There are a lot of cool places to grab a drink in Boston, but only a few can satisfy your inner gamer. People are finding that grabbing a cold beer and throwing down a few games of Pac Man is a pretty effective method of reducing stress. Get your game on at these fun bars with arcades and games around Boston.
Bushwood Cocktail Club
Fans of “Caddyshack” and anything ‘80s should take a trip over to this retro bar. Modeled after the fictitious country club in the classic golf comedy, this place is full of old-school games like Pac Man, Skee Ball and pinball, plus it has a themed-menu based on the movie’s characters. The bar features cocktails like the Judge Smails (gin-spiked Fresca), the Ty Webb (tequila and Perrier) and the Bishop Pickering (rum punch).
noon-2 a.m., 131 Broad St., Boston, bushwoodboston.com
Brass Union
This Somerville spot offers a neat setting, located underground in the historic Union Square police station. Choose from over 20 draft beers, and peruse the menu for a burger or sandwich before you play some nostalgic games like shuffleboard, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots and bumper pool. On Sundays, check out Turn Down for Brunch (think of brunch, plus a cool DJ).
5 p.m.-1 a.m., 70 Union Square, Somerville, brassunion.com
Highball Lounge
Highball is perfect for a younger (or younger-minded) crowd looking for an energetic night of good drinks and care-free games. In addition to Pac Man and some other classics, patrons can battle their friends in Jenga, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Uno and Cards Against Humanity. The fun is sure to be amped up with some of Highball’s craft drinks.
5 p.m.-midnight, 90 Tremont St., Boston, highballboston.com
Roxy’s A4cade
It’s a match made in heaven: Roxy’s grilled cheese combined with an arcade bar. You’re a ride on the T to Cambridge away from a gourmet grilled cheese (with bacon), one of dozens of cold beers and a game of pinball all at your disposal at the very same time. They’ve got some cool video games, too, including Galaga, Mortal Kombat 2 and more.
5 p.m.-1 a.m., 292 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, areafour.com
Tapestry
The Red Sox are finished for the year, but there’s still fun to be had in Fenway. This is a dual concept restaurant, so you can either check out the Expo Kitchen for Neapolitan pizzas, bar snacks and beverages (best enjoyed while playing bumper pool, shuffleboard or darts) go to the adjacent Club Room for more a eclectic, relaxed dining experience.
5:30 p.m.-11 p.m., 69 Kilmarnock St., Boston, tapestry.restaurant
