Definitely a fun cool concept. The mixed drinks were undrinkable and super expensive. I know a good cocktail as does Portland (I'll also happily pay for one) and I'm confused why the two I tasted were literally undrinkable. Another stranger I met there also told me his drink was horrible. I traded one back in and the bartender didn't care and charged me for a vodka tonic. Also be on the lookout as the person I was with had their drink literally stolen nearly completely full from the drink holder while we were playing a game. I'll go back but a bit bummed. read more

As a longtime regular of the location pre-renovations I was nothing less than floored by the positive changes that have taken place. I am proud to call the majority of management and staff my friends (they put up with me somehow). Dave Aceto was a friend of friends well before I ever got to see him in action and he has poured his heart and soul into a successful business that has done me a world of good. Never satisfied with 'good enough' he took hold of a spot that broke men with more experience and money. The whole time he has held on with both hands stylishly; at times a happy grin fixed across his face. With a staff that not only sets a modern standard of professionalism but fights for the spirit of the establishment, I feel like I don't have to wish too hard for the success Arcadia so richly deserves. Check it out, it's gorgeous. Can't wait to go again. read more

Arcadia has the best games selection, owner and atmosphere! Skeeball is still the best!

I like the idea of this place but I the two stars are because of rude bartenders. The first time I came in the stamp to say you were over 21 was an obscenity. I can't remember exactly what it was (I think the F word), but I knew I didn't want it stamped on my hand for the remainder of the day. The bartender insisted and was very rude about it. I came in a second time and although I am 32 and look 32, I was ID'ed and was not served because my Maine license with my current picture on it was expired, which I didn't realize..... by 7 days. It was obviously my ID and I was obviously of age. Okay, I understand if you are going to be that picky with your ID policy, but the bartender was really rude about it. No eye contact, no smiles, just dismissed me like I was an 18 year old with a fake ID. Again, it was expired by 7 days and I am 32. Based on these two experiences, I will not be returning. read more

Such a fun and unique spot in town. There's a wide variety of games, cocktails and late night munchies! Go in and hope you're there a night Cody is working! One of the most friendly bartenders I've ever met! Seriously a great spot. Would come back for the service alone. Can't wait for my next visit - cheers! read more

I've been to Portland on a few occasions, but never knew about this place. We just happened to be walking around by Harborview, and run across it. It's different, and I love it. They have alot of old school pinball machines and arcade games. They also have a lot of classic games (Nintendo 360, gameboy, etc) and ski ball. Everything cost a quarter, and the drinks and food were good and reasonably priced. The environment was easy going, and we met some new friends here. Highly recommend, and I will be visiting again. read more

Possibly one of the best bars/entertainment spaces in Portland (besides bubbas). High quality affordable drinks, games at about a quarter each (and some video games too), multiple levels, a lively bunch, and nostalgia everywhere. Even a live DJ! Make this your weekend spot! read more

One of the most fun stops in Portland! Everything you'd want out of an Arcade bar. The food and drinks were incredible (the tofu nachos and chinese takeout fries are NOT to be missed) and the game selection is impressive. Everything from a Sega Genesis to ski-ball. Make this a priority! read more

The patrons are a lot less uptight than the folks that work at this place. Expect to show ID when walking in, and God forbid you're smoking a cig when taking a picture of their door. Don't let that dissuade you as this place has great old school video game gems and tasty cocktails to boot read more

Arcadia - Arcades Near Me - PORTLAND, Maine

Edit: if you'd like to know the leadership quality run by this place, look at the owner's remarks to everyone who rates this bar 2 stars and below. It's got good drinks. However you have to pay for all the games (I've been to plenty of arcade bars where you don't have to). If you don't carry coins...then there's not much for you to do really. How sad. We are from out of state and excited and this was a let down read more

A really fun spot. Decent number of pinball machines in good condition. Lots of fun drinks. Food is actually really good. Only issue is that service can be slow much of the time. read more

Fun place with good atmosphere and drinks. I got my fill of plenty of pinball, playing on vintage & new machines. Jurassic Park was my favorite. Most games .50. They have a tabletop pong setup that I must have played a dozen times. Decent layout to the place, with nooks to sit and relax. Decor was fun and not overdone, sort of a cheery geeky vibe, and an everyday Joe or Jen would feel welcome here popping in after a day of brewery visits, like we did. Age mix ranged from mid 20's to mid 40's or so. Bar was well stocked and had unique specials, including a sake/hot pepper concoction that my friends enjoyed. The bartenders were friendly and put time into crafting the cocktails. read more

