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Bars with video games

Where to play Guitar Hero, Rock Band, arcade games and more while under the influence

By Ali Miller

Special to Metromix
July 9, 2008

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The touchscreen at uWink

It should come as no surprise that the latest video game technology has sparked a pop culture revolution. Games have started popping up everywhere—even in bars and clubs around town. Now you can work on your Wii Tennis topspin or blow up colleagues on Xbox Live while throwing back a few drinks. Nerdcore is at its pinnacle, and gone are the days of the boys-only digerati lifestyle. So prepare your thumbs for a night out at one of these video game bars, and don’t be ashamed to let your geek flag fly.

uWink - Hollywood

6801 Hollywood Blvd. - Los Angeles

323-466-1800

This interactive gaming restaurant chain conceived by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell centers on a clever gimmick: You order with your fingers instead of your voice. Like a scene out of a futuristic movie, people gather around shared tables of interactive consoles for ordering, gaming and paying. Drinking is by far the most entertaining part of the whole experience, with more than 20 types of vodka at your fingertips, not to mention almost any other booze you might fancy. If you were the type of kid who liked to experiment at the soda fountain by mixing Coke, grape soda and Sunkist, watch out—the options at uWink are endless. The variety extends to the food too; just click an icon (or two or three) and resume play.

Bar 107

107 W. 4th St. - Los Angeles

213-625-7382

Not since the days of the old Sherman Oaks Galleria has a Tapper arcade machine made an appearance. While you’re sipping on some PBR or a dirty martini, this Downtown bar has the vintage sets to cure any nostalgic itch.

Barney's Beanery Santa Monica

1351 3rd St. Promenade - Santa Monica

310-656-5777

Whether you’re watching a sporting event or having a boys’ night out, Barney’s is the place to get some healthy competition going. Alongside the air hockey table, drunken gamers can always be seen playing Bubble Bobble at the Neo Geo machine or reliving their Sega Saturn days playing Metal Slug.

Big Wangs

1562 N. Cahuenga Blvd. - Los Angeles

323-469-2449

More than just a sports bar with hot wings and Real World cast members, Big Wang’s serves up Wii Sports every Sunday night.

Boulevard3

6523 W. Sunset Blvd. - Hollywood

323-466-2144

You’d never guess by the red carpet and photogs out front that Boulevard3’s VIP lounge is actually gaming-geek central. Not only does every table come with a concierge service allowing clubbers to order drinks, food, even a cab via a handheld computer, but there’s also flat-screen TV in front of every couch for playing Xbox 360.

The Garter

2536 Lincoln Blvd. - Venice

310-577-3741

Gone are Red Garter’s velvet wallpaper and vintage arcade games. In their place are flat-screen TVs stocked with Nintendo Wii consoles, which have been attracting Venice’s most stylish geeks looking to ease their girlfriends into the world of social gaming.

Golden Gopher

417 W 8th St. - Los Angeles

213-614-8001

Ready to do the time warp? The Gopher is all about the vintage, blending the decadent decor of the ’40s with all the kitschy games of the ’80s.

Hyperion Tavern

1941 Hyperion Ave. - Los Angeles

323-665-1941

This elusive Silverlake dive is home to one of the original Guitar Hero nights in the city. Every Wednesday in-the-know scenesters put their names down and decide the song they’d like to rock out to in front of the small but happily drunk audience.

Jillian's Hi-Life Lanes

1000 Universal Studios Blvd. - Universal City

818-985-8234

Since the closest Dave & Busters is at least a half-hour drive out of the city, Jillian’s is the next best place to indulge your inner child with sweet-as-candy cocktails and arcade games. Just be sure not to waste all your time trying to beat your high score at Skee-Ball.

Lucky Strike Lanes

6801 Hollywood Blvd. - Los Angeles

323-467-7776

Arguably the most chic bowling alley in the country, Lucky Strike is often the venue of choice for fabulous celebrity kids’ birthday parties. While you wait for a lane, be sure to take advantage of the arcade section, which is conveniently located next to a well-stocked bar.

Miss T's Barcade

371 N. Western Ave. - Koreatown

323-465-5045

This inconspicuous K-town arcade-bar is home to one of the cooler collections of games around town. An ’80s motif keeps it real with fluorescent lights, Depeche Mode posters and, of course, several gaming classics, such as Donkey Kong and Ms. Pac-Man. Even more appealing are the vintage prices: At 25 cents per game, you won’t feel as guilty filling up on beer.

Pinz Bowling Center

12655 Ventura Blvd. - Sherman Oaks

818-769-7600

A classic hangout for everyone from Valley kids to celebs, the former Sports Center bowl has always been an arcade destination. With pinball machines, racing games and the usual classics, Pinz is the obvious destination after running up the bar tab at the Jerry’s Deli next door.

Q's Billiard Club West L.A.

11835 Wilshire Blvd. - Brentwood

310-477-7550

While pool tables and hot UCLA girls may be the draw at Q’s, the Guitar Hero setup often end up stealing the spotlight.

Ali Miller is a contributing editor for Metromix Los Angeles.

What other people are saying...

1 comment | Add Your Own

Bundleup from Studio City - February 16, 2009 at 11:26 PM

You can also play 'Rock Band on Wednesday Nights at Springbok Bar and Grill, 16153 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys 91406 starting at 10PM, and Thursday Nigh...

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