We have been searching for a night out that’s a bit off the beaten path, and we’re happy to say that Alcotraz gave us just that.

Right off the bat, we have to say that it’s not exactly a “gaming” bar where you’d find multiple choices of games to play. It’s more of a role-playing/escape room type of entertainment which, in our opinion, didn’t disappoint.

During our visit, the first thing that we were asked to do was to fill out a form asking about any seemingly innocent crimes we’ve done in the past and then ask us for the liquor we bought along.

Throughout our stay, the expert bartenders whip up custom cocktails according to our preferences and “criminal history” and this is exactly what we loved about them.

Although they aren’t your usual bar with a set menu, we appreciated the creativity and thought that went into making our drinks extra special and personal.

Furthermore, we found that their staff are quite attentive and friendly which was evident during our stay. Especially during the escape room event where we were guided clearly without losing too much of the thrill.

As for some of their downsides, we did notice that they have very limited opening times, especially during weekdays. We think that this may make it difficult for those looking to get a reservation during those days.

Additionally, we also have to note that customers are required to bring their liquor. While the £40 price tag is a bit steep for a reservation we still think that the overall experience makes up for it.

We’re big fans of nostalgia, especially when it comes to games. That’s why we decided to check out NQ64, a spot that offers retro games and cool drinks to go with it.

During our visit, we were thrilled to find their place is a paradise for anyone who loves games. They’ve got a ton of vintage arcade machines – think Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Street Fighter and more.

Plus, there are console games that are free to use, which merits them extra brownie points in our books! This is also why we think they’re quite popular for both gamers and non-gamers alike.

Additionally, their consoles are regularly wiped down and checked for maintenance according to some of the customers we’ve talked to, and this impressed us even more.

We also loved that their staff made us feel welcome and even recommended some of their best-selling drinks like Mad Max Zombie and Powerstar Martini which didn’t disappoint.

That said, while the drinks are top-notch, the food menu is pretty basic. They mainly offer bar snacks, so for those planning to hang out there for a while, it’s best to head somewhere else for a proper meal.

Furthermore, we have to mention that popularity has its downsides. For NQ64, this means it can get quite crowded during peak times and finding a free arcade machine or a spot at the bar can be challenging.

Despite this, they’re still our go-to for a fun night out  because they are open until the wee hours of the morning!

If you’re a hardcore gamer like some in our team, Pixel Bar is one of the best places for you to take your co-op gaming a bit more literally.

Overall, Pixel Bar really shines when it comes to gaming options. We were amazed that they offer consoles, PCs, or PlayStations consoles, PCs, even PlayStations.

Another big plus for Pixel Bar is their extensive menu. They offer a great selection of food and drinks, making it easy to fuel up between gaming sessions.

Additionally, we want to highlight that they offer pre-paid packages. 

On the downside, we noticed that their service levels fall short despite their popularity. We had to wait for 20 minutes or so to be served which might not sit well with others.

Moreover, the bar can get quite crowded. With lots of gaming setups and people, it can feel a bit tight, especially during peak hours.

On the bright side, we like that they accept reservations for groups of nine people. Even better, booking them is easy because of their website!

For all that they offer, we think Pixel Bar is a solid spot for anyone looking to combine their love of gaming with a fun night out.

Calcio! is a lively spot that combines live sports viewing, retro gaming, and delicious Mexican food. 

The first thing that we appreciated about them during our visit was the numerous large screens that showcase different live sports games. 

Whether it’s football, rugby, or any other major sporting event, they’ve got it covered. They also offer game-day packages for seasonal games which is a nice addition in our opinion.

In addition to their sports focus, Calcio! offers a selection of retro games that added a nostalgic twist to our visit.

From their classic arcade machines to vintage console setups, we liked that these games provide a fun diversion during halftime or while waiting for our food.

Speaking of food, we also want to highlight their impressive menu with a wide range of Mexican dishes to choose from.

Furthermore, their drink menu is equally varied, featuring a range of beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.

Overall, we love going to Calcio! whenever we want an enjoyable night of sports, games, and great food. We just wish that their gaming options are more varied so we can shake things up some more. 

Roxy Ball Room is a paradise for anyone who loves bar games—it’s actually what they’re famous for. Because of their popularity, we decided to visit them and see what they have to offer.

First of all, we love how they have multiple locations around the city centre. For the purpose of this review, we’re focusing on their location on Deansgate.

Upon entering the place,  we were immediately impressed by their bar games. From pool and ping pong to shuffleboard and mini-golf, there’s a game for everyone!

On top of this, we love that they offer party packages that are perfect for birthdays, corporate events, or just a fun night with a large group of friends.

That said, their popularity also has a downside. We’ve found that it’s usually packed even on weekdays. 

Good thing they have a large seating capacity that doesn’t make the place feel cramped.

We must mention, from our surveys, that we noted reports of patrons who dealt with faulty equipment.  In fact, during our visit, our enjoyment at the shuffleboard tables were dampened because they were uneven. 

Nonetheless, we were still impressed by what they had to offer, and our overall experience was made memorable by all of their lively atmosphere