We hopped around the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area starting at Lapin Bleu, then heading to The Baxter, and wrapping up with dinner at Tesoro. It was a really laid-back night. The Baxter had a solid beer selection, though the game selection felt a bit limited compared to other barcades. We mostly stuck to pinball, then played a few rounds of pool (the table could use a little TLC). Overall, it was a fun stop and worth checking out, even if it wouldn't be my first pick for a barcade. read more

I came here with friends and had a really good time! I wish they had a wider selection of games, but the selection isn't bad by any means. They have pool, Pac-Man, fighting games, pinball, and more. I went late on a Friday or Saturday night, and it was relatively busy, but not too much to the point where I had to wait for games which was nice! read more

The Baxter - Bike racing game - Bars Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

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Came here recently and had an OK time! First, the game selection was decent, with a good variety of classic arcade games, fighting games, and pinball machines. That being said, I would have appreciated games like skee ball, basketball, etc. Also, the games do cost tokens, which is fair enough, but it was a little frustrating that a couple of the machines I tried out weren't well maintained. In both cases, the joysticks were wonky and certain directions didn't work very well. Of course, there's a bar as well, but I ended up just playing the games. It looked like there was a pretty decent selection of beer and liquor, which is nice. Overall, it wasn't a terrible experience, and it may be the best arcade in Chapel Hill (not sure!) but I think you can find better arcade experiences in Raleigh / Durham. read more

The idea of Baxter is good, but this is one of those, understand your surrounding situations. I imagine it's a popular night hang out for students. I'm not a student, it was earlier in the day, it did not appeal. Dirty, smelly, didn't stay. read more

Beer. Check. Video games. Check. Sports. Check. They have a decent selection of beer for different tastes. They have a little something for everyone. Mortal Kombat, Blitz, Rampage World Tour, Galaga, and some other note worthy games. This was a good place to watch March Madness. read more

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Nice place for a birthday party! they allow kids to be there till a certain time. Lots of fun games to play, though quite a few out of service (totally understandable as these are older games). Nice choices to drink, and friendly staff. read more

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I'm surprised when I look up place for teens it gives me a place that seeks liquor. I don't care about the video games if it's selling alcohol we're out. Thanks but no thanks. read more

A Nice Vintage/Retro Local Arcade Place, With Scenic Background. Has a Nostalgic Setting to it. The Staff is Friendly and the Bar Has a Wide Variety of Beers and Liquor to Choose From. They Do Have Classic Games Such as Mortal Kombat III & IV, Soul Caliber II, Super Mario Bros & Pinball Machines. However Half the Arades Work As of "2/21/23." Once a Week, a Local DJ Plays Music for Customers/Guest, and Every So Often They Host Events. In all, Will Have to Follow Up Next Week For Potential Updates on the Arcade Games. This Content Was Provided By Created Memories LLC Media Company ©. read more

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Very okay barcade. Not bad, not great. Service was good (as my husband and I went in at 3pm, and we were the only ones there) and the beer selection had a nice variety. It was too dark inside to see what they had in the cooler, so I chose something off the tap. Priced $6-$7 per beer, fair. The games are priced as they were when they originally came out, ranging from 0.25 to $1.00, and there is an ATM and quarter machine on-site. They have plenty of pinball, a few racing games, and some particularly nostalgic throwbacks like super Mario. My personal favorite was crazy taxi. They have drink holders around all of the games which is a nice touch, as it would be tempting to set a drink on a game, otherwise. There is plenty of seating throughout but overall the decor and environment in general was very dimly lit/dark in color. I probably wouldn't choose to come here again for an evening out, but would happily go with company that wanted to. read more

Back in the old days for arcades, you'd drop $10 as a teen and felt like you were broke. And an addict that would have to save up for his next fix. Flash forward to 2014 and a new wave of barcades for adults is hitting the Triangle, the Baxter for example. Think arcade plus beer and you've got a pretty good idea of what's going on here. Located on a small side street off of Franklin/Main Street, the Baxter is lit up with a carnival like sign spelling "arcade" so there's no mistaking what it is. Hipsters in the front, bar in the back and two rows of arcade games and video games lining each side. Maybe 60 to 70 total, nice! We grab a NC craft beer in back and start playing. Donkey Kong, Double Dragon, Space Invaders and more, all the games have been nicely re-conditioned and play well. Get a pocketful of quarters and you're ready to roll. The crowd here is young but even they can appreciate the allure of old-school arcade games. So nice job Baxter! You're doing great, can't wait for the Raleigh barcade to open up soon... read more

