I love this place, my partner go here from time to time to play games or to chill at the bar and eat pizza. I'd definitely go with a group or buddies to get drinks and pizza for sure. read more

So I have to say, Up-Down isn't just an arcade bar, it feels like a real video gaming bar. They've got a wall dedicated to the pre-NES Nintendo arcades, a couple more for pinball, and lots of 80s and 90s favorites strewn about. For groups of four like I had, they have Pac-Man VS, a linked Hydro Thunder, and the classic domed foosball-like hockey game. They've also got an N64, classic SNES, and classic Playstation hooked up. Kind of hard to crane your neck up to the mounted TVs to play them, but still cool to have. They've also got the greatest multiplayer arcade game out there currently, Killer Queen. Great team based action and a blast to play with friends. The games aren't free like some arcade bars, but it's more than made up for with their daily specials. We came on a Friday which is $2 pizza slices before 8pm, and the slices are gargantuan, just one slice and I was pretty full already. Probably their best deal is on Sundays where $25 gets you $20 worth of tokens, a fanny pack, and six tall boys, definitely a steal, and it's even available other days for $35 where it's still a good deal. Sadly there are no dancing machines, but I guess that doesn't mix well with liquor. Also my biggest gripe is it's sadly not a family friendly place, which sucked for us because our friends with their young kids couldn't come in. I mean, at this point the people who'd be interested in 80s and 90s games easily could have college kids, let alone small toddlers. Hopefully someday they can eventually at least dedicate a day to the little ones. read more

My son took me here for my birthday on Wednesday (get free tokens on YOUR birthday!) and we had an amazing time! Nice place, clean bathrooms, fun arcade games and everyone there was having an awesome time! Bartenders, Marvelle and Frankie were very nice and super attentive to refilling my Guinness glass. LOL I think everyone should see what this place is about because if you're like me, you will be laughing, screaming, giggling! We had a BLAST. Definitely will go back when I am in town again. read more

I absolutely love arcade bars. Last night, I went to Up-Down to finally see what's going on in the Downtown Milwaukee gamer scene. The bar is a huge 2-story setting. There's a bar on each floor. I ordered the Peach Punch last night and it was delicious. 10/10 would recommend looking at the cocktail menu for first timers. Outside of drinks, there's tons of games and a pizza shop in the bar! Up-Down has your classics like Mortal Kombat, Fix It Felix, MarioKart, and Ms PacMan. I will say the only classic game that was missing for me was Big Buck Hunter. However, the giant Connect4 game made up for it. And, the music playlist was on point last night! I had a blast yesterday. read more

Up-Down funk you up, Up-Down funk you up! This funky retro arcade takes on a modern twist with its architecture and aesthetic but, don't be fooled, it dishes up some great classic gems. Whether it's original episodes of Gladiators projected overhead or challenging your friends to a 4-person Pac Man face off, Up-Down's got you covered! Looking to save a bit of coin? Here are some awesome deals to take note of: Stop in on $.010 cent Thursday's! In addition to giving away 20 free tokens to the first 100 guests, they also have $2 slices of fresh pizza every Friday until 8pm. You can enjoy 2-4-1 tokens every Saturday until 9pm. Aside from some of these awesome deals, if you go on your birthday, you get a really sweet hookup! That's all I'll say for now...wouldn't want to spoil the surprise but, let's just say you'll be playing for free that day! Wink, wink! So, if this hasn't already piqued your interest, let me tell you a little more--they also host a free ski ball league; classic games tournaments such as NBA Jam! and Mario Cart. Just note, they don't have a parking lot so you're on your own with that but, of all the times I've gone--busy or slow, day or night--I've never had a problem parking within a 1-2block radius in either direction. Have fun, whether you're going for the several pinball machines or a rare classic game like Mr. Bubbles, grab a beer, a slice of 'za, some pals and enjoy! I'll leave you with one more piece of advice....Friday and Saturday nights are some of the hottest and most busiest times to go. Also, the loudest. But, this applies to most things in MKE (or any major city) on these nights. This place is no different. So, use your brain and, if you want something more chill, pick a chiller night. Plain and simple. ;) read more

