Old North Arcade Bar

Old North Arcade Bar

Reviews Summary

Old North Arcade is generally loved for its fun atmosphere, creative cocktails, and extensive free-to-play arcade games, with many praising the friendly staff and nostalgic vibe. While most reviews highlight strong drinks and great service, some note issues like broken machines, slow bar service, or occasional cleanliness concerns. A few negative reviews mention poor customer service or overpriced drinks, but the majority consider it a top spot for gaming and drinks, especially for groups and special occasions. The mix of classic games, unique themed cocktails, and welcoming environment makes it a popular choice despite minor drawbacks.

About This Listing

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.*

Features

Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

2591 N High St

Columbus, Ohio 43202

Hours

Monday 4PM-12AM
Tuesday 4PM-12AM
Wednesday 4PM-12AM
Thursday 4PM-1AM
Friday 4PM-2AM
Saturday 1PM-2AM
Sunday 1PM-12AM

Customer Reviews

What an absolute nostalgic gem! Stepping into Old Arcade Bar felt like jumping back into the golden age of gaming. From Pac-Man to Street Fighter, every classic arcade game was free to play, making it easy to lose track of time in the best way possible. The atmosphere was electric ? we even got to play our own music by paying just $1 per song, which added a personal touch to the whole experience. The bar staff was super friendly; I had a great chat with the server who clearly loved the place as much as we

My husband and I absolutely love Old North Arcade! It's the perfect blend of nostalgia and fun with a great bar vibe. We tried the Teenage Mutant Turtle-themed cocktail, and it was fantastic?definitely a must-try! They also have a good selection of beer, which is great if cocktails aren't your thing. The best part is that some of the games are on free play, though there are some you need to pay for. They have a machine for coins, but we found it's easier to just bring your own. Overall, it's a great spot fo

Super kid friendly on Sunday afternoon and still fully functional adult beverage station (aka bar). This is an awesome twist on the newer gaming places and I would add it is fantastic. They don't serve food on Sunday, but so allow you to bring food in!!! The staff is friendly and the gaming is exceptional. Pinball is cheap and honestly, the drinks are on par with any place out there. The building is well air conditioned and has a great vibe. The music wasn't too loud and there was plenty of seating availa

We stopped on our way to a concert and this was an absolutely fantastic choice. Lots of selections, tons of games and super friendly service. We would absolutely go back

Located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, the Old North Arcade welcomes gamers and nostalgia enthusiasts alike. As you approach, you'll be greeted by an iconic mural adorning the building, hinting at the excitement that awaits inside. A nostalgic haven featuring classic games like air hockey, Mortal Kombat, and Donkey Kong - but wait, there's more! They've ingeniously repurposed an old vault to house Tron, illuminating the controller to make you feel like you've stumbled on the gem just as Flynn did. They al

I've been here a few times and it's always enjoyable. At worst a couple machines may be down but all things considered, they have an amazing selection of both games and drinks.

This place is magnificent! A little different than most barcades I've been to because you do have to pay for games but they have one of the most unique and extensive cocktail menus I have ever seen. This entire establishment is doused in childhood nostalgia and there really is something for everyone. We tried quite a few different things but our collective favorite was the pokeshots. We ordered the catch em all and all three shots were really well made.

love old north arcade they have this new super yummy spicy pineapple margarita! love visiting this place ??

Great place to hang out, kill some time. I appreciate the patio space.. Never ordered any food there myself. Fan of all the stand up arcade games & pinball machines.. I like coming here on my days off work.

This place used to be a cool vibe. But it's trash now. It's nasty and stinky. Smells like a dirty hamster cage. The people who work there are always grouchy and customer service is null. The drinks are over priced sugary garbage. And the owners a creep, don't support him or this place ????????????

Fun, cute little place! The bartenders were super friendly and the drinks were strong. The games were working well and they had a ton of them. The pizza was amazing! Fun patio in the back with an awesome mural on the wall and life size Jenga. I recommend for a fun night out with friends!

