Globally, there are over 3 billion people who play video games. It makes sense that those who are of age may want to start taking their gaming out of the house and to a cool arcade bar. Are you ready to try your hand at some cool arcade games?
Gaming and drinking is a fun combination as long as you’re safe and respectful. We’re here to talk about how to have a great time at your local arcade bar.
Read on to learn more.
First and Foremost: Have a Designated Driver or Ride
If you’re planning on drinking while gaming, it’s a good idea to have a designated driver or to plan to take public transportation or an Uber home. Even if you think that you’re only going to have one or two drinks amongst friends and then drive home, have a plan B in mind. It’s easy to get carried away when you’re having fun.
If you’re with friends, determine if any of them are going to be the designated driver. If not, make sure you’re all on the same page about when you’re leaving and how you plan on getting home.
Your first priority should always be safety. The second, of course, is fun.
Get the Lay of the Land
So you’ve arrived at the arcade bar, and you’re ready to get started. Before you even start drinking or playing games, it’s helpful to wander around and get the lay of the land. Walk around and see where everything is.
Check out the different games available. There may be both video games and other standard bar games (like pool). Take a peek, but don’t disturb any players. You’re just checking it out, so you know where to go later!
Some games are quite popular, so by planning ahead, you’ll have a better chance of being able to actually play something as soon as the crowd clears.
This is also a good time to find somewhere to sit. You’ll be wandering around and playing games later, but you want a “home base” to return to, especially if you’re hanging out with friends who will all be playing their own games throughout the night.
Be Polite to the Bartenders
When it’s time to order a drink or snack, make sure you’re polite to the bartenders! They’re working hard to make sure everyone has a good experience.
Have your ID ready even if you’ve been of age for years. Remember that it’s a bartender’s job to ensure that you’re old enough to drink.
It’s helpful to go up to the bar with a drink in mind. You can check out drink menus online or stand back and check out the menu while other people order, so you’re not obstructing anyone.
If you’re not sure what you want, it’s always okay to ask for recommendations, especially if the bar isn’t too busy. Most bartenders are happy to offer suggestions.
Be Careful With Drinks and Snacks
At the arcade bar, you’re welcome to eat and drink to your heart’s content, but make sure that you’re being careful with your drinks and snacks. You don’t want a mess to get in the way of your gaming session or ruin the game for other players.
If you’re bringing your drink with you to the games, find somewhere safe to set it down before you start playing. Avoid placing it on the floor or on the game itself. Pool tables are also not appropriate places for drinks or snack plates.
If you accidentally spill, wipe it up or find a staff member right away to help. You want to avoid causing any damage to the games so other gamers can continue playing.
Mixing games and alcohol is fun, but you can keep it fun by being careful.
If you plan on playing games, also make sure that you’ve at least wiped your hands if you’ve also been eating. You don’t want to leave any greasy or sticky fingerprints on any of the games.
Be Respectful to Those Around You
It’s likely that there will be plenty of other patrons at the arcade bar when you’re there. The more, the merrier! Make sure you stay respectful to all of the other people at the bar.
It’s likely that people will be waiting for their turn at games. If you’ve been playing a game for a while, make sure that you let someone else play next. You don’t want to hog a single game for too long. You can always return to it later.
If you’re waiting for a game, be polite to whoever is currently playing. They may not realize someone is waiting.
Know Your Limits
The most important thing to keep in mind at any bar is that you need to know your limits. When you start feeling too intoxicated, it’s time to stop drinking, grab a snack and some water, and potentially go home.
There’s nothing wrong with having fun, but knowing your limits is what will keep you safe and happy at the arcade bar.
Be Safe While You’re Gaming and Drinking
If you plan on gaming and drinking, make sure that you’re safe and respectful! Be polite to the bartenders, respect those around you, avoid any accidental messes, and know your limits. If you keep these things in mind, you’ll have a safe and fun time playing games with your friends!
At Emporium, we have the best games, the best drinks, the best bartenders, and of course, the best patrons. Visit one of our locations today and get ready to have a great time.