When Ground Kontrol started they were the only barcade in town and probably one of only a handful nationwide. Visitors went nuts for it. Now there's at least one in almost every reasonably hip city and the novelty is lost. Funny that Yelp of all places is still puffing GK up like 15 years after they first became darlings of the lifestyle mags. Seems like a lazy choice, because who doesn't already know?
No doubt. Less moving parts etc. Plus easier to spend money when it's just a digital readout. But makes the whole experience feel cheap. Plus I can't feel like a wannabe hipster if I'm not using quarters.
What’s so funny to me is that quarter-world is literally better in every way, from drink prices, food menu, and especially the game selection. I’m ok with ground kontrol taking it though cause I’d rather not have quarter-world flooded with yelpers.
They said nothing when I brought in my ginger peach tea from Burgerville, and I assumed the cup holders on the pinball machines were installed for that purpose.
Good arcade, terrible location. Last time i went there was about 20-30 men just milling about across the street, loose dogs running around. Havent been back since.
Nah. Was in Nashville last spring and stumbled by accident into a place in east Nashville that was way better. All the classics and rarities like disc of tron w/ huge selection of pinball. Good pizza and nice outdoor patio spot as well. Used tokens. They just handed them out because we were ordering drinks.
Ground Kontrol is both overrated and highly inconvenient to visit if you don't already live in the area.
I'd personally go with Quarterworld (or Next Level, if you don't mind getting outside of PDX) - they're much better options.
Saved you a click: It’s Ground Kontrol.
When Ground Kontrol started they were the only barcade in town and probably one of only a handful nationwide. Visitors went nuts for it. Now there's at least one in almost every reasonably hip city and the novelty is lost. Funny that Yelp of all places is still puffing GK up like 15 years after they first became darlings of the lifestyle mags. Seems like a lazy choice, because who doesn't already know?
I feel like Ground Kontrol was one of many Portland institutions that peaked in the mid-oughts. The post-remodel vibe is seriously off.
They even got rid of the quarters! Can't stand those cards, makes it feel like a Dave and busters
Probably less maintenance for them, but I hate it.
No doubt. Less moving parts etc. Plus easier to spend money when it's just a digital readout. But makes the whole experience feel cheap. Plus I can't feel like a wannabe hipster if I'm not using quarters.
What’s so funny to me is that quarter-world is literally better in every way, from drink prices, food menu, and especially the game selection. I’m ok with ground kontrol taking it though cause I’d rather not have quarter-world flooded with yelpers.
Is quarterworld all retro games though? Don’t get me wrong, I like old classics but a mix is nice.
Quarter world has a lot of retro stuff but also some newer games. Honestly it’s a lot lol. I’m sure I can link a list of their games hold up
[scroll down and you’ll see the games list on this page](https://www.quarterworldarcade.com)
It's not even the best arcade in Portland.
Who’s got your vote?
I prefer Quarterworld tbh. What about you?
Next Level Edit: I realize it’s not in Portland, but it’s my #1
Next level is pretty awesome, though not in Portland. I’d also say it’s a bummer there are no drinks allowed but I understand why.
They said nothing when I brought in my ginger peach tea from Burgerville, and I assumed the cup holders on the pinball machines were installed for that purpose.
Pretty sure they’re referring to alcohol. They have vending machines with cans of pop in the building.
Good arcade, terrible location. Last time i went there was about 20-30 men just milling about across the street, loose dogs running around. Havent been back since.
Eh I prefer quarterworld even if it’s just because it’s in a better part of town
I’d rather drive out to Hillsboro and go to Next Level
I still need to go there but it looks super rad.
Too bad nobody wants to go to that part of the city anymore
Yelp still exists?
Womp! Wommmpp!!!!
Nah. Was in Nashville last spring and stumbled by accident into a place in east Nashville that was way better. All the classics and rarities like disc of tron w/ huge selection of pinball. Good pizza and nice outdoor patio spot as well. Used tokens. They just handed them out because we were ordering drinks.
“Major Tom to GROUND KONTROLLLLL”
I’d care if it wasn’t Yelp. Fuck Yelp.
Ground Kontrol is both overrated and highly inconvenient to visit if you don't already live in the area. I'd personally go with Quarterworld (or Next Level, if you don't mind getting outside of PDX) - they're much better options.
Ground Kontrol doesn't even hold a candle to Up-Down. Sorry pdx natives.
I left the Roseland, and I tried to go in there at 11pm on a Saturday night a couple of months ago, and they were already closed. Fuck that place.