Many arcade machines to play to have fun, it's gonna be a great place to spend my money on! I do want to give a feedback though, I got into dance rush arcade machine, the song does play but when it ends the notes still keep coming, it's awkward to continue playing when the song ends, it would be perfect if it the game ends along with the ending of the song. I tried going through the settings to disable that but couldn't find that option to fix that. If you see this review I just wanted to let you know the m

Parking isn't good. When you park in the back you'll get towed RIGHT AWAY because they signed a contract with the towing company so goodluck guys. Please don't come here and please don't move to Ohio. Leave and never look back!

This is my favorite bar in the area. The drinks are always good and the atmosphere is always great. I love going on the weekdays to watch jeopardy at the bar top.

I had the misfortune of visiting this bar last night, and let me tell you, it was an absolute nightmare from start to finish. The bartenders were downright rude and completely uninterested in doing their job. When I walked up to the bar, I was met with a cold stare and a snide comment about how ?busy? they were, even though the place was nearly empty. It took over 15 minutes just to get acknowledged, and when I finally did, the bartender acted like it was a huge inconvenience to pour me a drink. Not only wa

The only comment I'd make about this spot is that they need more places to set drinks down. Some of the machines have cupholders but many don't. I think some wall shelves would do well and maybe a few short chairs for folks that don't have the ability to sit on backless high-stooll

This is nirvana to anyone who enjoys gaming and arcade life. They have a bar too which is a huge plus. The drinks are game themed and taste like punch your way to heaven. They even have a place called forties chicken and waffles where you can get all 3 for a measly 10 bucks. This is a quality experience and my favorite bar in the world now. I will be back frequently and suggest joining me or checking this place out. It's a must!

Great atmosphere, friendly staff. Impressive selection of classic arcade games and unique menu items.

Came here with some friends after rain cancelled our other plans. Some of the best mixed drinks with a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and loads of classic arcade games. They also had gaming consoles set up as well. Impressive assortment!

Service is always fast. Bartenders are usually happy to talk about the games if they're not too busy. Drinks are sometimes on the strong side which is a plus. They've got the classics like galaga, dig dug, asteroids, ms pac man, and more. Check out their Facebook page for a full list. They're renovating it currently for more games which will be awesome. It's definitelt my favorite arcade bar in columbus.

Went there with a large group and the bartender was so friendly and accommodating. Games were fun , great atmosphere

You simply can't beat free arcade games! My wife and I got drinks from the bar in the first room and food from the kitchen in the 2nd room, then proceeded to battle each other for the next few hours. Everything was amazing!

Cant comment on food cuz we didnt eat. Played a variety of games...a few cost quarters and a few were free. tons of games...lots of things to do. friday around dinner time wasnt very crowded...probbably gets crowded during peak times.

Really cool retro arcade joint! Great for a throw back night out or just to game it up with the gang! Pizza and drinks are a bonus, too, if you have a hankering!

I actually liked this place better than 16 Bit. They had throw back game systems, giant jenga and twister on the patio, and many arcade style games. We played old school Super Mario on NES for a while before getting into Simpsons, Bad Dudes, Donkey Kong, and some other classics. The drinks were also great and I like the kind of dark grungy feel.

Couldn't believe I've never checked this place out before! BEST TIME EVER! Super friendly bartenders & guests. Everyone is just there to have a good time ??

Still a great bar but they need to bring back the fighting games! Street fighter 2 and many other fighting games are now gone.

I went here for the first time today and I had so much fun! The staff was friendly and always had a smile on their faces. I ate the fries with macaroni and that was delightful! I also drank a couple (I don't remember how many?) alcoholic beverages which tasted like heaven (I can only drink fruity drinks). The arcade games were fun and I spent about 2 hours playing games here. I sadly lost my sunglasses somewhere in here (My poor sunglasses...??) but overall my experience was so awesome. I am planning on com

This is my favorite bar to visit in Columbus. The staff is always friendly and they have a great selection of beer on draft. I'm also a huge fan of their bloody mary's. The arcade games and video games are a great addition to a bar setting, and most of them you can play for free as long as you're drinking. The patio is big, and there's ample seating at picnic tables outside. Overall, the atmosphere is great, and I will continue to frequent at Old North.

