My friend and I decided to check out this bar because we love arcade games. Even though they have a full bar, this place is family friendly and it's for everyone! They don't have a lot of games, but they do have pinball, and that's enough for me! They also have a few classics like guitar hero and basketball, plus some new stuff I've never seen.
I especially love the video game themed drinks! They were really great! And the Pac-Man setup behind the bar is so cute! We definitely coming back!
Colleen M McLean
What’s up with the slow bartender? This place used to move a lot quicker. Why are there 10 year olds at a bar at 9:45? Isn’t over 21 after a certain time? This place used to be way better.
Throckmorton Jay
They had a disappointingly small selection of vintage arcade video games. If they had the same abundance of retro games they had in older review photos then it would have been worth buying one of the points cards to play them. I can't say anything about their food or drink as I didn't stay long enough to try any of that.
Stephen
I hadn't been here since the remodel and management change. And...wow. what a change for the worse. There's about 15-20% less games. No option to pay with quarters. Games are more expensive. Whereas before this place very much felt like an arcade, now it feels like a bar with some games in it.
Patrick Gamaliel
From Retro Bliss to Corporate Miss – 1Up’s New Management Hits Rock Bottom
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. 1Up Arcade Bar, once my go-to haven for arcade nostalgia and friendly vibes, has devolved into a shell of its former self. Under the new management, the experience has gone from retro joy to something resembling a garish corporate money pit. If you’re looking to relive the good old days of arcade glory, consider this your neon-lit warning sign to stay far, far away.
First off, the bartenders. Remember last year when 1Up's bartenders were warm, cheerful, and chatty, making you feel like you were part of the family? Well, those days are deader than my high score on Pac-Man. The new bartenders treat you with the exact enthusiasm you’d expect from someone waiting at the DMV. Ordering a drink here feels like you’ve personally interrupted their day—and heaven forbid you ask any questions about the menu. Smiles? Gone. Friendly banter? Vanished. You're left standing there with your overpriced, uninspired drink wondering if you've wandered into a soulless high-end cocktail bar by mistake.
Ah, the drinks. Once playful and creative masterpieces that added to 1Up’s charm, they’ve been replaced with pretentious, unimaginative concoctions that scream, “We’re fancy now; please empty your wallet.” No fun, no spirit (pun intended), just overpriced disappointments. At their current price point, I half expected the drink to come with complimentary resentment from the staff.
And don’t get me started on the arcade machines. Gone are the iconic retro classics that made me feel like I’d stepped back into the golden age of arcades. Instead, the place is now stuffed with bright, flashy, wallet-draining horrors you’d find at a Dave and Buster’s. What happened to the charm? The authenticity? Now it’s just a playground for toddlers with no attention spans and those who value flashing lights over actual gameplay. Speaking of, if you’re a Gen Z-er armed with your parents’ credit card and an inability to go three seconds without dopamine overload, this place might actually be a dream come true for you. The rest of us? Not so much.
Look, 1Up Arcade Bar used to be a gem, but now it feels like a soulless cash grab. Don’t come here hoping for a genuine arcade bar experience because you’ll leave disappointed—and poorer. Save your time, save your money, and spare yourself the heartbreak of seeing what this place has become. RIP, old 1Up. You are sorely missed.
Robert Quigley
I'll start this with DO NOT USE CASH WHEN FILLING UP YOUR ARCADE CARD. The machine does not give change and will apply the entire deposited bill onto your card even if you selected a smaller amount on the screen. That said, after this unfortunate debacle, we went to the bar in hopes of finding a way to take the money back off the card. While it turned out this was not possible, we were greeted by the nicest person I've ever encountered in the service industry. After hearing our story, this kind soul took the difference from his own tip jar to repay us. I am in awe of this wonderful act of kindness. Highly recommend supporting the staff at 1Up Arcade Bar!! They are incredible people!!
Charles Weber
No food ao no rating. They share the building with a burger joint, which has good food.
tatoes raden
Used to have a ton of fun games. Now it feels like a walmart game room... probably won't be back
Eric P
Had an awesome time in here playing games. You can rent consoles on their TV by the hour too! Wife and I were playing basketball, beer pong, and guitar hero. 5-6 pinball tables as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Manoj Krishnan
Great little cocktail/arcade bar in Farmington. The cocktails are very good and there is a good amount of variety on the menu. I will be coming back for the delicious cocktails!
I came here with my husband for drinks. I was surprised at the quality of drinks. I had an Old Fashioned and it was excellent. I will be coming back here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shana Thompson
We went after dinner strictly for the games and felt like a teenager in the arcade. I love the table games they have set out from playing cards, to board games to rock em sock em boxing! They even had a live musician that kept the vibe real inviting and chill. Not a huge spot but great for small social groups to couples night out. Definitely will revisit.
Parking: Parking lot around back
Atmosphere: 5
M
edit: this place was great last year. every aspect that made it so has taken a step back and now its a shell of its former self. however had you never experienced the former you would have nothing to compare it to.
and we love night capping here on our way back in from a night out. built very well with great drinks served by great people.
Moosiq
So I went here on a whim, just wanting to see a friend, and I had such an amazing time! I entered the Mario Kart tourney and played some games! The staff is so wonderful and inviting. I don't normally like being around people, but they were awesome! I also had a drink, which was super yummy. I believe it's called the Blinky, and it comes with a raspberry garnish. It was delicious and I'll be sure to go back soon!
