Image via Complex Original
Themed restaurants and cafes have been around for years and it seems that there hasn't been one stone left unturned. Video games are no different. Within the past five years, adventurous entrepreneurs have been mixing the dining experience with the video game lifestyle to create cool dives. Some take inspiration directly from specific titles like the Dark Souls Cafe in Tokyo, while others celebrate gaming on a broader level.like Vancouver's EXP Bar.
What follows after the click is a round-up of the coolest Video Game Themed Cafes You Must See Before You Die. Think of it as a bucket list for avid gamers.
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EXP Restaurant and Bar
Theme: Retro video games
Address: 309 W. Pender St.
Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 1T3
+1 604-558-1337
Website: http://www.expbar.ca/
If ever in Vancouver, EXP (the abbreviated form of Experience) should be a destination for gamers looking to get drink or quick bite to eat with some retro gaming mixed in. EXP is a bit more hardcore than other combination eatery and video game arcades like Barcode and Dave & Busters. EXP hosts Marvel vs. Capcom tournaments along with video game trivia.
Capcom Bar
Theme: Everything Capcom
Address: 1-3-16 Kabukicho
Shinjuku-ku Pasera Resorts
Shinjuku 1F
Website: http://www.paselabo.tv/capcombar/index.html
Everything Capcom is celebrated at the combination bar and restaraunt located in Tokyo. Hungry gamers can feast on flaming potato and pork croquettes called "Yoga Fireball of Dhalsim" inspired by Street Fighter or "Brains cake" from the zombie shooter Resident Evil. Other Capcom video games that have their own dishes include Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Monster Hunter and Okami. In addition to fancy nerd food, there are gaming stations to play the classics and exclusive merchandise for sale.
Dark Souls Cafe
Theme: The Dark Souls video game franchise
Address: 1-8-13 Sekiya Building 1F (OZ Café)
Minato-ku, Nishi-Azabu,Tokyo, Japan
03-3470-7734-3470
Website: http://www.darksouls.jp/pc/darksoulscafe/index.html
Based on the hit RPG Dark Souls the soon-to-open (January 6, 2014) grub spot surrounds visitors with game inspired drinks and entrees like, The Ring of Stone (Onion rings with a mustard sauce) and a pasta dish called Successor of the Sun. Dark Souls isn't planned to be around for too long as it's mostly a promotional venture to push the release of the Dark Souls II video game.
GundamCafe
Theme: The Gundam universe
Address: 1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho
Chiyoda
Tokyo, Japan
+81 3-3251-0078
Website: http://gundamfront-tokyo.com/en/floorguide/gundamcafe.php
The world of Gundam spreads far and wide covering merchandise, numerous animated shows and video games. Branching out into a themed restaraunt wouldn't be much of a shocker. Bandai--who along with Namco has put out tons of games based on anime and manga titles like Dynasty Warriors: Gundam, Naruto Shippuden and Dragon Ball Z. But it's their celebrated giant, robot war machines that command the most recognition.
At GundamCafe, expect all Gundam everything with a special coffee bar where patrons can get a Jarburo hot or iced coffee. Jaburo is the where the Earth Federation Forces headquarters are located so if it's good enough for Gundam pilot, it should be more than enough for a sleep-deprived gamer.
Demacia
Theme: League of Legends
Address: Chongqing, China
While not officially blessed by Riot Games, Damacia is an eatery that reflects the obsessive fandom of the League of Legends world. Drinks come as potions and the menu includes tasty bits like deep-fried scorpion. The servers at Damacia are all dressed like heroes from the game and patrons can find the spot filled with LoL artwork an toys. The backers behind Damacia were so dedicated to the concept that they poured over $160,000 into the fanboy/girl paradise.
(Honorable Mention) World of Warcraft
Theme: World of Warcraft
Address: Chaoyang lu, Gaojin Baiyun Shichangnei
Upon walking through the doors, patrons of the World of Warcraft themed restaraunt were treated to a simulation of the video game's cinematic opening through the dark portal from The Burning Crusade. Created by a WoW superfan, the establishment was intended to be a "comfortable gathering place" for people who share his enthusiasm for the game. The walls are covered with World of Warcraft artwork and there were even computer stations set up for people to jump on and do a bit of leveling up.
Unfortunately, the spot closed down due to tough economic times but maybe, Blizzard will one day do something with their "Burgercraft" fast food chain they joke about.
