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    Up-Down Arcade Bar

    4.3 (44 reviews)
    ModerateArcades, Bars, Pizza
    Closed • 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Order Up-Down Arcade Bar Takeout or Delivery

    Up-Down Arcade Bar Photos

    UP-DOWN ARCADE BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Up-Down Arcade Bar

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    Sadie W.

    So we came here on a Saturday afternoon. I decided to look at my bank statement and I was charged twice here. One of the charges I see was for the tab plus tip, but I have a pending charge extra. I tried calling the number associated with Birmingham up down and was told that I had to email or contact them on social media. I definitely wasn't contacting them on social media so I sent an email about the additional charge to my account so please rethink using your card and or checking your bank statement before you visit here. I'm still waiting on a response.

    Garrett O.

    While touring downtown Birmingham on my first night out with my friend who lives here, he took us to Up-Down Arcade Bar -- and let me tell you, I can't wait to go back! As a transplant from Atlanta, I have to say the gaming bar scene there feels limited. Battle & Brew is probably the most well-known, with its endless screens, gaming consoles, and themed nights -- but Up-Down manages to capture that same fun energy while feeling more personal and connected. This place has everything you could want for a great night out: outdoor seating, an outdoor bar, and an endless lineup of arcade games, including a whole wall of pinball machines. You'll find everything from the classics like Capcom titles to newer favorites like Mortal Kombat. What really set it apart for me, though, was the outdoor setup. The terrace above the bar is the definition of a vibe -- great lighting, awesome atmosphere, and plenty of perfect photo ops. They even have outdoor games like cornhole, which added to the social feel. Huge shoutout to the bartender working outside that night -- she was a local and super friendly, giving us a list of other cool Birmingham spots to check out while we were in town. If you're looking for a place that's got character, fun, and a whole lot of energy, Up-Down is it. Whether you're here for games, drinks, or just good company, this is the kind of spot that makes you want to stay all night.

    Kiki C.

    One word...nostalgia!! This is a great, fun environment! Good pizza and drinks! Friendly service! My all time favorite throwback game...Skeeball! What a classic! Tons of pinball machines, Pac-Man and other arcade games I remember from the 80s and 90s. And because it deserves mentioning and not often reviewed, the bathrooms were well maintained and perfectly cleaned and stocked.

    Rachel J.

    Came here to hang out and play some arcade games. They have all the classics from childhood under one roof. Pac-Man, Skee Ball, Dig Dug, Tron, & Mortal Combat just to name a few. They also have $2 pizza slices if you get hungry and a big variety of craft beer. Cool spot to feel like a kid again and play some games.

    Gabe P.

    I really enjoyed my first time at Up-Down Arcade Bar 05/01/25 after leaving the Barons game. There was a pretty thick crowd but not overwhelming. They were checking ids upon entering. The bar service was fast and the bartender that assisted me was a joy! There are many beer options and cocktail options to pick from, so you will definitely find something. There are cups and water available as well to stay hydrated. I didn't eat any pizza but it smelled yummy. I had a beer and played a few games. I still have tokens left.... Pac man , galaga, ms. pac are some of my favs so I was glad to see them here. Now, there are some games that need maintenance... specifically, the basketball game did not keep score so don't waste your tokens. Move on! Play something else! lol Overall, I really enjoyed myself. This is such a great addition to Birmingham, Alabama. I can't wait to return to play more games, enjoy the outside spaces and grab some pizza!

    Demetria R.

    So I did a thing. I attended an event here and really didn't know what to expect. Old school video games, you say? I'm all in!! This place offers street parking that's free, after certain hours. There's also paid parking available. Very easy walk up pizza, arcade and drinks. The staff was very welcoming at the entrance. This is definitely an adult arcade. Sometimes "good and grown" folks want to play some games, eat some pizza and have a drink. Great nostalgic vibe inside. You become immersed in the Galaga, Pac-Man, pinball, Mario Brothers and other games of it all, and realize fun is being had without any pressure. The pizza was really good, the drinks looked good and the music was hitting right, creating a fun relaxing but energetic atmosphere. Hey, I'll be back with some of my friends for the margaritas, games and pizza.

    Linda R.

    Nice craft beer selection, arcade games, interesting pizza choices, outside seating, frozen, margaritas. What else could you want? My husband and I had a great time playing our old favorites, pinball, Skee ball, and my most favorite of all Centipede!! Once we finished inside, we were happy to see there were more games outside including corn hole, jenga and connect 4. Fun way to spend an afternoon, and tokens were $5 for 20. Be warned, some games take 2 tokens.

    We are always weather ready....rain gear!!!
    Keshia C.

    When I say...."Take Me Back"!!! It was so much fun hanging with Ginger and the team. We had good pizza and the mango drink was the adult only kind. The staff was friendly and was helping before I even asked. They are mind readers. Great time was had. This place is for adults and there was no smoking inside. Love that part.

    Darrell O.

    Great place for a fun date night! I came home to Birmingham and I went straight here to check it out and play games and eat great pizza with good drink prices. A good place to hang after the Barons game.

    Alexia J.

    Left the Baron's game to play PacMan and anything else we saw that looked entertaining. There is a pretty good selection of games available so there is something for everyone. The pizza wasn't bad and bar service was relatively quick for the amount of people that were there. I ran into a couple of people I knew and even have some new college babies under my wing now. This is definitely a hang out spot for the younger crowd (still enjoyable if you aren't a college kid). Things got a little weird outside around 1/1:30A but security was on it. Some games are outside as well like cornhole (I finally learned the rules... I still don't see the appeal), connect four (smoked the college kids in C4), jenga, etc. Up-Down is a nice addition to the area. I'll most likely be back.

    Bradley C.

    Was hesitant at first to visit since that other location is my favorite in Nashville. However I was surprised just how good the design and layout was handled in a smaller footprint. The bar staff is truly amazing with each visit. The pizza is some of the best you'll find downtown. The indoor space might seem a bit confining but has just the right balance of games spread out. The spacious adjoining open air patio with tiered storage container seating definitely adds to the experience.

    Lathan B.

    I really enjoy playing old-school video games and the nostalgic atmosphere of arcade venues and it makes me feel like a kid again. There are plenty of gaming options to choose from, along with food and drinks available for purchase

    Outside sign
    Min L.

    I just have to say, this bar is an absolute gem! It's packed with awesome vintage video games that will take you right back to your childhood. Plus, you can't beat the price - the pizza is only two bucks! It's the perfect place to gather a group of friends for a night of drinks and good times on the weekend. I love stopping by before big events like the Barron game or catching the Alabama symphony at the park in the summer.

    Outside

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    1 year ago

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    David H.

    Thanks so much for your kind words

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Great atmosphere and great people. The vintage games are nice and they actually work!

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    1 year ago

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Up-Down Arcade Bar

    Review Highlights - Up-Down Arcade Bar

    “If you're looking for a place that's got character, fun, and a whole lot of energy, Up-Down is it.”

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Up-Down Arcade Bar - arcades - Updated October 2026

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