16 Bit Bar + Arcade: Columbus

Operating in downtown Columbus, Ohio, from August 30, 2013, to March 30, 2025, 16-Bit Bar + Arcade introduced a unique social entertainment experience to the local community. This venue, the inaugural location for Rise Brands, was among the first in the area to seamlessly combine classic arcade games with a craft cocktail program, quickly establishing itself as a cornerstone of the downtown nightlife. Patrons could enjoy a wide array of vintage arcade cabinets, including popular titles such as Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Frogger, and Street Fighter II, with gameplay offered free of charge with a drink purchase, alongside various pinball machines and classic consoles like Nintendo and Sega.

16-Bit Bar + Arcade provided a nostalgic destination for adults to relive their childhoods, serving a diverse selection of cocktails named after 1980s and 1990s celebrities, as well as a curated beer list. Its presence significantly contributed to a vibrant stretch of South 4th Street, becoming a popular hub for evening and weekend recreation. Although the original downtown Columbus location closed after over a decade of operation, the 16-Bit concept continues in other locations, with plans for integration into the Pins Mechanical Co. venue in downtown Columbus.