Are you ready to step back in time and experience nostalgia like never before? Look no further than Pinky and Clyde’s, Park Circle’s newest hangout spot. It’s not just a bar; it’s an ’80s arcade haven wrapped in a cozy, retro atmosphere. Although you might be tempted to call it a “barcade,” remember, a Brooklyn-based franchise has dibs on that term. Instead, we’ll be using “arcade bar” here!
Pinky and Clyde’s, situated at 1044 E. Montague Ave., Park Circle, opens its doors to a unique auditory experience. As you walk in, the hum of cathode ray tube screens from original 1980s arcade cabinets blends with the sounds of music, clinking drinks, and friendly chatter. It’s an immersive journey into the past that you won’t find anywhere else in Charleston.
Behind this arcade bar venture are two couples: Ryan Hendrick and Sarah Henderson, along with Erin Tyler and Art Perry. Hendrick, known for owning The Brew Cellar in Park Circle, is joined by Henderson, who has her roots in real estate. Perry brings his expertise from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, while Tyler is the proud owner of Tin Roof in West Ashley.
Pinky and Clyde’s opens its doors from 4 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday through Friday and from noon to midnight on Saturdays. The bar, which started welcoming guests on September 29, boasts a collection of 17 vintage arcade cabinets and two modern pinball machines. Classics like Donkey Kong, Die Hard, Virtua Fighter 2, and other iconic ’80s games are ready for you to master.
But it’s not just about the games. The cocktail menu at Pinky and Clyde’s is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The owners have collaborated with Aneel James, owner of the beverage consulting business “The Adventure Club,” to craft a unique menu. You can sip on an alcoholic version of the Ghostbuster-sponsored Ecto Cooler juice boxes from the ’80s or enjoy the “Extra Life,” a Tang and gin concoction served with an arcade token clipped to the glass. If you’re more of a beer lover, fret not; Pinky and Clyde’s offers a selection of local and regional beer brands, including the beloved PBR.
While the drinks are great, Pinky and Clyde’s isn’t just about alcohol. It’s a place where you can have fun and relive your youth without getting “trashed,” as Art Perry puts it. It’s a sanctuary for those who want to enjoy their evenings doing something more than just downing drinks.
The atmosphere at Pinky and Clyde’s is meticulously designed to evoke the spirit of the ’80s. The owners have put in a lot of effort to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Knickknacks from their parents’ boxes have found a new home on the bar’s entrance shelf. The ceiling tiles have been painted with gallons of black paint. Neon pastels, dark colors, and grungy rugs transport you to the arcade and roller rinks of the ’80s.
What makes Pinky and Clyde’s even more special is that everything has been either handmade or sourced from their circle of friends. Even the bar’s countertop showcases Pac-Man and TRON-inspired line art that pays tribute to the games that inspired them.
For the owners, Pinky and Clyde’s is a heartfelt homage to their childhoods. They hope that as the bar grows, so too will its collection of ’80s memorabilia, as regulars bring in their own cherished relics. You can already spot some gems, like Alf, a Ronald McDonald doll, a Playboy magazine, and a pristine Erik Estrada “CHiPs” action figure.
Pinky and Clyde’s wasn’t just a random business idea; it was a dream come true for this group of friends. It all started when Game Night, the board game lounge in Park Circle, closed its doors in May. A fortunate turn of events led them to secure a 1,200-square-foot space, and they seized the opportunity. They signed the lease in March and worked tirelessly through spring and summer to create this wonderful space.
So, whether you’re an ’80s kid looking to relive your arcade glory days or just someone seeking a unique and fun evening out, Pinky and Clyde’s should be your next destination. This “arcade bar” is set to become a beloved Park Circle gem, offering a blast from the past with an exciting twist. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
