Barflyy Retro Bar And Arcade

This place is great. It even has a drink list it also switches between an early morning calm bar atmosphere to a dance party rave at night. It's a Kent staple for a reason.

if you aren't a college kid i wouldn't go there. i was visiting and staying in the hotel down the street. i accidentally left my ID in the hotel and asked the bouncer if i could quickly run and grab it, he started yelling at me to go back of the line. i asked if i could pay a cover to skip the line bc i was waiting for almost an hour. he started threatening to call the cops. i get the bouncers are used to drunk college kids but i was being a respectful adult and was treated like garbage. wouldn't go there

A classy well decorated bar/night club, no food served. Free video games but not all games work or have broken controlers. Bar is not a sustainable place, ALL drinks served in non recyclable plastic cups. Music is excesively loud sometimes rap music. The unique lava lamps no longer work.

Definitely a college bar ,early 20s you'll fit right in . Place gets extremely packed, but I loved how they opened up doors n windows for fresh air. Good music, but DJ's will not play anything anyone requests so mine as well have a touchtones machine to play music on. I've heard so many others complain about this issue to. Bathrooms are nice n big

OVERCHARGING & OVERCROWDING I love coming here and have been for about 2 years and I'm not even a Kent state student or Ohio resident but have friends in the area and like the establishment so much, I always come when I visit. The last time I went 1/25/2025 it was absolutely terrible. They charge men more than women, it's a known thing and kinda messed up. They charged my boyfriend like $7 extra dollars than my female friend who ordered the exact same drinks the whole night. And the overcrowding is really r

This is the third time of came here. I've had no troubles in the past. I was always treated very well. Never gave anybody an issue here at barfly was always respectful. I just came in tonight and supposedly now I'm kicked out. I just actually just pulled up here not even two minutes and got in and security guard says that I'm not allowed here anymore. No valid reason to tell me why I am not allowed here. I truly do feel like this is discrimination, I would like the owner to reach out to me and give me a rea

Great New place to hang out in downtown Kent. Drinks were reasonably priced and service was fantastic! Really love the retro gameroom. The games are all 80's and 90's arcade games be (Pacman, Frogger, Defender, etc) and all of them are free. This really adds to a very entertaining evening. We went early (4PM) so we could bring our son in (7 years old). He had a blast. This place is my new favorite local hangout!!!

Had a blonde man with glasses push me really hard as we were both trying to get through the crowd and when I told him not to push me, he grabbed me by my waist, picked me up, and dragged me outside. I didn't even realize he was a security guard until he dumped me on the sidewalk. Really scary experience to be grabbed aggressively with no explanation and dragged out when all I did was stand up for myself. I never pushed him back or did anything besides say ?don't push me?. The ?security? there are all just w

Certainly an interesting experience. This is a COLLEGE club. Emphasis on the college part. I graduated in 2022 but never went out in Kent really, so we decided to get our other mid- late 20s friends together to go. It was so fun! The floor is literally COVERED in spilled drink, and young men might fully try to elbow you out of their space, but they have also never met an adult, so I literally turned around and said "no more" in a stern voice, and they ran away. Over all, Great experience. My friends did all

tonight was my first time coming here. i had an amazing time with my friends but it threw me off guard when the bouncers and some security guards were very rude when i approached them with my ID before i went in.

Great bar but the music is basic. Refuses to play certain music because it goes agaisnt the bar owners wishes like Travis Scott, Tate Mcrare, Sabrina Carpenter, Kanye West, etc. The DJS say they can only play top 40 hits but continuously plays songs that never charted top 40 in the US. Just seems very racist and homophobic, and seems like they only cater to their white customers. They also didn't let me one friend of color inside during the summer cause he was a tank top but let every other white guy in wit

We took our kids here today and we thought it was great. The food was good, the atmosphere was fun and free arcade games are fantastic! Just know that kids under 18 are only allowed until 5 p.m.