What a fun venue! Who knew what fun it would be to play so many arcade games at a bar!? Obviously, the Up-Down franchise did, and I think they are geniuses. Prices are fair. Great daily deals. Excellent variety of arcade games. Love it! read more

I have found myself going to this new arcade bar in Milwaukee A LOT. I'm not a huge fan of pinball and classic arcade games - but it's more than just that style of entertainment. I get a kick out of the old school WWF matches on the projection screens. They have plenty of deals to leverage more tokens at a discount - I believe Saturday is buy one get one tokens. I personally enjoy the giant connect 4 setups (one upstairs and one on the main level). When they have the patio open, they have shuffle board (like cruise ship shuffle board with sticks not the table top sand based version). They also have giant Jenga on the patio (both main level and upstairs). They also have the crowd favorite of skee ball! Both outside (warmer weather) and inside, they have some old school N64s set up for Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers. And if nothing else, they have 4 player, battle Pac-Man. Games aside, they do have pizza by the slice or whole pizzas and two bars - one on each level. Great for groups or date night. read more

Cool new place to drink and play games. It was a crowded Saturday night and was able to play some pinball and classic arcade games. Galaga and a number of others were out of order including a few coin changers and the soap dispenser. The side ball area was pretty empty, it seemed as if the drinks and games were the more popular activities. The variety of games combined with the social aspect of bar and sports TVs is a neat idea. I would come back to play some pinball games for cheap, say $5 for more than an hour of play! Great place to people watch! read more

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They pour a good drink. We happened to stumble on the night that the game tokens were 10cent instead of 25. Actually enjoyed playing connect 4 which is a free game. Smaller inside than I thought, which makes it a little crowded, because games are pushed so close together. Really enjoyed the place overall read more

Up-Down Milwaukee - Bar - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Putting my hypercritical nerd glasses on for this review. Before I dive into it, this should be your take away: Up Down is fun and worth your time and money. In its first week of business, it looks like a well oiled machine. This is part of a franchise so that could be expected but its worth calling out. Its $.25 a game. If you're not great at the games, you can spend a lot of money. If you wanna sit down in front of a classic cabinet and try to beat the high score, you can make $1 last an afternoon. Some super nitpicky stuff that once they address, I'll bump them up a star or two: 1. It is LOUD. They had the patios open too, which should allow some sound to escape. Please put some soundproofing in here and it will go a LONG way. Honestly, this alone might boost the rating up two stars for me. 2. It is kitsch on kitsch on kitsch. Too much pop culture. We get it, you lived through the 80s and 90s and watched TV and listened to the radio. I'm here to play arcade games. (I warned you I was putting on my hypercritical nerd glasses) 3. From what I could tell, the only food offered is pizza (which is fine). But there are no menus and no prices listed anywhere. 4. No n/a beer! Come on, stock at least one. Or Mountain Dew. In reference to points 3&4, I only spent money on tokens (2-for-1 before 9pm!). You could make more money off of me with expanded offerings :) Regardless, I'll be back again and again and again amd again. read more

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Drove by a few times and noticed the new business in the area was always packed. As fate would have it, there was a Yelp event. Great timing!! When I walked around both floors; I noticed Up-Down has about 50 -60 brand new working 60 arcade games from the '80s and '90s (Frogger, Caterpillar, Ms. Pac Man, Street Fighter, Galaga, various pinball... etc....), pinball machines, three skee-ball alleys, two or three Nintendo 64 console gaming sets, and a few huge patio games. The walls were covered in posters and a few movies from 1980-1990's playing. Very cleaver...something a 90's baby like me had seen in other cities but craving for Milwaukee for a while (smile). And the best part...craft beer and PIZZA by the slice or by the pie!! In all honesty, I'm not a huge beer fan, but there are tons here if you are. The first floor alone has a whole wall where the bartenders peek out there are so many local and international brews. As I played games and becoming nostalgic remembering spending days and nights trying to beat games laughing and joking with old high school and college friends - now I can do this with drinks...lol. I thought this could be a great "first date" or meet up place friends after work (to blow off steam). Being a more of a scotch, whiskey, and bourbon lover; and seeing so many beers available, I got curious-- was I cheating myself, so I asked the bartender to recommend to craft that was similar...She poured me a small flight glass of Lakefront Imperial Pumpkin Brandy Barrel-Aged Ale; it tasted full, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and an almost vanilla/caramel malt taste, with brandy, oak, and maybe vanilla? Now onto the pizza!! The meatball slice was almost two slices much bigger than my hand could hold. It was fresh out of the oven and a bit chewy huge chunks of Italian sausage, cheese, onion, peppers. Perfect paired with my ale. Try this place! Enjoy!! read more

Up-Down Milwaukee - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Super fun spot in the Lower Eastside. We got there when they just pulled out a fresh Mona Lisa pizza (cheese, basil, green pepper and tomato) that was delicious. Best for me: skeeball, pinball, Burgertime. Recommend going on Thursday to stock up on tokens -- 10 cent tokens. We snagged a cool $5 bucks (50 tokens) to reuse.other days, which is better than the 25 cent tokens (or 20). I'll be heading back sooner than later for more playtime. read more

Up-Down Milwaukee - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Up-Down is a whole lot of fun. Grab a drink from their extensive drink menu, munch on some fresh pizza from the in-house kitchen and game to your heart's delight. Up-Down has all the classic arcade options like Mario Cart, Skeeball and Pinball plus a few new additions like Killer Queen. This place is a ton of fun but prepare to wait a while to play your favorite game on popular nights like Friday and Saturday. read more

This place was super cool! We had some drinks and played some games! Cool atmosphere! read more

Up-Down Milwaukee - Game - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Pretty cool place. Arcades in superior condition. One thing, in Chicago barcades the arcades are ALL on freeplay. Here you have to pay to play, and you have to convert your money to tokens first! Why so many steps to just play some games? Anyhow, decent place but places in Chicago like Replay are way better read more

Super fun place if you don't want to just sit around and drink! They have lots of games and I loved seeing the vintage ones they had there as well! The beers on tap were great and the service was very good. My favorite was playing the skeeball. You should definitely go here with a group of people to have fun while drinking! It's an adult arcade! read more

Fun spot with great drinks and good pizza. We went for a work event and it was a great place for a group! The service was also great.

This place was SO fun! Perfect place for a date night. The game selection was great and the skee ball was even free! Drinks are cheap. A must visit while in Milwaukee! read more

Up-Down Milwaukee - Skee ball - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Old school retro arcade fun! Make sure to bring ID, and leave the kids at home illness it's the first Sunday of the month and it's before 2pm. I had a great time. read more

I came here on a Sunday with a friend after visiting the lake front brewery since they're within walking distance. It's a pretty neat place with two stories full of arcade games. They even have an outside that patio that you can play cornhole and some other activities. It's a lowkey and a cute spot to hangout! read more

I love this place. #2 best place to go in Milwaukee. Amazing service and they make strong drinks. Great music. Awesome place. Brooke was amazing and so pretty. Deshaiee was also amazing and super helpful on the drinks. Collin is so awesome. Ken is the bestest ever and he was SUPER sweet. Such a sweetheart ken is. read more

Up-Down Milwaukee - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Best retro arcade around! They have good deals and pretty good pizza. Perfect place for you and your friends.