The Baxter - Bars Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

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This place is great. Reminds me of the Midwest... Laid-back and strong drinks and good music and not wall to wall busy. Probably come back a lot in the future. read more

After many a weekend evening at The Baxter, time and changes from the business have made me a fan. First, they implemented moveable cupholders located around the gaming floor. Employees always move these holders back to the right and left hand sides of the "mini walls" located around the center of the room, so they're easy to spot (unless they're all in use, which does happen late-night). They also installed cupholder on each pinball machine, and speaking of pinball machines, I love the fact that they're always changing them out and getting what's hot on the market (like the Game of Throne's machine they currently have). Some things you should know about The Baxter; it's a 21+ arcade, no kids allowed in here. Make sure you've got your ID ready and you'll have to sign in to enter or have a membership card (one per person, so guests allowed on your card). They've got beer, liquor and wine but their options don't usually fluctuate (I would love to see another IPA option on the draft board besides Hoppiyum). Machines are quarters only and the quarter machine only takes one dollar bills (but the bartenders will be happy to make change). Pro Tip: head to Baxter on Sunday night's around 8pm, I can't tell you why because you'll be there every week, but believe me, it's a very, very sweet (or should I say hot and salty) surprise. read more

If you like arcade games like Galaga, Space Invaders, among other arcade games and craft beer, then come to this place. They check your ID when you enter so have that ready. Once you are in side you will see all the arcade games on all walls. Games are 25 cents so make sure to bring your quarters, but they also have quarter changing machines in case you don't have any quarters. Straight ahead is the bar where you can order your beers with the menu on your left. They usually show a movie on the screen but it depends on the day. Great atmosphere and a great way to play old games! Love this place. read more

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Very good barcade. The drinks are good and poured liberally. The games are good and seem to have a good variety. Definitely a retro gamer establishment so be sure to not expect newer games. Being just off the main road helps with parking and makes this a cool secluded spot near downtown! read more

The Baxter has a real cool vibe. The hand maid comic strip bar top is an extra nice touch to go along with a great selection or arcade games and pinball machines. I tried 3 different drinks on the day I was there and all of them were mixed well and the bartender was cool as could be. I've heard they have a game of thrones night also. Even though I don't watch the show I give it a try. read more

The Baxter - Bars Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

I'm so glad Chapel Hill has a barcade because this is the BEST ONE that I've visited in the triangle. I love how they show 90s and 80s movies on their projector so you could actually bring food from an outside area and just enjoy it here on one of their tables or couches! Big fan of their tetris machine :) read more

The Baxter - Bars Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

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They have alcohol and video games, what more can you ask for?? When I'm in Chapel Hill, I like to stop by to grab a beer and play pinball. This place is amazing. Last time I was here, there was an 8-year old birthday party. (Seems like a win-win to me! These parents are geniuses!) Kids are enclosed in a space open layout, not too hard to spot your child from the other side of the room, parents can have a drink, and there are couches for you to sit and relax. read more

Friendly staff. Games are fun and they have a very wife variety of them. Not happy that they charge for every game played. Bar staff was cool and they have a wide array of beers in bottles. I would still come back because of the staff but figure out how to let your patrons play for free. read more

The Baxter is an awesome concept of a 'barcode.' It has a pretty nice atmosphere; the lighting isn't too bright, but comfortable. They have classic arcade games like Galaga, the Simpsons game, the original super Mario, and mortal kombat. The drink prices are pretty reasonable. A miller lite bottle is $2.50, so not too bad. The only critique is there aren't really any places or spots to place your drink. Other than that, it's a fun time. read more

The Baxter - Bars Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

After a wonderful meal at IP3, a few friends and I wandered over to the Baxter to wait for the rest of our party. Walking in as I pondered my NBA Jam strategy, we were customarily asked for our IDs as well as a membership card. Being that we all live out of town, we had the card of one our friends still eating pizza. As we presented it, the self-important doorman immediately ripped it in half without any explanation. A simple 'you need your own card' would have sufficed. As he angrily demanded we become members, we made the obvious decision to leave and never return. It's just a barcade everyone. Let's all relax. read more