This place has a super great atmosphere with sweet lights, a great dancefloor, and well known party bangers always playing. The ladies who bartend are very friendly and make drinks well. While I had a great time, there are a few things to mention: Almost all of the security guards are incredibly rude. I get that it's a serious job, but the first time I went there when they checked my ID they shoved it back in my hands without saying anything and none of the 6 or 7 guards standing outside would answer me wh

10/10 would eat at this place again. Food was fantastic. The night club life of this bar is the best in the county hands down. Security itself deserves a considerable raise from some of the things they put up with. Only complaint is I wish they heated the outside seating a little bit more.

The bouncers are extremely aggressive with women and the owner himself is a creep. Plus it always smells bad and is sticky -10/10 do not recommend

Tremendous improvement over bar 145 and a welcome addition to Kent. Bartenders were very attentitive, lounge areas are great, free games can't be beat. Pics are of draft pours on two different days, I appreciate the nod to safety as I'm not likely to accidently spill on myself. Additionally, even though I'm not Catholic, the mass on TV was refreshing...you just don't get that in other bars on a Friday night. Came in on Sunday during the Browns game and no TVs at the bar had the game on. I'll be back. Can't

Probably the lamest bar I've been too there security is terrible argued with my sister about her monthly and If it was raining or not outside the security guard outside by the garage doors is disrespectful and has an issue with colored people I mean the whole bar does and they wonder why they are only busy on Halloween & New Years Eve

Honestly kind of sad to see all the arcade games are gone. That's what made them stick out to other bars in the area! The bouncers at the front door were very weird and off-putting. Bartenders were super nice and they were the best part of the experience. I'm not even sure if they have food anymore.

With college out, you get a more mixed atmosphere in ages. Alot more of people in their 30's, the club is jumping, and the bartenders are cool. They are also good at catching the fake I.D. Highly recommended to definitely drink responsibly if you have alcoholic beverages. State Highway Patrol and Kent Police definitely do their job to keep people safe and the roads safe for travel!! Take an Uber to and from, be smart and responsible!

So don't make the mistake of thinking this is a barcade. It's a Kent State meat market bar... There is no retro or arcade here. Just three working free play arcade cabinets and two that don't. Staff was great and accommodating of us when we wandered in expecting something more like a concept bar (Brewcadia or 16-bit style)..... It's not. If you are a 22 year old Kent student I hear the premixed shots are popular and the dance floor is packed regularly. If you're not... Then this isn't a great location for

If you are a person of color this is NOT a safe place for you!! Please stay away. Especially if you're a black women!

The decor and games are all they have going. Saturday AM. Staff is untrained. Kitchen is reading sandwhich recipe from a card. Cashier is not trained on POS system. Bar is out of kaluha needed for a signature drink on their specials menu. All the tables are high tops and the couches are on a platform. How is this ADA conpliant? Had to flag down the bar tender to get service and food counter forgot to pull soft drink after taking money. Waited while they served anothwr customer and longer until we re

I love the variety of music that's played and the barmaid on thursday nights is amazing. Never fail to have a great time!!

I am a black male who was wearing a tank top and got denied to be let in due to my shirt being sleeveless because it was bar policy. I accepted this fact and did not say a word, but my friends I was with spoke up because they noticed there were MULTIPLE guys (which was true) who were white who were already let in that did not have on sleeves and they said ?it's not our problem?. They called my friends ?social justice warriors? and when a white male who was sleeveless came up to the door they said ?we're goi

Husband and I arrived late at night on a Tuesday, decent crowd for a little after 10pm but not crazy busy. Overall, it was an okay experience. This was our first time ever being here. We had fun, but there were hardly any arcade games? I've been to other barcades that have a lot more than this place. Also, for there being 3 or 4 bartenders it took awhile for us to get served the 3 times I went up to the bar for us.

This was/is my favorite place to hang out, in Kent, that is why it pains me to rate it this low... but, recent events have forced my hand. First, would be an event I witnessed where a security guard put their hands on a guest (who admittedly was breaking a rule). The security guard was the aggressor and instead of asking the man to leave, the security guard approached rapidly and pushed him down. This was not called for and the security guard (and the bar) were lucky the situation didn't escalate and harm o

Wife and I went there with friends who have four kids. Games were a nice distraction for the kids while we caught up. Don't waste your money on the cheap food. We got some and then didn't even eat it it was so bad. It took forever, staff couldn't answer questions, there was one guy cooking AND taking orders wearing headphones and so wouldn't know when people were at the window trying to order. I would need to be paid to eat the burger I got no joke.

