Press Start Arcade & Bar — Restaurant in Reno

This is our favorite place in Reno. A modest-sized bar+arcade located in Midtown, Press Start has a great variety of classic arcade games and pinball mixed with a VR headset, a pool table, and some patio games out back (cornhole and patio Jenga) to go along with a full service bar that offerings house specialty video game-themed drinks on a rotating menu. I don't drink often but all the cocktails I have tried at Press Start have been clever (and tasty) interpretations of classic bar cocktails.

Video games offered range from classics like Tetris, Paperboy, Joust, Galaga, Ms Pac Man, to hey-day era beat-em-ups like 6-player X-Men, The Simpsons, Turtles in Time, Golden Axe, and Gauntlet: Dark Legacy. Even has a few light-gun options with the classic Area 51, the excellent Walking Dead, and a throw-back to the FMV games of the early 90s with a quick draw option. Also has Big Buck Hunter with multiple options.

There is an ATM that conveniently dispenses $10 increments, and multiple change machines to doll out quarters in allotments of $1, $5, $10, or $20. They provide little plastic buckets for ease of carrying your quarters. I like this method much more than the swipe/NFC card systems that most other arcades offer.

In addition to all the awesomeness offered by Press Start, they also share a wall with Cluckers chicken shop so you can order food directly through the service window. Late at night they allow pizza delivery and have menus for Pizzava...

First and foremost, I'm a gamer. So, I will not review that and that is not what makes it automatically 5 stars. I'll share my experience.

So, I was actually in town for work, and couldn't drink because I was on call (Full Bar). BUT!! I went to the bar, and asked for a beverage (Coke/Pepsi). When I went to pay, the Bartender said it was on the house. He was being genuinely nice to me and I really appreciate that. I'm big on that kind of stuff.

Functionality of games: Every game I used WORKED. I can't tell you how many times I go to a place with Arcade games and tons of things don't work, or half work. I played probably half of the games here. As far as I could tell, not only did the machines work properly, all of the systems lights were functional too. Which is big to me in pinball machines that have animations, sounds, and lights all working. AWESOME.

Being Critical: Okay so the place isn't that large, parking is kind of limited. And because of the size of the establishment, some of the popular games you might have to wait for. Like I said, this is being almost overly critiquing the place. Don't let this hold you back from going. It will...

The only reason it doesn't get five stars is because of the atrocious markup on some of their alcoholic beverages. The staff is top notch and friendly. You're dealing with well trained professionals and it shows. The atmosphere is clearly aimed at the gentrified hipster demographic. That's not a bad thing if you're into it. It's a huge improvement over rundown arcades with a rough crowd. WARNING: Beware of sticker shock depending on what drinks you order. A small group could easily run up a three hundred dollar tab. I imagine the prices are meant to keep out a certain element. As for the video and pinball selection, there's an interesting mix of old school games and recent releases. This is the most upscale arcade I've ever come across. It's a mixed bag. I doubt I'll come back often, but it's something different. If you're an old school pinball player, this may not...