Over-the-Rhine’s 16-Bit Bar + Arcade has reopened its doors to all button-mashing, pinball wizard, themed-cocktail drinkers.
Known for its cocktails with ’80s monikers — like the Molly Ringwald or Kevin Bacon — and its more than 50 different classic arcade games (if you drink, you play for free), the bar has been closed since March and just reopened its doors this week.
Of course, arcade games and pinball machines require hands to operate them. And with human hands comes a concern for germ transmission, which is why 16-Bit has upped the ante when it comes to COVID-19 safety.
“Our team is taking this sh!t VERY seriously,” the bar says on its website. (“!” use their own.)
According to a release, the 16-Bit will be using medical-grade UV lights to sanitize every game after each use. There will also be a dedicated “clean team” constantly cleaning tables, cabinets, consoles and surfaces “around the clock.”
The bar is moving to a table-service model for the time being to prevent bar crowding and making sure tables and groups are seated six feet apart. Employees will also be wearing masks at all times and they encourage patrons to do the same when they’re in “common areas” aka bathrooms. There has also been a plastic barrier installed along the bar between staff and guests.
You will also need to sanitize your hands before you play a game, remain seated while drinking and limit your party to 10 people or less. Also: No cash.
Current hours are 4-11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4 p.m.-midnight Fridays; 2-midnight Saturdays and 2-11 p.m. Sundays. The bar is closed on Monday and Tuesday for deep cleaning.
Sister bar Pins Mechanical Co. will remain closed until further notice.
16-Bit Bar+Arcade is located at 1331 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine.
This article appears in The Summer Guide.
