Ever wish you could step into a scene straight out of Stranger Things?

These seven Minnesota arcades will transport you to the neon-soaked nostalgia of the 1980s.

1. Starcade Classic Arcade (St. Paul)

Holy DeLorean, Batman!

Walking into Starcade Classic Arcade in St. Paul is like being teleported straight back to 1985 – minus the awkward fashion choices and questionable hairstyles.

This place is a veritable treasure trove of vintage gaming goodness, packed wall-to-wall with classic cabinets that’ll make your inner child squeal with glee.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm glow of CRT screens and the satisfying clack of joysticks.

It’s like someone raided every pizza parlor and convenience store from the Reagan era and crammed all the best games into one glorious space.

Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong – they’re all here, waiting patiently for you to drop in a quarter and relive your misspent youth.

But Starcade isn’t just about the games – it’s about the atmosphere.

The owners have gone all out to recreate that authentic 80s vibe, from the neon signs to the retro movie posters adorning the walls.

You half expect to see Marty McFly walk in and challenge you to a game of Wild Gunman.

And let’s talk about that layout – it’s like a labyrinth of nostalgia.

Around every corner, there’s another forgotten gem waiting to be rediscovered.

Oh, look, there’s that racing game you used to play but could never remember the name of!

And over there, the pinball machine that ate all your allowance back in ’87!

But the best part?

No need to beg your parents for quarters here.

Starcade operates on a pay-one-price model, which means unlimited play all day long.

It’s like finding the cheat code to your childhood dreams.

So whether you’re a seasoned arcade veteran looking to relive your glory days or a young whippersnapper curious about what gaming was like “back in the day,” Starcade Classic Arcade is your ticket to a totally tubular time warp.

Just don’t blame me if you leave with a sudden urge to watch The Breakfast Club and invest in a Rubik’s Cube.

2. Zap Arcade (Jordan)

Hold onto your flux capacitors, folks, because Zap Arcade in Jordan is about to send you on a journey through time and space – or at least through several decades of gaming history.

This place is like the TARDIS of arcades: bigger on the inside and capable of transporting you to any era of pixelated pleasure.

As you cross the threshold, you’re immediately struck by the kaleidoscope of colors emanating from the rows upon rows of arcade cabinets.

It’s like someone took a rainbow, shook it up, and sprayed it all over the place – in the best possible way.

The air is thick with the sweet scent of nostalgia and just a hint of ozone from all those electron guns firing away.

Zap Arcade doesn’t just stick to one era, oh no.

They’ve got everything from the bleeps and bloops of early 80s classics to the polygon-pushing powerhouses of the late 90s.

It’s like a museum of interactive entertainment, except you’re allowed – nay, encouraged – to touch everything.

And let’s talk about that game selection.

It’s more diverse than a United Nations potluck.

Want to bash some buttons with Street Fighter II?

They’ve got you covered.

Feeling the need for speed with Cruisin’ USA?

Buckle up, buttercup.

Got a hankering for some skee ball?

Roll on over to the ticket redemption area and prepare to be disappointed by the prizes, just like the good old days.

But Zap Arcade isn’t content to just rest on its retro laurels.

They’ve also got a selection of modern games for those who prefer their graphics a little less pixelated.

It’s like they’ve created a temporal anomaly where Pac-Man and Fortnite can coexist peacefully.

Take that, laws of physics!

The best part?

Zap Arcade understands that sometimes, you just need to take a break from saving the universe (or at least your high score).

That’s why they’ve got a snack bar stocked with all the essential food groups: pizza, nachos, and enough sugary drinks to make your dentist weep.

So whether you’re looking to introduce your kids to the joys of button-mashing or just want to prove to your friends that you can still dominate at Mortal Kombat, Zap Arcade is your one-stop shop for gaming nirvana.

Just remember to stretch those wrists before you go – carpal tunnel is no joke, kids.

3. Up-Down (Minneapolis)

Alright, listen up, you radical dudes and dudettes!

If you thought arcades were just for kids, prepare to have your mind blown faster than you can say “Konami code.”

Up-Down in Minneapolis is the arcade that grew up, got a job, and decided to have a little fun on the weekends.

Picture this: You walk in, and BAM!

It’s like the 80s and 90s had a love child, and that love child really likes craft beer.

The walls are a technicolor dreamcoat of neon signs, vintage movie posters, and enough pop culture references to make Ready Player One look like a history textbook.

But let’s get to the good stuff – the games.

Up-Down boasts over 50 arcade cabinets, all lovingly restored and ready to transport you back to a time when your biggest worry was whether to play as Sub-Zero or Scorpion.

They’ve got everything from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to NBA Jam, and yes, you can still hear that guy yelling “Boomshakalaka!” in your dreams.

Now, here’s where things get interesting.

Up-Down isn’t just content with giving you a nostalgia fix – they’ve gone and added alcohol to the mix.

That’s right, you can sip on a craft beer while trying to beat your high score on Galaga.

It’s like they’ve taken your childhood dreams and your adult realities and smooshed them together into one glorious, slightly tipsy experience.

But wait, there’s more!

Up-Down also features giant Jenga, Connect Four, and enough pinball machines to make your flippers flutter.

