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shapudding

Pennsylvania

4.64/5  rDev +7.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5

Strolling down the street my crew almost walked past the entrance until I grabbed them. You walk into what seems a bit like an old warehouse -but smaller, the Blitheringidiot pointed out that it may have been an old movie theatre. We got there at a great time, just a few minutes before 7pm on a Saturday, so we got great seats at the bar and there was only about 12 customers in there at that time. Cool, beaten up old building, with a bartop that looks like poured concrete with a few thick inches of paint on-top. 2 booths in the back. I counted 27 taps with a good amount of representation from VT, MA, and OR. -I do not remember seeing any macro-representation in there, but I really didn't take my eyes too far from the huge listing on the chalkboard with such great micros. There was also Dogfish Head honey brown rum -which is outstanding! -and DFH blue hen vodka, which was damn fine too. There is a chalkboard listing the high scores and scorers for the 20 video games that line the walls. And yep, there is a change machine to get your quarters at the end of the bar. The boys freaked out for the Frogger and DigDug, there is a Ms.Pacman that is on speed, and the BI and I did some drunk driving on the one car game! There are beer holders for you next to the games- well, wood slabs between them! There is also one pool table. This is just a fun place, with a good casual atmosphere. I did not see one kid in there, which is a huge plus. You get the fun of video games, amazing beer, good tunes in the background, and none of the chaos that you have to deal with when going to a Dave and Buster's or Jillian's.
Our bartender was Jon Miller, who was great about dealing with my crew's beergeeking on the brews, my asking about -well, everything. Great friendly and attentive service. Jon even called us a cab for us (man, that was interesting!!!)
(We did not ask about food, and I did not see anything mentioned.)
This is definately one I will have to come back to!

03-20-2005 19:13:16 | More by shapudding

socon67

New York

3.87/5  rDev -10.6%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$$

Final stop on a Brooklyn pub crawl.

A - A mix of gamers and craft beer drinkers with a touch of hipsters. And yet, these were all the same people. A funky out of the box concept that beckons to your youth if you grew up in the 80's.

Q - While the pours were all good, the chalkboard was a bit disorgainzied and the laminated tap list I got was a couple strikes on the first 2 things I ordered and they were out of. But glassware was correct and overall it worked out.

Ser - Made recommendations for what I should try. For a busy bar these folks were quick which was appreciated.

Sel - Great selection and plenty of options. I'm taking a little off the score as my first 2 choices were out when I ordered them. Would have made sense to update the chalkboard...

V - A little pricey because the pours on a few were 8-10oz. Now they do tell you that on their board so I wasn't surprised ahead of time. But I've seen better pricing for the same selections in Brooklyn.

A great novelty and fun to relive your childhood with beer, but I wouldn't make this a regular option if I lived close enough.

03-10-2013 20:02:44 | More by socon67

vfgccp

New York

4.36/5  rDev +0.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

They have a great selection of rotating craft beers on tap, 24 taps in total I believe. The workers all seem to know what they're talking about and have knowledge on all the beers, and have no problem giving out tastings. They frequently have nights hosted by specific breweries where they take over the taps, for instance just recently I went for the Founders night and got my hands on CBS, Bolt Cutter, Curmudgeon's Better Half, the list goes on, even got to talk to one of the main guys from Founders about all the beers which was great. There's also, as the name implies, an array of old classic video games, including Marble Madness lining the walls, all running on quarters just like the old days. They don't serve food, but it's Brooklyn, there's good food all over. All in all it's a great place, a mix of the old and the new. I've gone here 3 or 4 times and will definitely go again.

01-08-2013 16:04:26 | More by vfgccp

neuromancer9k

Connecticut

4.41/5  rDev +1.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | $$

Best selection of craft beer I have ever seen in a public establishment. I happened to catch a happy hour (running until 8:00 PM), which meant nearly everything was available in a 10 oz pour for $5.00-$6.00 ..which may not sound cheap, but is almost stealing in the context of NYC. The service was quick and attentive, which usually isn't a given if you're a guy, and/or over 30. The drafts for the night/week are up on the to be expected blackboard, but these were also printed out and left on the bar in case you were looking for a bit of a description....a nice touch since most of the brews available were new to me.

Lots on tap and lots of classic video games from the early 80s, and at 80s prices, which is also a rarity for any place that has them. Not much in the way of food, although some chips and jerky were on hand, so eat elsewhere beforehand if you're really hungry.

Not the fanciest establishment, but excellent for what it offers. They had a couple of wines (1 red, 1 white) on-hand for my wife, who isn't much of a beer drinker. Was good to see a decent-sized crowd coming in, and most of the games were in good working order. Definitely a place I would visit again...would love see something like this closer to where I live (CT). Just leave your BMC-loving friends at home...I have to say they won't enjoy this place if they are looking for "real" beer (don't laugh too hard).

