Looking for a way to step back in time to the neon-lit, joystick-gripping days of the 1980s?

These retro arcades across Wisconsin perfectly capture the nostalgia and excitement of the Stranger Things era.

1. Vintage Vault Arcade (Mukwonago)

Step into the Vintage Vault Arcade, and you might just forget what year it is.

This Mukwonago gem is a treasure trove of pixelated memories, where the gentle hum of CRT monitors provides the perfect soundtrack to your trip down memory lane.

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by rows of classic cabinets, their screens glowing with promise.

It’s like walking into a neon-lit dream, where Pac-Man still chomps and Space Invaders still invade.

The air is thick with the sweet scent of nostalgia and just a hint of ozone from all those old machines.

But don’t let the ‘vintage’ in the name fool you – this place is no dusty museum.

It’s a living, breathing arcade where you can actually play these beauties.

From the addictive simplicity of Galaga to the button-mashing mayhem of Street Fighter II, every game here is a portal to a simpler time when ‘social media’ meant crowding around a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cabinet with your buddies.

2. I/O Arcade Bar (Madison)

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you cross a mad scientist’s lab with a classic arcade, then buckle up, buttercup, because I/O Arcade Bar in Madison is about to blow your mind.

This place is where bits and bytes meet hops and barley in perfect harmony.

The moment you step inside, you’re hit with a sensory overload that would make even the most hardened gamer weak at the knees.

The walls are lined with an impressive array of vintage cabinets, their screens flickering with the promise of high scores and bragging rights.

But here’s the kicker – you can enjoy all this nostalgic goodness with a craft beer in hand.

It’s like they’ve taken the best parts of your misspent youth and added an adult twist.

From pinball wizards to joystick jockeys, there’s something here for every type of player.

And let’s not forget about the bar itself – with a selection of local brews that would make any beer snob weep tears of joy, you can quench your thirst while you’re busy saving the princess or defending the earth from alien invaders.

3. The Garcade (Menomonee Falls)

Folks, let me tell you about The Garcade in Menomonee Falls – it’s not just an arcade, it’s a full-blown time warp with a side of sensory overload.

This place is like if the 80s and 90s had a baby, and that baby grew up to be really good at preserving classic video games.

The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia so strong it could knock the neon socks right off your feet.

Row after row of pinball machines stretch out before you, their lights blinking like a constellation of childhood memories.

And don’t even get me started on the video game selection – it’s enough to make any retro gaming enthusiast weep tears of pixelated joy.

But here’s the real kicker – The Garcade operates on a flat fee system.

That’s right, you pay one price and then play to your heart’s content.

It’s like an all-you-can-game buffet, minus the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (okay, maybe there’s still a little risk).

4. Player 2 Arcade Bar (Appleton)

Imagine a place where the beer flows as freely as the pixels, and high scores are celebrated with high fives and craft brews.

Welcome to Player 2 Arcade Bar in Appleton, where adulthood and childhood collide in the most delightful way possible.

This isn’t just an arcade – it’s a shrine to the golden age of gaming, with a bar attached for good measure.

The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world where Pac-Man still rules supreme and the only ‘Fortnite’ is how long you can last on a single quarter.

But let’s talk about that bar, shall we?

Player 2 doesn’t just serve your run-of-the-mill suds.

Oh no, they’ve got a rotating selection of craft beers that would make even the most discerning hop-head do a double jump.

It’s like they’ve taken the concept of ‘power-ups’ and applied it to their drink menu.

5. Wizard Works Brewing (Milwaukee)

Hold onto your wizard hats, folks, because Wizard Works Brewing in Milwaukee is about to cast a spell on you.

This isn’t just a brewery – it’s a magical realm where craft beer and classic games come together in perfect harmony.

From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world that’s part Hogwarts, part Dave & Buster’s, and 100% awesome.

The decor is a whimsical blend of fantasy and nostalgia, with brewing equipment that looks like it could have been designed by a steampunk alchemist.

But let’s talk about the real magic here – the beer.

These wizards of fermentation conjure up some seriously spellbinding brews.

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From hoppy IPAs that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, to rich stouts dark as a wizard’s cloak, there’s something here for every palate.

6. The Bodega (La Crosse)

Alright, game changers, let me introduce you to The Bodega in La Crosse – a place that’s part time machine, part watering hole, and all awesome.

This isn’t your average corner store; it’s a portal to a world where craft beer flows like water and classic games are always in stock.

From the moment you step inside, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia so strong it could knock the acid-wash right off your jeans.

The walls are adorned with vintage signs and memorabilia that’ll have you saying “Oh man, I remember that!” more times than you can count.

But here’s where it gets really interesting – tucked away in this retro wonderland is a selection of classic arcade games and pinball machines.

It’s like they’ve taken the best parts of your childhood and added an adult twist.

Where else can you sip on a locally brewed IPA while trying to beat your high score on Galaga?

7. Nerdhaven Arcade (Madison)

Calling all geeks, dweebs, and dorks – your mothership has landed, and it’s called Nerdhaven Arcade in Madison.

This place is exactly what it sounds like: a haven for nerds, where the socially awkward can feel right at home among the bleeps and bloops of classic arcade games.

From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in a cocoon of nerdiness so pure it could power a small city.

The walls are lined with an impressive array of vintage cabinets, their screens flickering with the promise of high scores and carpal tunnel syndrome.

But Nerdhaven isn’t just about the games – it’s about the community.

This is a place where you can debate the merits of Star Trek vs. Star Wars without fear of wedgies, where knowing the Konami code is considered a valuable life skill, and where “I’ll be back” is both a Terminator reference and a promise to return tomorrow.

8. Geeks Mania Arcade (Madison)

Hold onto your pocket protectors, folks, because Geeks Mania Arcade in Madison is about to short-circuit your expectations.

This isn’t just an arcade – it’s a full-blown geek paradise where the only thing higher than the scores are the levels of enthusiasm.

The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a sensory overload that would make even the most hardened gamer weak at the knees.

Row after row of classic cabinets stretch out before you, their screens glowing with the promise of pixelated adventures.

From the addictive simplicity of Pac-Man to the button-mashing mayhem of Street Fighter II, every game here is a portal to a time when ‘social media’ meant shouting “HADOUKEN!” at your friends.

But here’s the real kicker – Geeks Mania operates on a flat fee system.

That’s right, you pay one price and then play until your fingers fall off or your eyes start seeing in 8-bit, whichever comes first.

It’s like an all-you-can-game buffet, minus the risk of getting kicked out for camping at the dessert table.

9. Up-Down MKE (Milwaukee)

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages (well, 21 and up), step right up to Up-Down MKE in Milwaukee – the place where your inner child and outer adult can finally coexist in perfect harmony.

This isn’t just an arcade bar; it’s a full-blown sensory explosion that’ll have you questioning whether you’ve somehow stumbled into the coolest basement party of 1985.

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the sweet symphony of beeping arcade cabinets, clinking pint glasses, and the occasional victory whoop from someone who just beat their personal best on Donkey Kong.

But here’s where Up-Down really levels up: they’ve got over 60 arcade games from the 80s and 90s, plus 20 pinball machines for when you want to really test your flipper skills.

And let’s not forget about the craft beer selection that’s more impressive than your high score on Galaga.

It’s like they’ve taken everything awesome about being a kid and added booze.

Genius!

So there you have it, fellow time travelers – nine portals to the past right here in the Badger State.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with Ms. Pac-Man and a high score to beat.