Retro Game Bar Is Opening Its Doors Tonight in Northeast Portland | Eater Portland

"I visited the vintage-video-game cocktail bar on NE Martin Luther King Jr. and found the TVs behind the bar playing video games instead of Blazers games. The space is packed with Toads, Yoshis, and consoles—from old SEGA and Nintendo 64 systems to a near-antique VR unit—with controllers lining the bar and stations and upwards of 1,000 games from co-owners Shira and Jason Yovu's personal collection. Bartenders pour Von Ebert beer and mix playful cocktails like the Ocarina of Thyme (lemon thyme, lime, and gin) and the Combo Breaker (their take on a Suffering Bastard with ginger beer, bourbon, gin, and lime), while couch-and-TV setups invite Pac-Man sessions and window tables feature green-and-orange, 1985-style school chairs. The food menu leans nostalgic with beef or vegan hot dogs—offerings include a Reuben Dog with sauerkraut, Thousand Island, and Swiss; dogs topped with spicy macaroni and cheese or pizza toppings; and a Seattle Dog with cream cheese and caramelized onions. How gaming will operate is still being developed—when it's slow customers may order games at the bar like a drink, and when it's busy a "game sommelier" will choose games on the floor; cartridges are treated like records, some games may be sold, and trading nights and themed nights (Zelda or Mario) are planned. The bar will be 21+ most of the time but will welcome kids for "Saturday Morning Cartoons" (10 a.m.–3 p.m. starting May 25) for a small cover and an unlimited cereal bar." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden