QuarterWorld Arcade — Restaurant in Portland

The last time I went to Quarter World it felt a lot different than my previous experience there.

To my eyes it looks as though somebody put a lot of thought into the layout. You enter and there's a movie theater style ticket window where you get a wristband so you can come and go as you please.

After the ticket would know there's a fairly long hallway full of old arcade machines. So if you're supposed to meet somebody there, you can still entertain yourself and if you want to have a conversation, it's quieter and a little less lively than the main arcade floor.

At the end of that hallway which also contains the restrooms and change machine, you'll find entries to the main arcade floor which is lively with a bar and lots of color and sound as well as the entrance to the lounge which is a bit more subdued but still feels congruent with the Barcade theme and where I'd want to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a libations before or after going for the high score on any of the assorted games on the main floor.

This was my first time back since lockdown and it feels like it's matured a little, it's more sophisticated and everything feels intentional in a good way. Luckily it has grown without sacrificing the lovely staff and charm I've had the good pleasure to experience in years past.

It's been challenging the last several years. Although it is trending towards better times. I'm happy to see that places like this were able to successfully navigate though uncharted waters that included an economic downturn/ recession, a pandemic, and global lockdown all happening back to back or simultaneously as well as the many struggles and issues local to our city and state.

I suspect much of that successful navigation was due to the support of our community, as well as savvy owners, competent management and fantastic staff. If you've Not been in a while. I'd come in and see their growth for yourself. If you've never been here I would do whatever you can do within your power to change that If you are in need of a fun spot to...

Portland has a ton of good arcades, even some great ones, and this is at the bottom of the pack. It's not enough to have a decent selection of games when that can be had elsewhere with better selection and/or better pricing. The food and drink are mediocre and overpriced, with an incredibly long line to get service on busy nights (staff up), which crowds the okay area of there are more than even three people queued.

Ground Kontrol has a better selection, better pricing, better layout, better drinks.

Wunderland has the best pricing (.05-.25 cents per play) with some truly blockbuster new cabinets. You really can't beat nickel cabinets and quarter play on something like Halo.

Both of them take better care of their equipment.

If Quarterworld (?) weren't located near some excellent food that often comes with a healthy wait time I don't think they'd make any sense at all. Apizza Scholls even added some basic cabinets to just let you stay there and it's still a better value.

The one beacon of coolness is the Gungeon rails shooter, which is lives by gamers of all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately the guns are not perfectly tuned so get ready to aim a few inches off target. That's kind of a Sinden issue, more than likely.

I'd say change your name to Quartersometimes, or BallyHigh, or something that screams we got some pinball and it's stupidly priced and maybe broken.

Also, and a fairly big aside, there can be a pretty significant underage drinking element present, which is whatever, but they can get a little sloppy. Fun to be young, obnoxious to pretty much...

I really enjoy coming here. Good selection of games and pinball. The one issue I really have is an insanely loud racing game that is located right on the left as you enter the main room. I typically wear ear buds while playing Ms Pac man a few rows away. Please turn that racing game volume down as it overwhelms the entire place and I will give 5 stars!

09/21- I am coming back today. I hope to be able to bump this to 5 stars.

7/26/24- I don’t get it. Why would you put a super loud game like Mario cart right on top of ms pac man? Ms pac man takes concentration and you put a racing game literally right on top of it? As soon as I started ms pac a couple took the Mario Cart over and started screaming. And the game itself is very loud. I gave it some time and came back and Mario cart yes is very popular and loud. And had to quit again. I won’t be able to come back. Ms pac man is the main reason I come. Other than I fed your poke machines a bunch and had beverages and food. People that know vintage arcade should know that, very Disappointing. Maybe sell me your ms pac man machine? I will show it the respect it deserves. ✌️

Also maybe your bartenders choose the music. Whatever was playing was stale and I think it would empower them and brighten...