Level One Bar + Arcade

Level One is pretty awesome. Let’s face it: video games, friends + drinks = a great time… always. Tish has started up a Ladies Pinball Tournament here on Wednesdays and I’m SO grateful! I’ve met so many nice gals. It’s like the Sex in the City girl nights I’ve always wanted except with cooler chicks, games, beer and better outfits. It’s definitely a place you should check out. With downtown being the same-​olé, same-​olé (to me anyway), it’s fun to check out other necks of the woods.

Stopped in on Friday, May 20^th. Awesome idea, the beer selection was great and I truly wish someone would do this in my hometown.
My friends and I enjoyed X-​Men, The Simpsons, some pinball, Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Burger Time, Spy Hunter, TMNT: Turtles in Time, Beer Tapper and many others.
We’ll defo be back!

First this place is amazing!
I went here for my birthday celebration and took about 15 friends with me. There were plenty of games to play and room to move.
The deal here is if you buy a drink, you get to play the arcade games for free. Except the pinball is 50 cents.
I had a drink called galaga which was very fruity and good. The rest of the night was a blur of shits, beer and games.
Everyone had a blast and already wants to go back including myself.
I’ve been to 16 bit before and this place has better games, more room and a nicer atmosphere.

Level One is great if you enjoy playing old arcade games while having a drink or two. It’s definitely not as crowded some arcade bars can get (which I see as a good thing), and there are a variety of fun games; tapper, ms pacman, mortal combat, burger time and a bunch of others! The only downside is the drinks, they are not very well prepared and often too weak or too strong. Probably best if you enjoy beer and don’t need anything mixed.

Bartender was amazing extremely polite and funny. Great drinks and service makes a damn good margarita.

We came up from Springfield & spent our Saturday evening here, from about 9 – 1, and had an amazing night. The staff was incredible, from the friendly management who was out amongst the customers to the bartenders who were friendly & made excellent drinks. Their beer selection was impressive and we tried maybe half a dozen of their quite tasty themed cocktails. Any shots & cocktails we got were strong, which is a huge plus for a bar, but also affordable. Bartenders remembered our orders when we came up, gave suggestions for drinks, & were in good spirits all night.
We had a group of 5, that grew to 8, and while the place was busy, it wasn’t crammed shoulder to shoulder like other places. The building & aisles are big enough that you can stand around a 4 player arcade game & actually play. A good blend of classic single player arcades as well as the more multiplayer style games. They had an N64 hooked up on a projector with Mario Kart & Smash going. Hopefully they get ahold of a copy of Goldeneye by the next time we come out… Around a dozen .50 pinball machines, which were all really fun… classics from the old Guns n Roses machine or Star Wars all the way to a newer Game of Thrones pinball.
Due to the location, the spot has a great free parking lot, & some cool restaurants around too. Overall this is the best of what we wanted out of a barcade, so Level One is now our go-​to Barcade.

Great biz. They have tons of classic arcade games, pinball machines and beer/​liquor! The beer selection is really good and way better than some «hole-​in-​the-​wall» bars. They have a lot of craft beers and some neat mixed drinks. As long as you have a drink in your hand, you can play the arcade games for free. I believe that the pinball machines are 50 cents a game. Cool atmosphere — primarily between 25 and 40.
As far as I know, they don’t have any food offerings; it’s only alcohol or soda. No problem though: there are tons of restaurants within walking distance. I do believe that they allow you to bring food in. They have tables as well, in case you just want to hang out and chat.
Whether you want to go here just for the games and drinks or go here first before hitting the Marcus Crosswood Cinema, Winking Lizard, or getting dinner, it’s fun!

