At Thursday’s soft open and blogger preview, 16-Bit Bar+Arcade’s owner Troy Allen looked childlike as he introduced himself and took questions from the group. “The hardest challenge? Patience,” he replied eyes wide, voice brimming with excitement.
16-Bit was supposed to launch July 5th, and now, close to two months later, the bar is opening to the public. But the wait and red tape traversed was well worth-it, and the excitement that has been building around Central Ohio’s first barcade is palpable. Today, August 30, marks the first day Central Ohioans can play a free round of NBA Jam while they drink– which is seriously exciting for everyone. Playing Street Fighter II while tossing back bourbon and ginger beer was a fantasy I didn’t know I had until yesterday and I am thankful that I was able to fulfill it.
If there was ever doubt as to whether Columbus’ first barcade was done right, last night’s soft open proved naysayers wrong. The games were in great condition, ready for record setters to swoop in. The drink menu, beer, and wine menus have been carefully curated to appease all audiences using collaboration and input from industry professionals who have been around the block more than once. Details throughout the bar ranging from retro movie quote coasters to pixelated text on the bathroom walls make this the mecca of nostalgia.
While this blog is about boozing it’s hard not to talk about how difficult Frogger is when you’re three drinks in. Once you hit drink five you feel really confident but you die much earlier. This is a fact. And while the cocktails kept coming, I didn’t try a drink more than once. Their menu offers 20 different cocktails that run the gamut– 16-Bit offers something for everyone.
Bar manager Wayne Walters has a lengthy rap sheet proving him guilty of knowing his alcohol–he’s been bartending for more than 18 years, all over the country. The cocktail menu reflects his experience and owner Troy’s love of bourbon. Using classic ingredients and names the actors and actresses you loved during the eighties and nineties, you’ll find the cocktails falling under one of two categories: Old School or New Wave.
If fruity and refreshing describe the way you like to get drunk, head for the New Wave cocktails where drinks like the Molly Ringwald made with Sprite, cucumber vodka, grapefruit, syrup, and a salted rim will keep you happy and hydrated during Mortal Kombat 3. If you like simple and classic, Old School is the way to go. 16-Bit offers a delicious take on an Old Fashioned bearing the name of Burt Reynolds. If you’re into bourbon, they don’t disappoint, with a wide selection including some from Troy’s personal collection. Troy hopes to expand the bar’s selection to reflect his personal passion for whiskey.
Although their cocktail menu is robust and diverse, the bar’s beer selection may leave some craft beer nerds wanting. 16-Bit seems to be playing to the masses, and with a limited number of taps that means only a few are devoted to crafts. While this will sound off-putting to some, Troy and Wayne want feedback from customers so they can make changes that serve their patrons well. If you’re looking for something in particular, let ’em know. Your input will not be ignored.
16-Bit considers itself a bar first and an arcade second, yet they have done a fantastic job of upholding the games and entertainment end of the bargain. They have an impressive selection of games which are free to play if you’re drinking, and they are hosting theme nights including Mortal Monday which will feature Mortal Kombat tournaments, and Wayback Wednesdays when they plan to run movies like Breakfast Club, the Goonies, and Weird Science.
16-Bit Bar+Arcade, located at S. 4th St. and E. Cherry St., officially opens tonight at 4pm. If you ever thought your childhood would have been more palatable if you had been drunk, you were right. Drink up and play some games Columbus.
