Want to escape to a world of pinball machines and Pac-Man glory?

This epic road trip will guide you to seven of the coolest retro arcades in Minnesota.

1. Zap Arcade (Jordan)

Our first stop takes us to the charming town of Jordan, where Zap Arcade awaits like a beacon of 8-bit bliss.

As soon as you step inside, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia so powerful it might just knock your leg warmers off (if you’re brave enough to still wear them, that is).

The place is a veritable museum of video game history, with rows upon rows of classic cabinets lining the walls.

From the looks of it, they’ve got everything from Pac-Man to pinball, and trust me, that’s just scratching the surface.

The air is thick with the sweet aroma of victory… and maybe a hint of decades-old pizza, but hey, that’s all part of the authentic experience, right?

What really sets Zap Arcade apart is its commitment to preserving the true arcade experience.

No fancy modern machines here – just good old-fashioned button-mashing and joystick-jiggling fun.

It’s like stepping into a time capsule, minus the questionable fashion choices (although I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you showed up in your best 80s getup).

So, whether you’re looking to relive your misspent youth or introduce the younger generation to the joys of analog gaming, Zap Arcade is the perfect place to start our retro road trip.

Just remember to stretch those wrists before you dive in – carpal tunnel wasn’t invented in the 80s, but it sure feels like it was!

2. Starcade Classic Arcade (St. Paul)

Next up on our pixelated pilgrimage is Starcade Classic Arcade in St. Paul, where the stars align for an out-of-this-world gaming experience.

This place is so retro, you half expect to see Marty McFly walk in and challenge you to a game of Wild Gunman.

Starcade lives up to its name with a cosmic collection of classic games that’ll have you seeing stars – and not just from staring at screens for hours on end.

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the harmonious cacophony of beeps, boops, and “Game Over” sounds that form the soundtrack of any respectable arcade.

What’s particularly impressive about Starcade is the loving care they’ve put into maintaining their machines.

These aren’t sad, broken-down relics gathering dust – they’re pristine time machines ready to transport you back to the golden age of arcades.

It’s clear that the folks running this joint have a passion for preservation that rivals even the most dedicated museum curator.

But don’t let the word “classic” fool you into thinking this place is stuck in the past.

Starcade has managed to strike that perfect balance between nostalgia and modern convenience.

You won’t need to lug around a bag of quarters here – they’ve got a nifty card system that lets you play to your heart’s content without the constant coin fumbling.

So, whether you’re a seasoned arcade veteran looking to relive your glory days or a curious newcomer wondering what all the fuss is about, Starcade Classic Arcade is your ticket to a star-studded gaming adventure.

Just don’t blame me if you leave with a sudden urge to invest in a DeLorean and a flux capacitor.

3. Up-Down (Minneapolis)

Alright, space cadets, it’s time to level up our arcade adventure with a stop at Up-Down in Minneapolis.

This place is like the cool older sibling of arcades – it’s got all the classic games you love, but with a grown-up twist that’ll make you wonder why you ever thought Chuck E. Cheese was the pinnacle of entertainment.

Up-Down is what happens when someone says, “Hey, you know what would make these arcade games even better? Craft beer!”

And let me tell you, they were onto something.

This arcade-bar hybrid is a playground for adults who refuse to grow up (in the best possible way, of course).

The moment you step inside, you’re hit with a sensory overload that’s part nostalgia trip, part hipster haven.

The walls are adorned with more neon than a Miami Vice marathon, and the air is filled with the sweet symphony of button mashing and the occasional victory whoop.

But what really sets Up-Down apart is its impressive selection of both games and libations.

Where else can you sip on a locally brewed IPA while battling it out in Street Fighter II?

It’s like they took the best parts of your childhood and your adulthood and smooshed them together into one glorious, pixelated package.

And let’s not forget about the games themselves.

Up-Down boasts an impressive array of both classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines, all meticulously maintained to ensure your gaming experience is as smooth as the beer they’re pouring.

From Donkey Kong to Mortal Kombat, they’ve got all the hits that’ll have you exclaiming, “Oh yeah, I remember this one!” approximately every 30 seconds.

But fair warning: the combination of nostalgia, alcohol, and competitive gaming can be dangerous.

One minute you’re casually playing a round of Ms. Pac-Man, the next you’re locked in an epic Skee-Ball tournament with a group of strangers, trash-talking like your life depends on it.

