Old Salem Jail is Now Home to Classic Arcade Venue Featuring Coin-Operated Classics from the Golden Age of Gaming, Local Craft Beers + Spirits and ‘New Comfort’ Menu from Executive Chef Eric Hammer

Greater Boston’s only bar arcade hosts its opening weekend beginning today, Friday, June 24, 2016 showcasing over 30 arcade games and pinball machines, an eclectic menu created by Executive Chef Eric Hammer, and craft beer and spirits from local breweries and distilleries. All this is set under the roof of the Old Salem Jail located at the intersection of St. Peter Street and Bridge Street in historic Salem, Massachusetts.

The 3,000 square foot venue features two rooms of classic arcade gaming with a total capacity of 106 and seating for 70, along with an outdoor patio that can accommodate and additional 60 guests. Bit Bar Salem also plans to feature three big screen TVs and a projector for movie nights and special events. Some of the popular games to reside at Greater Boston’s only bar arcade include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, NBA Jam, Tempest, the Simpsons, Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat 2, Ms. Pac-Man; vintage pinball machines like Cue Ball Wizard, Hook, and Cyclone, with The Addams Family and Star Trek from 1978 arriving soon. Bit Bar Salem will rotate games in and out to keep the selection fresh, and will crowdsource suggestions from guests on other games to acquire. All arcade games will cost a quarter, just like they did decades ago.

“After nearly two years of testing our pop-up arcade event concept under the Boston Bit Fest umbrella, it was loud and clear that we not only appealed to kids of the ‘80s and ‘90’s who were nostalgic about classic arcade games, but the millennial generation were equally as excited and fascinated with the environment we created as well,” said Co-Owner Gideon Coltof. “We’re grateful to the city of Salem, Mayor Kim Driscoll and other city officials who gave us the support to turn our pop-up arcade concept into a permanent installation at the Old Salem Jail.”

The menu prepared by Executive Chef Eric Hammer, formerly of Tavern in the Square, adds unique and eclectic twists to some of the classics such as Buffalo Spiced Popcorn; Pastrami Chicken Wings; Donut Elk Burger with smoked cheddar, bacon and black garlic icing; and Achiote BBQ Shrimp Walking Tacos; along with vegetarian options like White Bean Burger with sundried tomatoes and kale; and Box of Veggie Lo Mien with bok choy, carrots, sweet peppers and bean sprouts; and Pop Tart cake pops, Avocado Ice Cream with siracha caramel, and Salted Butter Ice Cream “Doughssant” for dessert.

“Chef Hammer has amazed us with his innovative interpretations on comfort food classics, in addition to our bar staff’s cocktail creations matching our bar arcade theme,” said Co-Owner Rob Hall. “We felt it was equally as important to raise the level of our food, beer and spirits selections to complement the creativity and uniqueness of the Bit Bar concept so our guests have the most unforgettable and entertaining experience possible.”

Bit Bar Salem will be open seven days a week with current hours of operation of Monday through Thursday (5 p.m. – 11 p.m.), Friday and Saturday (12 noon – 1 a.m.) and Sunday (12 noon – 11 p.m.). Bit Bar Salem will extend its hours of operation in the upcoming weeks and months.