Combine the nostalgia of 1980s video games with the foodie culture that has been growing in popularity the past couple of years, The One Up of Studio City is the newest addition to this growing “barcade” culture.
Recently opened along the many restaurants that occupy Ventura Boulevard, The One Up brings a different kind of gastropub experience to the area. From the many bottles of top shelf spirits to the loud ping ponging sounds emanating from the 12 arcade cabinets located in the back, creates a hard choice of where to begin. Do you let your inner child get to the action of playing the games you grew up with, or do you let your adult self order your first round?
The food offerings are as eccentric as the video games lining the walls. The One Up is known for its Capt’n Crunch Chicken for which generous strips of meat are breaded with the cereal and then deep-fried.
The sweetness of the cereal compliments the savory chicken and eating this while playing Pac Man on a vintage table top arcade machine will take you back to younger years on a Saturday morning. All that’s missing are the cartoons.
Another nostalgia-enhancing food option is the mini corn dogs. The dish comes with different dipping sauces that will take your palate for a ride. The portions are small but they’re good for sharing with a friend or a date before talking trash or flirting on who’s the better player on Galaga.
All of the video games offered are free of charge so there is no need to have a pocket full of quarters. Each of the 12 arcade cabinets offer 60 games that range from the 80s into the mid 90s, including Pac Man and Street Fighter.
The décor is minimal with many comfortable couches adorning the dining area. The open window to the kitchen allows patrons to see the chef preparing meals while they imbibe on one of many specialty cocktails by the “mixologists”.
Open regularly from 11 to 2 a.m., The One Up is a blast from the past.
The One Up
13625 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Open 7 days a week from 11am-2am
