Best Game Bars in Minneapolis

Turn your social night out at a bar, into an activity with one of these top fun Minneapolis Game Bars. Bars with games are not a new concept. Each one of these bars is superlative because of the emphasis they have put on specific bar game activities.

Things to Do in Minneapolis: Game Bars

1. Up Down – The King of Gaming bars in Minneapolis, Up Down is the biggest and the best. Located in the heart of Uptown, UP Down has a zillion great vintage video games, pinball, skeeball and tons more. They have a rooftop patio deck with more games up there. The games are all 25cents so you can entertain yourself all night on 5 bucks. The bar is great with lots of local beer on tap, and, believe it or not, great bar food. Up-Down Minneapolis combines classic arcade nostalgia with craft beer and casual eats. Featuring over 50 vintage arcade games from the 80s and 90s, pinball machines, skee-ball, and even board games like life-size Jenga, it’s a retro haven for competitive spirits. Thirst-quenchers range from over 60 beers on tap, including local brews, to bottled and canned options. Food-wise, expect pizza by the slice with unique toppings, alongside classic bar snacks. Daily specials like $1 off draft beers or 10-cent tokens tempt bargain hunters, while events like Friday’s free tokens for the first 100 guests or Thursday’s Wine Night cater to different crowds. Whether reliving childhood gaming victories, battling friends at air hockey, or enjoying themed events like “Spooky Game Night,” Up-Down offers a unique blend of entertainment, drinks, and eats that set it apart from your typical bar.
2. Chatterbox Pub – This is the OG of gaming bars in Minneapolis. Chatterbox has board games , not video games, and thousands of them. There is also a vintage Playstation to try out if the couch is unoccupied. That one is hard to get a turn at. But the restaurant / bar actually has really good food, so don’t go there expecting lame bar food. Chatterbox Pub is a real neighborhood bar, and features a retro theme with vintage games, magazines, and a speakeasy-style lager on tap. Their menu leans towards classic pub fare with updated twists, offering dishes like BBQ back ribs, lobster mac & cheese, and fish & chips, alongside pizzas and burgers. Beyond food, they host events like open mic nights and wine nights, while a library of board games and retro video consoles awaits those seeking a playful break. Their unique selling point lies in the combination of familiar pub comfort food, a nostalgic atmosphere, and diverse entertainment options, making it a popular spot for casual gatherings and friendly competition.
3. LITT Pinball Bar – Litt is new in South Minneapolis and it is worth a stop. The concentration in this arcade bar is pinball, and the food of specialty is hot dogs. They probably have three or four times as many pinball machines as Up Down. The new LITT Pinball Bar, boasts 46 pinball machines with prices ranging from $.50 to $1.00 per game. Beyond pinball, they offer a full bar featuring draft beers, specialty cocktails, and a wine list. Their menu caters to various appetites, including sandwiches, tacos, burgers, appetizers, and hot dogs. Events like The American Cream Tour and pinball workshops add entertainment variety. Notably, they’re family-friendly until 8 PM, with kids under 18 requiring adult accompaniment. However, it’s 21+ only after 8 PM. What makes them special? It’s the combination of nostalgia-fueled pinball fun, a diverse beverage selection, and a menu catering to various tastes, all under one roof in a vibrant atmosphere.
4. Hop21 – Hop21 is a table tennis club and lounge. Even if you don’t play Ping Pong, watching it is entertainment enough. Also there is plenty of opportunity to try it out yourself, and chase a bouncing ball around on the floor. The food is great and the service is very friendly. Opened in June 2023, Hop21 Bar in Minneapolis offers a ping pong-centric experience beyond just paddles and nets. Seven ping pong tables are the centerpiece, inviting guests to play for free or compete in organized tournaments. Thirst quenchers range from craft beers on tap to classic cocktails and wine. Food-wise, they focus on shareable items, with pizzas starring as the main attraction featuring unique dough recipes and creative topping combinations. Beyond ping pong, Hop21 hosts events like trivia nights, live music, and even drag bingo, fostering a lively and social atmosphere. What sets them apart? It’s a unique blend of physical activity, casual bar vibes, and an engaging event calendar, catering to both ping pong enthusiasts and those seeking a fun night out.
5. 19 Bar – The 19 Bar was established in 1952 as a neighborhood gay bar, and it has never deviated. It is still a cash bar and it always has the best billiards in town. There are other old school (and somewhat cheesy) video games peppered around too. There are dart boards, and really, really great atmosphere. You wouldn’t know it was a gay bar if there wasn’t a big neon sign proclaiming it.

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