OSU’s Best Kept Secret: Old North Arcade

Cornhole, giant jenga, skee-ball, sidewalk twister, air hockey, pinball, DDR, even an outdoor movie projector screen. How can you not have fun? This is just some of what you’ll find at Old North Arcade, located on High Street. No, it’s not in The Short North—don’t get mixed up. Old North is quieter with a friendly small-town, suburban feel. This place is actually north of campus, right by Goodwill and Taco Bell, and only a short walk from Campus Liquor. It’s worth the trip, even for those students living way down south.

The Arcade

The arcade has tons of video games. You’ll be able to unleash your inner-child with classics like NFL Blitz and NBA Jam. Of course they have the classics like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and Pac-man. There are Marvel-themed superhero games, and plenty of classic multiplayer shooting and racing games too (even a TMNT one). Conveniently, you’ll find cup holders next to each station so you can always have your drink by your side.

The Bar

Old North Arcade has a full bar and offers a wide variety of drinks that you won’t find anywhere else. Many of their original cocktails are named after fantasy characters, like the “On Like Donkey Kong”. Although they’re $8 each, they pack a punch, taste suspiciously good, and are well worth it. Old North Arcade boasts local beers from Seventh Son and ones from all across the country. They also make three different-colored Pokemon shots, not including their signature Pikachu shot.

Outdoor Patio

This place is one huge area, split into three parts. As you walk in, the first segment is filled with games, a water station, Game of Thrones pinball, and the bar. As you walk deeper in, you’ll see the vast outdoor patio space where cornhole, giant jenga, and sidewalk twister is. Some nights, they’ll roll out a movie projector for a casual free film showing. You enter the third part of the arcade from outside, and right as you walk in you’re greeted by Dance Dance Revolution. This part is where air hockey and skee-ball are. The oldie but goodie Connect 4 is played in here too. Other board games like chess and checkers can also be borrowed from behind the bar.

The Staff

Old North Arcade has an awesome bartending staff. They’re real down to earth people and will even charge your phone. To moms and dads: if for some reason you’re reading this, every Saturday and Sunday from 12-6 you get to bring your kids in free.

It’s only my second year here, but from time to time I get bored of the same old bars in the heart of High Street. Spots further north are a nice change of pace and are like a whole different world. Get out and explore new places like Old North Arcade—you won’t regret it. You’re welcome, young Bucks.