16-Bit Bar + Arcade
| Address: | 254 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA |
| Phone: | +1 614-222-1616 |
| Site: | 16-bitbar.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 4PM–2:30AM 4PM–2:30AM 4PM–2:30AM 4PM–2:30AM 4PM–2:30AM 12PM–2:30AM 12PM–2:30AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
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Timothy Petrie
This is one of those places that my friends and I tend to end up almost by default. Whether its the sole destination or the ultimate one, this place is just too fun not to hit up regularly. There are a lot of great reasons to love this place. There is never a cover. They have a wide array of games to play, and theyre all free. The games are mostly all really good, too---that is the deal breaker for any arcade bar. The games are free, so you can play to your hearts content and actually see the end of some of these long time quartervores. Even with the games being free, there tends to be quick enough turnover that youll get to play anything you have your eye set on. Plus, theyve usually got some classic consoles up and running too. If that wasnt reason enough, the bar scene here is excellent. The staff have all been super chill and fun, and this is the kind of place where you can order a classic cocktail of any sort and trust that it will be well-made. Their snazzy house cocktail menu is fun too, with their signature "Hulk Hogan" (served with a bomb pop submerged in it) is a show-stealer. In addition to all that, there is a solid selection of tap beer. They dont serve food, but you can bring whatever you like to the tables to eat and hang out. With Late Night Slice next door, its a match. All in all this place skyrocketed to the top of my list of favorite places to go out in Columbus. Press start and join the game!
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Matt Wilson
Turned us away. My buddy was in town for the week and we were out having lunch at Dirty Franks next door and we ended up having some extra time before he left so we thought wed stop in and have a drink, maybe play some games. The first thing we noticed were the prices. I guess its supposed to cover the games but $6 for a beer? We were greeted by a somewhat disinterested young bartender and given the menu. As we were looking it over the girl at the door came over and told my friend he couldnt have his backpack in the bar. She insisted that he put it on the porch or buy a locker at the greyhound station. I asked if he could put it in the corner by the door but she insisted that was impossible. That was incredibly rude. I looked over at my buddy and back at her and told her wed just leave. Will never recommend or get buisness from any of my friends. Asking him to leave it on the porch where it will get stolen by hobos? No thanks.
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John Johnson
Although this was NOT a singles bar as I had expected (or perhaps it was just a slow night for them), the arcade and bar were top notch. The servers were dressed attractively in attire appropriate for the setting. They were friendly, hard-working and knew their stuff. My server was Andrea I believe. Her service was warm and inviting. My mixed drink slushie was worth more than just $6. She treated me as a patron so well that I gave her a $5 tip. The games had me excited at each round! I do not believe I have been to a real arcade, or at least for a very long time. There is quite a variety here and great two-player games. My visit here was the perfect way to end my Tuesday. No regrets for the night.
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Jason Cadell
16-Bit Bar+Arcade in Downtown Columbus is AWESOME!!!! Ive been two times with groups each time and its been so much fun. If you love old arcade games from the 80s youll love this bar. The service staff from waitresses to the bartenders all are great. There is quite an extensive offering of bourbons in their bar area. Youre able to smoke outside in front on their covered patio if thats something that you do. Inside by the back the walls are painted with chalkboard paint. They have chalk out on trays where people are able to and encouraged to draw or write something. Great atmosphere and again I cant wait to go back again soon!
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Russell Weymouth
More Bar Than Arcade. Part of the nostalgia in their value proposition is the culture that came with arcades of the past. For any Cbus OGs that remember Touchdown or The Pink Flamingo on campus: this is not that. Battling with or against random people is what made arcades a mecca for people. True multiplayer. Young professionals, hipsters, and other general downtown bar-goers feel awkward with this concept. The setting reverts to that of every other bar downtown with arcade machines as a novelty. Siloed and apprehensive. The beer is great. Game selection is on point. You will have a blast; just bring friends.
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Gabriel Renfrow
Subjectively, Im very disappointed that they missed the opportunity to call it a "Barcade", but that doesnt influence my ability to share my observations more objectively. Being that its an arcade it tends to be noisy, but given the fact that theres shoulder-to-shoulder drunk people involved, its doubly noisy. They have an nice selection of drinks, but theyre pretty inconsistent. Sometimes theyre strong, others pretty weak. Overall its nice, and its easy to have a good time. Id recommend going, but not if you hate crowds, noise, drunk people, or video games.
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Cory West
We had an awesome time last weekend for my bachelor party. The speciality drinks are amazing and the craft beers are some of the best Ive ever had. If you like classic arcade games and beers you dont have to think twice about going. The wait staff are awesome, they were always checking with us to make sure we had a drink. The only problem I saw the whole night was the amount of space. The bar did get crowded at peak hours, but that was expected since this bar has a great concept. I would love to see one of these closer to home in the Dayton area.
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Lana Yates
It was a summer night...warm with a nice breeze. The 80s music was awesome and there were great drinks. Seriously though, the bar isnt too big but the scene was just what we needed, and the open patio was great. Love the music, the games of course, the wall art and the drinks that actually taste like good drinks with plenty of liquor! And the fun names of course...cant pass up something called Keanu Reeves. Their beer selection was pretty awesome if youre into that. Fun times!
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Derek Leeth
This pace is an awesome way to kickback and forget about your work day with nice craft cocktails, nice beer selection, and oh, a crap ton of old school arcade games. This place gets packed on the weekends but we still always end up finding something to play. When all the free games are filled up then hit up one of there pin ball machines. The pin ball machines are not free but still cheaper to play than anywhere else plus theres a change machine right next to them for coins.
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John Dewees
The original barcade in Columbus is definitely one of the best. Parking is generally not too terrible as there is lots of street parking in the area and pay lots. The bar features lots of fun cocktails and a big variety of beers, though no food. The arcade itself is massive but this place tends to get PACKED. This is the only bar in Columbus Ive ever been to that has had a line to get in. Now that several other barcades have opened up in town that might not be the case.
