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Two-Bits Retro Arcade
153 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, United States
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Ga
Review №1

Fun retro arcade to play some classic arcade games and enjoy a drink. Try the beer pong game, you won’t be disappointed!!

Ch
Review №2

Bartender was a super friendly guy, and the loads of skater paraphernalia plus movies playing at the bar made for a really chill vibe. Warning that it is a pretty small place and seating is limited.

em
Review №3

I walked by last night and noticed this unique and fun bar. Had to check it out. Turned out to be an amazing night. From old school arcades, pinball machines, music, hip and fun staff and not to mention cool crowd. I’m making 2 Bits my pit stop more often. Loved the atmosphere and decor. If you don’t know about it, take the time to check it out. You’ll be pleasantly surprised

Mi
Review №4

There are decent amount of old school games here so its entertaining. Do not, I repeat do not order any of the liquor. Just stick to beer. The liquor is some kind of weird wine cooler.

Je
Review №5

Love this bar in the LES! So much fun playing some of the best classic arcade games.

Ri
Review №6

Awarded two stars solely for the retro arcade combination with drinks which was fun. Unfortunately, there were no other real positives. The drinks were very expensive for the quality of the place it was. The choice of drinks from the bar were incredibly limited. Fun for one and a few games before moving on. Would probably try Barcade next time.

Ni
Review №7

Came in for a beer and shot after my own shift. The whiskey was absolutely cut with water. 75 percent water 25 percent whiskey. We didn’t even finish our beers. As the GM of a cocktail bar I know my whiskeys very well. I shouldn’t receive a shot of whiskey that is water with a bit of whiskey. The games are great enjoy yourself but don’t have any hard liquor. I made sure to leave a good tip for the bartender as this is not his fault but ownership should be ashamed.

Iz
Review №8

Cheap happy hour and fun atmosphere. They have a good selection of pinball and arcade games. The bartenders are really friendly too!

Pr
Review №9

Cool blast from the past. Pinballs need some serious maintenance, but still fun. A bunch of retro video games as well. Beers ok; avoid the bottom shelf liquors. Average 75 cents per game...cool way to spend a couple of hours.

Am
Review №10

My favorite little spot to play retro games with a drink

A
Review №11

Awesome spot, games are $1 not 25¢...I dont know why I had the impression theyd be 25¢ but either way we had a fun time and they have some excellent games

Al
Review №12

Such a fun place to go with friends and have a good throw back

Ro
Review №13

Great fun to be had! Great friendly service, good larger on tap, awesome nostalgic games.

Le
Review №14

Two-Bit’s Retro Arcade is an unimpressive bar arcade. The drink prices are average and there are a wide variety of drinks. However, the machines eat your quarters. Half the machines are at least a dollar and I lost at least two dollars to various machines. This place is fun but not satisfying enough to spend more than an hour here.

Va
Review №15

Very good place for beers and for games but there are only a 12-18 machines so you might not spend more than an hour here. I wish there were more games.

Ni
Review №16

They have some pretty great pinball, which actually seem to change every so often to keep things fresh. I’ve been here for a couple first dates and they go well! It does not get over crowded as it is a super dive bar. Beer selection is pretty basic. Nothing special.House of the dead is by far my favorite of the classic roller rinks late 1990s early 2000s game they have.

Je
Review №17

I walked by last night and noticed this unique and fun bar. Had to check it out. Turned out to be an amazing night. From old school arcades, pinball machines, music, hip and fun staff and not to mention cool crowd. I’m making 2 Bits my pit stop more often. Loved the atmosphere and decor. If you don’t know about it, take the time to check it out. You’ll be pleasantly surprised

Ke
Review №18

A smaller/slightly cheaper version of Barcade but still worth a visit, especially if youre bar hopping around LES.

Ma
Review №19

Had so much fun playing old school games I havent played in at least a decade or more. This place brings back nostalgia and fun.

Li
Review №20

Tiny place good for casual games. A few of the machines are very well-used (as be be expected from things that old) as in the controls arent what they used to be- expect to use a lot of quarters. I spent $10 and got a solid hour of pinball machines, some cabinets (avoid Street Fighter its a weird version and also Mrs. Pac Man plays too fast), some shooters, and a punch machine.