Take this for only what I experienced. After leaving the movie I was driving away and noticed the sign that made me remember a Unilocal bookmark. I pulled into the decent size lot but it was packed. Another bar, a sit down restaurant, and a Chipotle share this parking. This must be the new «IT» bar because it was busy. A quick perusal of the pinball machines that drew me in, left me flat. OK they are not the greatest pinball machines that you love to play, but they had tier B selection. I would have thought they were all busy and in use, based on the gathering crowd. I found 20% of them with Out Of Order signs on them that people were just using as drink tables. I settled on one that immediately ate my coins. A staff member who could not get it to function, seemed reluctant to refund me. Now read the last 2 sentences again, because it happened again at the next machine. That must be 25% now. «How about this one?» He said motioning to one someone had just left. He put 6 credits on the machine for me. When the game was over it was time to go to the bar, because no lounge server had been by.
*Note*… The pinball machines do not have drink holders unless part of the original design of the machine.
The bar was packed, so I made a quick partial survey of the arcade games. I got as far as the front door, and kept right on going out the exit. It was too wedge packed for my enjoyment pleasure.
Maybe this will be a better visit before or after a matinée.

Came in on a Friday night, they had some one carding at the door but he didn’t charge us anything to get in. Apparently they only charge a door fee on Saturdays.
There’s a fair amount of seating and the bar is a pretty good size. The drinks are really good, but slightly over priced for the size. I got the frogger, looks like Mountain Dew and is seriously fruity and delicious.
The games are pretty good, I’m not really a connoisseur of games, I’m a girl who button mashes. But I never had to wait for a game if I didn’t want to, there was always a machine open somewhere. And there weren’t lines for the popular games either. The bar is spacious enough where people weren’t bumping into you trying to get by. For that reason, this is my favorite arcade bar in the area.
Next time I’m going to be sure to bring a few quarters for pin ball. I didn’t notice any method of them checking that only people who are drinking could play the games for free, there aren’t any tokens or wrist bands or anything.
So a spacious bar with good drinks and lots of video games– this is my new favorite spot! I’ll definitely be back!

The pluses were that I liked the game selection and liked not having to wait a lot to play the games. The negative was that the service wasn’t really very impressive. Being an ex bartender myself, I know what service is and the girl that waited on us wasn’t very friendly. I told her it was our first time there and she didn’t really take any time to go over drinks or anything. And she definitely wasn’t smiling. And she wasn’t busy or I would think that would be her excuse. Oh well. We would probably still go back, but 16 Bit’s customer service and drinks blow this place out of the water.

This was a fun time! We’ve been to 16-​Bit a number of times (we had our wedding reception there) but had been meaning to stop in here since it’s a little closer to home.
The space is larger and, although there are a lot of games, you don’t feel cramped. So, if you want to flail about while playing Centipede you can. There are a bunch of pinball machines. While we were there, the repair guys were checking/​tweaking the pinball machines so everything was in working order. And they have a Doctor Who pinball machine, you guys!
Round this out with a solid beer selection, interesting cocktails (the non-​alcoholic ones looked better than the boozy ones) and you have a great time. The only knock would be the drink prices; they are a bit steep but they have to pay for the free games somehow, right? We’ll be back… it might be our pre/​post-​movie destination.

Level-​One was my first bar-​cade experience and it did not disappoint.
I think the location for this is great.
I don’t have to worry about parking, I’m not surrounded by groups of hipsters just randomly standing in my way talking, and there’s plenty of other things to do within the Crosswoods area.
We came here with friends after enjoying a movie next door at Marcus. It was a nice touch to followup the cinema, as in older days that many an hour and quarters were wasted in those cheap theater arcades. Now that I’m older, I can still enjoy that, but with a nice mixed drink in my hand.
The bar tending staff was very nice, not pretentious and answered all of our questions. Plus they made us some very tasty drinks.
Note: In order to play games, it’s required that you must purchase a drink. However – For those who do not enjoy the taste of flavor infused alcohol, or are a DD for the night, there’s other tasty non-​alcoholic contraptions for your consumption that count towards game play.
What’s nice is you can still bring a couple of friends here. They have multi-​player games that all can enjoy.
There were plenty of classics and a ton of pinball machines off to the side.
Nothing like reliving your childhood/​teenage years.
Make Level-​One a part of your date night. There’s plenty of great dining options in the area, or a movie beforehand followed up with a nightcap at Level-​One.
The only qualm came from my husband… Since you basically have endless lives on the machines… He said it takes away some of the eagerness and anxiousness when playing in the olden days. But heck – You’ll finally get to defeat that end boss without wasting $ 10 in quarters.
Fo’ Sho — My butt will be back.

