This place is so cool! Lots of old time pin ball machines and button-mashing video games, a long with a few modern ones. All games are anywhere from 25-50 cents per play, and you can buy quarters with a card if you don't bring cash. I'm not a gamer but I had a great time with friends here! Only reason I gave 4 stars is because their liquor drinks are expensive, $16 for a double ? compared to the beers that were $2.50, but I would go again!
Was a fan of the last spot and this one doesn’t disappoint.All kinds of retro games, new games and great drinks. Crowd has always been super awesome, highly recommend.
If you are considering going, go! They have the best selection of pinball machines in Charlotte. EVERY machine is either a classic or a new Stern favorite.
This is actually a new location after the original Abari location closed. ( Naming the place Super abari is the best thing ever). As a result a lot of old reviews incorrectly got ported over. I once said Paranoia Pinball was the only correct spot in Charlotte to play pinball (and is still my preference), but this place is now up there as well. Walking down the stairs and seeing the old tvs playing 80s scenes and hearing and seeing all the games was definitely a portal into the past. There was parking at the building and overflow parking across the street, as Saturday evening was ramping up people were playing Tetris to park. The crowd felt more "Instagram" than "Basement dweller" but that might change as the newness of the place wears off. Plenty of .50 cent pinball. They actually had a pinball tournament going on. The grand champion scores on machines attest that the machines have been played by serious players. Bar served drinks and food, not too impressed with the draft beer selection or the size of the bar, but it was tolerable. Overall it was a good experience and I'm happy to see more pinball in Charlotte.Edit: Another thing I forgot to mention is that this place is open all the time, even on most holidays it seems, up until 2 am! It's nice to finally have a retrocade that is open on the "slower" days, when everywhere else is closed. I stayed until close on Sunday and I noticed the staff were taking the time to clean the pinball glass, which was a nice attention to detail. Staff have always been very friendly.
Definitely a cool spot to play fun games and vibe with friends. I like that they have an elevator to the gaming floor . The steps are pretty festive with lights. They had gaming groups and some folks rocking alone. Saw all sorts of games. My fav is the oversized Gameboy upstairs... but what took my heart was the Alf stuffed animal in the machine. Took me back! The outside patio was nice and the string lights make it fun.Sadly- I came out there bc my sister was being followed by another guest she didn't know. I didn't want her to feel unsafe. When I arrived I found her on the patio still being harassed. I then intervened by asking him to step away and not come near us. He then took convo up with other guests in the corner. We left soon after. She expressed she would not be returning after finding out he frequents the space due to his "living" situation. She is an avid gamer and was looking forward to supporting the gaming crew she is apart of and the relocation to this new amazing space- but she doesn't want to be targeted either. I encouraged her to speak up and tell management if it occurred again. Unfortunately I didn't see any security if there was any present.
That glow up though. The new spot reveals a very club/cruiseship like essence where you're greeted with the doorman and bar and then opens up to the game floor. Their selection of old school vs. new school games is unparalleled. Parking is pretty easy with lots next door and a lot across the street. Stop in and lose yourself in the symphony of great games and good times.
Not sure how it is in the evening or late night but early afternoon on a Saturday saw a decent crowd, families with kids even. Had plenty of space while I occupied one of the SF3 Cabinets...definitely glad to see this place reopened. Absolutely the best in class. Looking forward to an Initial D Cab and hopefully maybe even establish some Tournaments !!
Was pretty cool earlier in the evening. Lots of games for great prices and a good selection of drinks. Later in evening it got really crowded and with all the games being so close together, it was hard to play certain games without being elbow to elbow with someone. Docking some stars because 1) they charge you extra $$ for getting quarters from the bar (at least let customers know about the $2 fee when they order), and 2) they don't allow you to pay your tab with any leftover quarters you have.
Had a great time at Super Abari. I wish they would switch to a cover price system rather than having to get physical change to put in the arcade games. Charge $15 per person at the door and get unlimited gameplay. I've been to similar bars that do that.
Abari game bar is back as Super Abari. By my eye they may have more than tripled their space and increased game options by a large amount. I for one am glad this type of venue came back in my area because it's my my type of arcade rather than the college frenetic scene of say...Slingshot. Thanks for being back!