We
Review №21

Great spot. Don’t beat my Simpson’s score. It is all I have.

Da
Review №22

Felt like this bar was a bit mediocre. My husband asked for a Bacardi and coke and the bartender literally asked him what Bacardi was. Regardless of only having well drinks, they were still $9 each. The games didnt seem to be taken care of either. Old splashed booze all over them. It was an experience, but meh.

Jo
Review №23

Nice place to grab a quick beer with a couple friends.

Le
Review №24

Love arcade & beer... fun fun & more fun

Er
Review №25

Super love this place!!! One of the best pinball selections in NYC! Always have a blast - also love the location.

zo
Review №26

Its small, but it has cool retro arcade.

Br
Review №27

It was cool. I loved the arcade games. Made me feel like I was at my local laundromat spending lots of dollars getting change for the games after school. Downside was the drinks were pretty basic and a little on the pricey side.

Tr
Review №28

Some nice games but way overpriced (both games and drinks). Go to Barcade instead. (And the bartender was terrible)

Bu
Review №29

This place is the best!!! I always come here when I’m in town. I’m never disappointed. So many cabinets and great pinball. Bartenders are fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. Don’t miss Two Bits!!

Pe
Review №30

Place has plenty of great pinball and arcade machines including frogger. Drinks here are pretty pricey but if you win at whack-a-mole enough you earn free beer tickets.

Ar
Review №31

Simple, quaint, but dirty little bar. Fun games but not really enough to make a night out of. The cider was great and the bartender was friendly. Nice stop on your way somewhere else.

Ke
Review №32

Awesome place for a night of fun. It’s great to grab a drink and spend a couple of quarters on pinball and old school Frogger. Probably great for groups too, even if there is nowhere for big parties to sit together.

be
Review №33

Fun older games fairly priced, but low stock on drinks

Ze
Review №34

Be prepared to spend alot of quarters with a decent selection of games.

Sv
Review №35

Get your quarters and gullets ready for this place! Awesome games and lots of beer!

Na
Review №36

We had so much fun here!

Ja
Review №37

Friendly bartenders, small but a good selection of arcades.

Wi
Review №38

Good not great. Bar was accessible, wasnt too crowded. Game selection was good for the space it was in, but (as most things in NYC) felt tight spacially. Having to pay for each game was inconvenient; other places have a cover charge then unlimited play. Good vibe overall.

Ni
Review №39

The thing we read to go there says the games were a quarter but most werent. The thing we read may have been wrong or old thought so I dont blame them for that. However a lot of the games we tried didnt seem to work and the lighting was to low to see the pinball in the back.

Em
Review №40

Cheap happy hour and fun atmosphere. They have a good selection of pinball and arcade games. The bartenders are really friendly too!

Ar
Review №41

Nice place and a good crowd but some of the arcade cabs just ate my money

Da
Review №42

Fun time. Everything I was looking for

Ch
Review №43

Not a large selection but certainly a great way to spend a couple hours, and a nice bar with friendly staff.

Ge
Review №44

Cool idea, but the prices are steep.

Ma
Review №45

Cool bar with some great hand picked classics.

Se
Review №46

It was an ok arcade place. Has some old school games. Has some good pinball. But overall doesnt have the best selection in the world.

Ma
Review №47

Like a grimier Barcade, in the best way. I like to stop by for a few games if Im near.

ja
Review №48

Cool place, lots of pin ball games.

Gr
Review №49

Classic games, snacks and good beer

J
Review №50

Must check out! I had a blast and am looking forward to going back next time I’m in the area.

br
Review №51

Drinks were like water....$20 for 2 vodka with orange juice and it felt like I was drinking only ice and juice. (Note: I havent had a drink for over 5 months and was still let down) also, games kept breaking and not able to return the quaters. Anyways, this has been my TedTalk.

Ma
Review №52

Rad spot with retro games, bar tender was awesome too

Kr
Review №53

Hacked ROMs. Games take your money.

