How to Explore the East Austin Cidercade Retro Games

East Austin, Texas, has long been a cultural crucible where creativity, community, and counterculture converge. Among its most beloved hidden gems is the Cidercade — a one-of-a-kind hybrid venue that fuses artisanal hard cider with a nostalgic arcade experience. More than just a bar or a game room, Cidercade is a sensory immersion into the golden age of retro gaming, wrapped in the modern ethos of craft beverages and local artistry. For visitors, locals, and digital nomads alike, exploring Cidercade isn’t just about playing Pac-Man or Galaga — it’s about stepping into a curated time capsule where flavor, nostalgia, and community collide.

This guide is your comprehensive roadmap to experiencing the East Austin Cidercade Retro Games at their fullest. Whether you’re a seasoned arcade enthusiast, a cider connoisseur, or someone seeking a unique date night or solo retreat, this tutorial will walk you through every layer of the experience — from planning your visit to mastering the machines, understanding the culture, and making the most of every moment. By the end, you’ll know not just how to visit Cidercade, but how to truly explore it — with intention, curiosity, and joy.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Visit

Before stepping foot into Cidercade, take 15 minutes to research. Unlike traditional arcades that operate on fixed hours, Cidercade’s schedule is influenced by local events, private rentals, and seasonal changes. Start by visiting their official website and social media channels — Instagram and Facebook are most actively updated. Look for posts about “Cider of the Month,” “Retro Game Tournaments,” or “Live Vinyl Nights.” These events often alter the usual atmosphere and can significantly enhance your experience.

Check the weather forecast. East Austin’s summer evenings are warm and humid, and Cidercade’s outdoor patio is a major draw. If you’re visiting during peak season (March–October), arrive early — lines form quickly on weekends. Weekday afternoons (2–5 PM) are ideal for a quiet, immersive session with minimal crowds.

Use Google Maps to locate Cidercade precisely. The venue is nestled at 1705 East Cesar Chavez Street, in a repurposed industrial building with a bright red exterior and neon signage. Bookmark the address and enable offline maps — signal can be spotty in the area. Pro tip: Use Waze instead of Google Maps for real-time parking alerts.

2. Understand the Cidercade Ethos

Cidercade isn’t just a business — it’s a philosophy. The founders envisioned a space where craft cider could be appreciated alongside the tactile joy of analog gaming. Unlike commercial arcades that rely on ticket systems or token machines, Cidercade operates on a pay-per-play model tied to beverage purchases. Every game you play is an extension of your drink choice — and every cider you sip enhances your gameplay.

There’s no admission fee. Instead, you pay for cider by the glass, flight, or bottle — and then play games for free. This model removes the barrier between consumption and entertainment, encouraging guests to linger, savor, and explore. The staff are trained not as attendants, but as curators — they know the history of each machine, the origin of each cider, and often the personal stories behind the games.

Respect this culture. Don’t rush. Don’t treat the machines like ATMs. The 30+ vintage arcade cabinets — from 1980s Atari to early 90s Sega — are meticulously maintained. Many were sourced from private collections or restored by local artisans. Treat them like museum pieces with joysticks.

3. Choose Your Cider Wisely

The cider selection is the soul of Cidercade. The menu rotates monthly, featuring 6–8 ciders from Texas-based producers like Austin Cider Co., East Side Cider, and smaller regional makers from Hill Country and the Rio Grande Valley. Each cider is paired with a flavor profile that complements the mood of the games.

For example:

• Spicy Ginger Cider — pairs with fast-paced shooters like “Space Invaders” or “Galaga.” The zing awakens your reflexes.
• Apple Pie Cider — ideal for puzzle games like “Tetris” or “Puzzle Bobble.” The sweetness matches the calm focus required.
• Blackberry Sour Cider — perfect for competitive multiplayer titles like “Street Fighter II” or “Double Dragon.” The tartness mirrors the intensity of head-to-head play.

Ask for a flight — three 4-ounce pours — to sample before committing. The staff will guide you based on your preferences: dry? fruity? tart? effervescent? Don’t hesitate to describe what you like in wine or beer; they’ll translate it to cider.

4. Navigate the Arcade Floor

Once you’ve chosen your cider, head to the arcade section. The layout is intentionally non-linear — no central aisle, no obvious “entrance.” Instead, machines are grouped thematically:

• Classic Corner — Atari 2600, Intellivision, and early 80s cabinets like “Pac-Man,” “Donkey Kong,” and “Centipede.”
• Golden Age Zone — Mid-80s to early 90s: “Ms. Pac-Man,” “Galaga,” “Bubble Bobble,” “Dig Dug,” “Mortal Kombat.”
• Multiplayer Arena — 4-player cabinets: “Gauntlet,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Joust,” “Rampage.”
• Hidden Gems — Rare finds like “Dragon’s Lair,” “Robotron: 2084,” and “1942” tucked behind velvet ropes.

Each cabinet has a small plaque listing its year, manufacturer, and restoration date. Take a moment to read them. Many machines have been rebuilt with original PCBs, new CRTs, and custom artwork by local Austin illustrators.

Start with one game. Don’t try to play them all. Pick one that calls to you — the sound, the art, the nostalgia. Let the cider guide your rhythm. If you’re new to arcade gaming, begin with “Pac-Man.” It’s intuitive, forgiving, and universally loved. Master it. Then move to “Galaga.” Then “Dig Dug.” Progression matters more than speed.

5. Engage With the Community

Cidercade thrives on interaction. You’ll often find locals playing in groups, strangers high-fiving after a close match, or elderly patrons sharing stories about their first arcade visits in the 1980s. Don’t isolate yourself. Say hello. Ask someone how they’re doing on “Mortal Kombat.” Offer a tip: “Try the button combo for the Fatality — it’s easier than it looks.”

Join a weekly tournament. Every Thursday at 7 PM, Cidercade hosts “Retro Showdown” — a free, drop-in competition for classic games. Winners receive a free cider flight. Even if you don’t win, you’ll gain respect, tips, and friendships. The tournaments are low-pressure and family-friendly.

Look for the “Game of the Week” sign. Each Monday, a different machine is spotlighted with a leaderboard. Try to top it. If you do, your initials go up on the wall — a small honor, but deeply meaningful to regulars.

6. Capture the Moment (Responsibly)

Photography is encouraged — but with boundaries. No flash. No blocking machines. No selfies with your phone in front of a cabinet while someone else is playing. The goal is to preserve the atmosphere, not disrupt it.

Take photos of:

• The hand-painted murals on the walls — each depicts Austin’s music and gaming history.
• The cider labels and tasting notes.
• The glow of CRT screens reflecting off wooden cabinets.
• The crowd during a tournament — candid, joyful, real.

Share your photos on social media with the hashtag

CidercadeATX. Many visitors have become regulars because their photos went viral. But remember: the experience matters more than the post.

7. Extend Your Visit

Don’t leave after one hour. Cidercade is designed for lingering. Stay for dinner. Their food menu features locally sourced tacos, vegan nachos, and charcuterie boards that pair beautifully with cider. Try the “Cider-Braised Pulled Pork Tacos” — they’re legendary.

Stay for live music. On Friday nights, local indie bands perform on the back patio. The sound carries gently into the arcade, creating a dreamlike blend of synth beats and joystick clicks.

Stay for the night. Cidercade occasionally hosts “Midnight Mayhem” — a 10 PM to 2 AM session with dimmed lights, curated lo-fi playlists, and special limited-edition ciders. It’s magical. Book ahead if you want to attend.

Best Practices

1. Respect the Machines — They’re Not Toys

Every cabinet at Cidercade has been restored by hand. Many use original circuit boards, which are irreplaceable. Never slam the buttons. Don’t shake the joystick. Don’t lean on the cabinets. Don’t try to “fix” a game that’s acting up — alert staff. A gentle touch preserves history.

2. Pace Your Cider Consumption

It’s easy to get carried away. Ciders are low-ABV (typically 4–6%), but they’re delicious and easy to drink. One flight is 12 ounces — roughly equivalent to two beers. Pace yourself. You’re here to play games, not pass out. Alternate cider with water. The staff will bring you a glass of sparkling water without you asking — just smile and say thanks.

