Cool place. Great vibe. Good selection of games. Some machines broken as inebriated button mashers attempt to dominate childhood dreams. The biggest downfall here is the bar. 2 bartenders struggle to keep up with the mixed drinks. If the added another full bartender it would prob make their life easier and for a nicer experience. read more

Whats not to like? - ARCADE GAMES. They work. They are fun. - DRINKS, big selection of beer. - COIN MACHINE, you can use your credit or debit card. If you don't like games, then the Archives is not for you. read more

We are alway looking for new places to get good craft beer. The Archives is awesome! What a great idea! A nice bar with tons of arcade games. The restroom was spotless. Have to admit, we were the oldest ones there but we had no intentions of playing the games. The bartenders were all helpful and were happy to give us a "taste" before ordering a whole glass. One even made a suggestion when he saw which type of beer we were drinking. There is only a cheese plate for food, so eat before you come. We will surely go back to The Archives the next time we visit Burlington. read more

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A quirky arcade and beer bar which offers a wide selection of craft beers. My husband had the Society & Solitude #5 IPA, which was beautifully fruity, with hints of grapefruit. Would definitely recommend! read more

The Archives - Society & Solitude #5 IPA - Arcades Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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Great spot, tasty cocktails! We stopped in for a few drinks before a dinner reservation nearby. Bartenders were great and had good recommendations. We ordered 3 drinks each and enjoyed them outside. My favorite was the Lonely Hearts Club. No table service but it wasn't an issue going inside to order. We did not try them but they have arcade games and we'd definitely like to play them on a future visit. read more

Arcade!!!!! Machines are in generally great condition. Tapper has a LCD screen vs. CRT and some pinball machine flippers are a bit off. Great beer selection!!! read more

Thank god I do not live in Burlington, because I would blow so much money here! The Archives blends 2 amazing things together: craft cocktails and vintage arcade games! It's pretty expansive with a ton of variety from pinball machines, to classic arcade games and things that remind you of your childhood. What brought this up to 5 stars for me is that they have the X-Men 4-player game here (I always claim Dazzler...clearly!) You can use card or cash to get quarters out of the machines and most games are 1 token...I didn't spend a lot of money to play MANY rounds of games! The cocktails were even better. I got the last item on the menu which my very knowledgeable bartender created himself (I cannot remember what it was, but it was made with yellow chartreuse which is my new 'thing')...it was insanely good. This is more than your average bar...these bartenders know what their doing and having the games is an added bonus to mix up the night! read more

"Well-trained" staff? Your response would be laughable if the whole situation weren't so embarrassing and offensive. I was DD that day and didn't drink. My recollection of the night is crystal clear. I hope other Yelpers find my review helpful and can see through your attempt to blame the customer instead of looking at the people you employ. read more

Ended up staying at a Airbnb above this place so wanted to check it out. Didn't disappoint. Cool bar with lots of options and then arcade games too. Was a lot of fun and would definitely return if I visit Burlington again! read more

Great beer menu, friendly staff, fun games from your childhood if you are an 80s or 90s kid. Bonus they let kids in until a certain time (check their hours as of this review it might be before 5) so if you are tired of shopping go get a beer or cocktail while you and the kids enjoy the games. I've also seen pub crawl groups stop by. read more

I was sad to have had an unsavory experience at The Archives on 7/22/19. My extended family and I wanted to visit but had one underage person in our party. I had tried calling multiple times that day to ask about this but there as no answer. When we arrived the brunette behind the bar told us we would not be able to stay, which is completely understandable; however, she was extremely rude and unfriendly. We left and were lingering outside on our phones trying to find a place to go instead. We hadn't been out there two minutes when she came outside and rudely told us to get off their bench. It was a Monday.. afternoon. We happily left right away, and while my husband and I have had a handful of pleasant experiences in the past at The Archives, we will not be returning, nor will we recommend it to any of our friends in the future. read more

Fun place with old fashioned games and good cocktails. Had lots of fun here. Coin machine does work with a credit card.