12-08-2012 16:12:42 | More by neuromancer9k

JoeyRamon

New York

4.73/5  rDev +9.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $

The best beer bar in New York City, right in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Amazing selection, featuring TONS of local Brooklyn, Westchester, and upstate brews....Here I've tried some of the best experimental beers Brooklyn, Sixpoint and Captain Lawrence have to offer.

Plus the entire bar is lined with functional, old school VIDEO GAMES??? How can you go wrong? This place fulfills every one of my hopes, dreams, and desires.

Had my 30th birthday party here and it was a smash success with beer drinkers and non-brewheads alike. Can't recommend this place enough.

11-18-2012 22:03:50 | More by JoeyRamon

flexabull

California

4.43/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This place is amazing.

Old warehouse type building, long and dark with a bar on the right when you walk in, and the walls are lined with about 30 vIntage stand up arcade games. I saw Q-Bert, Frogger, Robotron, Tapper, among others.

Quality of beers was very good. Saw Sixpoint, Founders, quite a few New Holland (must have had an event for their beers recently) and other fine craft offerings.

Service was prompt and friendly.

Selection was nice, about 30 quality and varied taps.

No food except some snack stuff.

Overall, a very great place for beers, and if you like old video games then it's just icing on the cake. Loved this place.

09-25-2012 00:46:49 | More by flexabull

Jammer42

Maryland

4.8/5  rDev +10.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | $$

Simply the best! I pass it every day on my way home from work.

They have an awesome frequently rotating list of American beers and arcade games (dont rotate as much.) Atmosphere is great in the afternoon when its not to crowded and you can bring dogs. Weekend nights can get busy but still a great time. They have tons of great beer events like vintage night! Happy hours on Sat. and Sun too.

They have a chalkboard that lists hi-scores for the games and let me tell you they are ridiculous. I thought I was good at Tapper, Galaga, and Marble Madness but not even close to whats on the board. I hear the guy that has the Tapper record was playing for 7 hours!

I only wish they had a few newer arcade games like x-men. Also, if they brought in pinball and foosball I would never leave.

03-02-2012 04:46:44 | More by Jammer42

brystmar

New York

4.29/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$

Classic arcade games + great craft beer, what more could you want? The selection of both at Barcade Brooklyn is admirable, though only the beer list is updated regularly. :)

Gets crowded during peak times and service suffers a little when it's packed, but I avoid peak hours so it's not a big deal. Draft list is consistently solid, and tap lines appear to be cleaned regularly. Convenient location with plenty of great food choices nearby. Not to mention Spuyten Duyvil within walking distance!

You'll never hear me gripe about a trip to Barcade; I love this place.

01-25-2012 14:15:51 | More by brystmar

infi

New York

4.4/5  rDev +1.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $

Stopped in right after Spuyten Duyvil and was was immediately amazed at the amount of old school arcade games that line the perimeter of the place. Wasn't too crowded when we arrived at around 8pm, so it wasn't too loud yet. But the dim lighting, hearing of video games and craft beer selection all gave for a great vibe. Only one bartender at first during the early evening, but she was great. Knew exactly what beer you were talking about and didn't hesitate to pour. Crazy selection here, something like 25 different taps. Was hard to choose, but ultimately ordered Sixpoint Sweet Action and Stone Old Guardian. Delicious stuff here.

You can drink your beer and play video games at the same time as there are slim tables for you to place your glass. Amazing. A geek's dream, for sure. A great place to hang out and spend some hours in. Only a few walking blocks away from Spuyten Duyvil too.

07-28-2011 19:40:34 | More by infi

beenitty

New Jersey

4.4/5  rDev +1.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Been here several times, definitely one of the most chill beer spots in the city.

Great beers + Old school video games is such a match made in heaven its amazing that they're arent more places like this. (besides Barcade Jersey City lol)

One of the best things about this bar is that they have a great spread of different styles with the popular offerings you'd want at a craft bar (Sculpin, Beer Geek Breakfast, Allagash Odessey, etc) and always something great on cask.

~20 tap lines and service is always fast, even when its crowded. Typically Im there on Saturday nites and its crowded but you can usually find a place to post up which is key.

Possibly best prices and overall selection in the area. Not as many European offerings as Spuyten, but sick American craft offerings.

Got to try Rogue Charlie 1981 there, which was cool because sometimes you get to a point when you're deep into beer where its hard to go out and be able to try something you've never had, I've been able to do this each of the 3X I've gone here.

Oh, and the games are sick too, Mike Tyson Punch Out, Contra,any retro game you can think of. All they're missing is NBA JAM.

Great spot, beers and games, check it out.

05-10-2011 02:46:16 | More by beenitty