Video Arcade Enthusiasts Hope To Create Indy's First Retro Arcade Bar

Inside Jeff Moulton’s South Broad Ripple house is a museum’s worth of classic arcade games like Pac Man, an Elvira Pin Ball Machine, Centipede and Donkey Kong. The machines crowd the living room, and overflow into the dining room and kitchen. 

Moulton and his team aren't just collecting the vintage games – they’re hoping to share them with our city as they prepare to launch Indy’s first retro arcade bar – Tappers Arcade Bar.

Moulton and Tapper’s “Game Guru” Aaron Miller are building their business idea as they continue to work their day jobs – but they’re not complaining.

Moulton and Miller are video game enthusiasts, with a passion for gaming that goes way back.

Along with the usual day to day business of running a bar, Moulton and his crew will also be responsible for keeping the arcade games, some more than 30-years old, in working order.

Similar arcades have opened in Chicago and St. Louis, and now Moulton and Miller say it’s time for Indy to join in the fun.

Combining one of the best parts of childhood – video games – with adulthood – craft beer, is still a dream for Jeff and his group. They are in the middle of an Indie Go Go crowd-sourcing fundraising campaign to bring in capital for their idea.

Moulton says that when the games are moved from his house to the planned arcade, he won’t enjoy the quiet – he’ll just bring in more games.

If you’d like to play the games, you’re in luck. The Tappers Arcade Bar crew is hosting a Halloween party Friday at Indiana City Brewing Co., featuring some of the classic arcade games from their collection.