The worst place i've ever been to. Staff so unfriendly. Not once did I even consider smiling in this establishment. the bouncers, the bartenders, the games made me so apprehensive about ever going out again. I will never come back. The people in the pizza line were also unfriendly. read more

I was sadly underwhelmed by Up-Down. We came on a Friday night and I was hoping to experience a fun arcade scene with my friends, but there were more pinball machines than anything. The entire vibe of the place is sadly lacking. I just felt as if people kept to themselves and weren't interested in being too social. I think Connect Four and SkeeBall were the best games in the room and the only things I would go back to play. read more

FUN! This place screams my hometown arcade. I went on a weeknight and it wasn't overly packed in the least. I have heard it can be overwhelming on the weekend nights, and being crammed into a space makes me very uncomfortable. I was so glad it was open and got a drink right away. Loved the outdoor space and everything about the concept! read more

These guys make the best god damn vodka Red Bull in town. I've ordered the vodka red bull in almost every bar south of the river and these guys make the best. Arcade games are fun, but super hard for a dumbass that doesn't know anything about video games. They have a great Mac n cheese slice of za and you can get a walking taco if you want to throw it back. Good date spot. Lots of beer options. Worth a ride through and maybe you'll get lucky. read more

I went with a bunch of people for an event. Honestly I have been wanting an excuse to check it out. This place is my dream arcade! Setting all the pricing to 25. for the games means I can finally afford to play all I want. They have all your favorite games including some really fun, but strange ones from the past. My absolute favorite game ever Crystal Castles. That game got a lot of my lunch money in Jr. High. I love how many co-play games there are. Seems like people are willing to join in on open spots, as it should be. Playing the competitive Pac-Man was a blast. The pizza 5$ was delicious, huge( far too much for my apatite) I tried the mac and cheese with bacon. The hot pepper flakes could be hotter. The beer selection was great. Even better was the service. I stupidity picked a beer with a ton of hops. I told the bar tender I would happily pay for something else but couldn't drink that. He smiled at me said not a fan of big hops? I sad nope. He recommended something great. A sweet potato beer. I didn't think I would like as I don't generally like sweet beer. Turned out tasty, and not too sweet. We also had a great time playing giant Jenga Onda the back deck. We got it high enough that at least one of our players would not have been able to reach the next level. All in all. I can't wait to go back. Even with the parking, and the crowd. SO MUCH FUN. read more

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If you like old school arcade games this place is for you. Pac Man, Galaga, Tron, plus many more and most games are .25 cents. They have a great selection of local beers on tap along with some tall boys. They also have specials everyday of the week. read more

Shitty service, overcrowded and overrated. I had a TAP beer and I didn't like it and they wouldn't refund it. So I paid $8 for a shitty beer that tasted like vomit and they wouldn't switch it out for me or anything. read more

This place is super fun! Literally one of the funnest bars I've been to in Minneapolis! Pizza, excellent beer selection and video games! 2x4 Jinga too! Had a blast!! It's a great place to mingle and meet other people in a fun environment. read more

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If you are a human you will love this bar. 60 beers on tap, tons of vintage arcade games, skeeball, giant jenga and connect four, good bartenders, super nice wait staff, really good pizza and a super fun crowd. read more

When I heard this place as coming to Minneapolis I was pretty excited, even more so when I found it it was going to be in my neighborhood! The three player game of Off-Road is an amazing game that I haven't played since I was a little kid. Last night I got back into it and while it started rocky, I was able to win one race at least! 4-player pac-man may be my favorite game in the place, it gets pretty heated and it's a great way to meet new people and make new friends, with the table top style game perfect for trash talking your opponents that you just met 2 minutes ago! Some of the machines are a little finicky in the way you have to put the tokens in, but that is to be expected, these are old games! With that being said, when a machine stops working they replace your token immediately and put a sign on the machine so too many people don't have to go through the same thing. Great beer list and they do a special each day of the week that runs all day and night. Oh, by the way, they play American Gladiators on loop! read more

I've had my eye on this place since it opened but never made it out, mostly because Uptown. Then we had a Yelp event here and I had so much fun, I had to come back with my husband. As luck would have it my brother happened to be in town when we decided to head in on a Monday night. Parking: atrocious, but this is to be expected. Firstly, you get carded and stamped before going in. I don't know if they let minors in, I have yet to see any young kids - let's please keep it that way, this definitely is not the place for them. This is a place for us millenials-Gen X/Yers to relive our youth by yelling at video games while swigging beer. There's also giant versions of Jenga and Connect 4 outside. Once inside, you will see a plethora of arcade games that anyone 25-35+ should recognize. Mario, Mortal Combat, Street Fighter, Simpsons, X-Men, lots of pinball, driving games, oh my. Head to the bar and choose a beer from their impressive tap list, or something with hard liquor. Buy some tokens while you're up there! Plenty of spots to set your beer while you play. There's Mario Cart and Super Smash Bros on big screens, people are pretty good about rotating out to let others play. Remember that N64 controller you had that didn't work quite right? Yeaaa they got those too. We were playing Mario Kart and Yoshi would drift to the right unless I was constantly tapping the joystick :( The big screens are also a bit difficult actually since those games were definitely not made to be blown up that large, heh. It is still a great time though - my husband, brother, and another random guy were all yelling at each other while we played. Service is good, the staff at the bar is quick and there are others walking around the arcade who will refresh your beverages if needed. Bathrooms are nice and clean! We had a really great time, and will definitely be back! read more

