Comic books and superhero-centric tales go hand-in-mask with video contests and timeless board games.
Which is why several Valley watering holes aim to please those who crave their nostalgia with a healthy dose of nerdom.
Whether your weapon of dominance shines on the Scrabble board or is revealed through the jaws of a hungry Ms. Pac-Man, indulge your inner geek over a few drinks and snacks at these bars and be surrounded by like-minded gamers. Here are 14 arcade bars around metro Phoenix where you can let out your inner game geek.
Thunderbird Lounge
Calling the historic 1930s Wagon Wheel Building home makes sense for this beloved haven for all things arcade and nostalgic. Pinball is making a comeback so there’s a machine to get you up to speed if you’re rusty. There’s a giant Jenga in the back, or try your reflexes at arcade games including Donkey Kong Jr., Centipede, Ms. Pac-Man, D-Five and Nintendo PlayChoice-10 contests such as Super Mario Brothers 3, Contra, Double Dragon, and Mike Tyson’s Punch Out. Sip on a wide selection of beers ($3-$7) while snacking on chips and popcorn ($3) or pizza ($8-$10).
Details: 710 W. Montecito Ave. Phoenix. 602-283-4621, facebook.com/ThunderbirdLoungePHX.
The Bonus Round
Proudly touting itself as “The Valley’s Only Nerd Bar,” this spot offers board games, arcade classics including Joust, pinball, video games and rare finds like the Japanese version of Jurassic Park. Fuel up on a chicken, pork or veggie gordita ($6.99) pumped up with Monterey Jack, fajita-style onions and red peppers, salsa and sour cream.
Details: 24 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-374-6936, facebook.com/BonusRoundPhx.
Cobra Arcade Bar
More than 200 vintage arcade games await, as does a list of beers and wine, with food trucks at the ready. Wax nostalgic with games including Galaga, Mario Brothers, Frogger, Donkey Kong and Space Invaders.
Details: 801 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602- 595-5873, cobraarcadebar.com.
Linger Longer Lounge
The game room at this bar is loaded with electronic darts and old-school arcade games including Skee-Ball. Try your hand at table matches such as Jenga and Connect 4 while listening to tunes spun from a vinyl collection and noshing on pizzas including the margherita combo Analog ($12) and the Ziggy Stardust ($13) with prosciutto, figs, blue cheese and arugula. Pair it with the Hells Bells ($9) cocktail made with tequila, ancho reyes verde and cilantro.
Details: Linger Longer Lounge Bar & Grill, 6522 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-265-0600, lingerlongeraz.com.
Rewined Beer and Wine Bar
If you’re a fan of the 80s, this place is a must. In addition to dozens of board games such as Operation, Upwords and Battleship, cassette tapes serve as bar top décor and floppy disks as coasters. Local selections are among the rotating selection of 130 beers, ciders and wines. Bring in your own munchies, or snack on free popcorn and other bites like cheese puffs, peanut butter pretzel bites, grilled cheese ($2-$3) and local Syrian Sweets Exchange baklava that supports refugees ($5 for 4). Also, 10 percent of every draft pint sold is donated to a local school or charity.
Details: 3308 N. 24th St., Phoenix. 602-429-9660, facebook.com/rewinedphx.
The Whining Pig
Get your competitive vibes on with Uno, Rock Em Sock Em Robots and more. There’s a selection of wine and beer, and a succinct food menu comprised of two items. Choose from a selection of grilled cheese sammies or split a meat and cheese plate ($14) with pals.
Details: 10121 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-361-6890. Also, 2512 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert. 480-696-4004. Other locations at thewhiningpig.com.
MORE: Pinball and pizza lounge to share space with the Van Buren downtown
Gypsy Bar
Located inside Lucky Strike at Cityscape, this room flaunts arcade games like NBA, Skee-Ball and Guitar Hero alongside life-size formats of Pac-Man and Connect 4. There’s Jenga for those looking to compete on a smaller scale. Munch on a handheld salad of smoked shrimp and avocado in a mango vinaigrette ($13), tempura chicken tenders ($12) or kalua pork nachos served in a flour tortilla bowl ($13).
Details: 50 W. Jefferson St, Phoenix. 602-732-5490, gypsybarphoenix.com.
The Little Woody
Like its sister watering hole Linger Longer Lounge, this dimly lit hotspot offers ample booze-free distractions. Skee-ball and foosball get customers up and moving, while table contests including checkers and Rock Em Sock Em Robots keep them seated while sipping. The full bar features whiskey flights ($10-$16), while the food lineup aims to impress with a truffle mushroom flatbread ($10), beef and brie panini ($10) and waffle bites with cinnamon mascarpone and vanilla bourbon syrup ($7).
Details: 4228 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-955-0339, littlewoodyaz.com.
Snakes and Lattes
Be prepared to get your game on with hundreds of board game battles in this Canada-based gathering spot’s library. For $5, play all day with games such as Monopoly, Word Slam and Drunk, Stoned or Stupid. A lineup of food, cocktails, beer, wine and coffee keeps patrons fueled for hours. Poutine fans will find good options including the southwest version ($12.95) with tinga chicken, cotija and pico de gallo and a dessert rendition ($7.95) featuring funnel cake fries, powdered sugar, ice cream and salted caramel.
Details: 20 W. Sixth St., Tempe. 480-361-6644, snakesandlattes.com/location/tempe.
Electric Bat Arcade
It’s all about the pinball at this quaint central Tempe spot located in the venerable Yucca Tap Room. Dozens of machines boast themes like Strikes and Spares, Metallica, Dracula and Walking Dead. Satisfy thirst and hunger at Yucca’s full bar and menu featuring a taco lineup of veggie, chicken, mahi mahi and carne asada ($2-$3), and baos with bulgogi, fried chicken or tofu ($4.50).
Details: 25 W. Southern Ave., Tempe. 480-967-4777, electricbatarcade.com.
The Grid: Games and Growlers
A dizzying lineup of 600-plus video games runs the gamut from vintage to contemporary and kid movie-inspired to grown-up combat action. Ponder and endless selection of Atari and Sega offerings or indulge your inner career fantasies with WrestleMania or James Bond 007. The straight-forward menu provides basic sustenance like mac & cheese bites ($10) and popcorn shrimp ($8). There’s a burger with fried egg on it ($13) and wings ($9-$14) that include a vegan version with fried cauliflower ($7).
Details: 525 S Gilbert Road, Mesa. 480-621-8088, thegridmesa.com.
8-Bit Aleworks
Craft beer enthusiasts gather here, where old-school video game décor, nostalgic arcade games including Donkey Kong Junior and computer contests like Super Mario are nearly as popular as the ales. Try a flight ($7.50) that includes beers bearing names like Hopsassin’s Creed and Legend of Zymur.
Details: 1050 N. Fairway Drive, Suite F-101, Avondale. 623-925-1650, 8-bitaleworks.com.
Modern Round
Here, the video game spotlight is on the visual shooting lounge, where participants at all shooting levels test their skills in drills, live-action missions and game scenarios in nearly every genre. Hourly rates range from $10-$45. A full bar is accompanied by a menu that spans every course from starters to desserts to complement a vibe that’s more upscale than a typical arcade. It includes a hot dog wellington ($12), mahi mahi tacos ($14) and filet mignon featuring Arizona-grown Angus beef that makes its way into tacos ($16) and as a 6-ounce steak partnered with mashed potatoes and vegetables ($25).
Details: 8320 W. Mariners Way, Peoria. 623-388-6900, modernround.com.
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