand emerged completely sticky. My boyfriend ordered a beer and on top of the foam sat a thick, floating dark hair. The floor is hard to walk on because your shoes are constantly getting stuck on the sticky spills of alcohols past. It smells like sweat and throw up and when you have to physically touch the games to play in the arcade, it's kind of discouraging. Right? I finally get why this place shut down completely during COVID. It's an infestation pit. Simple things could be done to make it a more pleasant experience. I think truthfully the college kids all go there to dance, and they don't mind the filth as long as they're having a good time. But to someone who is walking in clothing they care about or I guess has a bare sense of hygiene, it'll send you running for the hills. read more