Few of us would remember the old arcades of the '80s and '90s, in the days before Dance Dance Revolution and karaoke games. According to the team behind Mr Wow’s Emporium, however, there’s a resurgence of the arcade in the USA except this time they’re setting up shop in bars.
Enter Pixel Alley. The part-bar, part-arcade takes over the location where Los Barbudos, a Cuban-themed watering hole, used to be. Framed photos of Cuban baseball legends has been replaced by an 8-bit mural of '80s retro icons including Pac-Man, Nike Air Jordans, and a boombox. Those familiar with old-school arcade classics can expect tipsy rounds of Daytona, Street Fighter II, Pac-Man and Buck Hunter.
Rounds of beer while you wait your turn at the games are encouraged – a pot or pint of the Bastard Son Pale Ale will also come with a game token. Cocktails follow the arcade theme with the banana milkshake-like Konkey Dong and Mario and Princess Peach-inspired Pipe Dream with gin, peach liqueur and guava juice.
It’s on like Donkey Kong. Losers buy rounds of Lego shots.