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Doubletap Beercade

Doubletap Beercade

Reviews Summary

Overall, reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with most praising the fun arcade atmosphere, friendly staff (especially bartenders), good drinks, and reasonable prices. Many highlight the variety of working games and enjoyable experiences. However, a few negative reviews mention issues with burned food, rude service, and malfunctioning machines (particularly Pump It Up and pinball systems). The pizza receives mixed feedback—some love it, while others report poor quality. Despite minor criticisms, the bar is widely recommended for its lively vibe, making it a popular spot for nights out with friends or family.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Fighting Games
Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

What to Expect from Retro Games in Arcades

Step into the glow of retro arcade games and expect a nostalgic rush! Classics like Galaga, Donkey Kong, or Mortal Kombat await, housed in vibrant cabinets with joysticks, buttons, or trackballs. You’ll dodge enemies, chase high scores, or battle opponents in fast-paced, pixel-perfect gameplay. Modern restorations include sharp CRT or LED screens and authentic controls, preserving the 80s/90s vibe. Games are easy to learn but tough to master, offering quick sessions or deep challenges. With leaderboards and arcade crowds cheering, retro games deliver timeless fun in 2025.

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Fighting Games
Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

347 State St

Madison, Wisconsin 53703

Visit Website Get Directions

Hours

Monday 5PM-2AM
Tuesday 5PM-2AM
Wednesday 5PM-2AM
Thursday 5PM-2AM
Friday 5PM-2:30AM
Saturday 12PM-2:30AM
Sunday 12PM-2AM

Customer Reviews

My first time at an arcade bar and I really enjoyed it. Very friendly atmosphere and we were welcomed right away by the manager, Mitch. Service was great and food came out fast and was really good. Did some gaming and Mario Kart was so much fun! We loved it! Played a few others and really liked NBA Jam and NFL Blitz. Highly recommend even if you don't game...its fun to watch others!

Disappointed that you can't use quarters on their pinball machines. You have to get their tap card and the minimum you can put on it is $20. The machine that sells you cards won't say how many taps each card has, which is a shady way to do it. They have exclusively modern Stern pinball machines.

Absolutely the worst. Pizza was burned beyond a crisp and her response was we don't have time to make you another. Less than 20 people inside. The other taco pizza they tried covering the burn with additional taco seasoning. It wasn't even edible. By far the worst experience ever.

Visited double tap today. my bartenders. Maria and Ruby are the best ever! They are Friendly and social, they really made my visit to Madison better. Truly the epitome of what providing service is all about. If you ever in Madison make sure to visit double tap and ask for these two.

There are a lot of arcade bars popping up in the Madison area [I/O and AfterShock have been around for a while, Sparetime and Dave & Busters are relatively new, Thrill Factory is coming in a week or so] This is the one that I keep coming back to. The staff are friendly and outgoing, the pizza and drinks are tasty, the prices for the games are the most reasonable out of any of the arcades in the area, and the gimmick where you earn tickets to redeem for beer is pretty clever. Would recommend!

Really good mixed drinks, fun games, pizza was great too. All bartenders especially Ruby were nice and helpful and fun to talk to! Put on the Valorant game when I asked on the big screen so I could watch my team

We stopped here after the stuffed olive to check out the new arcade bar. We loved the variety of games they had. Definitely kept my friends and I busy for awhile! We loved it and will be coming back for sure.

EDIT: they turned on DougDoug, immediate 5 star, true gamers work here Great place and great staff (especially Ruby who was a fantastic bartender), had a wonderful time playing all the games and the drinks were amazing. They wouldn't play DougDoug on the tv so only 4 stars tho

Came to this bar it's opening week. Enjoyed the concept of a bar arcade and have enjoyed coming back since. Quality of service has improved dramatically since it's early weeks. I recommend for a chill night out with friends or family.

Dope atmosphere! Lots of new games and some good drinks! A little expensive.. but worth the good time!! Good choice for chill date night

Such a fun place! They just opened up so it's not fully developed but I'm so excited to see how this place grows. Billy, Sadie and Andrew were awesome bartenders ?? super sweet and attentive! Really affordable drinks too!!

Cool spot games seem brand new but the female young bartender was extremely rude and unwelcoming. We go to order a drink a the bar and this girl rolls her eyes and the in a stern voice asks ?WILL YOU BR STARTING A TAB?! ? she hands over the mobile credit card processing machine and it didn't work right the first time so she said we didn't something wrong and rolled her eyes again and rudely took the machine back. It seemed like big inconvenience to ask for another drink so we just had one and left. I/0 and

Edit 10/20/2024: Just revisited and no change in quality for the pump it up pads. I must speak true to my nerd heart: this one machine that would make this place worthwhile is functionally useless to me. I will most likely not revisit. Thankfully it did seem like Tetris was back at full speed, so that's something. Edit 10/2/2024: Just to clarify for a fellow 3-star reviewer (who very eloquently described the current issues with the machine): When I first visited, the Pump it Up machine was quite literally

Billy and Ruby were incredible. Our little guy won a free pizza and it was SOOOO GOOD!!! Would absolutely come here again!!!

I'd be willing to bump up this review if either the Pump It Up machine gets its sensors fixed, or they bring Ice Cold Beer by TAITO back online. I should start off with the good things, probably. Bartenders were nice, and the beer list was big enough to not feel super constrained in my choices. Always love me some Mango Cart. I think another reviewer?s explanation of the problems with Pump were inaccurate, or badly articulated: the game does not stutter or freeze, but the sensors, especially on the fron

The best Guinness pour in town. Fun vibes

Super cool place! Had a good mix of all different type of games to play. Drinks were good and reasonable pricing. Good place to spend a night out at.

had a blast and not a single machine was out of order like every other arcade bar ??

Fun new versions of games great for drinking and ski ball, basketball, and guitar hero Descent food too

Great place to enjoy some classic arcade games and some great drinks lots of fun!

Absolutely amazing bar! Good service and awesome drinks!

Cool place and good beer.

Fix the skeeball machines bro

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

Are retro games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Absolutely, retro games in arcades remain a thrilling draw in 2025! Classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter II offer simple yet addictive gameplay, blending nostalgia with timeless challenge. Modern arcade cabinets often feature crisp displays and restored controls, enhancing the experience. These games thrive on quick reflexes and strategy, with vibrant pixel art and iconic soundtracks that spark joy. Arcades host tournaments and leaderboards, fostering a lively community. While modern games dominate, retro titles provide a unique, accessible thrill that keeps arcades buzzing.

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.