The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery — Restaurant in Cedar Rapids

So this review was originally for a school project of mine to write about a place that is special to you, and use dramatization to express your thoughts of it. Since the essay was so accurate to my thoughts and feelings, I've decided to post it on here. Although all of my thoughts in this review coincide with my real thoughts and feelings, just note there is quite a bit of dramatization. Here it is:

One place that is special to me is The Quarter Barrel. It’s a Arcade/brewery in Cedar Rapids Iowa. Arcades are nowhere near as popular as they used to be, but Quarter Barrel always manages to pull in crowds.

I’ve been visiting ever since they first opened in 2016. The place used to be quite different back then, but one thing has always been the same: The majestic vibes emanated by this legendary arcade. As you first enter the doors, it’s like you’ve walked inside a castle. A set of gates, the only thing between you, and the magical experience of Quarter Barrel. No matter when you are there, people are always scattered across the games, tables, and the bar, all having conversations, and playing the timeless arcade classics.

The sight of Rare machines that you could only dream of seeing, the taste of Pizza and it's warm aroma, the noises of the games! It’s truly a unique experience! The mighty game selection paired with the one-of-a-kind service will keep you coming back. There are so many arcade games like Pole Position II, Asteroids, Missile Command, Jungle King, and Galaxian, all waiting to be played, and shining like brilliant gemstones.

Even the more obscure games like Robocop, Elevator Action, Vindicators, and Area 51 still offer an amazing experience which you will likely never see in another arcade. The soft drink selection is so refreshing, one sip makes your body feel rejuvenated like it has never been before! The large menu, complete with Homemade classics and Legendary meals alike, allows Quarter Barrel to be the Swiss-Army Knife of all establishments!

Quarter barrel has stuck around for years now, and there hasn’t been a single time where I didn’t have an amazing, memory-creating experience. One of my personal favorite places that will always have a special place in my soul. I owe my appreciation to this place. It has cured my boredom an uncountable number of times, and lifted my spirits on bad days. If you have never been, than this should be your first stop for gaming/eating/drinking/conversing/just having a good time. May Quarter...

We stopped in at noon on Saturday. I had been wanting to go here since it opened with a lot of hype. I thought it might be fun to take my children as they have never really seen an arcade. When we arrive there was another family with 5 kids, so I thought it would be all right. My first clue was that things were not going to go as expected ,soon showed up on the TV's they had. The TV was playing "Jason goes to hell" I hate to be "that guy" but I asked the bar tender if we could change it to anything that did not have mass murderers lopping off the heads of naked co-ed's. step one all good. Except one TV near the bar, apparently they really needed to watch this "film", perhaps taking notes for a film study class ?

So on to the menu. I asked if they had any kids menu items that I had missed. nope they do not. Well, we can make the best of it. How about a simple burger, nope, no burgers on the menu. hmmm, well o.k.,

Pressing on, we ordered sliders. You cant go wrong with sliders right ? Turns out you can. The "sliders" that showed up at our table, looked like something you would find in European mall trying to give you a "real american" type meal.

It almost feels like the kitchen is disconnected from the rest of the theme. They were going for a fancy food to appeal to hipsters perhaps ? Also strange was a kids party was getting setup for a dozen children as we were eating (And Jason still in hell, killing coed's on the back TV), so they apparently do want family's to come in ? They also served children size plastic cups to our kids, but no kids menu. I am just not sure who this place is targeting as their customers. I was hoping that during the day, it would be a place to take the kids for a quick burger and some old school arcade games and perhaps after at night a more bar driven scene.

So keep your kids at home , your hipster micro brew friends with flannel and beards however will love this place for its unusual food.for example there was some type of cucumber cut into a star pattern on the plate. Who goes for that ? "Boy I like this cucumber, but it would be much better if they would have made a star shape out of it". Nobody , that's who.

All in all we got 3 "slider meals" and a appetizer of cheese bread and 4 drinks for close to $50.

It's a little bit of a let down. Perhaps I am just no longer the target audience even though I grew up in...

It felt like 1982 when I walked in and heard all the arcade machines. This place is not quiet but it's not too much either. I miss arcades, the sounds and lights, all the classic machines being played. Awesome.

Old and young people were there on a Friday night eating and playing games. This place is my style! Made for me.

It wasn't packed but it was populated. Everyone was friendly there. We ordered a gluten free pizza and a taco pizza. They didn't take that long to make them. The pizzas were good but nothing like what I am used to. It was more authentic Italian style pizza. Different crust and sauce. There was a lot of vegan stuff available on the menu and build your own pizza. For one sheet of paper the menu had a lot to offer. I don't do vegan or gluten free but it's there if you want it.

They have a bar there also. I will try that next time, it looked well stocked. There is a parking lot right across the street so you don't have to pay to park. And you don't have to park on a busy street. That was a big plus.

They were a little busy so we actually had to go to the bar and ask for our bill. I also had to stop a server and ask for a box to take home the leftovers in. I reluctantly removed a star for that. I feel bad because there are very nice people working there, way better than average. We see how they do next visit.

I would recommend this restaurant if you want a clean and casual place to eat. Definitely a T-shirt and jeans place not a shirt and tie place. I usually tip 25 percent. Service is a big deal and these people have very hard jobs. Work with the public and you will gain a new respect for what these people put up with.

Because we waited 15 mins and had to ask for the bill we only tipped 15 percent. I think that's fair. We will see how it goes next time, I will definitely...