I Don't Like Gaming, But This Arcade Bar In Florida Was Shockingly Fun

This was the perfect date night. 🕹

A woman standing in front of Pac Man. Right: Glitch Bar's interior located in Fort Lauderdale.

A woman standing in front of Pac Man. Right: Glitch Bar's interior located in Fort Lauderdale.

Contributor

I don't like video games. Seriously, it isn't my thing... So, why was I so amused with a retro-themed gamer bar in Fort Lauderdale, FL?! It beats me, but, let me tell you, I couldn't stop smiling.

It's called Glitch Bar, and it's an adult gaming haven. I figured I'd give it a shot and walk into this vintage-style building that threw me back into an '80s film.

Cassette tapes lined the walls, and neon signs lit up the bar bites menu. Candy even hung from the bar columns like a carnival.

Cassette tapes line the walls inside Glitch bar.Cassette tapes line the walls inside Glitch bar.Jenna Kelley | Narcity

I went on a double date with my boyfriend and friends, and it was such a unique idea rather than going to another bar, having another sit-down chat, and another round of the same Saturday nights we were used to.

Of course, the first thing we did was stop for some beverages. From cans to drafts, and a full bar, we were excited to choose what we wanted because a drink purchase is your "free" game admission.

This place seemed like a "hole-in-the-wall" spot, so to see a huge game room through the doorway was like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow and not just because it was so colorful inside.

A woman walking into the arcade room.A woman walking into the arcade room.Jenna Kelley | Narcity

I've never been someone who's highly competitive, but with a drink in hand and nostalgic arcade games around me, it was time to play.

The whole concept is adult-friendly, they've even installed drink holders at the classic machines so you can play without spilling your refreshment.

If you don't like arcade games, they also have video games with controllers and skeeball.

A woman and a man playing an arcade game.A woman and a man playing an arcade game.Jenna Kelley | Narcity

The whole concept is adult-friendly, as they've installed drink holders at the classic machines so you can play without spilling your drink.

We'll definitely make our return soon.

This article has been updated since it was originally published on May 1, 2019.

  • Associate Editor

    Jenna Kelley (she/her) was the Associate Editor for Florida at Narcity Media, where she oversaw all of the editorial content across the Sunshine State. She started her career in broadcast media as a television news reporter for three years. In 2020, Jenna won a Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GABBY) award for Best Online Produced Story. She's covered live concerts, reported at the Masters Tournament, and interviewed state senators during election season. Prior to working at Narcity Media, she made her way home to Florida and launched a copywriting business. Jenna received her B.A. in English with a minor in Communications at Florida State University. She has over five years of experience from print and digital media to radio and television.

19 products at Costco that are worth buying even if you live alone

Both name-brand and Kirkland Signature items get you a lot of bang for your buck. 🛒

You're not a true Ontarian unless you've been to at least 5 of these 12 natural wonders

How many of these have you crossed off your Ontario bucket list?