The Arcade Asheville finally opened its doors Friday afternoon (in the former location of the Joli Rouge), but staff were still scrambling to complete finishing touches as curious onlookers wandered the building and dedicated gamers revisited their childhood favorites. When finished, the two-story restaurant, bar and game haven will boast a full liquor menu and kitchen that serves until 3:30 a.m., along with skee-ball, pinball and bleacher seating for those who prefer to watch.
Tonight, it will celebrate the grand opening with live DJs, free arcade games and a viewing of the city’s fireworks from the College Street patio.
Although the bar has plenty of games at the moment, there were still several pinball machines and video game cabinets to be delivered as of this afternoon. Pac-Man and Galaga cabinets are among those to be delivered.
“Eventually, we’ll have everything,” said owner Joshua Aaron about the not-quite-completed space. He also noted that the upstairs will eventually be oriented to a group gaming experience, with skee-ball and motion-sensitive game systems.
The bar also features works by local artist Dustin Spagnola.
I was excited about the concept, but was pretty underwhelmed.