Joysticks Arcade Lounge and Retro Bar (Facebook | Website) has closed.
The ’80s-inspired arcade bar opened in downtown Orlando in January 2017 on the second floor of 69 E. Pine Street [GMap]. It featured a collection of game and movie-inspired sculptures, arcade games, and vintage game consoles that were free to use for guests.
The space has remained closed through the pandemic and according to the co-owner, Addie Hassel, they were unable to come to “reasonable terms with the landlord during COVID” and recently decided to permanently close for business.
Joysticks shared its liquor license with two other businesses in the same building – Mather’s Social Gathering and Shots Orlando – but lost it during the pandemic due to one of them (which one is still a mystery) breaking the terms of Executive Order 20-139 – “Being served alcohol while standing at the bar area.”
Hassel’s other downtown venue, Cocktails and Screams (Facebook | Website), is still operating at 39 W. Pine Street [GMap] and has a number of Halloween events and programming planned.