Was very impressed after checking this place out. I've been to a few other arcade bars and these guys do it the best. Nice and open with ample patio space. They have an expansive beer selection and their drinks are reasonably priced. this location serves pizza which I did not try myself but it certainly looked good. They have a great arrangement of games. There were only 2 or 3 classics that I was surprised they didn't have but other than that they're all there: ms. pacman, nba jam, 6-player x-men. They have 2 n64's on a big screen as well as giant jenga and connect 4. As others have stated, the place gets really packed but there's not much they can do about it besides having ample staff. If you're wanting to have full access to all the games, you have to find a way to go during their off peak times. Regardless, it's a great place to hang out. read more

I'm a product of the 80's' do I have a bias for arcade's? Hell yeah!!! I've travel to a few major cites and these barcade type joint are popping up every where. I stop at them all, and love them. Up-Down has a great variety of ol'school video game that are surprisingly in good shape, other places I've been the machines have been just beat. Time will tell with that. I'm a pinball player and they have about 9 machines from brand new to classic 90's, thumbs up for this guy. Oh, they also have skee ball, Nintendo on a big screen to play, and big version of games I played as a kid, pre video game, games like connect 4. The beer selection is quite large, most of it is shitty craft beer, just my opinion so don't light me up. I prefer the champagne of beer's, which they have in tall boys and the price was fair. I have not tried there food but read it's ok. Try at you own risk. American gladiator and old school wrestling on big screens while playing games and drinking beer? Shit what more do you need! The place is new, and super busy, be prepared to wait for everything. I hope that Pokemon go will shu some of them millennials out of there,with there selfie picture taking and bad ol'school arcade etiquette. Look Facebook in playing donkey kong. BEWARE! read more

Up-Down - Bars Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This is the best arcade/pinball spot I've ever been to. It's even got Ski-ball and N64... The pizza is AMAZING, and the salad was delicious too!! They've got an impressive on-tap selection, and the staff was friendly. This IS 21+ all day. Great music, food, and games. If I lived in Minneapolis, I'd be here every day. read more

Depending what you are looking for this place is a lot of fun and really entertaining. It can sometimes be cramped trying to navigate through the machines and crowd but other than that, it is a great execution of a barcade. Food - I have to start with this, even though it was the last thing I had but the pizza here is out of this world. You want an epic mac n cheese pizza, this is the place to get it. The noodles were HUGE and it was so cheesy I couldn't get enough. If you are looking for a late night snack they have a pizza window in the back and you can either order by the slice or a whole pizza ranging from $4 - $5 a slice. Well worth it, especially for the size of the slice you get. Bar - The bar has a great selection of beer and ciders. I mainly had the ciders but I was not disappointed with the selection like at most bars I've been to. I had a ginger one, black cherry one and the last I can't remember too much but it did have an odd flavor to it. The ginger cider was really good and refreshing, the best however was the black cherry which actually tasted exactly, EXACTLY like a cherry starburst. I can't remember the brewery but if you see a black cherry cider, try it! The drinks are also reasonably priced at I believe $6 - $8 (?) a glass. Arcade - HUGE selection of arcade games. I mean this IS a barcade after all. I went with a group of friends and I myself am not a huge arcade fan, but I did enjoy lots of skeeball and this one beer game where you had to sink a ball into specific numbered holes (it was insanely addicting). Promotions! - The most important part, that I didn't see on their website or advertised anywhere. On your birthday if you go to the bar and show them your I.D. they will give you free coins! Can't go wrong with that! I still have plenty left over from the amount they gave me, easily lasted me all night! Also, check their website for deals. One promotion I didn't notice until after we had left was that they have a $35 ($25 on Sundays) 6-pack and a pound special where you get 6 beers and 80 tokens! But I have to include, the tokens come in a fanny pack! Overall - A fun experience that I would gladly come back for. If you are looking for a fun night that doesn't involve a night club and gives you all the nerdy arcade gaming and beer/ cider selection you could ask for, this is the place to be! Don't forget the pizza. THE PIZZA! read more

This place is pure nostalgia, with 90s movies constantly on view on the TVs, pinball, skee-ball, and classic arcade games like Frogger and Mortal Kombat. They also have newer games like Pac-Man Battle Royale and giant connect four. The tap list is really extensive and highlights Minnesota craft beers. The one downside is that it gets crowded and you often have to wait to play your favorite games read more

How have I not written a review about one of my favorite places in Uptown? First off, I was raised on pinball since I could stand. We had two working old school machines in our basement we would play all the time. So the pinball machines are huge to me, I also love arcade games and spent most of my childhood in arcades. It's like being a kid again...Well except for alcohol, lots of it, which I love. They have a fantastic beer list and if you can brave the crowd (It's literally always busy!) I recommend you check it out. My boyfriend won't play me in Mortal Kombat anymore... read more

SUPER fun bar that gets very crowded on the weekends. During the summer they have two patios open with games (Jenga and connect four) to play. With a great beer selection, cocktails and a classic arcade, it's a great night out in Uptown. read more

No happy hour for adult children. I heard they have pizza. Do not pass Go do not collect two hundred dollars. read more

I've spent way more time here than I should. Whenever the husband and I are out on date night we always seem to end up here! Why you ask? They have a massive tap list that has mostly local brews, with great on them prices I might add. A pizza station for when you get hungry after tapping away on all those games (or to soak up the beer). And finally, what everyone comes here for; the amazing game selection! They have old games from the 80's and some newer games as well. I always go straight to the pinball section because they have such a great variety of pinball machines (I think 9 or 10?) and then I make my loop around the room to see what else I should spend my tokens on. Honestly, I've spent wayyy too many tokens on paperboy... will he ever complete his route?? I can't name all the games there, I haven't even played all the games there, there's too many to count! I haven't even mentioned the best part; it's so fricken cheap!! We've spent about $20 on tokens since we've been going there because you get so many! We always come home with the infamous plastic cup full of our tokens and keep it handy for the next night out. This place is great for a date night if you're 21+ and don't forget your ID! Give it a try, it's a little crowded, but hey, everyone's nice and takes their turn! read more

Cool space, just too many people to enjoy. Lots of games but two token machines were out of order. It was crowded (Friday night at 830pm) so getting to the working machine was difficult. Photo booth was a nice touch. Love the movies they show on their TVs and the drink tubs with tall boys on either side of the space is a good call, since the bar was really busy! read more

Up-Down is my first love. It is the one that got away. It is the fawns betwixt my lovers arms, and it is the sultry minx that always puts out. For he that taps with his left, shalt only tap with his right-eth, shalt his joystick dismay! I doth not know another watering hole that wetteth thou whistle the same way their various taps quench thy soul! But for realz, Up-Down is the best establishment in the twin cities, please give them your money! read more

Games on Games. There's games, a good long list of beer and decent pizza. I like the variety of games and that there are a handful of two to four player options. Plus it's easy to make new friends if you're seeking someone to explain a game to you. My favorites are the giant Connect Four and Jenga, four person Pac-Man, functioning skee ball (hint hint - other area establishments) and of course the Killer Queen. It's complicated and sort of spendy but worth it. Other features are the patio area in the front and back. It's busy so I would recommend going early or be patient. read more

I absolutely love this place. There is no beating their Sunday special of 6 tall boys and a fanny pack full of tokens for $25! You can easily spend a couple of hours here on $10 worth of tokens any day of the week. The pizza is great, the beers are highly varied and rotate often, and the community of people who come here regularly are very welcoming. It can get a bit packed on Friday and Saturday nights. There's something here for everyone and...no children! They are very strict about ID-ing and now have scanners to detect fakes. It is also company policy that they do not allow anyone with a restricted driver's license into the venue as a result of a DUI or DWI. read more

PLEASE BRING ONE OF THESE TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA! Preferably Oakland or Berkeley. A full bar with 60 taps and every old school video game i could ask for? Who wouldn't love this place! read more

Great atmosphere, although might be a bit much if you get claustrophobic around too many people. Arcade games for days. Also, the pizza is fantastic (and really big slices). read more

Adult arcade bars (meaning it is 21+) were popping up in California like wildfires. When I moved out here my friends were so excited to tell me about this new and exciting place where there was retro arcade games and booze. Up-Down is great for a gathering of friends when you aren't sure what you want to do. It combines games, drinks, and food all in one place. The space is big. There are two patios, a pinball section, arcade section, and misc games (skee ball and the like). That being said if you come at the wrong times (night time or later weekends) it can be packed. I've been in more crowded arcades than this one, but it still can feel a bit cramped. The arcade games are cheap and plentiful here. It costs about a quarter a game, so you won't break the bank. There is also plenty of options for everyone. I personally love arcade games, but some of my friends were happy to play connect four on the patio. There will be something for everyone in your group. The bar has a good selection of beers and cocktails. It was surprisingly good considering these places usually don't do a great job with beer. You will be able to find something to drink and get you out on the arcade floor. The pizza is a major highlight though. If you don't get the Mac and Cheese pizza something is wrong with you. It was AMAZING. Worth the trip out there alone. It hit all the spots you want when drinking and playing video games. We had a diverse group of friends (gamers to the never picked up a controller in their life) and we all had fun. 80/100 read more