Du
Review №54

For what it is.. a great place. Fairly low key. Great mix of Pinball Tables and Arcade Cabinet Games. My only quarrel is the distinct lack of gin served by the bar.

NY
Review №55

One of my favorite bars in all of NYC. Love the retro vibe.

Ch
Review №56

Nice place for good times !

St
Review №57

Spot is solid. Good beers, lots of games. Fun time!

C
Review №58

Very fun, chill arcade bar, authentic spot

Pa
Review №59

Weirdly expensive - $32 + tip for two Coronas and two well tequila shots. Good music thooooo

Je
Review №60

Came here for a nerdy girls night. Friendly staff and awesome selections in games. You get popcorn instead of nuts and I love that. The popcorn was awesome. Im coming back here :)

Ja
Review №61

Best time to go is on an off day, like a Monday or Tuesday night. Great selection of games and pinball machines. Go with a group, and a fun time is sure to be had

ja
Review №62

I grew up in the 80s so I fit in just fine. Good old video game like asteroids, pacman and donkey Kong ect.... They had Die Hard playing on the TVs. There were a lot of kids in their 20s there witch makes their parents from the 80s. It made me smile.

Da
Review №63

It really opens at 5pm the hours are wrong. Call before you go.

To
Review №64

Interesting to see the old games. Little on the dirty side.

Ka
Review №65

I’m so sad that I forget photos! I was having too much fun. Old school arcade games, fancier than expected wine selection, beers and Photo Hunt. Come with quarters or bills to convert. Grab a slice of pizza around the corner if you need a little fuel. Check Two-Bit’s out.

Ca
Review №66

It was ok. Some of the games are too expensive (everything that old should be a quarter). A few of the machines are not in the best repair (might eat your money or have shoddy controls). Its a cool bar - I think my issue is I dont tend to love arcade machines.

Ka
Review №67

Awesome arcade with some old video games, but the real draw is around 10, well maintained, pinball machines that rotate. They serve beer and wine here, and some snacks, but theres plenty of places around the corner if youre hungry. Pretty good place to start the night with some friendly competition.

An
Review №68

Great place to classic fun

Fr
Review №69

Sometimes they have cheap drinks , many video games and pinball machines usually only half working . Very few seats

Jw
Review №70

Fun little place to kill some time. But its lacking in cleanliness, and the bar is poorly stocked. They do have specials though which encourage you to stay there.

Ja
Review №71

I like this place . The nostalgic feelings I have while playing the games just makes me feel like a kid again ... They also have pretty good Hard Apple cider . The bartenders are nice . I took away a star because they allow people to smoke right in front of the door . The NASTY cigarette smell fills the place and its just gross . Last time I believe it was one of the bartenders smoking .

Lu
Review №72

Like if Barcade was a dive bar. Good curation of games, good prices, didnt have any drinks but the bartenders and staff seem like cool people. Would do again.

Lu
Review №73

Fun spot for arcade and pinball. Ok beer on tap. Machines usually work pretty well.

Be
Review №74

Half of the arcades are not working, pinball are not cleaned (playfields are full of dust) and very dark... And the place is loud...

Sa
Review №75

Fun place however the games and drinks were way overpriced.

Ch
Review №76

Too small but very fun and great staff!!

Da
Review №77

Nostalgic! All the arcade games I played as a kid after school. Took me back....way back!

Ga
Review №78

Love the retro vibe and arcade games!

Eu
Review №79

Such a cool joint. Great games and awesome beer list.

Na
Review №80

Delightful way to spend an evening, happy a place like this still exists.

So
Review №81

Played games and it was fun. great music but the obnoxious drunk guys directly behind me were playing a punching bag game. the space is too tight for that.

Ge
Review №82

Small, quaint, loud and fun! Great games and excellent service. Good beer selection.

S
Review №83

Good location with a Cool laid back atmosphere and great arcade games.

Sc
Review №84

Great place for a night out. They have great drink specials (occasionally 2 for 1 sake bombs!) and fun old school arcade games.

