The concept of the barcade – where retro games meet a full bar – was one that Denver was all too ready for. The 1up, featuring two locations in Denver, is popular among those who like who have extra quarters (marijuana and coinage) nearly every night of the week. From AC/DC pinball to X-Men (sorry, Zelda fans), they have 50 different arcade games for .25 cents and pinball for .50 cents. Don’t worry about being bogged down with tokens, either. They all take actual currency!
Unlike the arcades of our childhoods, there’s both beer and liquor available instead of juice boxes or Capri Sun. With happy hour coming early (3PM-7PM daily) and drinks starting at $2, it’s one place you can pop in near downtown without bursting your wallet. They’re also known for having a cheeky selection of libations, from 40 oz bottles of Mickeys to a variety of flavors of Mad Dog 20/20.
The 1up Colfax
One of FourSquare’s “15 Best Places with Live Music in Denver”, the recently expanded space doubles as a music venue as well. They’re also playing host for Festival 64: A Celebration of Legalization (included in both of our passes) for the second straight year, bringing the boogie to the bud holiday. Located next to Denver’s historic Fillmore Auditorium and Sanchos Broken Arrow (where the Grateful Dead won’t die), it’s quickly becoming an institution on America’s longest avenue.
The 1up LoDo
Voted Denver Westword’s “Best Sports Bar For Playing Games” and Denver A List’s 2012 and 13’s “Best Trendy Bar”, their Coors Field adjacent space is great for people who want to duck out of the “see and be seen” bars and take it easy. While there won’t be any Festival 64 events here, there’s also never a cover to enter, great for those armed only with loose change.
Want the extended tour? Check out this extensive look at 1up Lodo on YouTube: