Barcade, the popular hangout for everything from great beer to classic video games, with three locations found in Brooklyn, Jersey City and Philadelphia, is in the current stages to open its fourth location, this time in Manhattan. Many of us from Retro Game Network have had the pleasure of visiting the Philadelphia location, so word of the chain expanding even more is a pleasant piece of news for us to report. Never been to a Barcade? Discover what you’ve been missing! Visited before? Learn about the new location that’s currently in the works!

The original Barcade location opened it’s doors in 2004, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn in New York City, and was critically acclaimed for its style of classic video arcade games, and American crafted beers, in which 25 different beers are typically available on draft. It is fully owned and operated by two brothers, Kevin and Scott Beard, and their long time friends Pete Langway and Paul Kermizian. In 2010, it was announced that two brand new locations would be opened, one in downtown Jersey City, New Jersey, with the second in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Both of these locations opened in 2011.

It’s upcoming location will be in the Chelsea section of Manhattan in New York City, located at 148 West 24th Street, in between 6th and 7th Avenues. According to the original real estate listing as shown online, the new location would offer plenty of room for the classic arcade machines, for it features over 4,000 square feet of ground floor space plus a 2,500 square foot basement. It will be able to accommodate approximately 150 people, which is almost twice as many patrons as its original location. Previously at the new location was a discount store, and an extensive overhaul will be required. The owners are planning to build an entire kitchen from scratch.

Yes, that is right. We said “build an entire kitchen.” Unlike the first location in Brooklyn, which only serves pub style snacks such as potato chips and beef jerky, the new Manhattan location will be offering true pub style food, such as sandwiches and cheeseburgers. With the word of Namco starting a video game themed chain earlier this week, you might be asking yourself if this new installment of Barcade will offer any type of “arcade themed” food items. Paul Kermizian stated in an interview with DNAinfo.com, that there wouldn’t be anything like that at all, and that they are aiming to have “nice pub food.”

The gamer bar’s new spot got an enthusiastic thumbs-up from members of Community Board 4’s Business Permits and Licenses Committee when it reviewed its application for a liquor license on Tuesday night. The owners were set to go before them at their December meeting, but were forced to delay their appearance because they were not yet able to pen a lease on the location. Paul Seres, co-chairman of the CB4 committee, was particularly happy about Barcade coming to the neighborhood, saying that it was a good idea, and that he loves Barcade.

Thanks to the liquor license approval, the beer selection at the new location will feature a selection from local breweries throughout northeast, including Brooklyn Brewery, Sixpoint Craft Ales, Cape Ann Brewing, Dogfish Head, Victory Brewing, Climax Brewing, River Horse Brewing Company, Southampton Publick House, Blue Point Brewing and Captain Lawrence Brewing.

Some examples of the classic arcade cabinets that are featured at the existing locations include Q*Bert, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Tetris, Robotron: 2084, Centipede, Galaga, Super Mario Brother, 1943, Berzerk, Frogger, Rampage and Star Wars. (And of course, the locations offer Tapper, since after all, it IS a pub!) Plus, to make the experience even more complete, the games cost a single quarter to play, just like the good old days.

The owners hope to open the new location by June or July of 2013.

Official Website: http://www.barcade.com

Original Real Estate Listing: http://jdfrealty.com/location/chelsea/148-west-24th-street/