Sneak Peek: Game On At Up-Down, Kansas City’s Newest Arcade Bar (2024)

Positively excited is the reaction that Josh Ivey hopes customers have when they step into Up-Down, a 21-and-over arcade bar that opens tomorrow evening in the Crossroads Arts District.

“I want it to be overwhelming in a positive way,” says Ivey, who co-owns the business with Sam Summers and Rafe Mateer.

Up-Down’s customers can play more than 50 arcade games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, including classics like Frogger, Galaga, Space Invaders, Ms. Pacman, Mortal Kombat, Asteroids, Mario Bros. and more. Eleven pinball games, including the Addams Family, Iron Man, The Terminator and Star Trek, four Skee-Ball alleys and supersized Connect Four games add to the charm of playing in a modern arcade. Bonus points for everyone – all games cost just 25 cents.

Formerly home to Hamburger Mary’s, Up-Down’s extensive renovation has involved every square inch of the space. The owners upgraded the bar’s tap system, added a mezzanine, boosted the bathrooms, built a first-floor patio, updated the air-conditioning, commissioned new bar furnishings from Second Life Studio and overhauled the space with a retro look.

Familiar pop culture icons printed in black-and-white imagery on walls and windows spark nostalgia. There’s a mohawked road warrior from “Mad Max,” Al Bundy from “Married With Children,” bitmapped Space Invaders and the mighty Ghostbusters. Local graffiti artist Van Holmgren spray-painted a mural on a wall depicting oversized faces and bold graphics. Another wall is plastered with neon-colored flyers that were originally sent by game manufacturers to promote their arcade games.

The custom-built bar houses 48 taps in the main room and 10 additional taps near the upstairs patio. The rotating taps will spotlight local, regional and international craft beer, including Boulevard Brewing Co. (Tank 7, Unfiltered Wheat, The Calling), Duvel, Martin City Brewing (15-lb. Brown), Cinder Block Brewing (Northtown Native), Lagunitas (IPA, High West-ified), New Belgium (La Folie, Abyss), Founder’s (Dirty Bastard, Black Rye), Goose Island (Sophie), KC Bier Company (Hefeweizen), Perennial Artisan Ales, Tallgrass Brewing, Odell Brewing’s Peach Tree Shaker and more.

Several ‘80s and ‘90s-inspired co*cktails on the drink menu provide an option for nonbeer geeks. Up-Down’s spacious kitchen will not be put to use initially.

“We don’t offer food in our Des Moines location because it’s so small," says Ivey. "People don’t want to hold food while playing games. In Kansas City, we want to do food the right way in this space. We want to see the space live in action before adding food service. When people walk in the door, the first decision is, ‘What do you want to do first?’”

Play games, most definitely. Order drinks to stay hydrated. Food? Not the first priority for this entertainment destination.

The idea for this retro craft beer and arcade-geek heaven first originated in Des Moines. Ivey and partners opened the flagship location there in the East Village District. Seeking a second venue in another market, Kansas City’s Crossroads became the obvious choice after a multi-month search across the city.

Ivey describes Up-Down’s business model as emphasizing “the nostalgia factor.” He elaborates, saying: “The arcade concept is intimate and familiar, but in an adult setting. Up-Down is also a lot about what we’re not. People grow out of the bar scene. We provide a positive alternative space and attract a wide spectrum of people.”

A positive, youthful feeling inspired by retro decor plays well with the innocence of arcade games to produce a fun vibe. “Nostalgia puts people in a comfortable place,”Ivey says.

Up-Down presents a dynamic option for fun that complements surrounding restaurants, bars, retail shops, galleries, performing arts and live music throughout Downtown.

Bonus Round Geek Fact – Up-Down’s name was inspired by the Konami Code. In case that doesn’t ring a bell, Konami released many games such as Contra and Gradius during the ‘80s for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Hidden cheat codes helped programmers to test games before launch and release. One such code was “up-up-down-down-left-right-left-right …”

Up-Down, 101 Southwest Blvd., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, updownkc.com

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