BY JORDYN DAVIS I PHOTOS BY JACOB BLANKENSHIP
A new scene for the BOLD
Sabrina Palmer took the last gulp of her extremely carbonated Mountain Dew and set it neatly on the tabletop. The neon lights and electric music made the table vibrate and the laughter of over 100 people filled the chaotic yet familiar atmosphere. She focused her attention on her last game of Skeeball, a local favorite at the newly-opened UpDown Bar in Downtown Birmingham. Every Thursday night she’d frequent the arcade, hoping to score higher than her last. Surrounding Palmer were three of her closest friends, who somehow managed to veer off into the courtyard of the arcade.
Where the Party Never Ends
“In places like these, it’s not hard to get lost,” Palmer said. But UpDown was Palmer’s second home, ever since opening. She had made it a new tradition to bring her closest pals and enjoy the “eccentricity” of the atmosphere UpDown creates each new night that she comes.
The party is never over at UpDown. What began as a shared idea between two longtime best friends quickly turned into a nationwide phenomenon. Owners Josh Ivey, Rafe Mateer and Sam Summers started the arcade bar in 2012 with their first location in Des Moines, Iowa. Initially, the trio wanted the bar to be an intimate setting and opened as a basement space next to a music venue. After receiving a tremendous amount of community support, the owners expanded the hangout to a national chain. The Birmingham location opened in the spring of 2025.
“I first heard about UpDown through work,” said Palmer. “Not long after that, I was invited to go celebrate with a friend.”
“I heard about it through word of mouth at first,” said Duce Thomas, a frequent visitor. “Then I saw an Instagram post and realized how quickly it was blowing up, so I had to come check it out for myself.”
Familiar Nostalgia
While many come to UpDown hoping for a stiff drink, some only seek to digest the “electric” environment and the unique games offered at every location. Initially, the owners collected the retro games and repaired any defects for their personal use, however, when they opened the bar to the public, they collectively decided to use their collection of authentic, vintage games to highlight the nostalgia aspects of the arcade bar.
“If I was trying to get someone to come visit UpDown, the first thing I would say is that it has a whole bunch of games you can choose from. It’s insane how many rare and vintage games you can find at this bar. I’d tell them I can guarantee you’ll find some games you used to play back in the day,” Thomas said.
According to Birmingham locals, the vibes at UpDown are simply “unmatched.” Grace Howard originally stumbled upon UpDown when her coworker and Birmingham photographer Nathan Watson covered the story on UpDown’s grand opening for the local online publication, Bham Now. Since then, Howard has been to UpDown multiple times with her friends and colleagues.
“I absolutely love the location. It’s conveniently located near Regions Field in the buzzy Parkside District of Birmingham and I also love that there’s a mix of outdoor
“UpDown has a lot of games that people can collaborate with, play together and even have an outside area. There’s a lot of community-focused spots without the expectation of having a drink in your hand.”
space to drink and mingle, indoor games and of course, the pizza window for a quick bite,” Howard said.
Electric Feel
At UpDown, a drink is optional, but fun is guaranteed, according to Palmer. The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce reports only four designated arcade bars in the area: Mom’s Basement, Paramount Sports Bar, Dave & Buster’s and now UpDown Arcade Bar. While Birmingham has a multitude of both indoor and outdoor venues, the concept of an arcade environment attracts those looking for a good time rather than a drink.
“There’s a lot of places in a lot of cities that usually have one main drive that does give people a reason to keep
returning, but it’s also nice to have a place where you don’t have the over expectation of ‘Oh, I have to drink.’ UpDown has a lot of games that people can collaborate with, play together and even enjoy an outside area. There’s a lot of community-focused spots without the expectation of having a drink in your hand,” Palmer said.
A Place that Keeps the City Playing
It’s this balance of nostalgia and novelty that makes UpDown stand out in Birmingham’s growing social scene. The bar doesn’t just offer a lineup of vintage arcade games—it offers a sense of belonging. Between the laughter echoing from the pinball corner and the friendly competition over Mario Kart, the energy feels almost cinematic. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, winding down after work, or simply chasing that feeling of being a kid again, UpDown turns an ordinary night into something memorable.
For visitors like Palmer, Howard and Thomas, the connection goes beyond the flashing lights. “It’s one of the few places where you can actually disconnect from your phone and just enjoy being in the moment,” she said. “You look around and see people smiling, cheering, talking to strangers—it’s refreshing.”
That atmosphere of genuine connection is part of what’s helped UpDown expand across the country. Each location captures the same balance of old-school charm and modern flair, but Birmingham’s version feels distinctly local. From the colorful murals to the mix of Southern hospitality and city edge, this spot fits seamlessly into the fabric of downtown life.
Even as the night winds down and the last coins clink into the machines, the buzz inside UpDown doesn’t fade. Couples share pizza slices under the string lights, friends swap high scores and the sound of laughter spills out onto the sidewalk. There’s something grounding about that—a reminder that joy doesn’t have to be complicated or curated, just genuine.
“People want experiences that feel real,” Thomas said. “UpDown gives you that. It’s not about looking cool or spending a lot—it’s just about having fun.”
And that’s exactly what keeps the crowds coming back. As the doors close and the music fades into the hum of downtown Birmingham, the feeling lingers—a mix of community, nostalgia and simple happiness. UpDown isn’t just another nightlife spot; it’s a place that bridges generations, invites connection and keeps the city playing long after the credits roll.
Because at UpDown, the neon lights might dim, but the night never truly ends.
