Step through the red-brick doorway on West Waters Avenue, and you’re instantly transported—not just in time, but in mood. You’ll hear it first: the electric “thwack” of pinball flippers, the booming “boomshakalaka” from NBA Jam, and, somewhere in the back, a karaoke singer belting out Journey with all the gusto of a Friday night in Vegas. No irony. No shame. Just pure, unfiltered fun.
Welcome to Lowry Parcade, located at 1213 W. Waters Ave., Tampa’s first and finest arcade-meets-craft-beer bar. In a world of sterile taprooms and algorithm-driven social spaces, this is a place where quarters, camaraderie, and cold pours collide in beautiful chaos
The Origin Story: A Bet on Nostalgia
Back in 2016, long before Tampa’s retro-arcade craze hit its pixelated stride, Rob Leonard had a vision. He wasn’t after SoHo glitz or Ybor’s club-hopping crowd. He found his sweet spot in the quiet stretch near Lowry Park, opening a space where vintage arcade cabinets and Florida craft beer could exist in boozy, buzzing harmony.
What began as a nostalgic passion project became a cornerstone of the community. Now, as Lowry Parcade approaches its 10-year anniversary, it’s clear: this place is less a bar and more a living, flashing time capsule with heart—and high scores—to spare.
The Tap List: Boss-Level Beers
Yes, the neon-lit ambiance is a vibe, but make no mistake—the beer list is the real boss battle here. With 20+ rotating drafts and cult-favorite cans chilling in the cooler, it’s a pilgrimage for brew enthusiasts.
Local legends like Cigar City, Green Bench, and Woven Water get regular billing, and the flights arrive not on boring trays—but on wooden paddles shaped like joysticks. Every detail whispers (or shouts) play.
Events That Keep the Tokens Flowing
Forget your typical happy hour. At the Parcade, Free Play Monday is the holy grail. Drop a dollar at the door and gain unlimited access to 30+ arcade legends—from DDR Extreme and Frogger to Ms. Pac-Man and X-Men. No coins needed. Just good vibes and flashing screens.
Tuesdays bring Tacos & Trivia, where locals battle it out over pop-culture deep cuts between bites of street-style tacos. Midweek gets wonderfully weird with Nerdy-oke, a karaoke free-for-all featuring anime intros, Disney ballads, and the universal power of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
And in June, the Parcade took it up a notch with Free Play with Pride, celebrating inclusivity with all the heart of a Final Fantasy side quest.
The Secret Sauce: Not Just Beer, But Belonging
On paper, it’s a bar. In practice, it’s a haven. Families swing by in the afternoons to teach their kids Pac-Man patterns. At night, Discord handles get traded between sips of craft stouts. Whether you’re an introvert seeking low-stakes conversation or an extrovert living for high-fives and high notes, there’s a place for you here.
“It’s about more than tokens and hops,” says owner Rob Leonard. “Lyn curates the beer list. Cassie runs events and social media. I’ve literally watched kids grow up here. It’s become a home for people, and that blows me away.”
A Hidden Gem with a Massive Heart
Lowry Parcade might be off the beaten path, but it’s permanently on the radar of anyone who’s visited. Tucked north of Seminole Heights, it avoids the clichés of Tampa’s bar scene. Parking’s easy, cover charges are rare, and the clientele? Genuinely awesome.
Skeptics become regulars. First-timers end up planning birthday parties under glowing pinball marquees. It’s a secret level of the city where being “too into” something isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated.
In 2021, Lowry Parade even hosted a concert in the parking lot, transforming the outside world into just another stage in its electric universe.
The Side Quest You Didn’t Know You Needed
If your perfect night out involves shouting “Hadouken!” at a new friend while sipping a cold lager and collecting high scores, this place is your kind of quest. Because in a city where new bars constantly pop up and fade away, Lowry Parade stands firm with one unbeatable truth:
Community is the ultimate cheat code. 🎮 Visit the official site: www.lowryparcade.co See more fun Tampa finds: Indoor Activities in Tampa
Are you on social media? Check out our profile for more local news! Follow @TampaLatest for up-to-the-minute updates in Tampa, Florida.