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Best Bars to get your Game on

The evolution of the nerd is a curious thing. From being the ones often bullied in high school, the nerd has now gone half circle and, in today’s world, is cool. Elon Musk and Neil DeGrasse Tyson types have made science trendy. Films like Interstellar have encouraged closet geeks. Computers, games and phones have advanced so far that you’re a loser if you’re not tech-savvy. And this has led to a much-welcomed uprising of bars dedicated to gamers. 

We look at Sydney best gaming bars – places you can sit, drink and where you can, as Shao Kahn (or was it Shang Tsung?) so inspirationally orders in Mortal Kombat, “Finish Him!”

1989 Arcade Bar & Kitchen

Rumpus room nostalgia and fond memories of Sega-this and NES-that will come flooding back when you step inside this retro video game arcade and bar. From Space Invaders to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 1989 Arcade Bar & Kitchen has 13 arcade classics ready to play, an eclectic wine and cocktail list and over 35 local and international craft beers and ciders behind the flowing bar.

Recommendation – Street Fighter 2 + Stockade Brew Co 8BiT India Pale Ale.

Where: 22-24 King Street, Newtown

Frankie’s Pizza

You’re not going to get video games at Frankie’s, but you are going to get pinball machines. Not just pinball machines, you also can expect pizza and live music, which is a great combination. Game on, rock out and drink up.

Recommendation – Metallica pinball machine + MOON DOG ‘Pash Rash’ Imperial Redskin Stout.

Where: 50 Hunter Street, Sydney

Spawn Point Small Bar

This dark and intriguing underground haunt proudly caters to both gamers and their non-gamer acquaintances. Spawn Point’s massive range of games includes 007 Golden Eye (N64), Simpsons arcade and Street Fighter 4 (Playstation), which is complemented by a solid list of craft beers and cocktails.

Recommendation – 4-player Mario Kart + Fireball shots for the losers.

Where: 199 Clarence Street, Sydney

The S.G.

Decked out with recycled furniture, glassware and various old spoon collections, the place originally known as The Spooning Goats (changed due to a complaint?!) has a lot of charm. The S.G. is also home to an Atari and other retro arcade games and, boy, do they get a workout.

The S.G. crew is big into promoting everything local, so you’ll find they are very well versed in NSW brewed beer, Australian wine and home-grown artists.

Recommendation – Anything on the Atari + the award-winning Beer Cocktail.

Where: 32 York Street, Sydney

words by niall roeder


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