Okay so I am a huge fan of Arcade Bars and let me say that I really love this bar. I do have some complaints though. First of the pinball to arcade machine ratio is to big. Look I love pinball machines at arcade bars but there really is no reason for this place to have more than six. At all arcade bars it should be at least 75 percent of the games are arcade games and not 75 percent pinball machines and 25 percent arcade machines. Secondly there weren't enough places to put my drink. Either way I liked it though and would come back again if I lived in Portland Maine. read more

I mean... an arcade AND a bar!? Yeah, that says it all. When you get past the shock of having such an incredibly fun place in small little Portland you can appreciate the incredible food and crafted cocktails at affordable prices. Stop in on a quiet Sunday or Monday. Wednesday is FRES pinball. read more

How is it that all my 10 year old dreams have come true (plus booze)! Mario Kart (for free) on the couch, grilled cheese, game themed cocktails crafted by the nerd-fabulous staff (Falcon Punch?! I'll have two!) and more board games available then you could roll a 12 sided die at. It gets crazy on the weekend but it's worth fighting the throngs to put your initials up on one of the many (classic to modern) arcade games available. A great addition to the scene! read more

I completely get the appeal of Arcadia - good drinks and fun retro video games, pinball games, and even some board games available from behind the bar. It's just that for me personally, there were very few video games here of interest to me, and no pinball machines of interest to me. It's not that they're bad, it's that I'm a little older than the target audience, and my favorite video games and pinball games are even older. I'd certainly drink here or get some of the board games should space be available, or at least watch my friends challenge themselves at these games. It also makes sense to dress comfortably here, as you'll probably be standing a lot, and it gets very crowded and very warm. You should definitely give the place a try and decide for yourself what drinks and games you might like. read more

Worst place ever, would not spend a dime in that place. The people stinks the drinks seem okay and it just sucks

I love this place! If you are dating someone older, this is the perfect place to show them that liking older balls extends to pinball. My poor boyfriend was dominated at one pinball machine, as well as Pacman. I had to take him to the alley next door to provide some affection and moral support after he suffered such losses. Also, he read that the alley next to this bar was ranked one of Portland's top make out spots. Obviously, we had to check it out. I mean, minus the pile of vomit, it was quite a nice little nook. I'd kiss him there again, but I hope to be there pre-vomit. It's more romantic that way. Bartender was nice, and there were lots of games to play. I'll be back with my boyfriend to dominate him again. read more

Great drink and beer selection, but not great arade game variety. A lot of pin ball machines. Also, some of the games that could be played with 2 players only one side would work.. was pretty dissapointing. I wouldn't spend money on the machines and just play the consoles that are free. If you are looking to play many different arcade games there isn't a lot of variety here. Most of it is pin ball, there's tetris, pac man and a couple of others. Overall we had fun, but it was a bit dissapointing that some machines weren't working and we didn't have much to chose from. read more

There's a place in my heart for video games! This place is great with all the old school arcade games, pinball and a bunch of different console game. Did I mention all the most addicting board games like Cards Against Humanity and Settler's? Yes you can have ALL that and BEER! Can you do this at home.... yes maybe some of that but not the awesome pinball and atmosphere! There is always a bit of a sadness to the fact that there is only one of each board game, even the popular ones. I wish there was two Cards Against and two sets of Settler's. Some of the games are a bit more pricey than I would think but I can understand why. The only thing I wish is that there was a bigger space with more games as it can be quite packed sometimes! Oh! And another idea! What about a console game like xbox in the window with wireless controllers. That way the people in the line can play games while waiting to get in ha ha read more

This place is really fun. If you're into playing videogames, arcade games or board games this is the place for you. They have a variety of pinball machines as well a Sega and a Nintendo 64. All of the arcade games are coin operated, but luckily they have a change machine on-site. The bar area is pretty small and right by the door, so if it gets crowded there can be a bottleneck by the entrance. The beer selection is fairly small but not your usual options and the prices are average for Portland. Hopefully they can work out the kinks for paying as they are working with a temperamental iPad. Overall, I really enjoyed this place. It's a unique addition to the bar scene. I couldn't go 5 stars because I think they need to get the AC situation sorted out. It was sweltering in there the night I went. read more

Great concept and a lot of great vintage games. I have been here at least 5 times now. Was disappointed in the bar experience, however. The bartender was inattentive, and gave wrong change. The overall experience felt like high school hanging out in your parents basement. Fantastic place to place video games. Not a place I would pick for a drink. With a few tweaks at the bar- with service and selection, it could be. read more

This place will always have a piece of my heart. I love it. Love that it's a bar with plenty of pinball/arcade/board/card games. I had a drink with my husband, who isn't much of a gamer, played some arcade and pinball games, played a board game with my husband, and learned a new board game. They teach a game every Sunday; oh how I wish I could be there for that every week. There's a coat rack and 2 single bathrooms along with plenty of coasters for your drinks. I will miss this place until my next visit to Portland. read more

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If you're looking to play some games with some really cool people Arcadia is the place for you. I've never had a bad drink or met someone I didn't like at Arcadia. Like Shane said, even if you don't know anyone you could easily jump in and play with a group. The bar has a couple of couches to hang out on and play. There are also some tables to play board games on. Dave, one of the owners, is really friendly and can frequently be found at the bar teaching the regulars how to play a new game. If you give the bartender your ID there's a huge selection of games behind the bar. Tons of pinball machines to play on and there's free play on Wednesday nights. If you look on the bar's Facebook page you'll see the whole calendar of events. Sometimes they also have larger group games which are a lot of fun! Lots of good New England beers on tap and any of the bartenders will make you an excellent cocktail if you ask them to. The bartenders and owners are all really kind people that care about their customers. It's a really unique bar worth checking out if you've never been. It's hard not to fall in love with Arcadia. Right across the street from Slab where you can go and grab some pizza after a round drinks and games. read more

The have two PS4s, Wii U, and other retro games. Arcade and pinball as well. My wife and enjoyed having a drink and playing Mortal Kombat XL right at the barstool. If this place gets bigger that would be great. Loved it! read more

Arcadia - At the bar playing PS4 - Arcades Near Me - PORTLAND, Maine

This place really has it all. Pinball, arcade games, good beer and wonderful service! The only downside would be the 26 ghosts that are always here. The constantly harrass me and my father when we're in there and mess up my game. They're really scary and keep begging to be released VERY loudly in my ear RIGHT when I started blackwater multiball! Very happy to see Earthshaker in here, though. Good times! But please do something about those ghosts. read more

It's not even the awesome beer selection, an incredible amount of possibilities to find something fun to play, talented and creative bar tenders, a new and amazing food menu that bring me back every time. This place has heart. It's not just a bar, it's a community. read more

Let's just cut to the chase: this bar is the shit. The range of games is huge and includes everything from pinball to old school arcade games, to modern playstation/xbox/etc systems. Group play may be challenging because there aren't a ton of games set up for that, but when I visited I found that folks were pretty nice about rotating/sharing if you simply asked. They also host tournaments here, so if you're looking to get involved in a pinball league, for example, this is likely your spot! Drinks are super affordable, drink specials rotate, and the bar tenders are kick ass. The vibe is also nicely mixed and isn't decidedly any one subculture, though quirky/unique folk do predominate. Would totally be my go-to if I lived here and I'll definitely come back on another visit! read more

I found at Arcadia what I thought was a mythical beast, perpetrated as a hyperbole or perhaps a cautionary tale: a man with both a man-bun and a handlebar mustache. Who knew such a creature existed? I felt like there were 2 types of people at this bar: dedicated gamers who are totally in heaven and can't be bothered to take their eyes off their screen, and too-cool-for-school hipsters with artfully ripped leggings and stylish glasses who are content to park themselves at the bar in the middle of the chaos and draw butterflies on their hands all night because that's how they ~express~ themselves, y'all. Being neither, Arcadia wasn't really my scene (especially since it smelled like sweat and broken dreams, and the awkward layout plus the huge crowd made it hard to move around and be comfortable), but the boy (a gamer) was loving it. Note that this was a Saturday night though, so maybe there's a better crowd and more elbow/gaming room at different times. Great concept in theory though. read more

Great in-house specialty cocktails. Great crowd of people, friendly, willing to help newcomers and willing to play some games. Great console game selection, but not so great televisions to play on. Decent arcade game selection (including NBA Jam!), but not wonderful. Poor restroom. read more

This is the cutest bar! I was traveling through the city and was looking for a fun but chill night and this was the place to go. You can get drinks while playing old style arcade games and even pinball. Being younger I never had the chance to experience games like these but have heard a lot about them from others. Definitely worth seeing if you're in town! read more

My husband and I had a blast at Arcadia National Bar during a recent trip to Portland. We went on a cold night for something to do and were delighted to discover pin ball was free all night. The drinks have fun names, the decor is retro nerdy and wonderful, and we will definitely be back next time we're in town. read more

This place is great! Drinks were yummy and staff was friendly. They have a nice variety of games including board games, pinball machines and old school arcade games like Galaga and Pac Man. At the bar you can play PS4. Can't wait to visit again soon! read more