It’s like they’ve taken every fun thing from your past and supersized it.

Well, except for the Jenga – that was always terrifyingly large.

And let’s not forget about the pizza.

Nothing says “I’m an adult reliving my childhood” quite like washing down a slice of pepperoni with a local IPA while furiously mashing buttons on Street Fighter II.

It’s the circle of life, Simba, only with more pixelated violence and hops.

So whether you’re looking to show off your skee ball skills, challenge your friends to a round of Mario Kart, or just want to drink a beer in a place where it’s socially acceptable to yell “Hadouken!” at strangers, Up-Down is your new favorite spot.

Just remember – with great power-ups comes great responsibility.

And maybe a slight hangover.

4. Blainbrook Entertainment Center (Blaine)

Hold onto your leg warmers and Members Only jackets, folks, because Blainbrook Entertainment Center in Blaine is about to take you on a journey to the land of big hair, bigger dreams, and the biggest arcade games this side of the Mississippi.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“An entertainment center? Isn’t that just a fancy way of saying ‘place where I spent my entire allowance as a kid’?”

Well, yes and no.

Blainbrook is like the Swiss Army knife of fun – it’s got a little bit of everything, and it’s all wrapped up in a package that screams “1985 called, and it wants its awesome back.”

Let’s start with the bowling alley, because nothing says “retro cool” quite like renting shoes that have seen more feet than a podiatrist.

The lanes at Blainbrook are like a time machine, complete with that distinctive sound of pins being obliterated and the occasional “gutter ball groan” that echoes through the ages.

But we’re not here just to talk about bowling, are we?

No, we’re here for the games, and boy oh boy, does Blainbrook deliver.

Their arcade section is like a greatest hits album of your misspent youth.

They’ve got all the classics – from Pac-Man to Galaga, from Centipede to Asteroids.

It’s enough to make you want to dig out your old Trapper Keeper and start doodling game logos again.

And let’s not forget about the ticket redemption games.

You know, the ones where you spend $20 trying to win enough tickets to get a plastic spider ring worth about 2 cents?

Yeah, they’ve got those too.

Nothing says “I’m an adult” quite like furiously playing skee ball in the hopes of winning a giant stuffed banana with googly eyes.

But here’s where Blainbrook really shines – it’s not just about the games, it’s about the experience.

The whole place has this vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a John Hughes movie.

You half expect Molly Ringwald to walk by and ask you if you’ve seen her earrings.

And the best part?

They’ve got a snack bar that serves up all the classics.

We’re talking pizza that’s more cheese than sauce, nachos that are basically a heart attack on a plate, and enough sugary drinks to make your dentist consider early retirement.

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It’s like they’ve distilled the essence of every mall food court from 1986 and put it all in one place.

So whether you’re looking to relive your glory days of arcade domination, show your kids what gaming was like “back in your day,” or just want to experience the joy of getting a turkey while Journey plays in the background, Blainbrook Entertainment Center is your ticket to a totally tubular time.

Just don’t blame me if you leave with a sudden urge to crimp your hair and watch The Breakfast Club.

5. Two Bit Game Room (St. Paul)

Alright, fellow time travelers, strap on your power gloves and adjust your virtual reality headsets, because we’re about to dive into the pixelated paradise known as Two Bit Game Room in St. Paul.

This place is so retro, it makes “Back to the Future” look like a documentary.

As soon as you walk in, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia so powerful, you might just find yourself spontaneously growing a mullet.

The neon lights, the chiptune melodies, the satisfying clack of joysticks – it’s all here, waiting to transport you back to a time when the internet was just a twinkle in Al Gore’s eye.

Two Bit Game Room isn’t just an arcade – it’s a love letter to the golden age of gaming, written in LED lights and punctuated with the occasional “Game Over” screen.

They’ve got all the classics here, from Space Invaders to Street Fighter II, and everything in between.

It’s like someone raided every pizza parlor and laundromat from 1980 to 1995 and crammed all the best games into one glorious, dimly lit space.

But here’s where Two Bit really shines – they don’t just have the games, they’ve got the atmosphere.

The walls are adorned with vintage game posters and enough pop culture references to make Ready Player One look like a history textbook.

You half expect to see Marty McFly walk in and challenge you to a game of Wild Gunman.

And let’s talk about that game selection.

It’s more diverse than a United Colors of Benetton ad from 1992.

Want to bash some buttons with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Cowabunga, dude!

Feeling the need for speed with OutRun?

Rev up those engines!

Got a hankering for some pinball?

Prepare to tilt your way to victory!

But Two Bit isn’t content to just rest on its retro laurels.

They’ve also got a rotating selection of indie games, because sometimes you want to support the little guy while still indulging in your nostalgia fix.

It’s like they’ve created a temporal anomaly where Pac-Man and cutting-edge indie titles can coexist peacefully.

Take that, space-time continuum!

And let’s not forget about the drinks.

Nothing says “I’m an adult reliving my childhood” quite like sipping on a craft beer while trying to beat your high score on Galaga.

They’ve got a selection of local brews that would make any hipster beard quiver with delight.

