The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo
LoDo, Denver
Bar in Denver, United States
Book with PearlWhy go
A practical LoDo pick for groups that want activity built into the night, not a food-first reservation. The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo works better as a casual arcade-bar stop than a polished dinner or date venue, with late hours making it useful after another plan nearby.
About The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo
The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo is a Denver venue with a casual dress code and late hours. It is open until 2 AM every day, with 3 PM openings Monday through Friday and 11 AM openings Saturday and Sunday.
Book this for a casual late-night stop
The clearest fit is a casual Denver stop with late hours. Beyond the name and the hours, it is best not to position it as a meal-first recommendation.
For a meal-first Denver plan, cross-shop Marco's Coal Fired | Ballpark, Machete Tequila + Tacos, Tora Ramen, or the wider Denver restaurants guide before committing the whole night here.
Where it fits in a Denver night out
Use this as a casual, late-night part of a Denver evening rather than relying on details about food, drinks, prices, or reservations. The hours make it easy to consider after dinner: Monday through Friday it runs 3 PM–2 AM, while Saturday and Sunday it runs 11 AM–2 AM.
For another nearby option, compare it with El Patio, Blanchard Family Wines, or options in the Denver bars guide. For broader trip planning, use the Denver hotels guide.
Quick reference: go for a casual Denver stop with late hours.
Planning details
- Location
- 1925 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
- Website
- the1uparcadebar.com/pages/lodo
- Phone
- +1 303 779 6444
The take
The Take
The Vibe
The 1up Arcade Bar in LoDo presents a casual, activity-first vibe where the games define the room and conversation moves around play rather than ceremony. Free-to-play arcade cabinets form the spine of the space, creating an energetic, social atmosphere that favors groups and easygoing nights out. The editorial compares the venue’s format with Denver’s craft-cocktail tier to underline that this is a different proposition: less about formal drinking rites and more about shared entertainment. Expect a playful, upbeat bar that prioritizes interaction and keeps momentum through an evening rather than encouraging a single, sit-down round.
Best For
This is a venue built for groups and anyone who prefers a lively night of shared activity over a quiet, tasting-focused bar experience. The copy explicitly positions the 1up as an option for people who can’t agree on a destination—its entertainment architecture provides a clear answer—and highlights its role in LoDo’s evening rotation. It works best for group outings, casual hangs and late-night sessions where rounds of play and socializing are the point. If your evening is about keeping momentum, moving between games and drinks, this format delivers exactly that.
Ordering Tips
Although the arcade cabinets are the primary draw, the description notes that the back bar carries enough depth to stand on its own—so don’t assume the drink program is an afterthought. Treat the bar as a legitimate drinking option: order thoughtfully rather than defaulting to the cheapest pours. Because the venue emphasizes entertainment over formal tasting, pace yourself between games and cocktails and expect service to match a casual, high-traffic environment. If you’re with a group, stagger rounds so someone can hold a spot at a game while others order drinks.
Venue details
Ambiance
Retro-inspired interior with custom murals, vintage posters, and game memorabilia, featuring loud music, TVs playing 90s movies, and an energetic crowd.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Format
Accessibility
At the Bar
- Bar Category
- Pub
- Late Night
- Open Until 2am
- Music
- Throwback Playlist
Signature Pours
- Flower Power
- Heisenberg
Planning details
Location
Also consider
If you cannot make this work
Go to Marco's Coal Fired | Ballpark if the group needs food first and wants to stay near the same general downtown orbit. Choose Machete Tequila + Tacos when tacos and drinks are a better fit than arcade games.
For a quieter, drink-led alternative, Blanchard Family Wines is the cleaner pivot, especially for smaller groups that want conversation over games.
Bar context
How it compares in Denver
The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo is the group-friendly, activity-led option in this set. Choose it when the night needs movement and flexibility rather than a single seated meal. Marco's Coal Fired | Ballpark is the stronger choice when food is the anchor, while Machete Tequila + Tacos makes more sense when the group wants a meal with drinks built around it.
El Patio and Blanchard Family Wines are better cross-shops for people who care more about the drinking format than games. Blanchard Family Wines is the clearer pick for a wine-led plan; El Patio is the better peer when the brief is casual drinking without the arcade layer.
Tora Ramen is the easiest call when the group needs a defined food stop before or instead of a bar. The 1up is easier to recommend for loose groups and late-night energy; Tora Ramen is better when everyone needs to eat first and keep the plan simple.
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo | Denver | No published awards |
| El Patio | Denver | No published awards |
| Blanchard Family Wines | Denver | No published awards |
| Tora Ramen | Denver | No published awards |
| Machete Tequila + Tacos | Denver | No published awards |
| Marco's Coal Fired | Ballpark | Denver | No published awards |
How The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo: Casual Late-Night Stop compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the food good at The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo?
There is no cuisine type, menu format, chef, or price range listed here, so do not make a food-led recommendation based on the current information. If food matters more than the setting, compare it with Tora Ramen, Machete Tequila + Tacos, or other Denver dining options.
Is The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo open late?
Yes. The hours run until 2 AM every day of the week: 3 PM–2 AM Monday through Friday and 11 AM–2 AM Saturday and Sunday.
Is The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo good for a date?
It may fit a casual date if you want a Denver venue with late hours rather than a quiet, meal-first plan. For another nearby option, compare it with Blanchard Family Wines or other Denver venues.
What's the best time to go to The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo?
Use the hours to plan: Monday through Friday it is open 3 PM–2 AM, Saturday and Sunday it is open 11 AM–2 AM.
Is The 1up Arcade Bar - LoDo good for groups?
Group-specific details are not listed. If the group wants a meal-first plan, compare it with Machete Tequila + Tacos, Marco's Coal Fired | Ballpark, or other Denver restaurants.