We came in from out of town to meet up with some friends after a Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena. This place was really nice. There were tons of current and previous gen consoles available for free play. As well as a slew of arcade games spanning from Ms. Pac Man to NBA Jam to everything in between. Drinks were sorta expensive, but most all the games we encounter were free so I feel that that's a fine trade off. The outside patio area with a giant Jenga set was a nice surprise. All the staff we encoun

It's just not the same. I used to go here all the time but now the machines have changed, most of which have sticky buttons now, The atmosphere is gritty, almost like I walked into one of those 80s movies??Warriors come out to play-yay?? style and felt out of place . I'll just stick to going to Pins next time. Very dirty atmosphere . They did have aquaquate space though?I'll give them that but PLEASE for the love of retro and retro gods? care for the machines.

The games were all free (except for DDR). The drinks were reasonable priced and good. The chicken tenders and fries were delicious too. My only complaint is that the place was pretty warm, even with the air conditioning running throughout. For context, we went on a day that was almost 100 ?F outside.

Pretty darn good barcade. Friendly bartenders, a nice back patio space, relatively cheap drinks, and most of the games work. Also, one of the best pizza places in Columbus a few doors down in Hound Dog's. Quality hang out spot.

A very fun place! It has a huge variety of cocktails and some very good bar food options. I bought the hagrids butterbeer cocktail and really enjoyed it!They have a a very good space with loads of games right from arcade games to PS4 and Xbox games!

This was a wonderful space for a friend reunion and kid friendly too, except for the bathrooms and music selection. The customer service was exceptional. The menu was unique & every bite was enjoyed!

Such a fun twist to a night out. So many old school video games for free play! Really good drinks, there is one that LITERALLY tastes like a pink starburst, and great bartenders. It's gets busy but there are always open games to play. My only issue is parking! BE AWARE OF WHERE YOU PARK!!!! The bar doesn't advise of where to not park on their door. We saw half a dozen cars get towed in 5-10 minutes. That will cost you $110!

Used to come here all the time to get the diddy Kong shots which were amazing. Told my friend we had to check it out next time we were close by. Boy I wish we didn't. Walked up to the bar to the most unfriendly bartender ever. Asked if they still had the diddy Kong shots and he looked at me like I had 2 heads. Okkkkk then give me 2 beers. Served us 2 warm as hell beers in dirty glasses that smelled like gym socks. To top it off there was a fruit fly in it, which no biggie, but when I said something about it

Such a fun time! All games are free if you buy something to drink, doesn't have to be alcohol! Family friendly fun Sundays noon to 8pm, too. Simply the best...especially if you are on a budget! They also have Forty's chicken and waffles in the far back of the 2nd room. Just go. You will thank yourself afterward.

I frequent this arcade but today I brought my children with me. The bartenders were awesome and the drinks were really good but I did have an issue with a dance dance Revolution game. I had to be reset multiple times, and for the third time the guy who worked there unplug the game and told me that it over when myself and my children were having a really good time of the game. He was very rude about it, and did not even allow us to continue our evening, which kind of ruined our Sunday funday as I brought my

Me to Bartender who was apparently touching cash for the first time: Will Centipede be coming back? I can only play so much Galaga. Bartender:

One of my favorite bars in town. They are one or a kind, but still they won't charge you for the games or the arcades you play with when you get a drink ( No, it doesn't mean their drinks is expensive, they are actually very well priced) I recommend the Super Smash Bros cocktails.

Best place in town for retro and current arcade games. And beer! Prices are good and the bartenders are knowledgeable and quick to get orders filled. This place is a lot of fun and we always have a great time. It's easy to get to (right on High St) and you can park right by the building. Huge patio and great atmosphere. I highly recommend Old North Arcade.

This place was great when it first opened! They used to have an entire wall of video game consoles and TV?s. That's gone and it's been replaced by other cabinets that you now have to pay for with quarters. I thought the idea was that drinks would be expensive but games were free. Not anymore I guess. Also a lot of games break and they don't really fix them. Loved it when it first opened but it's kind of just a shadow of the past now.

Cool place, big pinball fan! They have a great selection of pinball machines!

Cool bar and games but NO FOOD THERE IS NOT FOOD HERE

Loved playing the games and being served by our bartender, Jake! He was so friendly and gave me recommendations on what cocktails to order, which ended up being so tasty

Fun find! There is a bar with a similar concept in downtown Columbus that is NEVER open. Loved that we found this place with regular hours that we can pop in and have a beer. I would highly recommend if you like to play mostly free arcade games while enjoying a beer or a clever named cocktail.