3. Be Mindful of Space

There are 30+ machines and only 15–20 seats. If you’re waiting for a game, don’t stand directly in front of it. Step to the side. If someone is deep into a game, wait patiently. If you’re playing a two-player game and someone asks to join, say yes. Community > competition.

4. Learn the Lingo

Regulars use terms like “high score,” “ghost mode,” “1CC” (one-credit clear), and “Tate” (vertical monitor). Don’t pretend to know everything — ask. “What’s a 1CC?” is a great conversation starter. Most players love explaining their passion.

5. Support Local

Buy a Cidercade T-shirt or sticker at the counter. Proceeds fund machine maintenance and local artist commissions. Buy cider to-go from their bottle shop. Even a $5 contribution helps keep the lights on and the games running.

6. Visit During Off-Peak Hours for Deeper Immersion

Weekday afternoons (2–5 PM) offer the most authentic experience. The music is quieter. The machines are less crowded. You can sit at a cabinet for 45 minutes, sip your cider, and lose yourself in the rhythm of “Centipede.” This is when the magic happens — when the noise fades and the nostalgia sings.

7. Bring a Notebook

Write down your favorite ciders. Note which games you beat. Jot down stories you hear from other patrons. One day, you’ll look back and realize you didn’t just visit a bar — you collected memories.

Tools and Resources

1. Official Website and Social Media

Start with www.cidercadeatx.com. The site includes:

• Current cider menu with tasting notes
• Weekly event calendar
• Game roster with photos and descriptions
• Directions and parking tips

Follow them on Instagram @cidercadeatx. Their Stories feature behind-the-scenes restoration clips, guest interviews, and live tournament highlights.

2. Cider Tasting Apps

Use Untappd to log the ciders you try. Cidercade’s offerings are often listed on the app with user reviews. You can even check ratings before you go. Pro tip: Filter by “Texas Ciders” to discover new producers.

3. Arcade Game Preservation Archives

Visit The Arcade Museum to learn the history of each machine. Search for “Pac-Man” or “Dragon’s Lair” to find specs, release dates, and cultural impact. This deepens your appreciation when you play.

4. Local Austin Guides

Check out Austin Chronicle and Texas Monthly for features on Cidercade. Both have published in-depth profiles on the founders and the restoration team. These articles offer context you won’t find on the website.

5. Retro Gaming YouTube Channels

Before your visit, watch:

• “The Arcade Historian” — for deep dives into 80s arcade design
• “Retro Game Master” — for gameplay tips on “Mortal Kombat” and “Gauntlet”
• “CiderCraft TV” — for cider pairing guides

These channels help you recognize game mechanics and cider notes before you even arrive.

6. Parking and Transit Tools

Use ParkMobile to pay for street parking. Cidercade is in a residential zone — meters are $1–$2/hour. Free parking is available on side streets after 6 PM.

Take the MetroRail to the “Cesar Chavez” stop. It’s a 7-minute walk. Ride-share drop-off is easy — just tell your driver “the red building with the neon joystick.”

7. Accessibility Resources

Cidercade is ADA-compliant. Ramps, wide aisles, and height-adjustable stools are available. If you have mobility, vision, or sensory needs, call ahead — they’ll customize your experience. Many machines can be played with adaptive controllers. Ask about “Quiet Hours” on Sundays — a special 11 AM–2 PM window with reduced volume and lighting.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Time Visitor

Jamal, a 28-year-old software engineer from San Francisco, visited Cidercade during a weekend trip to Austin. He’d never played an arcade game since childhood. He ordered a flight of three ciders: Spicy Ginger, Blood Orange, and Dry Apple. He started with “Pac-Man,” then moved to “Dig Dug.” He didn’t win any high scores, but he laughed so hard at his own clumsiness that he made friends with a 72-year-old retiree named Lou, who taught him how to bait ghosts. Jamal stayed for three hours. He bought a T-shirt. He posted a photo with the caption: “I didn’t know I needed this. Thank you, East Austin.”