The arcades were a nice throwback to the days you would go into a pizza joint and play TMNT or SIMPSONS while waiting for a hot pizza. Now i'm doing the same thing except with a cold beer (and they have little cup holders) on most of the arcade machines! Very nice touch n_- This place could use a bit more variety and options, but overall its a fun quick stop for a late night thing with friends! REC * read more

I've never been a huge video game fan, but I went through a phase as a preteen where I hung out at my small town arcade. It was a safe, geek-friendly environment. There were a few games I loved to play. Well, I got a huge nostalgia boost today when I visited Baxter's for the first time. All my favorites were there- including a game my mind had forgotten, "Altered Beast". I was in heaven. A rare, bright moment of revisiting the past but this time with beer? Yes please! I enjoyed the experience throughly and can't wait to go back. The staff was friendly, the outdoor patio - great space, and some decent parking nearby too. read more

Not a friendly place not welcoming to out of town folks typical college place lacking in service

Machines were working great, just a couple were down. Nice to have a place open to take the kids on a rainy day. Most machines were a quarter with the new pinballs being a buck which is not bad/standard. Pinballs are not forgiving but they have the replays set pretty low so it can balance out. They turn the selection of pinballs over every now and then which is great also. read more

The best maintained and accurate arcade bar. People complaining just don't realize how good a place this is compared to other arcade bars.

I have some complaints about this place. * Out of the 60 or so vintage arcade games they have, only 59 were operational on my last visit. * One of the coin machines would sometimes give you 3 quarters for a dollar, and it took a good 15 seconds for the owner to politely refund it to you. * These new (presumably patented) glass stands make it TOO easy to play a game and have a beer at the same time. * This is my kids complaint: "it's only open for kids from 12-6 on Sundays." read more

This is the king of the Triangle barcades. With 50-60 authentic games/pins, a chalkboard leaderboard, drink specials, and a quality rotating beer menu,The Baxter is a nerd's paradise. All machines are original quarter-op, so don't worry about keeping track of tokens. There's a change machine on the left wall when you enter, so you don't have to hassle the bartenders. After you grab a beer, there's a few portable drink holders and tables to set it down while you play. The tables are all in the middle, which is probably the best setup for the space. Stay tuned to their Facebook and Twitter for events and drink specials. They've been doing free pizza on Sunday nights for The Walking Dead. That's a pretty awesome deal. I'd be there every Sunday night if I lived close by. If you're curious about the other barcades in the area - Raleigh's Boxcar will give you more of a mass appeal party bar experience (they have Golden Tee and Big Buck Hunter - ugh) and Level Up is a much smaller, chill environment. If you're looking for the most authentic 80s arcade experience, then you've found it; nothing beats The Baxter in Carrboro. read more

Be forewarned if you're traveling through with kids-we drove an hour out of our way to get there-this one doesn't admit under 21. Got there 15 minutes early-doors were unlocked-only to be told they weren't open and that they wouldn't admit kids today... Would have been awesome to hear a "hey play until we're open in 10 minutes" or something.. Shame-looks like an awesome collection and would have loved a beer but can't comment more than that since we were ushered out quick. Real let down. read more

Holy Schmagga!! I knew it was going to be good because 1) when I walked up I saw the giant ARCADE sign - total retro/Broadway lights/Boardwalk Empire + 2) at least 5 different people said "go there now!". Quick entry with an ID check and a hand stamp - a sudden flashback for me clubbing in Philly in the nineties. Whoa! Now imagine yourself as Ricky Stratton (Ricky Scroder) entering the "Silver Spoons" mansion filled with awesome toys. Your jaw will drop. Look up and behold the greatest man cave (sorry ladies) ever built. Walls lined with Retro video games and pinball machines. A bartop surfaced with comic book images. Display cases with an impressive collection of pop culture memorabilia. Next, a wide variety of craft beers/cider on tap and in bottles. So that cool kid you used to hang with after school, got together with his friend and some investors to turn a great concept/idea into reality. A "barcade". I now know the term is not new, but it is new to me and may be to you. Barcades are awesome! Basically, an affordable, cool a$$ place to hang out with friends and play some games that you though you might never see again... Standing ovation guys!! If you're in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, don't leave town without a visit! Oh, and don't worry about bringing quarters, they have plenty!! read more

