Up-Down STL is a barcade in St. Louis, Missouri, blending retro arcade gaming with a full-service bar atmosphere. Located in the city’s Central West End, the venue occupies two floors packed with classic arcade and pinball machines, all operated at a budget-friendly 25-cent-per-token price point.
Beyond the games, Up-Down STL runs a well-regarded pizza-by-the-slice menu alongside an extensive draft beer selection, with reviewers pointing to roughly 50 draft taps including local brews. The nostalgic 80s and 90s aesthetic, friendly staff, and outdoor patio have made it a popular destination for groups, date nights, and solo visitors alike.
The venue leans adult, with a strictly 21-and-over policy on most nights, though limited family-friendly hours are also offered. Visitors can find the spot on St. Louis’s arcade map alongside other local gaming venues, and current details are available through the arcade finder directory.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | St. Louis, MO |
| Phone | +1 314-449-1742 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday: 3 PM – 1:30 AM Saturday–Sunday: 11 AM – 1:30 AM |
| Rating | 4.7 out of 5 from 2,800 Google reviews |
| Best For | Barcade enthusiasts, groups, date nights, and solo pinball chasers |
What Players Say
Up-Down STL enjoys a strong reputation among visitors, earning a 4.7 rating across 2,800 reviews. Patrons consistently praise the two-floor lineup of classic arcade and pinball machines and the nostalgic atmosphere, with one Google reviewer noting it is “two stories packed full of old time games.” Another adds that the pricing is hard to beat, observing that “$5 lasted me 2 hours with everything a quarter.”
The food and drink programs are major draws in their own right. Reviewers highlight the pizza-by-the-slice menu, with one Google reviewer describing it as having slices that are “huge the flavors were well above par for pizza by the slice at an arcade.” The bar selection also earns frequent praise, with another noting “three separate bars and the main one has like 50ish drafts including local brews.” Staff service rounds out the positives, with one Google review calling the team “attentive & considerate.”
That said, visitors do flag a few recurring caveats. Some machines can be out of order on any given visit, and one Google reviewer noted that “the pinball machines were in horrible condition.” Weekend crowds can also mean waits for popular games — “it gets pretty busy which can make it difficult to play,” per a Google review. The venue’s 21-and-over policy is another mixed point, with one patron summarizing it as “no kids allowed though so not a family friendly place,” though limited family hours do exist. A few visitors also note that street parking in the area can be tight.
Games & Machines
As a barcade, Up-Down STL focuses on classic arcade and pinball machines spread across two floors, with every game running on a quarter-play token system. The lineup leans heavily into 80s and 90s nostalgia, and visitors regularly highlight both the variety and the value of the 25-cent-per-play pricing. Up-to-date machine availability and floor details are best confirmed directly with the venue.
Visiting
Up-Down STL sits in St. Louis’s Central West End neighborhood. Doors run 3 PM to 1:30 AM Monday through Friday and from 11 AM to 1:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday, making it an easy stop whether planning an after-work outing or a weekend afternoon session. The 21-and-over policy applies most nights, with limited family-friendly hours also available — visitors traveling with younger players should confirm the schedule before heading out.
The pizza-by-the-slice menu and extensive draft beer program make it a comfortable place to settle in between rounds of pinball. For those planning a celebration, the venue is a popular pick for group outings and date nights. If mapping out a broader St. Louis arcade crawl, the interactive arcade map makes it easy to pair Up-Down STL with nearby venues such as The Edge, Activate Games, Sandbox VR, and City Jump Family Entertainment Complex.
Operators and venue owners can update hours, machine lists, and event details through the claim your listing page, and anyone searching for additional barcades, pinball lounges, or family entertainment centers can browse the full arcade finder directory.