Up-Down KC is a multi-level retro arcade bar in Kansas City, Missouri, where classic coin-operated games meet a full bar and pizza kitchen. Located in the Crossroads district, the venue has built a reputation among locals and visitors for combining nostalgic arcade play with a social, late-night atmosphere. With two stories of gaming space plus rooftop patio seating, Up-Down KC functions as much as a hangout destination as a traditional arcade.
For those interested in comparing other retro gaming options around the metro, the arcade finder directory and the interactive arcade map are useful starting points.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Kansas City, MO |
| Phone | +1 816-982-9455 |
| Hours | Mon–Tue 3PM–3AM; Wed–Thu 12PM–3AM; Fri–Sun 11AM–3AM |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 from 4,300 Google reviews |
| Best For | Adults seeking a barcade with classic arcade games, pinball, pizza, beer, and a rooftop patio |
What Players Say
Across 4,300 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, Up-Down KC is consistently described as a beloved retro arcade bar that nails the nostalgic vibe while delivering strong food, drink, and service. The venue’s game variety, pizza, beer selection, rooftop patio, and friendly staff are its most-cited strengths, while machine reliability and weekend crowds are the most common caveats.
The two-story game floor is a clear highlight. One visitor summed it up as “two stories of classic games, good music, rooftop bar immaculate vibe” — Google review, capturing the venue’s blend of retro gaming and social energy. Pricing earns consistent praise for its affordability, with one reviewer noting “games are basically .25 a play” — Google review.
The food program draws particularly enthusiastic feedback, especially for the pizza by the slice. As one reviewer put it, “best pizza by the slice. The slides are hugeeeee and delicious!!!” — Google review. The beer selection is equally well regarded, with one visitor praising the “wide on tap selection, excellent pizza, and loads of arcade and pinball games” — Google review. Bartenders are widely described as quick and attentive: “bartenders are all quick and attentive which i always notice” — Google review.
The rooftop patio and overall atmosphere score strongly as well. “Nostalgic vibe, great for a night out!” — Google review. The outdoor space draws its own share of praise: “Love the rooftop patio and bar. Could spend a lot of time here.” — Google review.
Honest caveats are worth noting. Machine reliability draws mixed feedback, with one reviewer commenting that there are “lots of machines that outright steal your money or are malfunctioning in 1 way or another” — Google review. Weekend crowds can also limit access, with one visitor observing it was “way to crowed to actually get to any of the games. No seating available” — Google review. Parking is described as limited, with one reviewer advising that there is “virtually no parking though so park on the street somewhere a walk a couple of blocks” — Google review.
Games & Machines
Up-Down KC operates two levels of classic coin-operated arcade games, pinball machines, and skee ball, all priced at quarter-per-play. Based on reviewer feedback, the lineup leans heavily on nostalgic arcade titles alongside a notable pinball selection. The exact inventory rotates, so visitors should expect a different mix of cabinets from visit to visit.
Visiting
Up-Down KC sits in the Crossroads district of Kansas City, Missouri, and is open seven days a week with extended late-night hours. Doors run from 3PM to 3AM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 12PM to 3AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 11PM to 3AM Friday through Sunday. Guests should plan on street parking given the limited on-site options noted by visitors.
The venue pairs its game floor with a beer lineup on tap and pizza by the slice, making it a barcade aimed at adults rather than a family entertainment center. Weekday visits tend to offer easier machine access than peak weekend nights.
For other retro barcades nearby in Kansas City, DoubleTap KC, Pawn and Pint, Rewind Video and Dive, and Ricochet are all worth comparing. Use the interactive arcade map to plan a route between venues, and the arcade finder directory to browse the full regional lineup.
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