The Rise of Barcades: A New Social Hub for Canadians
The latest trend sweeping Canadian nightlife is the emergence of 'barcades' or activity bars, where patrons can enjoy a pint alongside classic arcade games, shuffleboard, or darts. These venues are proliferating nationwide, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, social interaction, and entertainment to combat modern challenges like post-pandemic loneliness and shortened attention spans.
From Pinball Passion to Business Venture
It all began with a single pinball machine for Steve Lefort, a Barrie, Ontario-based entrepreneur. Inspired by a "Heavy Metal" machine tied to the 1981 Canadian animated film, his collection quickly grew. "Within six months, I realized I wanted to do something with this commercially," Lefort explains. Drawing on his youth spent in arcades, he opened Antisocial Pinball Lounge in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood in October 2024, now Canada's largest pinball arcade. He notes that while bars felt "unbelievably boring," he saw potential in niche interests, similar to the board game industry's explosion.
A Nationwide Phenomenon
From coast to coast, barcades are becoming staples in urban centres. In Toronto, a vibrant indie scene includes spots like Zed Eighty on the Danforth, Tilt in Parkdale, Midnight Arcade in Kensington Market, and Track & Field on College Street. King West, known for nightclubs and fine dining, now hosts venues like Oche, a dart club from Norway, and Greta, a cavernous funhouse chain that started in Calgary. The Rec Room, with locations across Canada, remains popular for all ages, while newer additions like National, a bowling alley and arcade from Calgary, attract crowds at The Well.
Further west, SelectStart in Winnipeg offers lounge-style atmospheres, and Edmonton's Beercade combines craft beer with extensive gaming options. These spaces cater to adults seeking more than just drinks, providing activities that foster engagement and connection.
Why Barcades Are Thriving
The surge in barcades can be attributed to a mix of nostalgia, post-pandemic social needs, and evolving consumer habits. Taylor Iwaasa, managing partner for Toronto operations at Greta, observes, "People are less interested in sitting at a bar or table for hours. Activity-driven venues keep guests engaged, create natural interaction, and act as easy icebreakers." This shift aligns with changing attention spans, where constant stimulation is desired over passive experiences.
Chris Elliott, chief economist at Restaurants Canada, highlights a broader trend: declining alcohol consumption and the transformation of traditional bars. Over the past 25 years, the number of bars in Canada has dropped from 9,000 to 3,700, partly due to a 3.8% decrease in alcohol sales from 2022 to 2023—the largest decline since 1949. Elliott notes, "I think of a spot like in the show Cheers. It's a concept I can't imagine even existing nowadays, where it's just a bar and there's zero food service." Games and food help offset lost revenue from lower alcohol sales, especially in high-rent city centres.
Pioneers and Innovations
Ryan Fisher was ahead of the curve when he licensed Spin, a U.S.-based ping pong social club, in Toronto in 2011. "I knew that it would work. I just didn't know that it was going to be this long-term vision of people drinking less and desiring an activity while they go out," he says. Today, Fisher also operates Oche in Toronto, featuring 13 dartboards, shuffleboard tables, and a karaoke room. With minimalist Scandinavian decor, Oche aims for a spa-like vibe rather than a traditional pub atmosphere. "We wanted to be a little bit more muted to let the games and the experience drive it," Fisher explains, emphasizing the joy of rediscovering forgotten pastimes.
As barcades continue to expand, they redefine social outings for Canadians, blending play with pints to create memorable experiences in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
