AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Level Up Barcade Opens in Bristol Borough
Bristol Borough welcomes a new retro-inspired gathering spot this November as Level Up Arcade + Bar opens its doors at 212 Mill St. The two-story barcade, set to launch on November 20, occupies the former Naked Brewing Co. taproom and offers a unique blend of vintage games, modern consoles, and a menu curated for both kids and adults.
Retro and Modern Gaming Experiences
Level Up features more than 30 coin-operated pinball machines and arcade cabinets, ranging from beloved classics to recent favorites. "We have a bunch of driving games. We have a 'Star Wars' game, basketball, and some claw machines," says owner Chris Kinsey, who has spent years developing the concept. The lineup includes iconic titles such as 'Pac Man,' 'Ms. Pac Man,' 'Defender,' and four-player cabinets, as well as much-loved games like 'NBA Jam' and 'NFL Blitz'.
Classic Consoles and Homey Vibes
The barcade's cozy atmosphere is further enhanced by nooks with retro couches and decor inspired by the 1990s, including a Randall Cunningham poster and plans to play old MTV '120 Minutes' episodes. Guests can dive into classic NES and SEGA Genesis games on a CRT TV for free, or check out modern options like PlayStation 5 and soon-to-arrive Nintendo Switch consoles set up at the bar.
Food and Drink: Local Beers and Milkshake Bar
Level Up's menu features video game-themed appetizers, wagyu smash burgers, buckets of meatballs, and the "after-school special" grilled cheese with tomato soup. The milkshake bar lets patrons customize drinks with candy toppings, offering a playful twist for all ages.
The tap selection is crafted with local partners, including Conshohocken Brewing Co., Space Cadet Brewing Co., and Concordance Ferments Brewpub, plus wine on tap from Chaddsford Winery and specialty cocktails like the "Mortal Kombat"-inspired "Sub Zero." The upstairs bar offers 21 taps, while the lower bar features nine.
All-Ages and Evening Community
Level Up welcomes people of all ages, with kid-friendly hours until 9 p.m. Afterward, the venue is restricted to those 21 and older, offering adults a nostalgic night out. Kinsey states, "We're trying to keep everything as local as we can."
Events and Tournaments: NBA Jam and More
The arcade will organize dedicated competition nights, including 'NBA Jam' tournaments, 'Mario Kart' races, and classic arcade challenges. Regular events also include family movie nights on Saturdays, table game nights on Tuesdays, and PlayStation 5 tournaments. The space is also available for parties and special events.
A Dream Realized
Owner Chris Kinsey, whose career has largely been in pharmaceutical marketing, says the idea for Level Up grew from his own positive experiences with gaming as a parent. "It's hard to find options for meeting other parents and other families where everybody can have a good time," he shares. After researching barcades nationwide and developing a detailed business plan, Kinsey brought this vision to life in Bristol, Pennsylvania's oldest borough.
Community Response and Future Plans
During a preview event on Historic Bristol Day in October, Level Up drew about 600 people, with visitors ranging from local kids to adults reliving arcade memories from their youth. Attendees expressed delight in the nostalgic atmosphere and diverse offerings, with Kinsey noting, "There's nothing else like this around here."
Level Up becomes the second independently-owned barcade to open in the Philadelphia region this year, following Battle Royale's debut in Delaware County. Kinsey hopes Level Up will provide a personal, community-focused alternative to larger gaming chains, stating, "I feel really lucky that things worked out the way they did."
Source: phillyvoice.com.
