| rev:text
| - I had been anticipating the opening of Bonus Round after hearing that a new "barcade" was in the works in the midtown Phoenix area. After all, nothing goes together better than drinking and video games! I decided to wait a few weeks to let the initial hype die down so I could fully appreciate the experience, and I have to say, IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT! Last night I made my first appearance and felt right at home when I walked in.
The interior has a very raw but welcoming feel with classic arcade games scattered about, and handwritten menus/drink lists on chalkboards hanging from the walls. My first dilemma was what drink to order first: the beer selection is very impressive, but the handcrafted cocktails cleverly named after video game themes appealed more to the kid in me. Naturally I ordered the Barrel Roll, a whiskey based cocktail with ginger root. AMAZING. I wasn't very hungry but after spying hand battered deep fried pickles on the menu, I decided to treat myself to a little snack. ALSO AMAZING (with a little bit of a spicy kick as well).
After ordering my second cocktail, the Dry Heat (a spicy tequila based drink, also amazing) I decided to try my hand at some arcade games. First of all, I loved the fact that everything is free play. It's a brilliant business decision, because it made me want to stay longer and that equals more money spent on more drinks and food. The game selection is pretty decent and it was relatively easy to play all the games I wanted despite the large crowd. Everyone seemed to be considerate of letting others play.
The staff was incredible; our bartenders (Johnny and the other gentleman whose name I never caught) were both very helpful in helping us select our drinks all evening, and answering our million questions regarding different beers, cocktails and spirits. That kind of attentiveness to the customer in that busy environment does not go unnoticed and I was extremely impressed!
To wind this long review up, I'll just say that last night was one of the most fun nights I've had in Phoenix in a while and I will 100% without a doubt be back very soon as I'm very determined to beat my Spy Hunter record!
My only suggestions would be to turn the music up just a bit to create more of an atmosphere; nothing crazy loud, obviously you want to be able to have a conversation. At one point when I was killing it at Galaga a really good song came on and I remember thinking "I wish this was a little louder, I'd SO be in my zone right now". And second, use that projector for something amazing! Other barcades I've been to will project movies or video games on the wall for customers to play consoles like playstation or xbox on a giant screen (or wall in this case).
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