Offworld Arcade Is Taking Over the Second Floor of Checker Bar

Longtime bar arcade pop-up Offworld Arcade is transitioning into permanent digs above Checker Bar. On posts to Facebook and Instagram today, the owners revealed that they are in the process of taking over the former POP pop-up restaurant space on the second floor of the downtown Detroit burger bar.

The old-school gaming equipment began rolling in today in time for a debut this evening. A representative from Offworld Arcade, which was founded by Don Behm in 2014, confirms to Eater that the project will be a separate entity from the Checker Bar and will be operated in partnership with Pop Pizza. It will also include a bar, making it the first official bar arcade within the city of Detroit.

Additional details for the project including the venue’s name and opening hours are still in the works. However, curious gamers can get a preview of what’s to come during tonight’s opening at 5 p.m.

Arcade bars have long been popular across the U.S., though they’ve been slower to catch on in metro Detroit. Terry’s Terrace in Harrison Township recently opened a “beercade” and similar bar arcade projects such as Ready Player One are in the works nearby. More details on the POP Pizza/Offworld Arcade collaboration should be coming soon. Stay tuned.

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