So whether you’re looking to show off your Street Fighter skills, challenge your friends to a round of four-player Pac-Man, or just want to drink a beer in a place where it’s socially acceptable to yell “Hadouken!” at strangers, Two Bit Game Room is your new favorite spot.

Just remember – with great power-ups comes great responsibility.

And maybe a slight case of Pac-Man fever.

6. Dave & Buster’s Edina (Edina)

Alright, folks, buckle up your fanny packs and prepare for a journey into the wild world of Dave & Buster’s in Edina.

This place is like if Chuck E. Cheese grew up, got a job in finance, but still couldn’t quite let go of its arcade roots.

It’s the Peter Pan of entertainment centers – refusing to grow up, but with a full bar.

As you walk in, you’re immediately assaulted by a cacophony of lights, sounds, and the distant cries of adults realizing they’re not as good at Skee-Ball as they remember.

It’s like Vegas had a baby with an 80s arcade, and that baby grew up to be really, really loud.

Now, Dave & Buster’s isn’t your typical retro arcade.

Oh no, this place is like the Terminator of gaming centers – constantly evolving, always coming back with newer, shinier games.

They’ve got everything from classic arcade cabinets to those newfangled virtual reality setups that make you look like you’re swatting at invisible bees.

But let’s talk about the games, shall we?

They’ve got more flashing lights than Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

Want to race cars?

They’ve got that.

Want to shoot zombies?

Oh, they’ve got that too.

Want to play a game where you’re a giant claw trying to pick up stuffed animals?

Well, that’s oddly specific, but yes, they’ve probably got that as well.

And then there’s the ticket redemption area.

Ah, the ticket counter – where dreams are made, and wallets go to die.

You’ll spend hours trying to win enough tickets to get that giant stuffed banana, only to realize you could have bought three actual bananas for the same price.

But where’s the fun in that?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – or should I say, the buffalo wing on the plate.

Dave & Buster’s isn’t just about the games; it’s also about the grub.

Their menu is like a greatest hits album of American cuisine, with everything from burgers to pasta to things that probably shouldn’t be deep-fried but are anyway.

It’s the kind of food that makes you grateful they have games where you can work off some of those calories.

And let’s not forget about the bar.

Because nothing says “I’m adulting” quite like sipping a cocktail while trying to beat your high score on Pac-Man.

They’ve got a drink menu longer than the list of cheat codes for Grand Theft Auto, and bartenders who can mix a mean Long Island Iced Tea faster than you can say “Game Over.”

7. LITT Pinball Bar (Minneapolis)

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, pinball wizards of all ages – prepare to flip out over LITT Pinball Bar in Minneapolis!

This place is so cool, it makes the Fonz look like a square.

It’s where the spirit of Tommy meets the spirits in your glass, and let me tell you, it’s anything but a lost ball in the lights and noise.

As you walk in, you’re immediately struck by the symphony of flippers flapping, balls bouncing, and the occasional cry of “TILT!” from an overzealous player.

It’s like stepping into a time machine that’s been bedazzled by a disco ball and programmed by a pinball enthusiast with a PhD in awesome.

LITT isn’t just a bar with a few pinball machines tucked away in a corner.

Oh no, this is a shrine to the silver ball, a temple of tilt, a paradise of plungers!

They’ve got more machines than you can shake a flipper at, ranging from classic electromechanical beauties that look like they came straight out of the 1960s, to modern marvels with more lights than a Christmas tree on steroids.

But let’s talk about those machines for a moment, shall we?

Each machine is a work of art, a perfect blend of skill, chance, and the occasional need to give it a little “English” with your hip.

And the best part?

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, seen-better-days machines.

No sir, these babies are maintained with the kind of loving care usually reserved for classic cars or rare orchids.

The flippers are tight, the bumpers are bouncy, and the playing fields are smoother than a con artist’s sales pitch.

Now, let’s address the “bar” part of LITT Pinball Bar.

What goes better with the satisfying thwack of a well-timed flipper hit than a perfectly crafted cocktail?

Their drink menu is as creative as the themes of their pinball machines.

But LITT isn’t just about the games and the drinks.

It’s about the atmosphere.

The walls are adorned with vintage pinball art, neon signs, and enough memorabilia to make any pinball enthusiast weep with joy.

It’s like someone took the coolest basement rec room from 1975 and turned it into a bar.

And let’s not forget about the crowd.

LITT attracts a diverse bunch – from seasoned pinball pros who can rack up replays faster than you can say “extra ball,” to curious newcomers just discovering the joy of perfectly timed flipper action.

It’s a place where you can challenge strangers to a game, make new friends, and maybe even join a league if you’re feeling particularly flipper-fantastic.

Well, fellow time travelers, we’ve reached the end of our journey through Minnesota’s most radical retro arcades.

From the neon-soaked halls of Starcade to the pinball paradise of LITT, we’ve button-mashed, joystick-jiggled, and flipper-flipped our way through a veritable wonderland of nostalgia.

So grab your quarters, dust off your high-top sneakers, and get ready to show these youngsters how we used to game back in the day.

Just remember – in the immortal words of every arcade ever: “Game Over” is just an invitation to play again!