It looks like we’re going to have a (much needed) rainy winter this year, so here’s a great way to spend some time indoors: wearing out your thumbs on 1980s vintage arcade games at BREWCADE (that link isn’t quite live yet, by the way). The bar is from Shawn Vergara of the nearby Blackbird and his sister, Tiffny Vergara Chung, and they have created a veritable fantasy playground for grown-ups. They’ve got 24 vintage gaming machines from the 1980s, offering as many as 50 different games (many machines are multiplay), along with 25 beers on tap, 5 wines on tap, and a selection of carbonated, low-alcohol cocktails. There is also a wide selection of nonalcoholic sodas, from The Fizzary, and coffee from Stumptown, along with a “French-Italian sparkling slushie.” For food, they’ve got a “munchie bar” serving inexpensive snacks ($2-$5) including caramel corn, jerky, chicharrones, and nuts.
So, about those games. The selection is impressive, and includes classics like Pac-Man and Mrs. Pacman, Tetris, and Mario Bros., as well as more obscure titles like Galaxian, Jungle Hunt, and Xevious. Here is a partial list of games on offer, but many more will be available as well. The games will take quarters, though whether or not that means the pricing will also be vintage isn’t clear yet.
The space was designed by Craige Walters, who is also responsible for Fable, Romper Room, and Golden Gate Tap Room. The retro theme has been emphasized in the space, along with an industrial vibe. There is also a patio, with four tables, and a sleek, modern wall-mounted jukebox to keep the soundtrack fun. Hours are 3pm-2am Mon-Fri and 2pm-2am Sat-Sun. 2200 Market St. #102 at 15th St., no phone.
