Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Location: Ground Floor, Uptown Parade, 9th Ave, BGC, Taguig Contact Number: (02) 839 0302 Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Price per head: P700 ++ for two drinks Signature drinks: Hadouken, Yoshipolitan, Versus TIki, Challenge Shot Drinks Insider Tip: You can get a free drink on your birthday served in a Game of Thrones goblet Press “Start” and take a trip down memory lane to the good old days when you would hang with your crew at the local arcade (Glico’s, anyone? Or is that too old of a reference? Timezone might be better), spending hours beating high scores and having a carefree time. Versus Barcade, located behind Denny’s in Uptown Parade, is the first bar arcade in the Philippines. They offer a unique drinking experience, as you get to go back in time and relive the wholesome fun of playing classic arcade games with friends while sipping quality libations in a cool hangout spot. Versus has a fun, yet sophisticated vibe. With 18 vintage, old-school arcade machines; three pinball machines; e-darts; and a shuffleboard for those who want a bit of 3D interaction, they are serious about play time, but the decor and ambiance is decidedly grown up. It does not have the frenetic energy of the arcades of our youth, but it does have the lively, dynamic atmosphere of an upscale bar. The exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and leather furniture is not what comes to mind when you think of the word “arcade,” but it’s a nice contrast to the loud sounds and bright lights coming from the machines. It’s like you’re in the playroom of a cool, well-traveled uncle, who has refined taste in alcohol and collects old school arcade machines, and who allows you to play with his toys and drink at his place. Bar counter It’s an adult playground for people who grew up spending hours in arcades to relive their youth and young’uns getting on board the nostalgia train and experience what older generations were into and considered fun. You can spend hours playing the retro classic arcade games, most of which are housed in the game room (which you’ll find to your left as you enter). The smoking room is at the back, where you can take a smoke break and purchase vape juice they have for sale. Apart from the blast from the past you get from the sights and sounds of the arcade, Versus feature music from the ’80s through mid-2000s, ranging from hiphop, R&B, new wave, nu punk, rock and some new tunes with an old school feel, and invite DJs to spin the classics on the weekends. VIP area on the second floor They may have a playful atmosphere, but they are serious about their booze. The first thing that greets you when you enter Versus’s doors is the massive liquor selection behind the bar, with shelves that reach up to the high ceiling. They even have rare, expensive whiskies displayed in the VIP area on the second floor. Their drinks list is comprehensive, with classic cocktails, spirits from around the world, local craft and imported draft beers, signature drinks, and slushies. With such an extensive drink menu, it might be difficult to figure out what beverage to choose to quench your thirst. Here is a handy cheat code for you to start getting your drink on. Rare, expensive whiskies displayed in the VIP area on the second floor Carefully crafted cocktails are available at Versus Barcade Bartender Shinichi Itoh and Versus’s bar team can whip up all the classic cocktails and have come up with signature serves inspired by your favorite arcade games. Just like their decor, they’ve injected little touches of pop culture nostalgia into the drinks. Bartender Shinichi Itoh Hadouken (Casadores Reposado, homemade raw tamarind paste, fresh mango syrup, chili syrup, and secret savorty salt) – This Street Fighter-inspired cocktail is savory with a hint of spice and sweetness from the tamarind and mango coming through. There’s a familiar taste that’s hard to place and a complex cocktail you can drink throughout the night. Hadouken Yoshipolitan (vodka, homemade cranberry syrup, Cointreau, lime juice, bitters, basil leaves, and elderflower foam) – This is a Mario-inspired twist on the Cosmopolitan. It’s fruity on the nose and yummy. No wonder a lot of ladies (and gents, good cocktails know no gender) love this. Yoshipolitan Barcade Gin and Tonic – No punny game name for this classic. Versus Barcade serves a proper G & T. Not only can you choose your gin, but you also get fresh fruit and veg flavored ice that takes it over the top. Gin enthusiasts can add this to the list of places to get their G & T fix. Barcade Gin and Tonic You could take up one of the drinking challenges. There are 4 difficulty levels, ranging from easy (Gotta Catch ’Em All Pokémon Challenge with six shots) to very hard (Shot Fighter with 10 shots). You’re going to get pumped up because serving the shots is a production. The retro boom box, siren, lights, and theme music will let the whole bar know you’re about to put your drinking skills to the test. The goal is to down the shots in the least amount of time. You can only have five seconds in between shots, max. And you are not allowed to have water in between. If you are able to finish the shots within the agreed terms, you get a cool Versus Barcade shirt to take home, plus pride in knowing that you took the challenge on and crushed it. We are advocates of drinking responsibly, so remember to rehydrate and have something to eat. Gotta Catch ’Em All Pokémon Challenge with six shots Mrs. Pacman They also offer matching drinks called the Versus Tiki, served in tiki glasses inspired by Star Wars (berry vs tropical flavors). Your friends can also get a pitcher of one of their barkada cocktails. Mrs. Pacman (Beefeater London Dry Gin, spicy mango syrup, Aperol, lime juice. Orleans Bitters) is pretty popular. Ask the knowledgeable bar team for suggestions if you can’t make up your mind, and they’ll help you out with your quest to find the perfect thirst-quencher. If you opt for something off the menu, you can request from their talented bartenders and they will whip up something for your preference. All that playing and drinking will surely make you hungry. We suggest you get Triple Play, where you can choose two appetizers and one main dish to munch on between rounds. Being the newest bar in town with a fresh concept, Versus draws a crowd. The arcade area gets full first, so come in early if that’s where you want to hang out. The main dining area is a great spot for groups who want to sit down, eat, drink, and reminisce about the good old days. They do accept reservations, but come on time, as they can’t hold your table if there are lots of people waiting. Unlike the arcades of our youth, you don’t need tokens to play the machines, but this also means that you can’t put your token on the machine signaling that you want to go next, once the player loses a round. Be mindful especially if the place is packed, as other people might want to play as well. Who knows, you might make new friends in the process. If you’re there to indulge in tipples more than play arcade games, sit by the bar and marvel at all the kinds of spirits from around the world displayed and watch the skilled bartenders make your drinks. The bar stools are quite high though, so ladies with short hemlines might some difficulty getting on and off them. They are going to be adding more games and challenges to their roster, including a Drinko Voltes V coming soon. Apart from the fun and games that you can have with the arcade games, they also conduct game nights, where you and your squad can test your mettle against other squads at quizzes, physical games, and sing-along rounds for a chance to win the coveted trophy, gift certificates, bottles, and bragging rights. They have the regular Game Night Wednesday, hosted by DJ Euric Lumanog that starts at 10 p.m. Versus Barcade is your childhood dreams come true. A well-stocked bar, comfortable seats, and the opportunity to relive the joys of childhood. What more could you ask for? Follow Versus on Instagram (@versusbarcadeph) and Facebook (VersusBarcadePH) for updates.