Tasty drinks, pinball, and even a rare Krull machine! Perfect evening hangout.

Great bar to be a regular at! The staff are always kind and helpful. I was going regularly for over a year before I had to move away. Games are always fun and the cocktails while tasting good are still pretty decently strong! Which is a good thing. Also, love all the choices and seasonal drinks. Will definitely return on occasion even thoguh I've moved an hour away.

It was good. Especially loved Jaws and Iron Maiden pinball

Best place in Columbus for drinks and retro arcade games. Love the atmosphere and throwback vibe. Three rooms full of games, outside patio and the specialty house drinks make it a fun place to hang with friends. Prices and service are great. Our favorite place.

I love coming here. Drinks are slightly pricey, but it's a bar on High St so it's expected. All arcade machines are free except for pinball and air hockey, in addition to some older consoles which are also free to play on (n64 Atari etc)

Loved their unique, classic game based drinks here! It's a fun and casual bar. Great date spot. Make sure to bring your own coins for the games tho!

The galaga machine is gone; will it return? More free games are being replaced by games that cost money, too. Great place to stand outside on the patio and play giant jenga, though. We did meet Jenga God there. ???????

Won't let me bring in a water bottle or Gatorade but also don't have any for sale. If you aren't allowed to let in outside drink then you need to accommodate sober patrons and designated drivers better! A self serve water jug is unsanitary and only offering tap water is disrespectful.

I never take the time to write reviews and Usually I really like this place and the atmosphere and games, but the most recent time I went, pretty much all of the best games were down (tron, galaga, ddr, etc..) and on top of it all, I was harassed by the bouncer as soon as I walked in. Didn't really make me feel very safe, so I don't know if I will return, which makes me sad because I've had good times here before! They need to make changes.

A fun find. Definitely a more chill spot for a bar, I am 21( have to be drinking)all the games were free, the drinks are strong and fairly reasonable priced, Definitely on the sweet side but I liked both the drinks I ordered and so did my SO I ordered cocktais but I did see they had a HUGE selection of beers on tap so if cocktails aren't your thing then don't worry they got something for everyone. No kids are allowed after 8pm so if you are wanting to take kids then you should go earlier in the day.I didn't

Fun cocktails, reasonable beer selection, and good service. Games and building are in a state of 30% disrepair, but there's enough working for some fun. Good set of pinball machines!

Santiago was FABULOUS!!! Awesome atmosphere and awesome staff. 100% recommend!!!

We went early, while still family friendly. The kids loved the mocktails and playing games. Friendly staff. We will be back.

Basically every game is free except pinball. So if you want to play pinball bring some quarters. They have video game themed drinks as well. Older console games are also available.

Everything was sticky, specifically the consoles near the front and the counters, which made feeling comfortable, let alone trying to play a game, a really arduous experience. The staff were just doing their best keep up, but management was nowhere to be found, like completely non-existent. Who is running this place?!? Just gone really downhill post pandemic. This was a staple of the Old North and now it just feels hollow.

If you love old arcade and unique drinks this is your place to be. We have been in early cause of having kids and the staff is always the nicest. Plenty of arcades to play, and even some rarer ones like black widow and Robotron. Looking for a fun evening, go there! You won't regret it!

Love a good Barcade and Old North has a lot to offer. Multiple rooms of arcade games, console gaming, a patio with bar games, DDR...the themed cocktails and shots are super fun as well :)

This place is awesome - I regret not going sooner. I went during happy hour with my kids and we all had a blast playing retro games. Most everything is free to play, and there are 3 rooms of games. They even have a kid's cocktail menu. 5/5

We like this place. We really had a good time but!!! The bar service is painfully slow. Bartenders are not slow, there'sjust not enough bartenders for all the people wanting drinks. The games are so much fun.

