Initially, Retro showed promise. While the food quality was inconsistent, the gradual improvement and, more significantly, the "friendly and engaging staff" were the primary reasons for my continued visitation. The recent decision to replace the entire staff is highly disappointing and, in my view, has been detrimental. This shift coincides with a noticeable decline in the overall experience. The upstairs gaming area is subpar, and the proposed cigar lounge subscription lacks justification given the apparent lack of customer interest. The rooftop also fails to meet its potential, often featuring poor music selection on event nights. This change in management and strategy risks moving the venue from a decently surviving operation toward potential closure, mirroring the struggles of other downtown establishments. The assumption that bringing in experienced, "older" new staff will automatically translate to a game-changing, engaging atmosphere is flawed. Some are clearly inflexible and resistant to change. Downtown Corpus Christi's economic development is often stifled by a reluctance to embrace new ideas, which deters both the younger local demographic and seasonal visitors/workers. The recent change in the bridge's downtown access further necessitates a strategy that actively courts new life. To revitalize the venue and the city, management must empower the younger demographic who will be permanent residents and consumers to drive innovation and generate needed revenue. Eliminating some of the friendliest and most engaging bartenders in Corpus Christi is indicative of a worsening trend. I urge management to either "reverse these personnel decisions immediately" or consider reselling the venue to ownership with a more forward-thinking and modern...
Read moreWent with my folks and my bf last week on vacay. We’re huge fans of Cidercade in Ft Worth and were hoping for something similar. The game selection (though rather small) was nice and entertaining for a solid three or so hours. Very loud and kind of cramped, but once I adjusted to the atmosphere I didn’t really notice. It was a good experience, until we tried to have dinner. The pizza was okay. Nothing to really write home about. But the service was disgraceful. There were only two young ladies on staff at the bar (on a Sunday night) and one young man running food bk and forth from the kitchen, and clearly none of them wanted to be there. There didn’t seem to be any type of uniform requirement, as one gal was just in a grey hoodie and shorts, and the guy was wearing a ‘I paused my game to be here’ t shirt. Not really a welcoming or customer service forward atmosphere. It took a solid 10 minutes just to get our order placed, then another 10 just to get our drinks. We told the guy that the ice machine needed to be refilled, and he told us just to ask the bartender. So we asked the gal in the hoodie, and she proceeded to shout at the guy from across the room that he needed to refill the ice. We waited 5 more minutes before I flagged down the other gal with the red and black hair and asked her if she could just put some ice in our cups please. She was nice. Then there were random unsupervised kids playing around with the drink machine and we had to ask them politely to move. Once we finally sat down, the wait wasn’t too bad. Then the pizza…wasn’t really worth it. Sorry yall. I would go bk for the games, but we’ll eat somewhere...
Read moreI recently had an incredible experience at the Retro Arcade in Corpus Christi. The combination of exceptional food and top-notch service made it stand out in the local scene. The menu offered a variety of delicious options, from classic arcade snacks to more substantial meals, all prepared with care and attention to detail.
What truly set Retro Arcade apart was its extensive pinball selection, undoubtedly the best in the area. The machines were well-maintained and showcased a diverse array of themes, catering to both nostalgic players and those seeking a fresh gaming experience. The variety of pinball tables added an extra layer of excitement to the overall ambiance.
One of the standout features was the fantastic pricing model – paying one fixed price for unlimited play. This approach allowed me to fully immerse myself in the gaming experience without constantly worrying about additional charges. It's a refreshing departure from the traditional pay-per-game model and added immense value to my visit.
The staff at Retro Arcade also deserves commendation. They were attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about creating a positive atmosphere. Whether offering recommendations from the menu or assisting with game-related queries, their dedication to customer satisfaction was evident throughout my visit.
In conclusion, Retro Arcade in Corpus Christi offers a delightful blend of great food, outstanding service, and an unparalleled pinball experience. The all-inclusive pricing model is a game-changer, making it a must-visit destination for arcade enthusiasts and anyone looking for a memorable and...
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