A retro Portland arcade bar is taking its nostalgic repertoire across state lines.
It’s been almost three decades since Ground Kontrol first lit up the city’s gaming scene; 22 years since it relocated to Old Town; and eight years since the hybrid bar-arcade doubled its footprint and launched the 7,000-square-foot flagship it flaunts today.
The natural next step was a second location on the other side of the river.
Ground Kontrol is expanding with a new arcade in downtown Vancouver, as first reported by The Columbian last month. The Portland business will take over a 5,532-square-foot space below a recently built apartment building a short walk from the waterfront.
A permit issued by the city in August outlines plans to build out an arcade, office, kitchen with a walk-in cooler, dining area and restrooms at 415 Columbia St.
Since debuting in Southeast Portland in 1999, Ground Kontrol has honed its reputation as a prime late-night hangout where new and old games collide. The Old Town location boasts pinball machines, plus a video arcade lineup dating back to the golden age of the 1970s.
The arcade changed hands and moved to 115 N.W. Fifth Ave. in 2004, eventually expanding into the former Backspace cafe next door.
A food and drink menu includes both cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages.
Ground Kontrol did not respond to an email requesting more details on the Vancouver expansion, but co-owner Neil Bradley told KOIN they expected to open in early 2027.
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