Cool spot to hang and play some classic arcade.They have setups with all the classic console games as well. Everything is free to play except pinball, air hockey, and guitar hero.They have great pizza BUT, the staffing sucks. The last time I went they let us bring hound dogs pizza in because their pizza boy didn't show up for work. I haven't tried their drinks yet but my friends said the bar is great. Looked like there's lots of stuff on tap and I saw custom drinks as well.

Cocktails, beer, classic arcade games...what's not to love. Not only are the drinks well thought out & delicious, the games are free when you're drinking.

Super awesome spot for games and people! Most of the games were in service, very important. The drinks are pricey in my opinion, so not great for a college budget. I like that there is food you can buy, delicious! The food guys were awesome and friendly while the bartenders were quick and to the point. I would absolutely go back.

Most games are free with a purchase of a drink. Lots of options on tap. Patio in the back. Free water cooler available, very convenient.

Was having a great time until my touch tunes song was interrupted for 5 guys to listen to the news?? The bartender made every speaker in the bar play the news for just a few people. Completely killed the vibe and wasted my touch tunes. Know your demographic.

I reccomend the spyro cocktail and birthday shot. Love the games and entertainment and chill atmosphere. They also have outdoor picnic tables and games too. Some shooters, Dance Revolution, and Pin ball games cost $1.00 but most games are free to play. Great staff and service as well. I go often and is the main bar I go to.

The drinks were really good, the only issue was that some of the games required coins and were not really clear. So there was a few games where we're drunkingly trying to get coins and insert them with no idea what we were doing hahahaha

Absolutely love this place. Went on a Sunday night ! The bartender did a amazing job! The drinks were amazing!!! Definitely try super smash bros ! Some of the games had a buttons stuck but definitely worth going !

Was here for my first time recently and absolutely loved it! Great service, fun drinks, awesome atmosphere and very awesome collection of classic games to play!

I took my cousin here for his 21st birthday. It was an amazing time! The bartenders are really nice, the atmosphere is super chill. There's an outdoor area and really freaking good pizza. Prices are really good too, and drinks are strong.

I come here because Eris is SO amazing. They're always so welcoming and accommodating for big groups and they're always very pleasant to be around. The drinks are awesome, a tad bit on the pricey side but worth every penny. The vibes are great especially when Eris is there because they definitely make you feel like family (like the Olive Garden slogan) Kevin is also great. I wish the guitar hero machine was working more often :(

Craft beer is cheap and the games are free. Couldn't ask for much more! They also have the coolest Tron machine!

Lots of fun, free games, yummy mocktails and the bartenders are chill

Great selection of games and a fun atmosphere. Cocktails are very fun and creative! Its a bit pricey for drinks but keep in mind barcades have high overhead maintaining all the games, so when you consider the free play on a bunch of your favorite games its a great deal!

I love this place. Part of it is nostalgia, of course. That's, I think, a huge part of the point of the establishment: hey, remember when ... Yeah. I remember. But that also makes me about 15 years older than the average customer of this north campus shop. But that's okay! They have a huge range of games to play of almost all types. It's a genuine arcade, with the clever addition of console games along side the old style cabinet games and pinball machine. The drinks are really heavy but moderately priced, a

RECOMMEND!! This is one of my new favorite places for a night out! Took a few friends from out of town here and they had a blast!! Beer selection is surprisingly good and they make creative and delicious alcoholic drinks that go with the video game vibe. The only downfall I experienced was that it was a little crowded and you had to wait for some games to becomeavailable. BUT, that is to be expected.

Love this place. Best bar I've been to downtown by far. The employees are always super friendly even on the busy nights when it can get crazy and just overwhelming. Definitely would recommend for any gamer looking for a cool place to chill and drink with some friends. And even if u go out by yourself I'm sure you could find some people there that would match your vibe.

Awesome experience here recently! Drinks were delicious and definitely priced well for how great they were. Games were a blast, and staff went above and beyond to help celebrate my friends birthday. Can't wait to come back soon

I come here all the time! Pizza is good, drinks are great and games are fun. Only complaint is that there seems to be a lot of games down every now and then and they seem to be out for awhile.

Expensive and weak drinks but great atmosphere. The service is very slow if you go on a busy night. The arcade games make up for all its short coming.

Awesome place to hang with amazing speciality drinks and retro games. Always a great date night.

Very nice place. Huge section of games !!

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.”