Great, cool spot.
As a consultant work in the Columbus/​Dublin area from time to time. I frequent the hotels in the area around this place and so when I came across the opening of the bar a couple of months ago, I was floored that something like this existed in sleepy greater-​Columbus.
I’ve seen Arcade bars in NYC and now that I live in Chicago, I see them there too. It was amazing to see this place open. Great seletion of game and they are ALL FREE except for the pinball I think. I’m not a fan of pinball but I am a fan of drinking alot and playing the Simpsons, TMNT or Xmen games… as you can tell, I like the pointless button mashing games…
They have a good selection of beer here too, overall great place. Makes me think I should swing by there tonight and get my drink on.

Best arcade+bar in Columbus. Two issues; one a small oversight, the other an act of Odin. Level One has only been open for 2 weeks, it’s more than understandable, they are still getting things worked out.
1) The number of machines that were out of order. Once again they have recently opened. I’m sure the machines will be up and running soon.
2) Majority of the machines don’t have a table/​stand to put your drink down. There are tables near by where one’s drink could be placed, but I’m not ok with putting my drink down while my backed is turned. From what I saw there is enough room for a small makeshift 2×4 stand between each game.
Now for the good criticism, no review is complete without it.
1) The draft selection is awesome, 24 on tap if I’m not mistaken. Fair price for draft, $ 3-​$ 8. With many styles; ale, IPA, lager, porter, and stout. A beer for every palate.
2) House mixed drinks were a flat & fair $ 8. Tried the Tron and Ms. PacMan; both were delicious, not overpowered with liquor. As for the recipes of the house drinks, they were kinda meh. Most shared the same ingredients.
(Ex. Tron was vodka, rum, blue curaçao and soda. Ms. PacMan was the same but the blue curaçao was switched with peach schnapps.)
Tron could have been made with flavored liquor, it would add a different look and flavor.
3) Great selection of games. From Tron to SSF IV. There is a wall of pinball machines, 50¢ each. Love pinball so this was a nice addition that another arcade+bar doesn’t have.
4) The most important. SPACE!!! It sounds like a simple concept but this arcade+bar has the most space around. Was there till about midnight on a Saturday, it didn’t feel crowed once.
All in all I had a blast, will definitely be visiting again. I suggest everyone at least check it out. Would be great for a small group of 4 – 8, or first date.
If the owner happens to read this, I do have a small suggestion. Look into getting some sort of awning, possibly make a small outdoor section. I know your smoking customers will appreciate and return when winter comes.
Continue with the great work, look forward to stopping back in soon.
–Dom S.
*edit. I wrote this review not long after they first opened.

Count me in as a «Hell Yeah» of the Barcade trend and this new far north side version gets it right. I’d seen this on Good Day Columbus and in other reviews so I already had an idea of what I was getting when I scoped it out one early Sunday afternoon.
Since I had already been stealing Wi-​Fi while eating next door my conscience got me in the door to buy a beer and drop a few quarters in the long row of Pinball machines here. A great mix of old and new pinball machines are the only games you’ll have to pay and for the most part that’s to cover the cost to keep these beauties running. There’s a excellent mix of video classics and some of the newer games, all free, if you don’t see credits on the screen just push the lit white buttons on the front of the cabinet to add more credits.
But enough about the games, the main feature is a very cool bar with a nice selection of brews on tap from Craft Brews to their own Level One Brew cheap keg draws. A fun selection of video game inspired drinks are also offered of many colors and flavours. While this is a bar don’t think of it as the domain of «Adults Only», this is a family place where the adults can be kids and the kids can join us in the fun and nostalgia that these games bring.
While I’m sure kids would be out of place during the later hours of this place, I found it welcoming to anyone of any age looking for some affordable fun by themselves or with a group of friends. A good mix of tall tabletops and moveable stools makes this space adaptable to many group sizes. Plenty of huge TV’s will keep everyone entertained here also. While I’m pleased to see that this long time empty space finally filled with this great business, I’m sad I just moved away from this neighborhood. Oh well, it just adds another stop when I’m back for a visit and a fun visit it will be…
On a side note: They had one of the original Tapper video game cabinets that was one of the only classic video games to include places for you set your beer (Lefty or Righty)…so many good memories, some of them a little bleary…

Not much to say but this is a very fun place if you are over the age of 35.
A great selection of classic arcade games set on free play. And I was happy to see that 90% of them were in good playing condition. A few with out of order signs, but being a classic game collector myself… I know its a chore to keep these running.
Beer selection is mostly Craft beers and a little pricey, but with the games on free play it evens out.
REAL good selection of pinballs also. They are .50 a play which is a good deal as well considering some of the titles.
Fun place, I will return often.

