2014? Bring it on, says our Elite Squad! T’was a night of amusement and sport at Atlanta’s one and only Joystick Gamebar with a flurry of food, drinks, and dastardly (bust mostly friendly) gameplay. Joystick is one of the hippest spots located in the Edgewood Corridor in downtown Atlanta. This local favorite, owned by Johnny Martinez and Brandon Ley, is dedicated to the love of classic arcade games, high score snacks, and drinks worth every bragging right. Daniel B summed the night up best, “You can't go wrong with free arcade games, delicious food, whiskey cocktails, and a fun photo booth.”
After walking into Joystick Gamebar, classic arcade games produce the best sound effects of simple bings, bops, and whistles while sights of Technicolor, long-lost friends of Street Fighter, Ms. Pac Man, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles flood your mind of the days when you finally kicked your older brother’s butt at Mortal Kombat. Tiffany N knows what we’re talking about — “A bit of nostalgia comes over once I walked into Joystick.”
The grub at Joystick Gamebar is as kick-butt as their arcade games. Illegal Food, brainchild of Chef Steven Lingenfelter and wife/business partner Laurie Dominquez, contribute mouthwatering snacks that whoop the appetite you worked up over Galaga. Japanese okonomiyaki-style pork skewers, grass-fed beef sliders ("The Hank"), and pan-seared foie gras are just a hint of the comfort meets quality menu at Joystick Gamebar. Cynthia N turned into a slider thief — “The food was all delicious, but the burger was perfect. From the meat to the slice of pickle and shredded lettuce, it was the tastiest burger I've had in a long time. Illegal Food definitely turned me into a criminal with it.”
Joystick Gamebar also includes a lounge that brings you back to your weird aunt’s basement. Many Elite Yelpers found a couch to cozy up on while enjoying a whiskey drink from Doc Holliday – Three craft cocktails made their way into Yelpers’ hands. Lindsey E sets it straight – “The cocktails were unique. I had never had a whiskey cocktail and I found the drinks to be far more palatable than I anticipated. I am still a vodka girl, but I shant cringe at whiskey any longer thanks to Doc Holliday Whiskey. They must be doing something right!” BlueTarp Brewing (Decatur) was also on site and Lindsey E gives some sage insight for these guys as well – “I also enjoyed the beer selections from Blue Tarp Brewing Co. and hope to check out this Decatur brewery in the near future.”
A little competition of high scores on Mrs. Pac Man, Donkey Kong, and Pinball resulted in the crowning of: Queen of Pinball Beth B, King of Donkey Kong Kevin N, and Queen of Ms. Pac Man Tamera B (who stated she was up for a rematch anytime).
If this Elite Event of cool arcade games, awesome food, and tasty booze wasn’t enough, we made sure to top it off with Instamatika, a locally owned and operated photo booth. Daniel B gives us the rundown – “Photo booths offering prints is always a plus and this one let us choose to print our film strips in either color, black and white, or rustic tones.”
So, if this packed evening has any indication of what 2014 is going to look like in Atlanta, we’re pretty sure it’ll be a good’n.
Check out the reviews of the event here.
Photos, provided by the very talented Brittany Wages, here.
Follow everyone on their Website Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Joystick Gamebar Facebook Twitter
Doc Holiday Website
Instamatika Facebook
Yelp Atlanta Facebook Twitter Instagram
Until next time, SYOY. (See You On Yelp)
Ben G (pictured with Keaton M – Yelp Atlanta’s Marketing Assistant)
Photo Credit: Daniel B
