Play a vast selection of retro and modern arcade games, including Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, and Star Wars, all in excellent condition.
Explore an extensive array of pinball machines spanning decades, located on the second floor for dedicated pinball enthusiasts.
Enjoy affordable cocktails, draft beers, and simple drinks at two bars, with service industry discounts available on select days.
Satisfy your hunger with a menu featuring vegan options and classic bar snacks like the Gunsmoke Dog.
Use convenient play cards for game credits, often with bonus offers, allowing flexible and cost-effective gaming sessions.

Portland's premier retro arcade and bar, where classic games meet craft cocktails and pinball paradise.
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Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar is a beloved Portland destination offering a nostalgic escape with a massive collection of classic and modern arcade games, including pinball machines from every era. Perfect for tourists, locals, and gamers of all ages, it features two full-service bars with affordable drinks, vegan food options, and beverage holders on machines for uninterrupted play. With a lively atmosphere, it's ideal for date nights, group outings, or solo adventures, providing hours of entertainment at budget-friendly prices.
Perfect for date nights, friend gatherings, or rainy-day activities in a vibrant, nostalgic setting.
I've always been a fan of Ground Kontrol, and I've typically only been on the weekends. This time I went on a Tuesday. I was pleasantly surprised to see it was service industry Tuesday, so I was able to show food handler permit and get free play for $6! They also give $1 off well or draft drinks. It was difficult to predict if there was a cover charge because the website isn't fully clear on that. We also decided to charge up some play cards (before I realized the service industry deal) and had some trouble with that. It claimed it would give us an extra 50 credits for our $20 credit purchase, but it only have us an extra 20. The drinks were fantastic, as always, and we enjoyed the Gunsmoke Dog. We got there at a little after 1 p.m., so only part of the gaming area was open, which we didn't realize until we got there since it's not clearly listed on the site either. That didn't ruin the fun at all, but I'd suggest clarifying it for an easier time planning for future customers.
We literally plan vacations to Portland to hang out here. There's a massive selection of Pinball machines from every era (in perfect condition). The arcades also span the decades. Truly nostalgic with arcades like Mario Bros and Donkey Kong with modern classics like Mario Kart and Star Wars. With beverage holders on the machines, 2 bars and vegan food, we stay for hours.
Everything you can possibly think of going all the way to Space Invaders is here. A bar to boot with a great staff making fantastic drinks. The second floor is all pinball machines! A great way to spend a rainy day or night in Portland.
Really great prices for how many games you get to play. We got the $50 card and played 80% of the games and still had a ton of points left and we were using it between two people. The drinks are made well. They have two towns on tap! Overall fun night and great experience!
Love this place! One of the only places in Portland I've found that has simple cocktails (rum n coke) for under $10. They also have a great menu of house cocktails that are reasonably priced too! Great place for a date night or to go with your friends. Went with 3 of my buddies and we had a great time. Great selection of classic games and newer games.
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