Player 2 Arcade Bar — Restaurant in Appleton

The Good: I am incredibly happy that Player 2 hasn't flopped like so many other arcade bars. This is such a fun place! There are so many different options for classic arcade games that anyone will find something they like. Their drink menu is extensive with a huge list of craft beers, domestics, and spirits. They have several themed cocktails and shots related to videogames or nerd culture and so far, I have yet to try one that I haven't liked. If beer is more your style, they always have some sort of special going for craft or domestics. One of the greatest strengths of Player 2 is the fact that they are an arcade BAR. That means 21+ which is a huge bonus for adults who want to have some fun, but not have the hassle of younger folks around.

The Bad: I only have two gripes with Player 2. The first is the music. Don't get me wrong, it is an awesome selection, just about anything played is perfect for gaming. The issue I have is that it is incredibly loud. It is hard to hear some of the game noises/effects or even the people you are sitting next to or playing with. The only other disappointing thing of note is the absence of simulator games. The only game they have that would fit this style would be the Arcade Version of Guitar Hero. There are two or three stand up cabinets with a wheel or shifter, but no classic sit down racers like Rush or Crusin' USA, something I really look forward to in an arcade. Another classic arcade staple missing that fits the "simulator" genre is Dance Dance Revolution. I'm not a fan, but I know a few people in the group were hoping for it. I would imagine the lack of this style of game this is because of space limitations, which is completely understandable.

The Ugly: If I didn't have any self control, I could spend hours here and not even realize how many tokens I've stuck into the machines. A great way to help mitigate this is to go during Happy Hour or keep an eye on social media for...

Just putting this as 3 stars because you have to put a star amount to write a review and honestly, we were only here for 5 minutes. Wanted to write a review, though, as a PSA in a way. Staying at a downtown hotel for my birthday weekend and my boyfriend and I prefer to walk when we are in a new place so we usually have backpacks with us to carry some water and utilize if we bought something along the way. We walked past here the other day and there is no signage that backpacks aren't allowed. So today, we got ready, grabbed our backpacks and got a bite to eat at another establishment then walked over (its about a ten minute walk from hotel and sidewalks are a bit slick due to current weather). We came in ready to spend a few bucks playing games on my birthday and bartender tells us straight out we will not be served as we brought backpacks in. He tells us to leave them in our vehicle (which is at our hotel). We explained we walked which is why we had them and we are willing to leave them at the bar or behind the bar or any other area that works just to stay and play and was told it's their policy no backpacks allowed and that was pretty much that. I understand that it's their policy but didn't appreciate that no compromise could be found and if it's going to be such a set policy, outdoor signage might be important (the sign I saw only said the hours and nobody under 21 allowed after 7). We chose to stay in this area for the weekend to travel by foot so I'm a bit surprised to think we're the only ones with backpacks as this area has a lot of foot traffic (we've gone to museums, restaurants, bars and stores this entire time without issue). Thanks and please consider some signage in regards to this if it's a...

The local arcade is back, and it grew up with the rest of us (now providing us with liquor as well as entertainment). Compared to the arcades I frequented when I was younger (Gold Mine, Pocket Change, Loose Change, etc) the selection here is more diverse. All the machines run off of tokens - which are available to purchase from the bar in $5 increments. The quality of the cabinets is pretty good for their age - not many joysticks or buttons are in terrible shape. A few of them may be a bit "sticky" or difficult to hit diagonals, but can still be effectively played.

There are three sections to the bar. The front has multiplayer games and pinball, as well as the main bar, TVs playing 80s & 90s movies, and a Nintendo 64 with Mario Kart or Goldeneye. In the middle are "sports" games (football, hockey, racing) and the Guitar Hero machine. Then, in the back is a secondary (smaller) bar, Fighting games and all the 80's cabinets. It gets a bit warm in the back with all the machines going.

At the point of writing this review, the drink/token specials during the week are pretty good and can very well take me to College Ave during the week more often.

There are also tournaments going on frequently - check their social media accounts or website to see which ones they are...