Alexa S.
Yelp
Let me start by saying I will definitely return here. Close to my house, not mobbed with tourists, super fun atmosphere. However, there are quite a few kinks that need to be worked out, hopefully they will get on that quickly. After a second trip, more issues seemed to be present than not.
Huge warehouse style building housing 16 Bit, which is on the right side as you walk into the main entrance, and Pins Mechanical Co, which is at the rear. Each area has its own bar with differing cocktails and an extensive draft list. No food on either side.
On the 16 side, there are about 15 free old school arcade games. There are also tvs at the end of this hall where you can play console emulators like Sega and Nintendo. You must have a drink in your hand to hang out and play the free games. On the walk from one side to the other there is a row of pinball machines. Maybe 15ish games. My weakness! These will cost you, typically 50 cents a piece. Thought it was odd that while the arcade games were free, these cost money. I would stick to one or the other to avoid confusion.
On the Pins side there are bowling lanes, bocce ball, huge jenga and a semi outdoor area with huge garbage can beer pong, food trucks, and bonfires. The entire building is beautifully designed and you'll want to explore every area. A game of duck pin bowling is $5 per person per game. There is a cost for bocce ball as well, just not sure what that is. You can register and get a lane for the bowling just past the front bar at 16 bit.
The first night they were open, their entire credit card system was down. It took quite some time to get charged for drinks and games. Didn't let this phase me. They were clearly struggling through some of the finer nuances of opening a business. However, I found it odd that they didn't offer any compensation for this. No discounted drinks or games. Just an Im sorry AFTER ordering a purchase. Still, the staff was friendly, the space was clean and in top working condition, and everything else went off without a hitch. This place is so up my alley (ha!). Lots to do for fun plus or minus alcohol. We played a round of duck pin, each had a drink, played some arcade games, went on our way.
My second visit was on Halloween and was WAY more weird. Upon entering, we were asked for our IDs. While I am over 30 (scary!), Im used to this. I whipped out my wallet, and was met with a puzzled look by the very young "bouncer". I said, sorry is there a problem?...crickets. Do you need to scan it? To which I was told yes, the ID needed to be scanned. Okay, cool. I struggle to get my ID out, hand it over, and he doesn't bother scanning it. Annoying, but liveable. We go to the bar at 16 bit for a drink. My lovely companion goes to grab us bowling spots. At the bar, it takes a while to get attention (no, it wasn't packed). I order a draft by number as listed on the wall and a cocktail. I am asked again for my ID. This honestly annoys me. #1, after a certain time, this place is 21+. We were definitely there after that cut off. #2, the walk from the "bouncer" to the bar is maybe 10 steps. But okay. I hand over my ID again. As the bartender is making my drink, she clearly is not used to pouring alcohol. I wind up with a glass not even halfway full to which I watch her add more ice. Doesn't really negate the problem and I get a very very short pour. This I can live with. I'm not a big drinker, honestly. I keep my mouth shut. Then, in the middle of pouring the pint of beer, I am asked 3 separate times what draft my companion ordered. Annoying, but thankfully I remember, and she comes back with a beer. It takes about 5-6 swipes of my card for the square to pick it up, which always concerns me. But I walk back to the Pins side with a cocktail and a beer, none the more stressed.
Upon arriving back with the beer, my companion (who is a big craft beer person) says immediately they poured him the wrong beer. It's the wrong color. We wait for a lane attendant to come over, who sends over a waitress. All of this to tell us that we would have to go back to the 16 bit side and let them know the drink was wrong to get a fresh pour. Well, of course our legs aren't broken...but that's sucky service. I would imagine, that while branded separately, one bar can handle the others problems and vice versa. Other than this, I saw people being massively over served (a pet peeve of mine, especially in a city that isn't walkable), staff unable to answer basic questions, and a general feeling of confusion among all.
I think this place has the potential to be absolutely amazing, but needs to work out the staffing kinks first. Major fingers crossed, because the space and activities are a 10/10.