So this was my first arcade bar, and I wasn't disappointed. I wasn't really wow-ed either. They do have Street Fighter, so right off the bat, that puts it ahead of the game for me. (pun intended) My gals and I heard they do really amazing cocktails. I didn't try one because I had been drinking beer all day, and I'm way past old enough to know you don't mix liquor and beer unless you want to be sick all night. However, I did see the bartender making one of these cocktails with two shakers and about a ten minute long dance and mixing process. So I'm hoping, after all that, it was one darn fine cocktail. The bar is divided into two areas and both walls are lined with vintage arcade games with pinball in the back. You have to trade your dollars in for tokens, but you get four for a dollar, and all the games we played were only a quarter a piece. I mean, if you want to go grab a beer and play some Pac-man, this is the place. But other than the games, this is just your standard pub. read more

My girlfriend and I have been seeking out excellent cocktail bars for a few years. The archives offered several excellent drinks. The staff is capable and knowledgeable. I'm not very much into the arcade team, but people seem to be having a good time. I'll definitely check it out again when I'm next in town. read more

Knowledgeable and friendly bartenders. Owners are extremely generous and care deeply about Burlington. Atmosphere is terrific, though it starts to die down usually around midnight to 1am as many of the patrons move to the more dance club-type bars nearby in the Lower Church Street area. On two separate occasions my friends and I were hoping to go to the Archives only to learn they were closed for the night for a private party. Wasn't terribly inconvenient, but a bit of a buzz kill given both times were Friday and Saturday nights. read more

The bar itself is cool and the beer selection is good, a copy of the now defunct Tilt in South Burlington, which the bar is based on despite them saying they copied Barcade in Brooklyn. The service is horrible, you can wait 10 minutes on a non-busy night and still not be served or acknowledged. They charge for games and don't have a console/tv setup; they would be better if they were based on Arcade MTL in Montreal...but profits. read more

Dope place. Came here on a Saturday night with some college friends and played cool arcade games. The place was packed even on a cold, rainy day. The drinks selection is extensive and the ambiance is very chill! Would recommend it to anyone looking to have a good time and play some old school games! read more

The Archives is basically like Barcade in NYC, but it's a bit more manageable when it comes to spacing and layout, as well as having an arguably better selection of beer (the sticker on the door stating that it's an authorized reseller of Heady Topper is a good start). The outside is quite innocuous, but once inside, you can mix your passion for good beer and cocktails with the games that you (and possibly your parents, for some of them) grew up with. The folks at the bar are very easygoing and get you a drink quickly, and even on a Friday night (albeit, we were there on the later end), it didn't take much time at all. There's a phenomenal selection of beer both on tap and in cans (the Alchemist beers, unsurprisingly, are served in the can), but I was told that folks also enjoyed the cocktails that were on hand as well. Don't aim to come here looking for food, though - you literally have one choice - the cheese board - although it is quite good, with the cheeses the night we were there all from Jasper Hills. There's a decent amount of seating as well, whether it be at the bar, at the counter lining the window, or with a handful of longer tables on the far side of the space away from the entrance. As for what else you can do? It's classics going at least 20 years back - old Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat machines, NFL Blitz, and ones going back as far as Galaga, Pac-Man and Centipede. Despite the age of the machines, only a couple were out of order at most. Even though you do still have to get tokens to play, the machine is (very wisely) updated to accept credit card as a payment option. It'll be easy enough for you to acquire the tokens you need and play the game of your choice to your heart's content - all while sipping on fantastic beverages. Given the lack of food, you probably shouldn't park yourself here all night, but given its proximity in central Burlington, everyone should show up and take a visit down nostalgia lane to play the video games of the past while sipping on the (much better) beer of the present/future. read more

Oh it's a good and clean hipster bar with all sorts of vintage video games and pinball. You can be a wizard at the Archive Bar!!! Lots of great local beers and snazzy cocktails. They have this really special drink called Rum and Coke. It's made withRum and Cola, add a lime and it's a Cuba libre! read more

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No stars if possible! I am from Burlington, born and raised. I have a few places that are a NO GO! Archives is at the very top of my list. There is a bartender that wears a Nintendo shirt always, and he's always so mean to everyone! Don't go to this bar if you're looking for a fun time! read more

I had to come into town to take my cat to the vet last week, popped in here for a Hamms tall boy and some Theatre of Magic pinball. This place is great! Huge layout with a ton of awesome old video games like NBA Jams and Tapper (personal fav). I really liked how they have a great selection of micro brews and cocktails available but if you're a little strapped for cash because of crippling vet bills you're able to get a 16oz Hamms and play a few rounds of pinball for $5. Great addition to the downtown bar scene. Will definitely be going back. read more

My wife and I really had a lot of fun here. There are a lot of games (nothing new though, so don't come in expecting that). The staff was awesome and made great drinks. We suggest The Archive and the F**king Vodka Drink (and Gansett tall boys of course). A couple of games ate tokens, but over all most were in great shape and a blast to play. I'll be here in a second the next time I end up in Burlington. read more

The Archives - Arcades Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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First off the location is quite perfect. The arcade games are all so vintage and addicting to play. I personally enjoyed the Pinball machines myself. The prices for tokens are a great deal and the cocktails are on point! I recommend the "A fucking vodka drink" and I don't remember the other drink but it had matcha, lemon, ginger, egg white and cbd in it. They also had my favorite stout by North Coast brewery called the Old Rasputin in bottles. Live that place. Will definitely come back when in Burlington read more

Old school video games, creative and refreshing craft cocktails, great beer selection, attractive industrial interior. I can't think of a single reason not to come here every time we are in Burlington! read more

Extensive beer selection and arcade games. Need I say more? Definitely worth checking out. It's only down fall - no snacks.

Esse is the best bartender this side of the Mississippi. She will have you liquored up on tequila shots in no time and spending your life savings on pinball tokens. read more

Very cool atmosphere, good music and amazing and creative drinks! I loved the fun drink names and so many fun arcade games to play

One of my must stops in Burlington. This place has captured ambience while only having been open for four months. Amazing draft and bottle selection. Classic arcade and pinball games. Tons of natural light. Good tunes. I can't say enough. Travel back in time and enjoy a great brew. What else is there?! read more

The Archives - Arcades Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

This place stole the show of our Burlington vacation! A really relaxed place with a ton of old school pinball (Theatre of Magic and Ripley's being my favs!) and other styles from Pac-Man, to Galaga, to Mortal Kombat. What drew me most to The Archives is that even though it is a bar with retro games, it is safe, relaxing, and easy to enjoy yourself. No loud, dark, creepy, or sketchiness, and no pressure to drink. The staff are wonderful and accommodating. I loved it so much I went four times! Please make this a stop whether you're a local or not. :-) read more

Good ambiance and beer list! My boyfriend and I are visiting Burlington and this place stood out! Lots of games to play and amazing local beer list! We would love to come back again! read more

Liked it here the first time I went, crowd was decent and drinks were good (I got the "f*cking vodka drink" and it was tasty and refreshing.) However the last time I was there the bartender was cold and a couple sat directly next to us and started making out. I'm not a prude by any means but it was extremely uncomfortable. I know the bar can't control customers like this but the bartender completely ignored it. We come here to grab a drink and have a nice time, this kind of soured the experience and I don't think we'll be back. read more

Very cool place in downtown Burlington! Went here and was able to enjoy a delicious sour beer while playing arcade games. I spent about 2 hours here, and could have easily been here longer. If you are in the city, you have to check this place out. read more

Great pit stop before starting your night. There is PAC-MAN! The games are 25 cents per play. Good beer on tap.

Delicious craft cocktails, great ambiance and awesome service ! I would highly recommend

TOTALLY GREAT experience tonight. The staff is extremely welcoming. Chris I believe his name was in particular!

great cocktails and beer selection, many games including Tetris! No buck hunter however

They discreetly carry "The Topper" (local slang for Alchemist Headytopper beer). Love the retro arcade games and pinball. Heady and Pinball, a winning combo. We were here midday, so it was pretty quiet. Can't vouch for the night time crowd. read more

We had so much fun here! The arcade games are awesome, and the drinks were great too. The bartenders were very friendly and helpful when recommending drinks. We had a great experience read more

What an awesome looking bar. For being full of arcade games, it is very clean, simple, and trendy. The drinks are not rushed and taste delicious. There's open air seating for nice weather and plenty of room at the bar. Even if you're not into video games you'll definitely enjoy a drink here read more

If your 25-40 years old looking to relive your childhood gaming days while having a beer this is the place for u! Tons of old school games ( asteroids, pinball, NFL blitz ) and a wide selection of craft beers... good staff and service awesome vibes ... definitely worth a stop if your in town read more