This bar has something for everyone- The dance floor is the best I have seen in Kent, complete with REAL club lighting and sound systems (and people actually dancing). This is balanced with awesome open lounge areas for groups to sit back and talk or play games over drinks! The arcade is also totally free to play, and they have all of the best vintage arcade games I can think of. The overall atmosphere is super relaxed and fun, staff is extremely friendly, and the decor is consistently entertaining with dif

Neat atmosphere, but it's a bit pricey compared to the surrounding bars. They have discounts for women on Tuesdays, but it's regular price for guys. Domestic drafts (Bud light, Miller light, and Coors light) are $4 for short glasses. I got a tall Blue Moon and it was $7. The arcade games are fun and they have a lot of cool places to hang out. There's food, but we didn't try it. I'll be back for sure!

We went on a Sunday with the kids and met another family there. We played games and had lunch and a couple of drinks. The games are free play which is awesome, the food was good and reasonably priced. The only knock was that it took a really long time to get our food. Speed up the kitchen a bit and 5 stars it is! Parking is either in the garage nearby or on the street (metered on weekdays) or behind the strip (some is permit only on weekdays).

the security guard at the front was too small. no way he's stopping anything

My husband and I were confused by your hours on a Saturday. We tried to stop by around 4ish today, and you were not open. I see you open pretty late in the day.. (your sign says 7 pm but Google says 5 pm). Concerned about this place. Does not seem busy, drinks are OK but not great, food is not good, a little pricey. Atmosphere is cool, but it's sad to look around and there are only a few people there. Hope this turns around in the future considering how new this business is.

Very good bar overall! Easily can become one of the best in Kent. I didn't have a chance to try to the food, but did enjoy the games. Drinks can be a little pricey though. It ran us about $18 for 3 drinks but other then that I enjoyed my time here!

Fun bar, love the video games...really takes me back!

Absolutely one of the best bars I've been to. Neither I or my girlfriend actually drink and we're often not sure what to do at bars when friends want to go out. The free arcade gives us something to do that's fun on our terms and actually encourages me to spend money on non alcoholic drinks and food.

I would rate a negative if I could!!! they won't allow guys with cutoffs and jeans but allowed females and dudes wearing skirts in!! I spend decent money here to when I do their security thinks they are big and bad with their Halloween costume?s as well. spend your money else where in kent this place is a joke

Writing as a downtown resident, this bar is super loud. I hear the music and patrons until it closes at 2:30, I can't imagine what the noise level is like inside. Im sure the games are cool I just wish I couldn't hear it! Or that they would at least close at 2:00 AM instead of 2:30.

The arcade games are free & pretty cool. Outdoor patio area is really nice. There was a dj when I visited last & there were a lot of people out dancing. The bar service is meh. When I first got there with a group of friends the bartenders just ignored us until we said something & throughout the night it just got harder & harder t ok get a drink. Almost seemed understaffed. But its a college town bar.

Wow, went out with my friends and had so much fun! Service was quick and our bartender was awesome. I think their chicken tenders may be the best in kent. Definitely not frozen. The also have the best game ever (ninja turtles)

So much fun. Music is perfect for dancing and just having an amazing time

Great place, fairly new establishment. Staff was very friendly. Ordered three drinks, all came quickly. Had some pizza, chicken tenders and fries. Everything hit the spot. The games were a blast and everything was fun. A much needed getaway from things. Highly recommend this place.

Awesome place! Great service and atmosphere. Best bar in the area, hands down. Free arcade games and a dance floor. Cool crowd. This place is not ask dingy and gross like the typical bar. It is very clean and cool. I have been to a few places in Kent and this place is the best! It is the only place I will go!

