Located at 375 Thompson Road in Lexington, Kentucky, The Burl Arcade opened in May 2018, expanding the established Burl entertainment complex within the historic Distillery District. The building that houses the arcade was originally constructed in 1926 as a Texaco oil loading dock and garage. Owners Cannon Armstrong, Will Harvey, and Jomo Thompson curated a collection of over 30 vintage arcade cabinets, including titles like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, and NFL Blitz, alongside more than a dozen pinball machines featuring themes such as Star Wars and Metallica. The venue also features skee-ball lanes and a distinctive digital TV wall for console gaming and classic movies.
The Burl Arcade serves as a nostalgic retreat for adults, providing a recreational space where visitors can enjoy classic games alongside a full bar. It has become an integral part of the local community, offering a unique atmosphere and hosting events like free pinball on Tuesdays, service industry nights, and periodic all-ages Sundays, allowing families to share in the vintage gaming experience. As part of the larger Burl campus, which includes a music venue, food service, and a brewery, the arcade contributes to a vibrant cultural hub in Lexington.