Jo
Review №85

Very cool spot. It is smallish but the game selection is great for the space there and the beers are a nice mix of styles. Been here a handful of times and always look to go back to this fun bar when I am in the neighborhood.

As
Review №86

Not the greatest variety of games but beer pong was fun!!!

Ch
Review №87

Its a great place for a date, coins machine range from 25 cents to a dollar

Te
Review №88

Great vibe, the games are cheap and a great variety of pinball games. You can get 40s here too. Much more laid back and less crowded that those other bar arcades.

Jo
Review №89

Lots of choices of game cabinets and pinball machines at good prices. Decent selection of beers. Every lightguns I used was slightly mis-calibrated.

Jo
Review №90

Louder than it needs to be, with pricey drinks. That said, its way better than the other arcade bars. The bartenders can be very prickly.

cl
Review №91

Never actually got to go. The time posted for Saturday is wrong as hell. Place doesnt open till 5 period I believe. We went around 1 like Google says it is and it wasnt. Gonna try again in Tuesday

Ke
Review №92

25 cent arcade games and great brew on tap! Flashback from the 80s . Retro at its best here small watering hole with easy street parking ! Great drink prices also

Br
Review №93

This place is great. Its an arcade that serves beer and wine, not a bar with games, remember that. Staff, especially Larson, is amazingly friendly and knowledgable. Highly recommended for a great throw back experience .

Mi
Review №94

This place is my go-to. I frequently stop in for a quick beer and play House of the Dead, or Maximum Force. The wife doesnt know...

Mi
Review №95

Good beers and awesome classic video games. No game cards or points here just quarters. Best of all the games cost what you remember. Most machines are only $0.25! The have a few pinball machines in the back and a projection TV on the back wall.

Bi
Review №96

Well, not a very large selection but we still had fun. Thanks

Jo
Review №97

Pretty cool place for some drinking and retro gaming... They had all the classic games from my youth. A little Pacman, Street Fighter, Police Trainer, and Twilight Zone pinball. The games are priced accordingly as well. Still 25 or 50 cents to play. The only downside was that the place was really packed on a Saturday night, so there was very little space move. Other than that, this place was pretty decent. I would return if I was in the area.

An
Review №98

Two-Bits Retroarcade is a really great place to spend time hanging out with a friend or two, playing some old arcade games (which they change every once in a while), and grabbing a drink. Up front, theres a nice foosball table and places to sit along the window, and as you head back, arcade cabinets line the walls. At the far end, youll find a bar with some awesome artwork drawn into it, and a handful of pinball machines.Grab a roll of quarters from the bar or bring your own, youll likely be here for a while! The machines are cheap - most of the cabinets needing a single quarter to play, and they project television onto the back wall for people to watch while taking a break from the gaming, and grabbing their drinks.The atmosphere is very relaxed and youll find all types of people here. Sometimes theyll be chatting in front of a game youre dying relive, but everyone is friendly and moves right along. Two-Bits does old-school right, and I cant wait to get back there!

Lo
Review №99

All the classic arcade games. $7.50 for a blue moon draft, $4.50 for a modelo with a lime. I though this place was legit. Most games about .75. Cool af.

He
Review №100

Cool lil spot. Could use more games but i always have a great time when I go

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.2 Rating
  • Address:153 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, United States
  • Site:http://www.twobitsnyc.com/
  • Phone:+1 212-477-8161
Categories
  • Video arcade
  • Cafe
  • Bar
Working hours
  • Monday:5pm–2am
  • Tuesday:5pm–2am
  • Wednesday:5pm–2am
  • Thursday:5pm–2am
  • Friday:1pm–2am
  • Saturday:1pm–2am
  • Sunday:5pm–2am
Service options
  • Takeaway:No
  • Dine-in:No
Highlights
  • Bar games:Yes
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great beer selection:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Offerings
  • Beer:Yes
  • Cocktails:Yes
  • Happy-hour drinks:Yes
  • Happy-hour food:Yes
  • Wine:Yes
Dining options
  • Outside food allowed:Yes
  • Seating:Yes
Amenities
  • Toilets:Yes
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
Crowd
  • Groups:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
Planning
  • LGBTQ-friendly:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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