Went last Friday and had a lot of fun! Probably the best bar in Kent now. A lot of arcade bars dont have a good balance. Some are too chill, some are too loud and are just "clubs". Plenty of people were talking on the couches or playing the arcade games but a ton of people were up on the dance floor dancing. It wasn't too loud to talk if I wanted to hold a conversation but it wasn't lame like some barcades ive gone too where its only guys and no one is dancing. There was really good energy and Ill definitel

Went to visit some friends in Kent, and absolutely loved being at this bar. Great service staff, reasonable prices, fun arcade games, and fantastic music. The atmosphere is anything you want to make of it too. Plenty of space to find what youre looking for as an outing. A dance floor, ample space for the games, and you can easily find secluded spots if youre looking to simply chill. Checking this place out made wish I lived in Kent. Cant wait to go there again!

Very friendly service. They have video games to entertain. Drinks are reasonable priced. They also serve food. We did not eat but the food look good. It was around Halloween and the place was decorated nicely.

Extremely homophobic, kicked me out for kissing a guy. You're playing Katy Perry?

Great service and drinks, but several of the arcade games had buttons that didn't work. But the gameplay is free, so I can't complain too much, I guess. They also have a dozen or so board games, some of which are missing pieces (to be expected in a public establishment, I suppose).

Very disappointing. Visited on a Thursday night and learned that no table service is offered. This is ok but the menu for food is lacking. They offer a huge selection of bagel sandwiches? Also have pizza, chicken tenders, and some sort of dough pockets filled with meat/cheese. You fill out a sheet and they give you a buzzer for pick up. The food was ok. Chicken fingers were horrific. Bland, burnt on outside, and good chicken inside. Absolutely no seasoning though. Fries were mushy inside and fairly bland d

Loud. A great time, it was packed on a Saturday night, line down the block. DJ didn't play one bad song. Get here early if you can to avoid a super long line

My friends and I love coming to Barflyy! The bartenders are always so great and we always have such a fun time there. What really bothers me so the DJ and music. I have heard the same songs over and over again every time I'm there and I think there needs to be a change up!

I visited Barflyy for the second time last night. My first experience could have been better. However, management made it right and took steps to correct the issues, so I gave it another go. The service was exceptional last night. The bartenders were friendly and responsive. We spent most of our time at Barflyy because we were enjoying ourselves so much. Well done Barflyy and thank you.

All the arcade games are free which is awesome!! There's all the classics! The food is great! I recommend the flash pockets, they're like calzones, the bagel sandwiches (the hot mess is my fav), and chicken tenders. Good pizza too! Beers on tap are numerous, great selection!

Being a big person, i thought i could feel comfortable going in at an empty hour. Thought the guys were nice but i kept getting weird looks. I ordered a rum and coke and they gave me diet. Im not diabetic...

Dj tells us to write down songs we want him to play and he never plays them. He a real a-hole.

I really hate leaving anything less than a 5 star rating, but I went and got food with a group and each of our orders was mishandled. One of the couples had to ask for their drinks at the food counter after paying and already receiving their food. My food on the otherhand was barely warm when receiving it because they initiallly gave it to another table. Instead of offering me a refund or cooking me new FRESH food, they gave me the food that was given to someone else, it was uneaten and appeared untouched.

What happened to the Pockets??? Those were literally the best thing to eat in all of downtown Kent. I'm a local business owner, and I'm always looking for something new and delicious to eat and spread the word to my employees. When I first went to Barflyy, I was unimpressed. I got an Italian-Bagel sandwich and it was gross. Wet, sloppy and made no sense why an italian sub was put on a bagel in the first place. I didn't go back for several months because of this, but when I did go back, I spoke to a super po

This is not a full kitchen like it used to be. Although the bar menu is fairly limited, just about everything is made from scratch! The pizza and hot pocket things are pretty great. Not a place for children.

The bar was great and everyone was great. The problem is that Reed (the manager) didn't feel like giving an associate of mine a replacement beer after falling on their patio because they decided not to put down salt on it. Really great customer service.

If you are openly trans, they will force you to use the single restroom or leave. they claimed it was the owners policy, but the security was pretty fast to force me out of the restroom.

The DJ said he doesn't play "black music." Makes sense seeing as he's a member of the "College Republicans"

Got a short of truth that had obviously gone bad, tried to get a new one but employees were not interested in helping. music is way to loud, and security are weirdos ??