Super fun atmosphere, even when crowded. As a die-hard pinball fan, you can understand why this place stands out to me with all the pins they have and that they are generally always up and running, at least in my experience. Nice to be able to take a break and grab a pizza without leaving too. Only downside for me is that I would LOVE to be able to bring my two kids in here and expose them to all these great pins and 80s/90s themed video games. This is really the only thing that keeps me from giving it a 5/5 stars. Up-Down if you're listening, figure out a way to allow the little ones access! Saturday mornings? 1-2 weeknights before 6pm? There's gotta be a way! read more

Came here before all this COVID stuff went down and just getting to writing a review. I was visiting from out of town and this place was awesome! They had so many games on 2 different floors and it was awesome! We came here on quarter night and games were great to play for the cost and definitely time to drink some beers! Would definitely come here again! read more

Loved this place! So many video games and pinball machines! The pizza was amazing! We had the Mac n cheese pizza (very good), the cheese pizza, and the margherrita pizza. All three slices were delicious... the crust was good, and the ingredients were fresh! Great selection of video games, classic console games, pinball games, and traditional games. The outdoor space was beautiful and inviting! This place was recommended by a local and we are so happy to have been! read more

This place is the jam. Cheap tokens, affordable brews and a great selection of pinball tables and classic games in great working condition. Great way to kill a few hours!! I will be returning regularly. read more

I haven't written a Yelp review in ages, but holy moly -- this arcade bar in the heart of Milwaukee is pretty solid. We stopped by today on the way to see some family and there is no shortage of nostalgic fun to be had with two levels of '80s/90s arcade games and (talk about some surprisingly) good order-at-the-counter pizza. It is an age-restricted (21+) arcade bar, though, as the staff stamp your hand at the door and check for your ID. Not a deal breaker since I'm well over that age now. ;) As far as game selection, it might not be nearly as robust as the family-friendly Garcade (which is admission-based free play), but there are plenty of awesome fighting/beat-em-up games (including Splatterhouse), light gun shooter games like The House of the Dead (my favorite), 4-player Hydro Thunder racing, (real) Skee Ball and I'd say around 10 pinball machines. Most of the machines were in operable condition, but there were a couple minor issues with them -- the Medieval Madness pinball flippers were sticky from beer. House of the Dead had no sound, either. I mean, what gamer isn't used to that "RELOAD" sound effect? :P Aside from that, I had fun testing my skills out in the various other games inside like Point Blank 2, and even Skee Ball. This arcade bar also has surprisingly good pizza by the slice, with spicy pepperoni and a nice, crispy crust. Beat that, Charles Entertainment Cheese! With how good the service was, alongside the inexpensively priced arcade games (nearly every game is only 1 token a pop), and yummy pizza, Up/Down MKE gets a low 4 out of 5 from me! read more

I went to Up-Down for the second time on Saturday with a few friends. Wowza! That place is packed to the brim. If you experience the same thing I did on a Saturday, you'll find it difficult to access any game. That being said, that's not their fault. It's just a new, popular place! I have been to a few other arcade bars in other cities, and this is by far the biggest I've seen. It is beautifully designed and so unique. Props to whoever designed the space. The token machine wasn't working when we were there and it was too busy to reach a bartender to ask about it. They did try to offset the busy-ness/bartender issue by serving cash drinks in the doorway. We happily accepted. read more

This place is great. The atmosphere really makes you feel like you're in an old school arcade, rocking out, while playing awesome games. The fact that each game is only 1 token is well worth the cost. Sundays are the best deal, $25 for 80 tokens, 6 tall boys and a fanny pack. The only complaint about this, if we go back on a Sunday, do I really need 2 up down fanny packs? Maybe switch it up to sunglasses or koozies... The outdoor patios are also awesome, theyre spacious and have fun yard games you can play as an alternative. The only issue I had was how busy it was and how many people love pinball....unless you stayed on a machine for awhile, good luck getting one. I guess I'd suggest getting more pin ball machines. Also! Fix paperboy! It looked like the best game there :) Definitely worth checking out at least once! Even if you're not a gamer, the bars are great with a crazy selection of tap beers. read more

