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Top Bars In LA Where Grown Ups Can Play Video Games

EightyTwo 610 bar
(credit: John T./Yelp)

Let's face it: when you get older, there aren't a lot of places you can be a kid again. Well, luckily for LA residents, playing video games as an adult are even more fun that when you were a kid when you add in alcoholic beverages. These top spots in Los Angeles prove that just because you're a bit older, doesn't mean you can't have a bit of fun.

blipsy-bar-chris-g-yelp
(credit: Chris G./Yelp)

Blipsy Barcade
369 N Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90004

If you're the type that likes to enjoy a drink along with your video game in a darker setting, then Koreatown's Blipsy Barcade is right up your alley. You might find it tough to find the bar as there is no signage, but once you're in, you'll get your chance to challenge the game or others at vintage games like Double Dragon and Paperboy. On most nights there is a DJ, but when there isn't you can put a quarter in the jukebox and rock out to your favorite songs as you enjoy drink specials, or tall boys of PBR.

EightyTwo
(credit: EightyTwo)

EightyTwo
707 E. 4th Place
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 626-8200
www.eightytwo.la

Set in Downtown LA's Arts District, EightyTwo offers patrons a great mix of a full bar along with an impressive selection of video games. And, with its unique cocktail list, DJ's spinning on the weekends, industrial setting and outdoor space, this barcade sets itself apart from others. Offering a great blend of old school games such as AC/DC, Attack From Mars, pinball machines, Street Fighter, and more, EightyTwo prides itself on providing games that play by the classic rules - beat your opponent or set a high score. What's more is that many of the cocktails' names are themed from video games. Try the 'Waldo,' a fireball with lemon juice, hard cider and mint, or the 'Kill Screen,' with tequila, lime, agave, strawberry, blackberry, jalapeño, and cucumber.

XLanes
(credit: Ed K./Yelp)

XLanes LA
333 Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 229-8910
www.xlanesla.com

Situated in the Tokyo Galleria in Downtown LA's Little Tokyo, XLanes LA is not the type of spot you're going to find only classic games. Instead, there is a bit of something for everyone. Offering over 100 arcade games, along with 24 bowling lanes, billiards, and 3 rooms of karoake, there is plenty to do here. But, the stand out activities sit within the arcade. With games like Dance, Dance Revolution and Connect Four to classics like Street Fighter, there are options for everyone here. Be warned though: you won't be playing these arcade games with quarters. Instead, you'll purchase a game card to swipe at the machines. Here's to the future!

the one up
(credit: Jess L./Yelp)

The One Up
13625 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 849-5181
www.theoneup.com

Sherman Oaks' gastrolounge and arcade The One Up isn't like your typical barcade. You won't need quarters here. Instead, if you're a paying customer, sky's the limit. What makes this bar so different is that each gaming console holds hundreds of games you can select from. Instead of simply playing Pacman on one console or Tetris on another, you'll have the option to get involved in a ton of games in one. You probably won't even know some of these games existed. From vertical arcade games like Burger Time and Centipede to horizontal arcade games like Mario Bros, Joust, and Sky Kid to Street Fight Plus Games, this barcade is no joke. You can view a full list of available games here. Aside from the terrific selection of games, this Valley hot spot offers cuisine as unique as the gaming setup. From southern fried bahn mi to goat cheese tots and Cap'n Crunch chicken wings, you'll have no excuse to leave hungry. The One Up also has fun with the drinks selection, offering options like the Dill-lighted, a Grown-Up Chocolate Milk, and a Pistolero.

pins and needles
(credit: Chris K./Yelp)

Pins and Needles
1623 Allesandro St
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 313-9449
www.pinsandneedlesla.com

The one thing you need to know before you visit this Echo Park barcade is that they are committed to their pinball machines. So much in fact that it's all they have. With 24 pinball machines, for the most part from the 70's and 80's, patrons here will find everything from Cybernaut to Rollergames. The bar also offers bowling and drinks. Make sure to call ahead of time though, as the bar is only open three or four nights a week.

by Lisa Waugh
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