Cool concept and cool bar. Lots of old games from my childhood that I had forgotten about, and the price on them was not bad at all. Lots of choice for drinks, too. It was raining when I went so we couldn't sit outside, and it felt cramped inside. It was very crowded, hard to get time on the games, and weren't a lot of places to sit. I bet it would be better with nicer weather though. read more

Loved Up-Down! Amazing beer selection. I'm not much of a game player, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Can't wait for the patio and rooftop to open. The pizza was surprisingly delicious. The bacon mac & cheese really hit the spot (even before i was drinking). Staff is friendly and helpful. read more

We took friends from out of town here and had lots of fun. They have fun, old school games. There were lots of options at the bar and a very efficient and streamlined way to get food. The rooftop was great. We'll definitely be coming back. read more

Video games are not my thing just ask my 12 year old who I constantly nag to do chores instead of playing Wi then Xbox 360 now Xbox one. A yelp event brought me here. I only played skee ball and had a personal best of 240. The bartenders and pizza staff were very nice. The pizza maker even gave times when next pizzas would be done. I had Bacon and Macaroni and Cheese pizza and it was good and filling. This place was a nice diversion from working all day. Cool concept even for non gamers like me. Suggestion: Add trivia games. read more

Okay, I love this place. Not only is it in a great walking area, but it's got so many classic games! (Even Fix it Felix Jr. from Wreck-it-Ralph) The tap selection is solid, but I do wish they had more ciders to choose from. Pizza is solid, heavy, and tasty. Price on it isn't bad either for the size of the slice. The major caveat I have about UP-Down is that the place is always packed after 8pm, every day of the week. This makes it super hard to play any of the good games/N64s that they have (even with a front and back patio with Connect 4 and Jenga). read more

Up-Down has a new fan! Good beer prices and the overwhelming rush of nostalgia had me hooked from the moment I walked in the door! A wide range of games including the classics (Galaga, Dig Dug, King Kong, etc.), multiple pinball machines, skee ball, and others could keep you busy for hours. My group was introduced to Killer Queen, which is a really fun game for a larger group! There is a pizza stand/window if you are looking for food, however, I did not try any. My only complaint is some of the machines were out of order. I'm sure this varies by visit- I'm hopeful they are repaired in a timely manner for my next visit! read more

This place was one of the coolest bars I have been to in the twin cities! I loved playing all of the old arcade games and pinball machines.

Fun and unique place! Some of the games could use some updating, like the gun on one of the shooting games doesn't work that well, but it's what you get for old school gaming! More skee ball and Pac man games would be a plus! A good cleaning of the place would be nice too. Seems grimey. Fun and inexpensive entertainment though! read more

Fun place. We happened to go on a Saturday afternoon when coins were 2 for 1. Played games for about an hour but it was so packed you had to wait in line for the good games. It's a fun-loud bar to hang out at for an afternoon but gets a little old after about an hour or two at max. So many old school arcade games. Minimal group games. read more

Up down is a total flashback for me. The place holds numerous 80's and 90's arcade games that uses tokens and has free life size jinga, connect four and N64. Up Down has many TVs, but they don't play sports, they plays 90's movies such as Terminator, 5th Element, the Goonies and the coolest 90's show ever... American Gladiator. Do I need to say more?!?! Beer selection is great, cocktails, not soo much. Haven't tried the food, but it appears like the typical concession stand pizza. This is a must see and play place. Forewarn- weekends can get packed! read more

I have been wanting to experience Up-Down since it opened and I thought maybe I could this past Thursday. It was before 8 pm and I had just finished with an art event down the street. I was with two friends and my daughter. I had a feeling Up-Down might be 21+, but maybe before a certain hour it wasn't? I just wasn't sure so we tried anyway. As I got to the door I read 21+. My friends and I asked a few questions and then I was mocked by one of the two door bouncers, a long haired man. It was completely uncalled for. Where I go with my daughter is none of his business, but he felt the need to mouth off. I immediately called to speak to management, preferably an owner but over 48 hours later I'm still waiting. read more

Keep the tokens coming. Star Wars pinball all day and they have a tekken 5 cabinet. Great line up of beers and solid pizza!

I am very close to giving Up-Down 5 stars, but some of the games are just a tad over priced if you ask me. Everything else (the selection of games, beers on tap, and slices of pizza) is right on point. I am definitely looking forward to their arrival in Milwaukee. read more