I have to give it 5. First of all. There is a TON of space at this place. I love the fact that when it's crowded, you can still move around without the claustrophobic feeling of being trapped. You wont find that here!! Plenty of room to move around with your beer in your hand and play some awesome vintage video games, or you can head outside to the patio, 1st $ 2nd floor, to chill and play games as well. The service is really good as well, from Security to Bar Tenders, everyone is super cool and very helpful. Never had any problems with customer service. I got my money taken by a machine that wasn't working. I went up to the barkeep, and he asked me how much did I put into the machine and gave me my money with nooo question! Nice! ;) The video games are awesome, totally a throwback of my childhood from the 80's. Some of the best times in my life, and they all came running back to me. They had games like, the Simpsons, Street Fighter II, Ninja Turtles, WWF Wrestling, Skeet Ball, Air Hockey, Jenga Connect Four and much more! It definitely is the place you can be a kid again without someone yelling at you to turn those games off! LOL Lastly but the best, THE PIZZA!! This pizza is definitely one of the best in Milwaukee. You're probably thinking..."Best pizza in the arcade?" I'm here to tell you YES!!! You can even take a huge 16inch home for 25 bucks! The Crust is amazing, flaky and crunchy, the sauce is savory and has good acidity for a burst of flavor, and the toppings are TOP NOTCH. They have 8 different pizza's to choose from. You can get a slice or a 16 to feed many. I live down the street from this place and it's hard to resist going here everyday! HA! Good job guys read more

Pretty fun games are awesome, pizzas pretty good There's outside seating Would be great if they had pool tables though read more

My two friends and I went here and had a great time! Wide selection of alcoholic drinks that were tasty! We loved playing skeeball and Pac-Man and they even have old Mario kart on a TV definitely an arcade lovers dream place! One of my friends also got free 25 tokens for her birthday read more

It's a great spot to take friends from out of town and I really like the multi leveled outdoor space. A little bit bummed that it's 21+ because I do have some friends that are 20 that haven't been able to get in but oh well. Also everyone raves about the pizza but if you've had good pizza you'd know their pizza is mediocre. Maybe a 6.4/10. Fun times though and I would return again. read more

This place was a good time. Arcade games and drinks... all of the classics.... I'm not really into arcade gaming but that's what I'm told. Good bar section - younger crowd last night when we went. read more

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SO COOL! This place is awesome. They have tons or old school arcade games, pin ball, ski ball, and great drinks! Huge beer selection as well! My wife and I had a great time and I love video games and she is iffy about them. It would be a great venue for a group of friends. They also have a window you can buy slices of pizza from which is awesome! One negative is it needs to be bigger because a lot of the time there are so many people you can't find a game which is annoying. It is also very good priced! Would recommend for a nice night out! read more

Five stars all the way for this one, folks. I mean, what's not to love? Great pizza (try the meatball), a fantastic beer selection (loved the Arturo), and all of the iconic arcade games and pinball machines from the 80's and 90's, including the holy grail of pinball: Addams Family. Yes, please!! My only complaint would be that the skeeball machines might need some repair. We lost a token and a ball got stuck as we tried to play. Not a huge deal and certainly didn't overshadow our evening. We had such a fun date night at Up Down, and cannot wait to return! read more

I was excited to check out Up-Down when it first opened. They have a lot of games and an overall fun atmosphere. Their bartenders are attentive and they make decent drinks. They even give you 40 tokens if you celebrate your birthday with them! I can understand the draw of this place, especially if you're someone who is super into video games. However, I'm only 24 and I honestly feel too old for this place. If you want to hangout with college students / ex-frat boys this is the place to be. I've been twice now and I have left feeling the same way each time. Hopeful at the beginning, but overall disappointed in the end. read more

Only reason it's not 5 stars is because of the pizza. It's pretty awful. Everything else.. The service, the quality and quantity of drinks, the prices, the ambience is all terrific. But the pizza no Bueno. Try beating 148k on pacman, my score read more

Really neat and unique bar in MKE! A fun place for a group outing to help break the ice. Tons of options for games, great drink menu (beer & ciders), and HUGE slices of pizza! Definitely a place to check out on Brady Street! read more

Up-Down Milwaukee - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Disrespectful bartenders and mediocre food. The whole experience left a poor taste, will not be returning in the future.