The One Up

Marked by a glowing Space Invader icon above the door, The One Up in Sherman Oaks adds a jolt of youth to this quiet stretch of Ventura Boulevard, a block previously dominated by nail salons and dry cleaners. Inside, you'll find Valley dwellers diving into goat cheese tots and Cap'N Crunch chicken wings before wiping their hands and heading over to the arcade area. A selection of roughly ten consoles offer free games, with an emphasis on classics: Donkey Kong, Centipede, Frogger, Jumping Jack and plenty more. Between levels, thirsty gamers make their way to the bar—the beer options here are just OK, but cocktails break the mold with drinks like Grown-Up Chocolate Milk and The 18 Hour Sling. On a date? Sip your liquid courage on comfy couches by the door, under the soft light of a neon sign that reads, "We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all."