Joystick Gamebar

Gamers crowd around a Galaga screen watching intently to see who can beat the high score. Then, with a collective groan, they scatter back to their bar corners when the Fighter is destroyed by a stray bullet. That’s a normal night at Joystick, equal parts arcade and bar. And from our viewpoint, draft beer or alcoholic slushies make classic games like Frogger, Ms. Pacman, and Mortal Kombat (and the nostalgia of quarters rattling in your pocket) more fun. There’s a different nightly pop-up restaurant to fuel avid players. And theme nights, including karaoke and comedy sessions, bring unity to the Edgewood nerdom. The best part? As an adult, you get to decide when it’s time for your last game. Sorry, mom.