If you thought this concept was dead, think again.
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Sign, 2019
Stormy and I were sitting at the Riverfest the other day, stopped by the Tampa Pizza Company, then decided we'd head into Seminole Heights for a bit before our friend Brian hit us up. His girlfriend, Sharnese, wanted to check out this new 80's bar Downtown. We just came from there! But we're also right up the road, so sure. We finished our drinks, said our goodbyes, then headed into Downtown again. Gen X is in the same block at Hattricks and Pint & Brew, a very strange little area between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Convention Center. The parking is typical Downtown parking, street parking or one of the few garages in the area. Unfortunately, south of Kennedy no longer hosts free parking after 6pm. Anyway, we found a street spot, parked, and made our way to the bar. But you didn't come here for that.
Lounge, 2019
Lets get it out of the way: This place is huge. I'm used to the Seminole Heights bars that have very little space. This space has plenty of room. The walls are all somewhat decorated with an "80's and 90's theme" (though every 90's reference seems forced and this was definitely more of an 80's theme). A Britney Spears CD sits next to a picture of N*Sync in a box on the wall, the main wall is painted like a high school locker with all the 80's references you can shake a stick at. The bar has created cutesy little drinks with pop culture references, including a shot made with Tang. I went with beer, of which, their beer list is greatly lacking. There are so many bars doing this theme right now with a killer beer menu that it's hard to justify having one as bad as this.
Arcades, 2019
Now on to our actual experience while here. It felt like the air conditioning was broken the whole time we were there. I never get hot. Ever. And I was sweating pretty badly while in here. The amount of noise in this bar is deafening. You will be screaming at each other. This is something I feel could be fixed pretty easily with some strategically placed foam. Then we can get into the food... Wait, no we can't. Their kitchen was closed on the day we were here. This is a brand new bar with brand new bar problems, but it doesn't make those problems any less annoying. And that arcade theme that I'm sure you all think they're going for... Well, there's like four machines. Honestly, if you're looking for an arcade with a killer beer list and free parking, might I suggest Lowry Parcade? This bar has potential, and will be a cool little spot Downtown once it gets where it needs to be... But it's not there yet.
Pinball, 2019
Things to know before you go:
- There is no dedicated parking lot. On nights where Downtown is hosting an event, parking will be hard to come by.
- The 80's theme kind of dies when you start to realize that most of the patrons there weren't born in the 80's (it's ok. We can all get old together.).
- Their kitchen may or may not be open when you go... I'll need to go back after they get on their feet to see what the deal is there.
- Bring your phone as texting the people you're with will be easier than trying to talk.
What's your favorite arcade game? Is a good beer list important to you? Leave a comment below. If you'd like more information on Tampa, check out my YouTube Channel and if you'd like to support my efforts, don't hesitate to buy a shirt from our Spreadshirt (we have new designs!). Also, don't be afraid to click subscribe and you'll instantly be notified whenever a new entry is posted. If you'd like to meet other people who love Tampa, consider joining our Facebook Group. Thank you all and I will see you next time!