A few nights ago, I paid a visit to a classic arcade/bar in downtown Portland, Oregon called "Ground Kontrol". It was such a great experience. I review it here because I get the sense the readers of this blog will get a kick out of it. And the concept of an "arcade/bar" is a cool, unique concept I haven't come across before. If you spent time pouring quarters into arcade games as a kid (as I did), then I think this place is for you.
Here's their webpage: Ground Kontrol
Some details about the place: the games span the early 80s to the late 90s. They have the famous X-Men arcade game as well as many of the more famous machines, i.e. Donkey Kong, Pac Man, Double Dragon. And they have a great pinball machine collection. I was particularly enthused by the Star Trek: the Next Generation machine which was signed by Wil Wheaton.
One drawback: the place is kind of crowded. They have limited space for tables, having so many large arcade systems hanging around.
Strangely enough, however, the crowdedness of the place added to the "Cyberpunk vibe" they have going. There are tablestops of fully illuminated plastic, loud techno music, and a plethora of abstract art hanging from the ceiling. And, of course, the place attracts patrons that fit their aesthetic perfectly. I glimpsed some kids who looked like they had just left a Ramones concert or strolled in off the set of Clockwork Orange.
It was a great time, having a brew while playing Mortal Kombat and Tron.
Here's their webpage: Ground Kontrol
Some details about the place: the games span the early 80s to the late 90s. They have the famous X-Men arcade game as well as many of the more famous machines, i.e. Donkey Kong, Pac Man, Double Dragon. And they have a great pinball machine collection. I was particularly enthused by the Star Trek: the Next Generation machine which was signed by Wil Wheaton.
One drawback: the place is kind of crowded. They have limited space for tables, having so many large arcade systems hanging around.
Strangely enough, however, the crowdedness of the place added to the "Cyberpunk vibe" they have going. There are tablestops of fully illuminated plastic, loud techno music, and a plethora of abstract art hanging from the ceiling. And, of course, the place attracts patrons that fit their aesthetic perfectly. I glimpsed some kids who looked like they had just left a Ramones concert or strolled in off the set of Clockwork Orange.
It was a great time, having a brew while playing Mortal Kombat and Tron.
This sounds totally awesome... My family lives in Astoria and I've only visited Portland a few times but they were awesome experiences. Have you seen Portlandia on IFC? It's hilarious!!! -Keep Portland weird!!!
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't seen that. My wife and I were in Portland for a week visiting friends (we live in Cleveland), and--this reveals how rarely I get outside of Ohio--I found the place awesome! Plenty of good coffee shops.
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