Game over…eventually.
One of New York City’s most iconic nightlife destinations has officially entered its final level.
After more than two decades of pixel-perfect memories, the original Williamsburg Barcade has started a countdown to its eventual closing, giving fans less than 1,000 days to chase one more high score and relive the arcade magic that started it all.
Since its origins in 2004, the beloved Brooklyn hangout has been the place where generations of New Yorkers gathered over craft beer, classic arcade cabinets, and a little friendly competition.
And long before arcade bars were a staple in cities across the globe? The concept was actually born out of a Williamsburg apartment.
In the early 2000s, founders Paul Kermizian, Pete Langway, Kevin Beard, and Scott Beard spent their free time drinking rare craft beer and playing 1980s arcade cabinets in Kermizian’s loft.
National Acclaim and the Rise of “The Original Arcade Bar”
It didn’t take long for the unique formula of high-end craft beer paired with 25-cent classic arcade games to capture global attention. Barcade quickly piled up prestigious accolades, including:
- Esquire Magazine: Named one of the Best Bars in America (2008)
- Foursquare: Ranked as the #1 Best Bar in New York City (2013)
As similar concepts began popping up nationwide, the company officially adopted the tagline “The Original Arcade Bar” to proudly honor its pioneering roots.
And when Barcade first welcomed gamers, Williamsburg was vastly different from the high-rise, trendy hub it is today. The neighborhood was largely industrial, defined by warehouses, metal shops, and affordable spaces for artists and innovators.
Over the past two decades, as Williamsburg transformed around it, Barcade remained an anchor of old-school Brooklyn grit and community—serving as a living time capsule while towering new developments reshaped the skyline.
🎮 Why the original Barcade is closing
- 🕹️ Lease ending: The original Williamsburg location’s 20-year lease at 388 Union Ave. expires in less than 1,000 days, and the owners have decided not to renew.
- 🏙️ Williamsburg has changed: Since opening in 2004, the neighborhood has transformed from an industrial hub into one of NYC’s priciest areas, with soaring commercial rents and luxury development.
- 🍻 End of an era: The founders say much of the old Williamsburg that inspired Barcade has disappeared, making the original location one of the last remaining reminders of that era.
- ⏳ A proper goodbye: Instead of closing abruptly, they’re giving fans nearly three years to play one last round, grab a beer, and relive the nostalgia before the original location powers down for good.
- ❤️ The good news: The closure only affects the original Williamsburg Barcade—all other Barcade locations will remain open.