Nostalgic arcade games and inventive pub menu available from lunch to late-night
Gamers, have no fear - the long awaited opening of Arcadian is here. IND Eats had the opportunity to visit this arcade bar and grill to sample a few items from the menu. While we didn't win any giant panda bears or get first place on Ms. Pac Man, we did feel like a kid again thanks to Downtown's newest up and coming hot spot.
For starters, check out the crafty cocktail list inspired by video game and comic book icons. Mario's Fireball caught our attention - it's Arcadian's take on an Old Fashioned with a cinnamon candy bite from Fireball whiskey. Unlike candy, the cocktail isn't overly sweet and great for sipping between rounds of Mortal Kombat.
A must eat off the menu is the Arcadian Skee Balls, an homage to South Louisiana flavors of boudin and crawfish. These deep fried balls are stuffed with boudin, crawfish and a chorizo stuffing and served with a housemade ranch for dipping. Beer lovers should try the Canebreak onion rings - thin sliced, freshly battered onions fried up until crispy.
Clockwise from top left: Arcadian burger, trio of Canebreak onion rings,
Arcadian Skee Balls, fried Pickled Power-Ups and dipping sauce, Wedge salad
For something lighter, get the Johnny Cage salad of mixed greens, veggies and brioche croutons or the wedge salad, a generous serving of Romaine lettuce topped with bacon and pretzel croutons.
When it comes to sandwiches, dogs and burgers, there are a bevy to choose from and something for any craving. The Fine Swine is a burger made of ground chuck and chorizo, then topped with bacon, cheese, onions and jalapeno aioli - now that's some pig.