Adult playground!
Great location for this gem. Plenty of parking and centrally located in Crosswoods in Worthington. This place has many classic arcade games for free (to those who drink) and $ 0.50 for the pinball machines. They have large TVs throughout so you can catch up on your sports. Tables located in the center isles to chill and tables located throughout to place your drink on while playing. Plenty of room, even on this crowded Saturday night.
This place rivals 16-​bit downtown. Grab a drink or two and get your game on. Whether your game of choice is Ms. Pacman, street fighter, mortal combat, NBA jam, Tron, punch out and wrestle mania and many others.

Man, I’m so glad this opened up.
Finally, a good barcade near my house, and my office!
They have a good game selection (and a working Tappers!), decent mixed drinks (they’re $ 8, and a little stiff, so I say they’re about right), a good tap list, and several pin ball machines.
And the layout? It’s open. Like, your drunk-​ass can stumble down the aisles and you won’t be bumping into the players. They did a *great* job with the layout (especially the four player games), and I feel like they opted to give people more room to breathe than I’ve seen at other barcades.
The only thing they’re missing? Nearby great food (I mean, more like pizza, less like Chipotle/​Sushi).
This really gives me hope that the Marcus Crosswoods could come alive, again!

This positive review is brought to you by Ninja Turtles and various midwestern craft beer selections. Last time I went to a dave and busters type place I remember wishing there were more traditional style arcade games. Apparently I’m not the only one that felt this way. I’m loving the recent influx of «barcades» we are seeing in Columbus. A nice beer selection is almost an automatic good time for me… add in my favorite childhood games and you have an absolute winner!
I’ve been waiting on this place to open for months since I first heard the news. I stopped by on the first day of official opening to grab a few beers after work. So glad I did! The design on the interior is very colorful and modern looking, much like the logo on the sign. The setup is nice, arcade style games in the center with pinball games all around. The trendy looking bar is in the back. They have several large flatscreen tv’s all around with a huge projector screen towards the front.
I made my way back to the bar after taking a gander at the games available. I immediately saw a few of my favorites including Mortal Kombat, The Simpsons, X-​men, Ninja Turtles, and Blitz. Taking a seat at the bar I was greeted by a really nice bartender and I started off with a Two Hearted Ale. I was a fan of their draft selections… had a nice one from North High brewing after that. I was told that the pinball was 50 cents and the other games were free as long as you were drinking. No problem here. I enjoyed beating up on some foot soldiers (cowabunga dude!) and went back and forth between gaming and watching the football game on the HUGE tv thats off to the right of the bar area. It was a good crowd but by no means packed. There looks to be plenty of room for bigger crowds, with several large high tables available. I had a great time and can’t wait to go back soon to get some pinball action in. Given the Crosswoods location, I can already see chipotle or sushi trips followed by some brew and games afterwards.

Most grownup barcade in Columbusland! This place is polished, sleek and cool with fun colors, a stainless steel bar top, accent lighting and seriously AWESOME GAMES. As a pinball fanatic, Level One met every expectation. They have Twilight Zone, Frankenstein, Wizard, Simpsons, Whitewater, Banzai Run, Addams Family, Centaur, Dungeons & Dragons, and a couple others! Plus maybe 20 – 30 other video arcade games (I was lost in my pinball world.) I love it that the pinball games were only 50 cents each!
I’m not terribly familiar with this part of Columbus, but it was convenient getting there from the highway even though Hwy 23 is a trench right now! They are located in a strip mall area near the movie theatre, so there’s lots of parking available, and good dining choices nearby, including the sushi place next door.
Anyway, if you love pinball, this is the place!!! Oh yeah, and there’s beer!