Example 2: The Local Regular

Maria, 41, works at a nearby co-working space. She visits Cidercade every Tuesday at 4 PM. She always orders the “Honey Lavender Cider” and plays “Tetris” for 90 minutes. She’s held the high score for six months. She doesn’t compete — she meditates. “It’s the only place in Austin where I don’t check my phone,” she says. “The sound of the CRT screen, the smell of the cider, the silence between levels — it’s my therapy.”

Example 3: The Tournament Winner

Diego, 19, a community college student, entered the “Retro Showdown” on a whim. He’d never played “Gauntlet” before. He watched three rounds, studied the patterns, then stepped in. He cleared the first level in 47 seconds. He won the night. The staff gave him a free bottle of the “Blackberry Sour Cider.” He posted a video of his win. It got 12,000 views. Now he’s a regular. He’s even helping restore a broken “Joust” cabinet in his garage.

Example 4: The Out-of-Towner Who Moved Here

After visiting Cidercade on a business trip, Sarah, 35, from Chicago, decided to relocate to Austin. She says: “I came for a meeting. I left with a new favorite place. I thought I was just getting a drink and playing a game. But I found a community. I found peace. I found myself.” She now works part-time at Cidercade, managing the cider inventory.

FAQs

Is Cidercade kid-friendly?

Yes — but with boundaries. Children under 12 must be supervised at all times. No alcohol is served to minors, and games are rated for age-appropriateness. “Mortal Kombat” and “Doom” are off-limits to kids. The “Pac-Man” and “Donkey Kong” cabinets are perfect for families. They even have a small play corner with retro board games for younger guests.

Do I need to pay to play the games?

No. Games are free with any beverage purchase. There’s no token system. No arcade cards. Just cider and play.

Can I bring my own cider?

No. Cidercade is a licensed craft beverage venue. Outside alcohol is prohibited. But you’re welcome to bring your own snacks.

Are the games in working condition?

Yes. Every machine is maintained weekly by a team of certified arcade technicians. They use original parts wherever possible. If a game isn’t working, it’s taken offline immediately. You’ll never be asked to play a broken machine.

Is there seating?

Yes. There are high-top tables, couches, and bar stools. Some patrons sit at the arcade cabinets themselves — the stools are built into the machines. Bring a jacket — the AC is strong.

Can I host a private event?

Yes. Cidercade hosts birthday parties, corporate team-building events, and proposal nights. Minimum spend applies. Contact them via email for details — no phone calls.

Do they have vegan or gluten-free options?

Yes. All ciders are naturally gluten-free. The food menu includes vegan tacos, jackfruit nachos, and nut-based cheeses. Ask for the allergen guide — it’s detailed and updated monthly.

Is Cidercade open every day?

Open Wednesday–Sunday, 4 PM–midnight. Closed Monday–Tuesday. Hours may vary during holidays. Always check their Instagram for last-minute changes.

What’s the best time to avoid crowds?

Weekday afternoons (2–5 PM) are quietest. Sunday nights after 9 PM are also calm. Avoid Friday and Saturday from 7–10 PM.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome on the patio only. They must be leashed and well-behaved. Water bowls are provided. No dogs inside the arcade area.

Conclusion

Exploring the East Austin Cidercade Retro Games isn’t about checking off a bucket list. It’s not about collecting high scores or posting the perfect Instagram photo. It’s about rediscovering the quiet joy of analog play in a digital world. It’s about the hum of a CRT monitor, the tang of a Texas-grown cider, the shared silence between strangers as they focus on a game that hasn’t changed in 40 years — and yet, somehow, feels brand new.

Cidercade is more than a venue. It’s a living archive. A sanctuary. A community hub where nostalgia isn’t just remembered — it’s lived. Every joystick you turn, every cider you sip, every conversation you start, adds a thread to the tapestry of this unique place.

So go. Don’t just visit. Explore. Arrive with curiosity. Leave with connection. Let the games guide you. Let the cider ground you. Let the people around you remind you that sometimes, the most meaningful experiences aren’t found in the future — they’re waiting for you in the past.

And when you do go — remember to say hello to Lou. He’s usually at the “Dig Dug” cabinet. He’ll teach you how to dig deeper than you thought possible.