Parking: In the back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charlie Johnston
Just had drinks... Will be back! Loved it and want more....
My friend and I decided to check out this bar because we love arcade games. Even though they have a full bar, this place is family friendly and it's for everyone! They don't have a lot of games, but they do have pinball, and that's enough for me! They also have a few classics like guitar hero and basketball, plus some new stuff I've never seen.
I especially love the video game themed drinks! They were really great! And the Pac-Man setup behind the bar is so cute! We definitely coming back!
What’s up with the slow bartender? This place used to move a lot quicker. Why are there 10 year olds at a bar at 9:45? Isn’t over 21 after a certain time? This place used to be way better.
They had a disappointingly small selection of vintage arcade video games. If they had the same abundance of retro games they had in older review photos then it would have been worth buying one of the points cards to play them.
I can't say anything about their food or drink as I didn't stay long enough to try any of that.
I hadn't been here since the remodel and management change. And...wow. what a change for the worse. There's about 15-20% less games. No option to pay with quarters. Games are more expensive. Whereas before this place very much felt like an arcade, now it feels like a bar with some games in it.
From Retro Bliss to Corporate Miss – 1Up’s New Management Hits Rock Bottom
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. 1Up Arcade Bar, once my go-to haven for arcade nostalgia and friendly vibes, has devolved into a shell of its former self. Under the new management, the experience has gone from retro joy to something resembling a garish corporate money pit. If you’re looking to relive the good old days of arcade glory, consider this your neon-lit warning sign to stay far, far away.
First off, the bartenders. Remember last year when 1Up's bartenders were warm, cheerful, and chatty, making you feel like you were part of the family? Well, those days are deader than my high score on Pac-Man. The new bartenders treat you with the exact enthusiasm you’d expect from someone waiting at the DMV. Ordering a drink here feels like you’ve personally interrupted their day—and heaven forbid you ask any questions about the menu. Smiles? Gone. Friendly banter? Vanished. You're left standing there with your overpriced, uninspired drink wondering if you've wandered into a soulless high-end cocktail bar by mistake.
Ah, the drinks. Once playful and creative masterpieces that added to 1Up’s charm, they’ve been replaced with pretentious, unimaginative concoctions that scream, “We’re fancy now; please empty your wallet.” No fun, no spirit (pun intended), just overpriced disappointments. At their current price point, I half expected the drink to come with complimentary resentment from the staff.
And don’t get me started on the arcade machines. Gone are the iconic retro classics that made me feel like I’d stepped back into the golden age of arcades. Instead, the place is now stuffed with bright, flashy, wallet-draining horrors you’d find at a Dave and Buster’s. What happened to the charm? The authenticity? Now it’s just a playground for toddlers with no attention spans and those who value flashing lights over actual gameplay. Speaking of, if you’re a Gen Z-er armed with your parents’ credit card and an inability to go three seconds without dopamine overload, this place might actually be a dream come true for you. The rest of us? Not so much.
Look, 1Up Arcade Bar used to be a gem, but now it feels like a soulless cash grab. Don’t come here hoping for a genuine arcade bar experience because you’ll leave disappointed—and poorer. Save your time, save your money, and spare yourself the heartbreak of seeing what this place has become. RIP, old 1Up. You are sorely missed.
I'll start this with DO NOT USE CASH WHEN FILLING UP YOUR ARCADE CARD. The machine does not give change and will apply the entire deposited bill onto your card even if you selected a smaller amount on the screen. That said, after this unfortunate debacle, we went to the bar in hopes of finding a way to take the money back off the card. While it turned out this was not possible, we were greeted by the nicest person I've ever encountered in the service industry. After hearing our story, this kind soul took the difference from his own tip jar to repay us. I am in awe of this wonderful act of kindness. Highly recommend supporting the staff at 1Up Arcade Bar!! They are incredible people!!
No food ao no rating. They share the building with a burger joint, which has good food.
Used to have a ton of fun games. Now it feels like a walmart game room... probably won't be back
Had an awesome time in here playing games. You can rent consoles on their TV by the hour too! Wife and I were playing basketball, beer pong, and guitar hero. 5-6 pinball tables as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great little cocktail/arcade bar in Farmington. The cocktails are very good and there is a good amount of variety on the menu. I will be coming back for the delicious cocktails!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I came here with my husband for drinks. I was surprised at the quality of drinks. I had an Old Fashioned and it was excellent. I will be coming back here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went after dinner strictly for the games and felt like a teenager in the arcade. I love the table games they have set out from playing cards, to board games to rock em sock em boxing! They even had a live musician that kept the vibe real inviting and chill. Not a huge spot but great for small social groups to couples night out. Definitely will revisit.
Parking: Parking lot around back
Atmosphere: 5
edit: this place was great last year. every aspect that made it so has taken a step back and now its a shell of its former self. however had you never experienced the former you would have nothing to compare it to.
and we love night capping here on our way back in from a night out. built very well with great drinks served by great people.
So I went here on a whim, just wanting to see a friend, and I had such an amazing time! I entered the Mario Kart tourney and played some games! The staff is so wonderful and inviting. I don't normally like being around people, but they were awesome! I also had a drink, which was super yummy. I believe it's called the Blinky, and it comes with a raspberry garnish. It was delicious and I'll be sure to go back soon!
Parking: In the back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Just had drinks... Will be back! Loved it and want more....
Atmosphere: 5
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