WBOB Original Reads

Keep Your Quarters: RI’s First Arcade Bar Switches to Free Play for All Games

1/9/2018

Rhode Island’s first arcade bar is telling its patrons to keep their quarters, and enjoy its full slate of games for free (with no cover) in 2018.

“Our repair costs have been down as we've settled into our collection,” said Shelter’s owner Mike Maven. “Now, we want to pay it forward to our loyal customers who have kept us gaming and having fun.”

Shelter Arcade Bar, located at 103 Dike Street in the Olneyville neighborhood of Providence, offers a full bar and pizzeria to compliment its carefully curated collection of more than twelve pinball machines and more than 30 retro arcade games. Previously, arcade games had been offered for 25-cents, pinball for 50-cents per game.

In addition to Free Play for its games, Shelter Arcade Bar hosts a weekly Pinball League for competitors of all skill levels, along with special events featuring live music, djs, and free giveaways. Shelter Arcade Bar is a 21+ establishment, but also offers occasional “All Ages Days” for families, and is available for private events upon request.

Presently, Shelter Arcade Bar is open Thursday through Sunday evenings, 6:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.