Arcade Review: Los Angeles – The One Up
Venturing back into Los Angeles is like willingly sliding down a water-slide without any running water; excruciatingly slow, uncomfortably hot, and often physically painful. Nevertheless, there was an Arcade that needed exploring. So, away we went…
Turning East on the 101, and exiting Woodman, you may pass by what at first glance looks like any other cocktail lounge on the Ventura Avenue. Look closely at the marquee however, you’ll see it perched above the entrance: a lone Space Invader.
If you’re smart, you’d have made this journey a little after seven in the evening where the lounge is only twenty-one and up. You may also need to make reservations ahead of time as the place can get awfully crowded. However, every inch of this space is used to the fullest.
Artistically, The One Up exists in a space if Captain-N built built a Gypsy Den in Wonderland. Pretty to look at while sober, mildly disorienting depending on how long you’ve been at the bar.
In order of function, The One Up is decidedly a cocktail lounge that also has an arcade. That’s not necessarily a negative criticism mind you. The cocktails are excellent (try the Monkey’s Brew), with a selective wine and beer menu to match. Entrees are also expertly crafted, from the mouthwatering turkey meatballs to their unbelievably savory Hawaiian pulled pork sandwich. A refined and unique style and taste has clearly been cultivated at The One Up.
When you first step in, you’ll be asked how many in your party or if you have a reservation. If you intend on bringing a friend, definitely phone ahead. Seating is limited, but this does allow for a relaxed, intimate and cozy atmosphere.
So why a lounge first and arcade second? If you do your homework, you’ll find well over a hundred unique games. You read that right. It’s over a hundred. Also, they’re all free to play. You could be laying some serious hurt down in Mortal Kombat 4, all night long, for free… Unless you’re best friend is secretly a Mortal Kombat savant and wrecks you.
At this point, the sheer number of free games makes The One Up certainly sound like an Arcade. And you would be right. With the house lights turned low, and bright neon pink accents illuminating the game room by all intents and purpose this place is an arcade. One can’t help but consider however that the games are in service of the overall style of the lounge, and not the main attraction.
With a name like The One Up, it certainly suggests that this particular arcade is a cut above the rest. More games? Free games! Dress code! Every square inch of the place is tailor made to look like the coolest eighties hangout there ever was. They’re even playing The Last Starfighter (1984) on one of the flatscreens for Glob’s sake!
It does certainly depend on one’s perspective on what one needs in an arcade. If you’re looking for a comfortable lounge to take a date and enjoy pristine cocktails with a delicious entree’ or two, look no further than The One Up. If you’re looking for a place that wants to showcase as many original arcade cabinets they can cram into a room, perhaps this isn’t what you’re looking for.
It’s true that The One Up will surpass most every other lounge as the most stylish, and certainly nostalgic bar on the block. Their ability to have so many classic 8-bit games is also truly impressive. But, there’s something beyond quantity and style when a place is willing to jam dozens of refrigerator sized machines into their place to allow the games to speak for themselves.
When you visit The One Up, and this writer strongly urges you to do so, keep in mind that you’re getting the total package of equal parts bar, restaurant, lounge, and arcade. All things being equal though, the games aren’t any more or less than the whole; they’re part of the ensemble.
So leave the quarters at home, bring a date, and if you arm yourself with the right cocktail, get ready to have a merry night full of all the classic eighties feels.
