From Manhattan, you can get to Barcade's new Jersey City location in the same amount of time it takes to get to their longstanding Williamsburg location. And unlike the Brooklyn original, this new iteration, tentatively set to open next Friday, serves food, will have outdoor seating, and—are you sitting down?—boasts a rare cockpit version Star Wars. So don't let New Jersey scare you; step inside and burn some quarters.
Co-owner Paul Kermizian tells us his Barcade Jersey City has 33 vintage video games and 24 craft beers and microbrews on tap. The menu consists of ten different sandwiches, some pressed, some not, plus cheese plates and pickled vegetables. "I'm really excited to bring our combination of American craft beer and classic video games to Jersey City," says Kermizian, who also operates the essential Williamsburg bowling bar The Gutter. "Just a reminder though, we won't have pinball. Or skee-ball!" Other rare/coveted games at this location that you won't find in Brooklyn? Spy Hunter, Burgertime, Mr. Do, Defender, and Mappy.
The only other question left is how to get there. It's not a nightmare! Take the Path Train (Journal Square train) to Grove Street (the 2nd stop in New Jersey). When you exit the station, walk down Newark Avenue and find Barcade on the next corner. They'll have quarters waiting for you. And the best part is, this time you get to be the obnoxious bridge and tunnel d-bag staggering through the streets at 3 a.m. yelling about your high score on Q*Bert. That's right Jersey, it's payback time.
163 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
