Up-Down STL

Up-Down STL Summary

I've been to Up-Down maybe three times over the six years that I've lived here. I originally went with a buddy when I first moved, and since then, I've been with my kids once or twice.

Here's the thing: it's technically a bar. It's open from 11 a.m. until late, and it's got a full bar, TVs with sports, and a great adult vibe. But the reason I keep thinking about it is because of their kids' times.

Once every couple of months or so, they open early, at 10 a.m. on a Saturday or a Sunday, and you can bring the kids.

And that's a lot of fun.

You walk in, and it's just this blast of sound. The "bloop-bloop" of classic games, the 'thwack' of Skee-Ball, and kids running everywhere. It's two levels, an upstairs and a downstairs, and you do have to pay a little bit of attention so you don't lose them amongst all the craziness on those Saturday mornings.

But they have a lot of fun. They have a whole bunch of arcades from when I was a kid. Everything that you think you remember, they have. We're talking Skee-Ball, basketball shooting, Battletoads, the giant X-Men cabinet... the whole gambit.

Of course, they also have pizza. Now, let's be honest, the pizza's pretty solid. You know, it's pizza. I'd say it's below a seven, maybe a 6.5, but you get what you pay for. It's more about the environment here, and it's something to eat while you're playing games. It's good game fuel.

The best part, in my opinion, is the cost. It's free entry, which is nice. You're just paying for the tokens, and they kind of use old-school prices. Everything costs like a quarter or 50 cents to play. Maybe ten bucks each will get your kids a solid half an hour to an hour of fun. Can't beat it.

All in all, it's a good little bar. It's a super fun place to bring the kids on those special mornings, and if you're into that old-school vibe, it's a great place to go with your buddies on a Saturday night.

Up-Down STL Things To Do

The main event here is, of course, the games. The collection is fantastic and really brings back memories.

Classic Arcades: They have all the ones you'd hope for. I'm always drawn to the massive 6-player X-Men game and Battletoads, but they have dozens of others.

Skee-Ball & Hoops: They have a long row of Skee-Ball machines and a couple of pop-a-shot basketball games that are always popular.

Giant Games: I've played a few games of giant Connect 4 with my buddy here, which is a lot of fun after a drink or two.

Watch Sports: There are TV screens up all over the place, so you can keep an eye on the game while you play.

The Bar: And, of course, you can just hang out at the bar. They've got a great selection and a solid setup.

Up-Down STL Details And Info

Up-Down is a two-story arcade bar located right in the heart of the Central West End. The entrance is right on Euclid, and you can't miss it.

Inside, it's loud, energetic, and lit by the glow of all the screens. It's just a fun, vibrant atmosphere. They also have a surprisingly nice patio area for when the weather is good.

The "Family Days" are the key detail for parents. They happen every few months, usually on a Saturday or Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's a totally different (but still fun) vibe from the 21+ crowd at night.

Parking At Up-Down STL

Parking is on the street in the Central West End. This can sound intimidating, but in my experience, it isn't bad. I've always found a metered spot within a block or two, and on the weekend mornings for kids' day, it's usually wide open.

Up-Down STL Receipt