There’s a new arcade for video game enthusiasts in Northern Virginia. Continues Arcade in Alexandria is officially hosting its grand opening at the end of September.
Starting Tuesday, September 30, the arcade will be hosting its grand opening celebration with a variety of activities throughout the week. The festivities kick off with Party Bingo on September 30, and Continues Arcade will also host performances, giveaways, and other celebrations.
For the Love of the Game
The Alexandria arcade’s concept comes from founder Allen Brooks along with co-owner Doug Bauer. For Brooks, his love of video games started as a kid in the ‘80s that never went away.
“I ended up having an opportunity to take over a warehouse in Old Town, and kind of thought back about the things that I’ve loved, and ways that I’ve been brought together with people I care about,” says Brooks. “The idea of bringing games and food and drink together just kind of coalesced. I started asking some friends who might be interested in going on the journey with me, and some of them came on as collaborators, some of them came on as investors. And, it became a real thing that we could make happen.”
Continues Arcade features more than 50 original arcade cabinets, Skee Ball, and pinball machines that date from the 1970s to today. The owner aquired games came from near and far — including refurbishing companies, a partnership with Vidyacade, and private collectors.
“Most of them came from private collectors and people who had bought a game and it started breaking down and they didn’t have the weight wherewithal to upkeep it,” says Brooks.
Since the soft opening in mid-August, Brooks says Quick & Crash, a physical shooting gallery, the six-player X-Men, and Skee Ball have been some clear-cut fan favorites.
Adding More Machines
And the arcade is on the hunt for even more games to add to its collection. Brooks explained he’s still looking for classic games like Dig Dog, Tempest, and Joust, in addition to more pinball machines.
The staff also takes requests for games that regulars would love to see on the arcade floor. Once the arcade has built up stock, it will start rotating games on the floor so you get a new gaming experience every time you visit.
Keeping with the vintage arcade vibes, the arcade’s games only take tokens. Each token is equal to a quarter, so you know exactly how much money you’re spending. Right now, none of the games at Continues Arcade cost more than four tokens per play. Guests can purchase 40 tokens for $10 to start and continue to reload their cup at the change machines or bar.
Premium Food and Drink
You take a break from gaming at the arcade’s bar and restaurant. According to Brooks, they’ve “created a restaurant that could stand on its own against anyone else in town.” Celebrity chef and local restaurateur Spike Mendelsohn was brought on as chef advisor to help curate the restaurant’s menu with now executive chef Brian Lacayo.
On the bar side, Brooks worked with Dan Ponsky from Bar Rescue on the beverage program with the arcade’s director of operations Amber Bryson. The menu includes food and drink items like Atari Lynx (short rib grilled cheese) and Papaya Shrimp Salad, and cocktails like Donkey King and Polybius.
Continues Arcade is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with plans to extend hours in the coming months. 1050 N. Fayette St., Alexandria
Feature image courtesy Continues Arcade
