Get ready for Secret Level Up.
This is a “barcade” owned and operated by Ryan Marsh that is slated to open in the South Main Arts District. The opening date will be within three and six months depending on permits and construction, says Marsh, who won’t reveal the address at this point.
What is a “barcade”? “It’s half and half,” Marsh says. The upstairs area is “Level Up.” And the basement is “Secret Level.”
“The front half will be the traditional bar. We will have seating. We will have the biggest indoor screen TV downtown: 14 feet by 8 feet. And then we’ll have another 11 TVs in the bar to feature sports and gaming.”
They will feature 22 retro console games in an area just off the bar. “Super Nintendo, N64, Playstation 1, Xbox One — all the older console games will be able to be played.”
Skeeball and pinball machines also will be included.
And, Marsh adds, “All the retro arcade games can be played free as long as you’re eating and drinking with us.”
The “Secret Level” speakeasy will feature food, drink, and live music. They also will feature comedy in the basement, Marsh says. “With local comedians and bigger name comedians, as well.”
As for the food, Marsh says, “We will be featuring barbecue, authentic Philly cheese steak, and gourmet burgers.”
The full bar will include super “Instagramable” fun cocktails, says Sullivan Agency Events & Promotions owner Elizabeth Sullivan, who is in charge of marketing and activations.
Decor will be “retro decor,” she says. “All ’70s, ’80s, ’90s throwback.”
This will include VHSes from that time period, Marsh says. “We will be plastering the walls with those.”
Also part of the decor will be vintage Playboy magazine covers as well as “old record sleeves” and “autographed pictures of famous movies from that time.”
“The walls and the decor will be bright, fun, and colorful, so the furniture will be muted,” Sullivan says.
Also involved with the barcade are investors Brian and Adam Leith, owners of Villa Castrioti.
It will be open four days a week at the beginning, Marsh says. “The hours of operation right now will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.,” Marsh says. “From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. it will be all ages. After 6 p.m., 21 and up.”
