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16-Bit Bar+Arcade
Retro gaming meets modern cocktails in a free-play arcade paradise.
4.2(5 reviews)
bar
$$
Retro gaming meets modern cocktails in a free-play arcade paradise.
16-Bit Bar+Arcade in Indianapolis offers a nostalgic blast with free-to-play classic arcade games, pinball, and a giant slide, paired with creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for groups, gamers, and anyone seeking fun, it features an outdoor patio, fire pits, and a full-service bar with unique drinks. While drinks are moderately priced, the endless entertainment and retro vibe make it a top spot for nightlife and social gatherings.
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Play classic retro video games like Pac-Man and Frogger at no cost, with a wide selection for all skill levels.
Enjoy creative cocktails, slushies, and a full drink menu, including signature options like the Carrie Fisher and Atomic Blonde.
Play pinball for $1 per game, with proceeds supporting Riley Children’s Hospital, adding a charitable twist to the fun.
Experience a unique indoor slide and relax in the outdoor area with fire pits and seating for socializing.
Ideal for parties and gatherings, offering a lively atmosphere with games, drinks, and multiple levels including an upstairs bar.
Cocktails are cool. I had the Carrie Fisher and it was yummy and had rock candy on top. I enjoyed playing all the arcade games. 👾
Eat at The Garage Food Hall and then bar hop Mass Ave all the way to here to 16-Bit Bar+Arcade (bar with a slide, free skiball, games, etc). The maple whiskey cocktail is wayyyyyy to sweet; get the cocktail with a slim Jim interest. Overall really fun place for a group. Beware of douchy extreme ping ping players who apparently can push your glass over to break on the floor, and say nothing to you after. Almost all the games are free. There's an outdoor patio area too.
I arrived at 16-Bit Bar with two friends around 9:15 PM on November 6th. The security at the door was very nice — he kept walking in and out of the door dancing, and honestly, he was a whole vibe. Upon entering, I noticed that all the arcade games are unlocked and free except the claw machine and the pinball machines. Only the pinball machines use quarters that go to Riley Children’s Hospital — something I genuinely appreciated. There was a woman there dressed casual with a walkie who appeared to be in a leadership role. She repeatedly went behind the bar to pour her own drinks and was loud and belligerent with her friends, and in my opinion, clearly intoxicated from the way she was walking and talking. It was also apparent that the bar is pet-friendly. Her dog/her friend’s dog, Ozzy, got away and started running around the bar, and it even peed on the floor with zero attempt to clean it up, yet she still made sure to go behind the bar and pour herself another drink. The dog ran up to me and I grabbed its leash, and she came up and snatched it out of my hand — not a “thank you,” “thanks,” or anything. I shouldn’t know the name of your dog from across the room because you’re yelling it and telling the dog to “go get” one of your friends. Additionally, when my male friend went up to the bar to get drinks, the bartender completely ignored him — kept wiping down dishes and cleaning up behind the bar without even acknowledging him. The moment I went up instead, the bartender immediately asked what I needed and how he could help. I found that a little rude considering it’s an arcade and men are likely a big part of the customer base. When it came to drinks, my friends are drinkers — I am not — and they said the Lisa Frank tasted like rubbing alcohol, and I refused to try it. I got the Atomic Blonde minus the mezcal; in my opinion, it needed more flavor, and nothing stood out. I RARELY drink (once or twice a year). They also got the Hulk Hogan and said it tasted like nothing with an aftertaste of floor cleaner. I tried a sip myself and thought it tasted like berries at first, but I could understand the aftertaste comment — it wasn’t good. I also had a blue slushie, and since the slushies don’t come with alcohol unless you add it, I just had mine plain, and that slushie was AMAZING — seriously so good. Speaking of drinks overall, they were $12 each and, in my opinion, not worth it. Two out of the four drinks my friends ordered weren’t good, and seeing the woman behind the bar pouring her own drinks while customers were paying full price was enough for me to decide I won’t be back. Overall, while the security and game setup were solid, the atmosphere, service, and professionalism were severely lacking, and I really hope they make some serious changes moving forward
This is the place you want to be on a Friday night. All the games are free to play and they have all the classics from Pac-Man to frogger. They have an extension selection of drinks. This place is a whole bunch of fun, you don't need to go anywhere else other than here if you are looking for a great time in Indianapolis.
I came here for the first time with my mother and brother. They card you at the door. Pinball machines and retro arcade games are everywhere. Pinball is $1 and everything else is free. They have a change machine and ATM. The giant slide was fun to go down and the Game Over drink was decent but not very strong. You get to keep the cup as a souvenir. Fire pits are outside and chairs to sit in. Upstairs is another bar and comfortable sofas and some games with the slide access. In the back there are video games. The bar can make any drink you want off the menu since it is a full service bar. The drinks are pricey so I don't recommend coming just for the drinks. No food is served here either that I could see. You can't bring outside beverages. Good luck finding parking. You can use a parking garage nearby. 10/10 would go again. Perfect chill spot.
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