Barcade announced its Williamsburg lease at 388 Union Avenue will expire in under 1,000 days, and the original location will close when the lease ends. Opened in 2004 by Paul Kermizian, Pete Langway, Kevin Beard and Scott Beard, Barcade helped pioneer the arcade-bar trend and has since expanded to multiple locations. The owners shared the timeline early so fans have time to visit and celebrate the venue’s legacy.
Barcade’s Williamsburg Home Will Close in Under 1,000 Days — Visit Before It’s Gone
Photograph: Courtesy Barcade
Barcade, the original Williamsburg arcade bar, announced that its lease at 388 Union Avenue will expire in under 1,000 days. The team is sharing the news early so regulars and visitors have time to stop by before the longtime Williamsburg location closes for good.
From a Metal Shop to a Cultural Touchstone
When Barcade opened on October 14, 2004, Williamsburg felt like a very different neighborhood. Founders Paul Kermizian, Pete Langway, Kevin Beard and Scott Beard converted a former metal shop into a warehouse-style hangout where craft beer flowed and classic 1980s arcade machines — from Donkey Kong to Galaga — drew crowds.
A Pioneer That Helped Start a Trend
The original Barcade quickly earned national recognition, appearing on Esquire's list of the Best Bars in America (2008) and being named New York City's Best Bar by Foursquare (2013). The concept inspired countless retro-gaming bars and pinball lounges across the country. Barcade has since expanded to multiple locations across New York and several other states, and the company emphasizes its roots with the tagline "The Original Arcade Bar".
Why the Early Notice Matters
The owners told followers on Instagram that "[one thousand] days will go really fast," and they posted the timeline now to avoid the familiar regret of fans who later say, "I wish I had known" or "I was always meaning to go there." With nearly three years remaining, there is still time to chase high scores, challenge friends to Street Fighter II and raise a glass to a place that helped marry craft beer and classic cabinets.
"[One thousand] days will go really fast," Barcade wrote on Instagram. "We don't want to hear 'I wish I had known' or 'I was always meaning to go there.'"
Practical note: The Williamsburg location at 388 Union Avenue will close when its lease ends. Barcade continues to operate other locations, but fans who want to experience the original spot should plan to visit while it remains open.
— Pay a visit, play a few rounds, and celebrate a venue that helped shape a national trend.
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