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Well, this is definitely a nerd who grew up in the nineties's heaven. There is a reasonably good alcohol selection (I mean, I don't think you could get like a super fancy drink with egg whites and rare spices imported from a cave in the Himalayas, but you could get whatever you would expect at a video game bar and then some). Two dollar PBR's if memory serves me correctly. The games--they're all a quarter (except apparently pinballs), so it's not like those new video games that rip you off--so combined I spent $8 on two beers and 4 video games, which I would say is pretty decent. That being said, a quarter will buy you three rounds in street fighter, a quarter in NBA jam or NFL blitz, or five lives in Galaga (last one could be slightly inaccurate). They also have a lot of pinball machines but no ski ball or those hoops challenges like they have at other arcades (maybe this is because those rely on a ticketing system, or they're technically not video games? Either way, that slightly disappointed Samuel.) Oh and where is Time Crises?! Also, when I was there it was like 50-50 men/women, which wouldn't be expected from normative stereotypes. So I feel like there are a lot of people that meet over nerdy video game challenges, etc. Otherwise the place has a somewhat hipster-y but not too too much vibe (at least on a Friday night). read more

Recently popped back into Chapel-boro's only barcade and was pleased to find that they have changed a few things for the better here. They no longer require a membership fee which is a huge plus, just show your ID and get a stamp. They've improved on their seating options and have added in a few move-able drink stands as well, which was really needed. Gotta have somewhere to place your drink while playing some games! Last I was here several of the games had issues or were out of order. No issues with any games this time around! Everything was working smoothly. What I didn't like? Some of the games are spaced way too close together, making it impossible to play some games if somebody is already playing the game right next to yours. And the crowd: college kids be college kids. read more

Barcade is absolutely amazing. It's one of my favorite places to go in the area, and is my favorite establishment in all of Carrboro. It's like someone went into my mind, found (two of) my favorite things and put them together. Games: The arcade games are absolutely perfect. Just a few that I can remember off the top of my head: Mortal Kombat II, Street Fighter, NBA Jam, Ms. Pacman, many different Pinball machines, Marvel vs. Capcom and many many more. Most of them cost a quarter per player aside from the signature Pin ball machines. The machines are all in good shape and none of them have ever jammed. They have two or three change machines that accept 1-5 dollar bills and the bartenders are always more than happy to give change. Alcohol: They have a pretty decent selection and specials. My favorite there is the She Hulk, which is Surge (yes, THAT Surge), vodka and Curacao if I'm not mistaken. It's so good. Their margaritas were a little too strong for my roommate and I (which might be just fine for others), they had too much alcohol (firstworldproblems), so we had the bartender pour out like half of it and add margarita mix. Again, this was just personal taste.. Others might like it that strong. They also have a pretty good selection of beers. Overall: I've been there a couple of times on weekend nights, and only once or twice on weeknights. If you're going for the games, I recommend that you go either on weeknights or early weekend nights as it gets crowded on Fridays and Saturday nights which isn't a problem at all if you're with a group and mingle while you wait. If you haven't been there yet, cancel whatever it is that you're doing this weekend and go! It's always a good time. read more

This place is so much fun! Great classic game selection. I love the Attack from Mars pinball game. I know they have a bar here, but I've never gotten a drink from it. The people I've been with have gotten beers and enjoyed it. You can bring food in (they don't serve food). Plenty of seating and space to move around. I only go on down times so it's never crowded. I tend to go when UNC is not in session so I have no idea how crowded this place might get. I never go on Sunday afternoons when it's open to kids. If you go when it's not busy you'll pretty much be able to roam from game to game playing them as you please as often as you like. I take guests here from out of town, and we always have a blast. read more

Checked out Baxter with two Pinball wizards. Admittedly, I do not have the knowledge or passion for Arcade games that they do, so I am partially relying on their opinions for this review. (3 star) Located off of Franklin st, on the border of C-borro/Chapel Hill. Has an authentic Arcade feel, with two full gaming walks but not many Pinball games. Has more of a bar-vibe, very dark, and alcohol available. Not a bad option for killing some time or blowing off steam but I much prefer the Boxcar in Raleigh. read more

