Nostalgia is almost an established part of entertainment and culture. Now, in addition to vinyl and photo developing stores, there are arcade bars, the closest thing to the arcades of the past, but more focused on adults.
Perhaps 30 or 40 years ago it was difficult to foresee that playing in a machine standing up and surrounded by friends, could be catalogued as a physical and social activity, almost analogical, but now this is a great part of its charm and even more if it is accompanied by a beer.
Arcade Rebirth
The Arcade Rebirth arcade, managed by a local association in Vallecas, recovers the arcade culture of the 80s and 90s with a dozen original machines such as the Sega Blast City or Pump it Up. In this retro space of more than 200 square meters coexist tournaments, themed events and evenings of arcade culture in an intergenerational environment that celebrates the legacy of the classic arcades. It is a meeting point that connects classic games and novelties through face-to-face videogames and nostalgia.
📍Location: avenidade la Democracia, 7, Vallecas (Madrid)
Rockade
Arcade machines, pinball and craft beer, that’s Rockade, the bar that has made the leap from Bilbao (the city) to Madrid, where it already has two locations: one in Malasaña and the other in La Latina.
These arcade bars are not only set in the 80s, but also have some original machines of the decade in which it is inspired, to the delight of connoisseurs in this type of video games. But this is not its only attraction, there are also DJs, a menu of fusion and street food, such as arepas, tacos or burgers with vegan options and screens to watch American soccer, among other sports.
Location: Calle del Almendro, 9 (La Latina) and Calle Marqués de Santa Ana, 11 (Malasaña).
Next Level Arcade Bar
Next Level also makes one of the millennial dreams come true: joining the concept of a cocktail bar with that of an arcade game room to relive the golden age of video games and their childhood.
In this return to the leisure of the 80s and 90s there is a change, now all arcade machines, whether arcade, dance, sports or driving, are available for free. The condition is to ask for a drink, so while you enjoy the music of that era and play a classic I could accompany you with a cold beer or a cocktail.
Location:Calle de Tudescos, 4, bajo (Malasaña) and Calle Guzmán el Bueno, 13 (Argüelles).
ZOOO Arcade 2.0
ZOOO Arcade 2.0 moves away a bit from what strictly could be considered an arcade bar and is closer to the classic arcade, but more niche. Here you come to play authentic classics from at least 30 years ago: Space Invaders, Defender or Ms. PAC-MAN are just some of the 42 video games available here in their original format.
With the ticket you can use any of the machines and the price is 3€ for 30 minutes, every extra half hour is 1€ and you can reach a maximum of 8€. But if your dream is to continue the game at home, you can ask the owners, because they themselves repair and sell arcade machines.
Location: ABC Serrano shopping center (Paseo de la castellana, 34)