Super Abari Game Bar in Charlotte, North Carolina, functions as a vibrant hub for both nostalgic arcade enthusiasts and the local gaming community. The establishment’s history traces back to the original Abari Game Bar, which opened around March 1, 2016, along the border of Charlotte’s Villa Heights and Optimist Park neighborhoods. This initial iteration offered a selection of over 30 arcade games and various pinball machines, quickly becoming a popular spot for adults and families to enjoy retro gaming culture. However, the original location closed during the height of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic due to redevelopment and the expiration of its lease.
Following community encouragement, owner Zach Pulliam embarked on a new venture, culminating in the opening of Super Abari Game Bar on May 16, 2022, in Charlotte’s Belmont neighborhood. The new location, significantly larger, houses 55 arcade games, 35 pinball machines, and 12 beer taps, offering a blend of classic titles like Ms. Pac-Man and Daytona with modern pinball and unique indie arcade games such as Foiled and Axel Smooth. A notable attraction is the world’s largest to-scale working Gameboy replica. Super Abari fosters a strong sense of community by hosting officially sanctioned pinball tournaments and serving as a gathering place for various gaming communities within Charlotte.