Barcades

Barcades are hybrid entertainment venues that combine a drinking establishment with an arcade. They typically offer a bar or restaurant alongside a collection of arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and sometimes modern video games on consoles or dedicated cabinets. The atmosphere emphasizes social play, with guests encouraged to share games, compete in casual high-score challenges, or watch others play.

The barcade concept emerged in the United States in the early 2000s during a resurgence of interest in retro games and craft beer culture. The term barcade is a portmanteau of bar and arcade. Early examples set a template for venues that could appeal to adults seeking nostalgic gaming without traditional family-friendly environments.

Menus vary but commonly include beer, cocktails, and snacks, with some venues offering full meals. Game libraries emphasize a mix of classic arcade cabinets from the 1970s–1990s, classic pinball, and newer indie titles. Payment models range from token play to magnetic cards or pay-per-ride pricing, and staff often service, repair, and troubleshoot machines.

Barcades function as social hubs and community spaces, hosting tournaments, trivia nights, and casual meetups; they are part of a broader arcade and gaming culture. Regional differences exist in licensing, age restrictions, and tilt toward vintage hardware versus modern gaming experiences. Some venues are exclusively adult-oriented, while others operate as family-friendly spaces with separate alcohol areas or limited hours.

See also: Arcade, Video game cafe, List of arcades.