Level One Bar + Arcade operated in Cincinnati, Ohio, from February 24, 2023, to February 2, 2025. Located at 1331 Walnut Street in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the establishment was the second location for the Columbus-based arcade bar, taking over the space previously occupied by 16-Bit Bar+Arcade. Owner Paul Burkhart, an avid pinball enthusiast, curated a collection of over 50 classic arcade games, a dozen pinball machines, and two skeeball lanes, many sourced from his personal 25-year collection. The venue offered a retro gaming experience with titles such as Ms. Pacman, Donkey Kong, Asteroids, and Galaga, alongside a rotating selection of rare games, with most arcade gameplay being free.
Beyond gaming, Level One Bar + Arcade featured two dozen local craft beers on tap and cocktails named after classic video games like Pong and Frogger. While not serving food, it encouraged patrons to support nearby local businesses by ordering takeout. The venue also hosted “mini-me” days, allowing adults to introduce children to the classic games of their youth, fostering a multi-generational appreciation for arcade culture within the community. Level One Bar + Arcade closed abruptly after two years of operation.
