The Rewind Arcade, Sebastopol
Deep in the heart of Sebastopol’s Barlow, amidst the culinary and craft beverage joints, lies Rewind Arcade, a neon-lit portal to the past, reviving the lost art of arcade gaming. This isn’t just another entertainment venue; it’s a love letter to the pixelated pleasures of the ’80s and ’90s, crafted by owner Adam Lam.
Recognizing The Barlow’s rich tapestry of food and drink but lacking in pure, unbridled fun, Lam decided it was high time to inject some retro gaming into the mix, offering a much-needed escape from the present.
Rewind isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about recapturing the communal joy and competitive spirit that only a room full of arcade machines can offer. With a lineup that includes everything from the pinball magic of franchise intellectual properties like Star Wars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the arcade classics like Mortal Kombat, PacMan and Mario Brothers, Rewind is a treasure trove for gamers and nostalgia buffs alike.
But Rewind Arcade offers more than just a trip down memory lane. Open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the perfect spot for an after-dinner date or a late-night hangout, complete with a craft beer and beverage menu that rivals the game selection in variety.
Currently, patrons can enjoy Mexican fare from Barrio via a QR code system, with plans to expand the culinary offerings to include favorites from other Barlow establishments.
The beverage experience at Rewind is as unique as its gaming selection. With a Type 40 license, the arcade serves up a diverse range of craft beers, ciders, hard kombuchas and spiked seltzers, including rare finds from local breweries and international gems. Self-serve refrigerators stocked with chilled pint glasses allow customers to pour their own drinks, with a beverage card system ensuring a seamless transaction process.
Arcade enthusiasts can purchase cards loaded with credits, offering a modern twist on the classic coin-op system. The more one spends, the cheaper the credits, making every game a strategic decision. Whether one is a pinball wizard or a side-scrolling savant, skills will dictate how long one can keep the “Game Over” screen at bay.
Rewind Arcade isn’t just an arcade; it’s a vibrant community hub where the past and present collide, offering a unique blend of entertainment, nostalgia and innovation. So when one steps into Rewind, every visit is a chance to play, sip and relive the glory days of arcade gaming.
The Rewind Arcade is located in The Barlow, 6780 Depot Street, No. 140, Sebastopol. therewindarcade.com.
