I was too young back in the glorious 80s to enjoy a fine adult beverage while playing Zaxxon or Donkey Kong Jr. Now that I'm a middle-aged, retro-gaming dude, I can do it in style thanks to a cool new concept bar that just opened up in the Elm City of New Haven.

According to CTnow.com, Barcade New Haven opened its doors last night. It's located at 56 Orange Street, near Crown St, near the former New Haven Coliseum grounds. Barcade bills themselves as a combination bar and arcade, focused on classic video games, and American craft beer. There are locations in New York, Jersey, Philly, and now Connecticut.

Barcade is focused on serving American beers, and tries to keep the selection stocked primarily with Connecticut brew. There is a kitchen that serves small plates, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. I'd love to try their Fat New Haven burger while kicking a$$ on the Frogger machine.

I grew up in arcades, as did most children of the 70s and 80s. I spent years of my life pumping quarters into Pac Man, Joust, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. My favorite retro arcade is Funspot in Laconia, New Hampshire. Mrs. Large and I go to Funspot every time we're up there. New Haven is a hell of a lot closer. I'll be headed down and checking this new joint out very soon.

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