The 1up Arcade Bar – Greenwood Village brings a retro barcade experience to the south Denver metro, blending a deep bench of classic arcade and pinball machines with a full bar and casual food menu. Listed under the broader Aurora directory grid, the venue sits in Greenwood Village, Colorado, just south of Denver along the busy I-25 corridor. It has built a reputation as a destination for both casual visitors and serious collectors of vintage gaming.
The barcade format makes it a natural fit for grown-up game nights, date nights, and group outings, while the venue’s family hours earlier in the day extend its appeal to parents with younger kids. Combined with a 4.4-star rating across roughly 1,900 reviews, it ranks as one of the more established retro gaming destinations in the metro area. Visitors looking for similar venues nearby can browse the full list of Colorado arcades through the arcade finder or see options plotted on the interactive arcade map.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Greenwood Village, CO |
| Phone | +1 303-779-6444 |
| Hours | Mon–Thu 11 AM–1 AM; Fri–Sat 11 AM–2 AM; Sun 11 AM–1 AM |
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 from 1,900 Google reviews |
| Best For | Barcade atmosphere, retro gaming, pinball, and casual date or group nights |
What Players Say
The 1up Arcade Bar in Greenwood Village is widely regarded as one of the stronger retro barcades in the metro area, drawing consistent praise for its deep catalog of classic arcade and pinball machines — many priced as low as 25 cents per play — and a creative bar program that reviewers repeatedly call a good value. The atmosphere is described as nostalgic and energetic, with a friendly staff that earns standout marks, while the venue remains family-friendly during its earlier hours before transitioning into an adult bar scene later in the evening.
The most consistent praise falls on game selection and the bar experience. One reviewer summed up the catalog by writing that “70s to 2000s, they’ve got you covered” — Google review, while another called the drinks “good and also a good deal” — Google review. The vibe gets equally strong marks, captured well in a quip about “pure nostalgia wrapped in neon lights and cold beer” — Google review, and the staff draws consistent compliments for service that one visitor described as “every staff member was beyond amazing” — Google review. Pricing on games is another highlight, with a reviewer noting “3 games for $2” — Google review, and family visitors appreciate the schedule, with one pointing out that “Family hour is until 7pm. It’s a fun and clean environment” — Google review.
No venue is without its caveats, and The 1up has a few worth knowing about. The mandatory digital ID scan at the door has drawn the most vocal criticism, with a reviewer noting “the process to get in is not. They require a digital scan of your ID just to get in the door” — Google review, raising concerns about data privacy for some patrons. A smaller but recurring complaint touches on machine maintenance, captured in a Google review mentioning “a few loose sticks, a lightgun that didn’t work and a couple screens with extreme burn in.” Food pricing and noise level also drew mixed reactions — the energy that makes the venue memorable is, as one visitor put it, captured by the observation that “It is loud, no question about it” — Google review, though for some guests that crosses from atmospheric into disruptive. None of these issues dominated the reviews, but they are worth weighing against the venue’s many strengths.
Games & Machines
As a barcade, The 1up pairs an extensive lineup of classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines with a full bar and a casual menu, leaning into the format that has made the brand a destination for retro gaming fans. Reviewers describe the catalog as covering multiple eras of arcade history, with most games priced at around 25 cents per play and a handful of newer or premium titles charging a bit more. Because the venue is a barcade rather than a pure arcade, the focus is on balancing nostalgic play with a social, drink-friendly atmosphere rather than hosting competitive tournaments.
Visiting
Located in Greenwood Village, Colorado, just south of Denver, the barcade is a convenient stop along the I-25 corridor for visitors coming from Aurora, Centennial, or central Denver. Doors open at 11 AM every day, with closing times stretching to 1 AM Sunday through Thursday and to 2 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. The bar offers a creative cocktail and drink menu alongside a casual food selection, though visitors should be aware that food pricing has drawn mixed reviews. Family-friendly hours run until 7 PM, after which the venue leans fully into its adult barcade identity. The mandatory digital ID scan at the door is the single most consistent friction point visitors mention, so patrons with privacy concerns should factor that in before arriving. The official Greenwood Village page is the best source for current specials, events, and group booking details.
Beyond The 1up, the broader south Denver and Aurora arcade scene includes venues like Game Over VRCADE, Nickel-A-Play, Ka-Ko Jo’s, and Pindustry, which are also plotted on the interactive arcade map and listed in the full arcade finder directory. Arcade owners who want to update hours, machine lists, or photos for this listing can claim the venue page through RetroArcade.com.