Take Shelter at Providence’s First Barcade: Shelter Arcade Bar

Rhode Island, 1999. The Providence Place Mall is almost complete, serving as a new beacon of light and hope for the state. Citizens are looking to the future with excitement and joy. They thought nothing could stand in their way … until a catastrophic event destroyed everything, and thrust the world into oblivion.

Fast forward to today, 2016 Rhode Island in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Diggs, also known as Shelter Girl, has created the only safe haven in these rough times, accompanied by her trusty canine companion Chip. Together they have built Shelter, a barcade repurposed and reclaimed with the waste of yesterday. The sole purpose: to transport you to another time, a better time.

This is the origin story of Shelter, Providence’s first Barcade (fusion of bar and arcade). “Every little city was getting them,” said Mike Maven, founder. “I thought there is no reason why Providence shouldn’t and wouldn’t have this.” Not only does Shelter include the features of a Barcade — myriad classic arcade games and cool cocktails and beers — it also has an accompanying narrative and story with images drawn by Krissy Diggs, a friend and artist from Kansas City, whose aesthetic is anime-like with a strong hint of fantasy and whimsy.

Anyone who knows me knows my obsession with arcades. Arcades are a way to escape the world, and a space where you can let go and have fun. I will go far and wide to find an arcade that makes me smile and keeps me having a good time, and Shelter does that.

I went to Shelter’s soft opening on June 10 and let me tell you, the experience brought me to my happy place! I stepped through the front door and immediately got all giddy inside. Machines flashing different colors. Furious tapping of fingers on buttons. Hands jostling joysticks. People’s chatter filled the room. Some of my favorites were the X-Men side scroller Ms. Pac-Man, Frogger and the South Park pinball mahine. The room was filled with an amazing vibe of childlike fun, except everyone had a drink in their hand.

At Shelter’s bar, craft beer and spirits are the name(s) of the game. There are also funky arcade-themed cocktails such as Ms. Pac-Man, Attack from Mars, Donkey Kong, Out Run and Street Fighter. I had an Attack from Mars, featuring rum, pineapple, orange, peach bitters and cranberry. It was delicious, surprisingly strong and cute (served in a mason jar).

Located at 111 Dike Street in Providence, Shelter is partnered with Fete Music Hall; the locales are linked by several entrances. Before a show, you can head to Shelter, play some pinball, have a beer and then go right back to catch the opening act (just be sure to flash the bouncer your concert ticket).

Shelter is scheduling a series of soft openings. Every business has their hiccups, and Shelter is no exception. Things break, crack or just stop working, especially ancient arcade machines. What sets this place apart is Maven and his passion and determination to make Shelter amazing. He tackles each problem with tenacity and charisma, and that itself makes me want to come back for more!

A plan to serve personal pizzas and gourmet sandwiches is in the works but not finalized, and Maven has aspirations for some special events, catering to different age groups on different days of the week. “Indoctrinate these kids to arcade games instead of iPhone games!” he laughed. Something like a Saturday afternoon with chocolate milk and shakes instead of cocktails and beer. Also in development are themed nights, where games from a certain decade might be free, with accompanying music and aesthetics to really get the nostalgia going.

I had an amazing experience at Shelter, and it’s an awesome addition to Providence. From pinball and shooters to driving and fighting games, there is something for everyone, and for 25 or 50 cents, you can’t go wrong! Accompanied by an eclectic beer and cocktail menu, you have the perfect ingredients for a night of fun.

Shelter Arcade Bar is located in the same building complex as Fete Music Hall at 111 Dike Street, Providence. Look for the fallout symbol stamped on a door closer to Plainfield Street. For info and updates, check shelterarcadebar.com and Facebook at fb.com/shelterarcadebar.