French retrogaming fans finally have an HQ located in Paris where they can gather around collectors’ machines while sipping a cocktail with characters straight out of video games. Retrogaming on consoles or with board games, this bar has everything required to please and delight. Whether with friends or on your own, this interlude that takes you back in time and allows you to reconnect with the games of your childhood or to discover this incredible world of games.
The Reset Bar is a retrogaming museum, an arcade and a bar all at the same time. To be able to spend hours playing the greatest retrogaming titles, on the original consoles please, while sipping a Pikachu or Zelda cocktail, don’t look any further, you are at the Reset Bar. Just a stone’s throw from Les Halles, you’ll easily recognize it by its red sign on a black background.
Two levels, two atmospheres
Entering the Reset Bar is like entering a museum of retro gaming. We immediately notice ancient Atari, Nintendo, Sega, Neo-Geo consoles, the cream of the gaming machines of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Each console has its own screen and two seats in front of it. The machines are freely accessible to consumers. The decorations are made with collectors’ items such as Lara Croft’s life-size outfit. The atmosphere here is noisy, a lot of discussions and debate around the games of Mario Kart on the GameCube on the big screen. There is also a terrace here with a dozen tables.
Going down a few steps, we have a second room under the arches. Here the machines are more spaced out, and the decoration is here more discreet. The light is subdued and the works of art inspired by video games are highlighted.
The tables are larger, and there is even one with an antique Pac-Man integrated in its center. The atmosphere down here is calmer, and more conducive to conversation and friendly competition. You can imagine similar bars in Paris in the past were discussing or debating games rules such as blackjack or roulette rules, for example, but here and now the attendees of this bar are discussing secrets tricks to win a Mario Kart race. Some areas are a little isolated from the others, giving you the impression of being in your living room with friends, just like in the good old days…
Gaming cocktails
The bar is very classic in its entirety. It also offers a series of cocktails inspired by video games, such as the Pika-Pika. Every week, a new mixological creation is proposed.
The prices are standard for the neighbourhood, approximately between 8 and 10 euros for a cocktail, 5 euros for a coke, and between 6 and 8 euros for a glass of wine. If you feel peckish, you will have the choice between different plates, cheese, cooked meats or a mix of both (from 10, 12 to 14 euros).
The Reset Bar is a nice place for old gamers who will fall into nostalgia and the younger ones who will be able to perfect their video game culture. The majority of the population is made up of 20-35 year olds in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Those who want animation will stay on the first level, those who are looking for more quiet and more conducive to discussion place will stay in the basement. Finally, if you are tired of video games, the Reset Bar offers a nice collection of retro board games.
Whether you are an inveterate fan or a Sunday lover of retro gaming, this retro gaming bar/museum is certainly the place to be in Paris to enjoy the machines and games from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s.