Solid beer list and props to the bartender for recommending the Hardcore Chimera when I ordered a Dogfish Head 90. 4 more ounces, similar taste, and the same price. Awesome selection of games, too. I was especially stoked on Donkey Kong, Mario Brothers, Punch Out (but not Mike Tyson's Punch Out), Street FIghter 2, Galaga, NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat II, Dig Dug, The Simpsons, Rampage World Tour, and Double Dragon. Unfortunately, since many of the games are over 30 years old, the controls don't always work and the change machines ate a good chunk of my dough. In particular, the change machine by the bar is a friggin' thief. Controls and change machine aside, The Baxter is dope. It even convinced me to come home and fire up my Sega Genesis for a few rounds up Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. Unfortunately, the console was dead on arrival. Rest in power, old friend. So, Baxter, thanks for allowing me to relieve a little slice of my childhood, malfunctioning controllers and all. read more

Great vintage arcade games for generally a quarter each, great prices and selection for drinks (especially beers), the staff is fun and kind, and there's lots to look at in addition to the games. Also plenty of room to relax in-between games with three different areas inside to enjoy. The center area for general socializing, two quieter lounge areas near the entrance, and the bar area, which the speakers don't face, so it's quiet enough to hear the bartender and enjoy a drink at the fully decorated bar (a must-see). There is plenty of space in the restrooms for the ladies and a full length mirror in there too. At first I had the same problem with the place that other women had, in that the only place to put your drinks while playing most of the games was either at your feet, or on the little mini divider bars behind you, but they have addressed that customer concern and by introducing portable drink holders that you can carry around from game to game. Don't be scurred ladies! Oh and the vibe is actually quite lady-friendly. Although the general crowd has a lot of guys, yes, I actually get hit on less here than I do at other bars. I think it's because the guys are more focused on the games than the girls. YES! If you want a place to relax, have FUN, and do more than just drink, while taking in some unique art, nostalgic games, and sipping some great brew, then The Baxter is your jam. read more

Great atmosphere, great games! Countless classic games like Galaga, Frogger, Mario Bros, Donkey Kong and others like Marvel Vs. Capcom and Star Wars Trilogy. They also have a couple nice pinball machines like terminator, walking dead, and demolition man. There is a change machine so don't worry about quarters! They have great video game inspired art on the walls, clever batman/cat woman bathroom gender signs, and nerd memorabilia all along the bar area. Drinks are of a pretty good variety ranging from $2.50 tall boys to much nicer craft beers up to $6. They had a few cleverly named comic / game drinks, and many cans of surge which brings back memories. I rocked a gin + surge because my friend wondered what it would taste like (p.s don't ask for it). Staff was great and friendly! I suggest thinking about ways for people to put drinks down near arcade machines other than the floor or nearby tables. Aka drink holders and the likes. But it was all worth it. read more

This place has a great vibe. There are great local beers on tap. The vintage quarter operated arcade games were great. This place is a hidden gem. Check it out. read more

The Baxter - All the vintage toys and games add so much character. - Bars Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

The Baxter is by far the most fascinating fun barcade! They have pinball all the way to mortal combat 2. Traditional og arcade so bring your ones for quaters. Loved it! read more

The Baxter - Toppiest of Lel! - Bars Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

Barcade \bär-kād\ (n.) A magical place where you can relive your childhood whilst pretending to be an adult with copious amounts of alcohol. I had heard a barcade had come to Chapel Hill. I was mildly enthused and ready to enjoy some 5-year-old fun with a few drinks. But I wasn't ready for The Baxter. I pulled up to the house about 7 or 8, and after yelling to the cabbie "Yo homes, smell ya later," I stood in front of the dazzling lights on the building that read "Arcade." The games take only quarters, but they have you covered with a cash-to-coin machine. Drinks are all reasonably priced and pretty good, and the bartenders I've always had have been nice. I can't tell you how many rounds of Dig Dug I played, but that beer I had was great, and those dinos were pissing me off, so 10/10 would come back to this bar to kick some Dig Dug butt. And you should too. Oh also, the inside is decorated with cool paraphernalia from everyone's childhood, so you kinda feel like you're in a comic store at times. read more