Bristol barcade: Retro gaming returns with new Level Up opening
Owner Chris Kinsey converts a former brewery taproom into a coin-operated venue featuring pinball, classic consoles, and a milkshake bar.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Level Up Arcade + Bar opens its doors on November 20 in Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania. The venue occupies the two-story former Naked Brewing Co. taproom at 212 Mill Street. It marks the return of coin-operated gaming to the historic riverfront town.
Chris Kinsey, a 49-year-old father of three, spent years developing the concept. He describes the project as a dream incubating for decades. Kinsey grew up playing titles like "NHL 94," "Tecmo Bowl," and "Operation Wolf." He stated that his generation spent extensive time at arcades and that the retro appeal is returning in various forms.
The space houses more than 30 pinball machines and arcade cabinets. All machines are coin-operated. The collection includes driving games, a "Star Wars" cabinet, basketball games, and claw machines. Specific cabinets listed include "Pac Man," "Ms. Pac Man," "Defender," and four-player gauntlets. A dedicated nook features retro consoles such as the NES and SEGA Genesis, which are free to play on an old cathode-ray tube television. A back room contains a Playstation 5, and Kinsey plans to add Nintendo Switch consoles at the bars.
Kinsey aimed to create a homey and cozy atmosphere. He acquired 1990s thrift store couches and displayed a Randall Cunningham poster in one area. He intends to play old episodes of MTV's "120 Minutes" from that era. The menu includes video-game themed appetizers, wagyu smash burgers, and a grilled cheese with tomato soup called the "after-school special." A milkshake bar allows customers to customize drinks with candy toppings.
The beverage program features local partnerships. Conshohocken Brewing Co., Space Cadet Brewing Co., and Concordance Ferments Brewpub supply the beer list. The upstairs bar has 21 taps, while the lower level has nine. Chaddsford Winery provides tap wine. Specialty cocktails include a "Mortal Kombat"-inspired drink named "Sub Zero," which contains Stateside vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and bubbles. Kinsey stated the goal is to keep everything as local as possible.
Level Up operates seven days a week. Hours are kid-friendly until 9 p.m., after which the venue restricts entry to adults 21 and older. The schedule includes family movie nights on Saturdays, Tuesday table game events, and dedicated competition nights for "NBA Jam" and "Mario Kart." The venue also hosts parties and special events.
Kinsey previously worked in pharmaceutical marketing and continues in that industry. He researched barcades across the country during vacations to understand their operations. He noted the difficulty in finding spaces where parents and families can gather. A free play event during Historic Bristol Day in October drew about 600 people. Kinsey said attendees in their 60s reported feeling like kids again.
Level Up is the second independent barcade to open in the Philadelphia region this year. Battle Royale microbrewery and arcade opened in Springfield Township, Delaware County, last month. Kinsey views these independent spots as alternatives to corporate chains like Dave & Buster's. He said the space feels personal and not too big, and he felt lucky that the timing worked out.