It’s all part of the Up-Down experience, though, so embrace the chaos and let your inner child (and inner frat boy) run wild.

4. Blainbrook Entertainment Center (Blaine)

Hold onto your bowling shoes, folks, because our next stop is a true multipurpose marvel.

Blainbrook Entertainment Center in Blaine is what happens when someone says, “You know what? Let’s just throw every fun activity we can think of into one building and see what happens.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“Wait, isn’t this supposed to be an arcade tour?”

Well, my friends, Blainbrook is here to remind us that variety is the spice of life – and apparently, the secret ingredient in creating the ultimate entertainment complex.

As soon as you walk in, you’re hit with a sensory overload that makes Times Square look like a quaint country village.

To your left, the satisfying rumble of bowling balls meeting pins.

To your right, the siren song of arcade games beckoning you to test your skills.

And straight ahead? Well, that depends on which way you turn your head first.

But let’s focus on what brought us here – the arcade.

Tucked away in this labyrinth of fun is a respectable collection of games that’ll satisfy your retro cravings.

From classic pinball machines to more modern offerings, Blainbrook’s arcade section is like a timeline of video game history.

What’s particularly charming about Blainbrook is how it seamlessly blends different eras of entertainment.

You can go from playing a round of Galaga to throwing strikes on the bowling alley, all while contemplating whether to cap off the night with some laser tag.

It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more flashing lights and the constant risk of spraining something.

And let’s not forget the added bonus of being able to refuel between gaming sessions.

Nothing works up an appetite quite like furiously mashing buttons, and Blainbrook’s got you covered with a menu that’s as diverse as its entertainment options.

Just maybe wait a bit after that chili dog before hopping into the virtual reality simulator, okay?

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So, whether you’re a dedicated gamer looking to rack up some high scores or just someone who appreciates having every possible entertainment option under one roof, Blainbrook Entertainment Center is your one-stop shop for fun.

Just remember to pace yourself – with so much to do, you might need to schedule a return trip (or three) to experience it all!

5. Two Bit Game Room (St. Paul)

Alright, coin collectors and joystick jockeys, our next stop takes us back to St. Paul for a visit to the Two Bit Game Room.

And let me tell you, this place is anything but two-bit when it comes to delivering a top-notch retro gaming experience.

As soon as you step through the doors, you’re transported to a world where the graphics may be pixelated, but the fun is in high definition.

The Two Bit Game Room is like that cool basement hangout you always wished you had as a kid – if that basement was stocked with every arcade game you could dream of and didn’t smell like your dad’s old gym socks.

What sets Two Bit apart is its dedication to creating an authentic arcade atmosphere.

The lighting is just dim enough to make the game screens pop, and the layout encourages that classic arcade shuffle as you move from game to game, trying to decide which one deserves your next quarter (or token, as the case may be).

But don’t let the name fool you – while “Two Bit” might evoke images of simple, bare-bones gaming, this place is anything but.

The selection of games is impressive and diverse, catering to every type of player.

Whether you’re a fighting game fanatic, a racing enthusiast, or someone who just wants to mindlessly shoot some aliens, Two Bit has got you covered.

One of the coolest things about Two Bit is how it fosters a sense of community among gamers.

It’s not uncommon to see players huddled around a machine, cheering each other on or engaged in friendly trash talk.

It’s like social media, but with actual face-to-face interaction – imagine that!

And for those of you who like a little friendly competition, Two Bit often hosts tournaments and events.

Nothing quite gets the adrenaline pumping like battling it out in Street Fighter II with a crowd watching and a potential prize on the line.

Just try not to get too caught up in the moment and accidentally rip the joystick off the cabinet in your excitement (trust me, it’s more embarrassing than it is impressive).

So whether you’re a seasoned arcade veteran looking to relive your glory days or a curious newcomer wondering what all the fuss is about, Two Bit Game Room offers a slice of gaming paradise that’s worth way more than its name suggests.

Just be prepared to lose track of time – and possibly develop a mild case of Pac-Man elbow.

6. Dave & Buster’s Edina (Edina)

Alright, gamers, it’s time to shift gears and enter the modern era – well, sort of.

Our next stop is Dave & Buster’s in Edina, the Las Vegas of arcades where the games are flashy, the drinks are flowing, and the fun never stops (until closing time, that is).

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“Dave & Buster’s? On a retro arcade tour?”

But hear me out.

