A Hidden Arcade Bar in Massachusetts Sent Me Back in Time

I need to start off by saying that I am obsessed with arcade games from the '80s. Granted just about anyone would be able to beat me in Frogger or Donkey Kong, I will stand at a Galaga machine for hours to ensure that I have the high score. Well, when I found out about a secret arcade bar in Cambridge, MA, of course, I had to go check it out.

Unlike a speakeasy,  you do not need a passcode to enter this arcade bar. There is a secret door however hiding inside a grilled cheese restaurant named Roxy's. Now, of course, many locals know about this hidden arcade bar, so if you walk by you will most likely see a long line outside of the door and question how good this grilled cheese restaurant really is.

You will need to take my word on this, if you are actually going to just get a grilled cheese, do not get in the line that is outside of the door. The line outside has sometimes reached over a two-hour wait to get into the secret arcade bar named A4cade.

Now, you may be questioning, how is this arcade bar hidden, well, to enter you need to walk through what looks like walk-in freezer doors (don't worry it's not actually cold in there). Just beyond those doors, is two bars, TVs everywhere, games, and tables to eat at. That's right, two bars! Which is nice when one gets a bit crowded.

What was really cool though is all of the theming that A4cade does. I was automatically sent back to the past with stuffed animals on the ceiling, so many bright colors, and even the Tetris pieces around the bar.

When it comes down to the games, there are so many to choose from, I didn't know where to even start. There is a variety of games from the '80s to today that would make just about anyone happy.

If you were tempted by the grilled cheese, you can actually order anything from Roxy's menu inside the bar as well. You can sit at the bar while you eat, drink, and play video games on an Xbox. I will tell you right now, the drinks were absolutely incredible and you can even get them in some fun cups (Simba, the Death Star, Tina Belcher, and more).

All in all, there is so much to keep you engaged at A4cade and just enjoy a night out in Cambridge.