Operating in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Player 1UP provided a distinctive arcade and dining experience from its opening in 2022 until its closure on March 2, 2025. The establishment occupied a 7,000-square-foot space at 3264 U.S. 17 Business, formerly home to Milardo’s Pizzeria and Sports Pub, and served as the county’s inaugural arcade bar. Player 1UP offered a wide array of entertainment, including classic arcade games such as Pac-Man, Galaga, Centipede, and Donkey Kong, alongside contemporary arcade titles, billiards, air hockey, Skee-Ball, and racing games. The venue also featured approximately two dozen pinball machines and was part of the Stern Army, regularly hosting pinball tournaments for local enthusiasts. Beyond gaming, it served American bar food, craft cocktails, and featured a rooftop bar, with additional attractions like karaoke, trivia nights, music bingo, and DJs on weekends.
Player 1UP Murrells Inlet quickly became a notable recreational hub for the local community and visitors to the Grand Strand, catering to families during the day and transitioning to an adult-only atmosphere after 9 PM. Its presence offered a unique late-night entertainment option in the area and aimed to create memorable experiences for its patrons. The closure of Player 1UP occurred amidst a broader redevelopment initiative impacting the Inlet Square Mall area where it was located.
