One of Williamsburg’s Best-Known Arcade Bars Is Preparing to Close

Barcade in Brooklyn is planning to shut down its operations in Williamsburg as the building lease ends in the coming months.

Written By Saheba Khatun
Storefront image of Brooklyn Barcade (Image credit: Facebook @ Barcade, Brooklyn)

After 22 years of service, the popular arcade bar concept is closing its Williamsburg neighborhood location. Barcade confirmed the closure in a social media post. The flagship location will shut down in less than 1000 days, as the lease of the property is expiring.

Iconic Brooklyn Barcade Set to Shut Its Doors

Located at 388 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, the original Barcade location is shutting down after more than a two-decade run.

As the restaurant has decided to close its doors, it provided very early notice. In the post, the team mentioned that they have decided not to renew their lease for the property. “Our lease is ending in a retro-then industrial-warehouse,” said the team.

In a reflection on the dining industry, the bar team wrote that the neighborhood has changed a lot in the last 22 years.

They noted, “Now, as nearly all the brick and wood buildings around us have been demolished and rebuilt in steel and glass, and the nightlife has mostly faded away, we know the end is coming soon.”

Following the announcement, customers shared memories of the bar on social media. One of them wrote, “I have so many memories at Barcade. It was one of my favorite places in NYC.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Barcade ® (@barcade)

About the Bar

It features 40 to 75 video games and pinball machines mostly from the classic period of the 1980s. Apart from the games, Barcade built its reputation by serving American beers on draft. It also has a full bar with Barcade-built cocktails and creative variations on classic pub fare.

Paul Kermizian, Kevin Beard, Scott Beard, and Pete Langway, founders of Barcade, opened the establishment, influenced by their own beer- and game-filled nights.

The bar chain currently operates nine locations, spread across New York, Pennsylvania, California, Michigan, and Connecticut.

Talking about the restaurant’s journey, the team shared, “Barcade in Brooklyn opened on October 14, 2004, in a gritty part of Williamsburg.”

The team encouraged customers to visit before the Brooklyn location closes. The closure will mark the end of Barcade’s memorable journey in Williamsburg.

Love our content?
Add WhatNow as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

Be the First to Know

From new restaurant openings to exciting retail launches and real estate insights, be the first to know what’s happening in New York

Share This Article
Follow:
Saheba Khatun is a journalist and content writer with a strong academic background in English literature and a deep passion for storytelling. She has produced a wide range of work spanning news, features, and human-interest stories, often highlighting the voices and experiences of everyday people. Known for her people-focused, thoughtful, and relatable approach, Saheba aims to inform, inspire, and foster meaningful connections through her writing. With an eye for detail and a commitment to integrity, she believes in the power of words to spark dialogue, shift perspectives, and create lasting impact. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys exploring literature, culture, and community narratives, which continue to fuel her creative process and broaden her worldview.
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *