Ding … Ding … Ding … A pinball machine lets you know you’re a winner, and Quarters Arcade Bar lets you celebrate at the same time.
Founded by Michael Eccleston and Katie Willis, the bar brings the vibrant combination of craft cocktails and beer with classic arcade games to Salt Lake City. Quarters is located in what used to be the Club Manhattan on 5 East and 400 South. The concept for Quarters was inspired during a trip to San Diego where Eccleston and Willis discovered the arcade bar Coin-OP.
“We were in town researching bars and did a complete about face when we saw an arcade bar,” Willis says. “We knew instantly that it was the thing Salt Lake needed the most.”
Developing Quarters took about three years. Eccleston and Willis are no strangers to working in the bar and alcohol-related industry, but they are first time business owners.
“It wasn’t easy, but we had so many amazing people on our team helping us out and cheering us on,” Willis says. They became aware of the Club Manhattan space for rent and set about securing a lease.
“It was difficult for the owners to find a concept that needed such a large space, but it was perfect for us because the games take up so much room,” says Willis. “We love how it turned out! The basement location makes the bar feel like a clubhouse.”
Quarters boasts a wide range of arcade games for hardcore button mashers, casual gamers, and for those simply seeking to have a craft cocktail or beer.
According to Willis, “Our bartenders are trained in classic cocktail technique, but are never stuffy. They are happy to guide you to your new favorite craft cocktail, but will just as happily grab you a gin and tonic or $3 Olympia.”
The games at Quarters include vector-era games such as Asteroids, 90’s arcades such as The Simpsons, the Area 51 shooter, Killer Queen and a whole wall dedicated to pinball.
“Pinball is very popular at the bar and we are converting some folks already!” In addition, Quarters hosts themed nights for all to enjoy, such as on Wednesdays, Quarters patrons can sign up for “Killer Queen Try-Hard Tournament,” Willis says. “We host league nights, game tournaments and themed parties and will eventually have ESports streaming events. Every second and fourth Sunday we have punk rock DJs that play a vinyl-only set.”
The owners hope to open a kitchen soon as a part of their operation. At that point, why would anyone want to leave? §
For more about Quarters, visit their Facebook page.
We inaccurately listed Quarters address in out Utah Stories October issue. The correct address is 5 E 400 S in Salt Lake City.