This place is like the love child of a classic arcade and a theme park that grew up and got a job in corporate America.

It’s got all the excitement of your childhood arcade experiences, but with a grown-up twist that includes a full bar and food that doesn’t come from a vending machine.

As soon as you walk in, you’re hit with a sensory overload that makes Times Square look like a quaint country village.

Lights are flashing, games are beeping, and somewhere in the distance, you can hear the sweet sound of someone hitting the jackpot on a ticket-spewing monstrosity.

While Dave & Buster’s might not be exclusively retro, they do pay homage to the classics.

Tucked away among the modern marvels and virtual reality experiences, you’ll find some good old-fashioned arcade games that’ll transport you back to simpler times.

It’s like a mullet of entertainment – business in the front, party in the back.

One of the best things about D&B is the sheer variety of games on offer.

From classic racing games to the latest and greatest in gaming technology, there’s something for everyone.

Want to shoot some hoops?

They’ve got you covered.

Fancy a game of giant Pac-Man?

Step right up.

Feel like battling zombies in a 4D experience?

Well, that’s not very retro, but they’ve got that too!

And let’s not forget about the food and drink situation.

Dave & Buster’s takes the concept of “gaming fuel” to a whole new level.

Gone are the days of surviving on nothing but Mountain Dew and Doritos – here you can chow down on a full meal while you play.

Just be careful not to get too much buffalo sauce on the controls, okay?

But perhaps the best part of Dave & Buster’s is how it brings people together.

It’s not uncommon to see groups of friends or coworkers battling it out on the dance machines or teaming up to take down a virtual army of aliens.

It’s like team building, but fun.

So, while Dave & Buster’s might not be the most traditional stop on our retro arcade tour, it’s a testament to how the spirit of the arcade has evolved and thrived in the modern era.

It’s a place where the young and young-at-heart can come together to play, compete, and maybe even win a giant stuffed banana.

And really, isn’t that what gaming is all about?

7. LITT Pinball Bar (Minneapolis)

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, pinball wizards of all ages – it’s time for our grand finale!

Our last stop on this whirlwind tour of Minnesota’s retro gaming scene takes us to LITT Pinball Bar in Minneapolis, where the silver ball reigns supreme and the flippers never sleep.

Now, if you thought pinball was just a simple game of luck and reflexes, LITT is here to flip that notion on its head (pun absolutely intended).

This place is a temple dedicated to the art and science of pinball, where enthusiasts gather to worship at the altar of flashing lights and satisfying dings.

As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by a symphony of sounds that’s music to any pinball lover’s ears.

The gentle click of flippers, the triumphant bells of a high score, and the occasional frustrated groan of a player watching their ball slip past their defenses – it’s all part of the LITT experience.

What sets LITT apart is its impressive collection of pinball machines.

We’re talking everything from restored classics that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, to modern marvels with all the bells and whistles (literally).

It’s like a museum, but one where you’re encouraged to touch the exhibits – and maybe give them a little shake when no one’s looking (but you didn’t hear that from me).

But LITT isn’t just about the games – it’s about the culture of pinball.

The staff here are like pinball sommeliers, able to recommend the perfect machine based on your skill level and preferences.

Want something with a lot of ramps?

They’ve got you covered.

Looking for a challenge that’ll make your fingers ache?

Step right up to that Medieval Madness machine in the corner.

And let’s not forget about the bar part of LITT Pinball Bar.

They’ve got a selection of craft beers and cocktails that’ll keep you hydrated during those intense gaming sessions.

Just remember – pinball is a game of precision, so maybe save that third IPA for after you’ve set your high score, okay?

One of the coolest things about LITT is how it brings people together.

It’s not uncommon to see seasoned pros sharing tips with newbies, or friendly competitions breaking out between strangers.

It’s like social networking, but with more bumpers and less swiping.

So, whether you’re a pinball pro looking to test your skills on some rare machines, or a curious newcomer wondering what all the fuss is about, LITT Pinball Bar is the perfect place to end our retro gaming journey.

Just be warned – you might walk in planning to play a quick game or two, and walk out five hours later with a new obsession and a slight crick in your neck from staring down at those beautiful playfields all night.

And there you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of Minnesota’s coolest retro arcades.

From classic cabinets to modern marvels, we’ve button-mashed and flipper-flipped our way across the state.

The open road is waiting!

Let this map guide you to your next amazing destination.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with a certain yellow dot-muncher.

Game on!