Fun and different. Portland needed this! Board games & Cards Against Humanity, too. Can't wait to go back. read more

You know those evenings where you want to DO something, but you really don't want to get out of your PJ's? But all you did all day was sit around and binge Netflix, or eat all or day or something equally mindless? Well, Arcadia is made for you. Last night, as I sat in Arcadia, I realized something- it feels a little more like home than it does a bar. I mean, look around- sweaty smash bros. players sitting on comfy couches, shrieking pinball players, and board game nerds arguing about obscure rules whilst sipping on local brews. Maybe don't LITERALLY come in your PJs- but it's definitely a place for your relaxed mindset. Meeting others is easy over a shared love for cards against humanity, galaga, or of course, beer. A great neighborhood spot and refreshing take on the barcade. Waddle on down with your quarter filled pockets and enjoy the evening! -1 for some underwhelming cocktails (at a high price) and small awkward bathrooms. They can and should do a little bit of redesign. read more

A grand place for some pinball and vintage arcade games. A great social place for nerd types to play and get drunk and make Futurama references. Stop by on Wednesdays for free pinball, meatbags! read more

Arcadia - World Cup 94 Pinball! Relive the glory of fanny packs and confused Americans about the World's sport. - Arcades Near Me - PORTLAND, Maine

OK- hang on everybody. We came down from CANADA, and this place is the best thing we saw along our trip. OK, but we'll get to that in a minute. First we brought the kids, little Leo (7) and Jasmine (3), during their highly advertised "Kids Hours Saturday(s." I did typical inspection first and, finding no inappropriate contraband, let the kids have a ball for 1 hour. Hey. There was a moose on the wall, if you can believe that. Leo had six sodas. SIX! "Hey, it's his money," I said to my wife. OK. This is important. We made a HUGE mistake of bringing some Canadian quarters. Whoops. Not only were they unredeemable, but we broke 3 game machines. Had to sneak out the kids real quick and send them along their way to the hotel. Next year, we will leave those Caribous home. But now it was Adult time. After we watched the children walk around the corner safely, we bounded back inside to get DRINKING. We both lost track, but am pretty certain the wife and I each had more than six drinks. And I'm not talking about sodas, OK LEO. What a time! I still remember beating my lovely wife several times at the Rampage game, making so many new friends, the bathrooms, the free elevator game in the hallway(?), and all of the American high-fives. I think we even splurged and tipped BOTH bartenders. Whoops. I asked someone if we could bring our own games in. They said they didn't know. OK, so next year expect to see us coming with a shiny pinballer. Hopefully we can get it through customs both ways. I know it is illegal is some places, but apparently the free state of Maine isn't one of them. PROs and CONs PROs: 1. Proximity to Portland 2. Bathroom #1 3. Traditional American atmospheres 4. Family values 5. Unlimited soda for $2/soda 6. The list goes on..... CONs 1. Exchange rates 2. No Canadian products (c'mon) 3. Daycare not provided 4. No limits on soda read more

A bar where you have more to do than just look at each other or quietly sip on your drink as all of your friends look at their cell phones is a gift in this digital age. Playing games with your friends, or your soon to be friends while also getting drunk is the greatest idea anyone has ever had. This is by far my favorite bar I've ever been to, and my favorite place to be in Portland. When we first moved here, this was an easy place for my husband and I to hang out and not feel so lonely, which led to us making a lot of our first Portland friends at Arcadia. There's always a game you can jump in on or people who'd love to start one up with you. The bartenders are stellar, the owner is amazing and the regulars are the greatest. 10/10 will never stop recommending this place to everyone. read more

This place was incredible before the remodel, but now it's even better. They always have amazing beer options, great games and now they have food. I ordered from a Swingset Special from their secret menu and it was delicious. read more

During my boys and girls club days, I was a total pinball machine fiend. I had semi-forgotten about that side of myself until I walked into Arcadia National Bar and got a massive dose of nostalgia. I suddenly felt like I was a preteen again, minus all the awkward shit. The interior is dark and austere, but it is home to a respectable treasure trove. My sister and I ransacked our purses for random quarters and dollar bills to feed the nostalgia. Then we played almost every pinball machine and a good number of rounds of Ms. Pacman. The only glaring absence was Mortal Kombat. It would have been sweet to get in a virtual ass kicking or two. After we ran out of money, we ended up leaving because it was positively sweltering inside even though it was a cool night. So, we unfortunately didn't get to sample the drinks. When I'm back in Portland, I'll definitely return for a more complete visit. I'm so happy that places like this exist, and we need to support them like crazy. read more