Awesome bar love the atmosphere one of my go to bars, would give it 5 stars but music is repetitive everytime I'm there its always the same, other than a couple weeks ago a different dj was there and definitely loved there style more than anything.

Food was ok. Fun walking up to an arcade machine. My wife and I played against each other and since it is open free play, when it was my wife's turn, I played what ever machine was next to me. About two hours here flew by

Cool place, good food, albeit small selection. Turns into a dance club later in the evening. It's nice having the free play arcade.

Let me tell you about this place ohk. I've never found a place that resonated with me so well until i found barfly. I prayed that one day an arcade and bar would open and guess what happened. My prayers were answered ???????? The games are amazing. I lose EVERYTIME within 5 seconds especially the burger one. The music omg i love hearing my fav songs on repeat for hours. AMAZING And don't get me started on the bartenders i actually love them. Some of them are my friends. But yess. Come one come all and stop

I've heard great things about this place! Like the drinks and bartenders but honestly I was upset last night when the dj and music were NOT good! That's literally the only reason I'm leaving one star!

This place has everything you want in a bar! Free Video Games- Yes Good Music and Large Dance Floor- Yes Lounge Area- Yes Huge Bar- Yes Great Staff- Yes Cinnamon Sugar Rim for your Christmas Ale- You better believe it

barflyy is the flyyest bar of all time. the free arcade games are the only things that can make me smile so big. every weekend i go just to catch the unmatched vibrations. don't let me leave out the bartenders, they are all such sweet, sweet angels. i?d give 6 stars if i could.

The security guards there seem to think they are cops. They didn't like the fact that I was wearing a tank top as a dude and asked me to put jacket on or to leave.

Nice vibe, good 90's songs and some new hits in the mix. Only concern I have is the not so pineapple "pineapple juice" they use. Overall got drunk

The bouncer was extremely rude. Do not come to this place. It is expensive and not worth it. The arcade is not worth the hassle of dealing with the staff.

Visited this little guy when passing through town. I used to go to kent and lived in rootstown for some time and never knew this was here. We grabed a quick bite to eat (2$ cheese burgers) and a drink. The cool part is the open play arcade games they have here.

Fun place. Nice atmosphere, free arcade. Food quality could be better, but by no means is it bad. This is a great addition to Kent!

2025.05.09 Mother's Day Weekend

I will never go here worst place in Kent I the person running it wouldn't let me in cuss I had a purse anywhere else in Kent would let me wouldn't recommend I'm 24 years old and they let in underage girls

This is my absolute favorite bar to go to in downtown Kent! I love the atmosphere, the vibe, the bartenders. It's so fun, drinks are really pricey but I think it's totally worth it!

Fun sometimes. They got a nice setup but they play horrible music, it always smells like throw up & the drinks are weak

They should take Arcade out of their name. Went there tonight and I think they are down to just 7 arcade games, 2 of which were not even on. Most of the others had very sticky buttons that did not work well. Disappointing.

Worst experience ever. Staff wouldn't even serve us. Short dude who couldn't grow a beard made eye contact with me 3 times then walked to the other side of the bar to serve someone else.

Amazing atmosphere. Classic arcade games paired with a nice patio and dancing all night long. Best experience in kent in a long time

Fun place for drinks and food with friends. Some of the controls on some of the games weren't working so that was a bit frustrating, but we had a good time.

I wish there were more games to play. There are about 8 arcade cabinets in total. I had fun, but I expected more out of a bar/arcade.

sticky floor. play more chappel roan ??

Had a great 21st here, its decently priced for a bar, a good atmosphere, definitely college oriented.

let's be real you only come to barfly at 2 am trashed and for that... its good lots of weirdos bland music squad goes off on the dance floor though *going in the front is... not the move

Great games good beer but please clean up the mens bathroom the oder of urine is to strong and is a health risk.

Shocked to find out there's a strict dress code for men, but absolutely none for women.

Pub food and free arcade games! Also a fully stocked bar! Great place to hang out and let your family run free.