If you’re a bar-hopping student at the University of Oregon who also enjoys the occasional trip to the arcade with your friends, you have to check out the barcade scene in Eugene. It’s just like it sounds: a full arcade with a bar as well. They’re great for students looking for a change of scenery, as well as dates or guy’s nights. Check out these three in Eugene; each one offers their own unique services, products and atmosphere.
The first one is Level Up Arcade, located at 1290 Oak St. The staff there describes the vibe as more of a “bar with an arcade, rather than an arcade with a bar,” distinguishing it from competitors. There is no entry fee, and Level Up has classic ‘90s arcade games, ranging from 25 cents to $1 in price. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day, during which pints, normally priced at $4 to $5, are $1 off. There’s also serve a variety of pub-style food. Level Up hosts weekly special events, including karaoke on Tuesdays, D.J. Fridays and monthly “Sparkle Party” Saturdays.
“It has a more laid-back vibe,” UO graduate Derick Yagi said.
He also mentioned he liked the variety that it brought to the bar scene, and recommends going early in the evening as a pre-game. The liveliest nights are Fridays and Saturdays, according to bar employees. Level Up is open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day. Minors are allowed until 9 p.m.
Next is Blairally Vintage Arcade, located at 245 Blair Blvd. The arcade offers a fantastic selection of vintage arcade games, a full bar and food menu. Nightly drink specials include $1 tallboys on Tuesdays, $4 Riolette Cocktails and $1 PBRs on Wednesdays, $2 off all microbrews on Thursdays and $1 off all ciders on Saturdays. Additionally, Blairally often hosts special events such as comedy shows or game shows inspired by “The Price Is Right.” There’s even a bowling league and team tournaments, which you can sign up for at the arcade. Non-gamers who are tagging along can watch sports at the bar or just hang out and enjoy the music. Chad Boutin, a Blairally employee, recommends going on Friday night, when all games are free. Otherwise, the games are priced between 25 to 50 cents, cash only. Oct. 26 is Zombie Prom Night at Blairally.
Lastly, there’s Shoryuken League, located on 881 Willamette St. It’s open from 5 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. every night, offering a selection of classic arcade games and a one-of-a-kind supply of gaming consoles both ancient and new. Gilberto Sanchez, a year-long member of Shoryuken League who describes himself as “kind of a video game nerd,” said this venue is perfectly catered to gamers.
They are plenty of TVs to play on, complete with comfortable leather couches, delicious food and decently-priced alcoholic drinks, including beer, classic mixed drinks, sweet drinks, shooters, drop shots, unique bartender specialties and even bottomless energy drinks. You have the option to buy a $5 day pass for unlimited gaming, or a month pass for $15. The employees at Shoryuken say that Friday and Saturday nights are most lively, and among many other drink specials that vary nightly, Ninkasis are always $3.
Shoryuken also throws the occasional “Super Smash Bros.” tournament.