Finding Community at Continues Arcade in Alexandria

A Place to Gather in an Increasingly Isolated World

Alexandria, VA — Community is no longer just a buzzword — it has become something people are actively searching for. As more of daily life moves online and conversations around isolation, screen fatigue, and AI continue to grow, places that encourage people to physically gather and genuinely connect feel more valuable than ever.

That is part of what makes Continues Arcade & Bar such a refreshing addition to Alexandria.

While many contemporary video games unintentionally encourage separation and solo interaction, the people behind Continues are trying to do the exact opposite. They have created a space designed for people to show up, have fun together, eat excellent food, and remember what it feels like to simply be present.

Nostalgia, Tokens, and Old-School Fun

Continues combines nostalgic arcade games from the 1970s onward with a full restaurant, bar, and private event spaces.

The vision is simple: create a place where anyone feeling a little lonely, stressed, or disconnected can walk in and immediately feel part of the gang. It is equally perfect for families wanting a fun night out and for adults looking to relive the magic of the arcade era.

One of the best touches is the emphasis on physical tokens — and thankfully, they are still affordable. Tokens cost 50 cents each, and the arcade sells $5 token cups containing 10 tokens. Since most games cost only one or two tokens, that translates into a surprisingly generous amount of playtime for just a few dollars.

There is just something satisfying about dropping a coin into a slot, hearing the machine come alive, and smashing buttons with complete abandon. It is tactile, energetic, and refreshingly analog in a world that increasingly is not.

Everything about Continues feels centered on tangible experience and human interaction, even when gaming is involved.

Games for Everyone

The arcade lineup spans generations and interests, with games for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Visitors can find classics such as Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat, skee-ball, In the Groove, pinball, and more. And if your favorite game is missing, guests can actually submit requests, and the team will try to track it down.

That willingness to listen to customers and build community collaboratively feels very Alexandria.

More Then an Arcade

What may be even more valuable — especially for adults without children or for anyone who can only play so many rounds of pinball — is Continues’ packed monthly calendar of events.

In May alone, the venue hosted twelve different public gatherings ranging from candle-making and CatRad Bingo to Neighborhood Night, Geeks & Sneaks, and poetry readings.

This Saturday, May 30, Continues will host a 21+ Adult Swim late-night throwback party featuring ’90s and early-2000s music with DJ Sean, promising nostalgia, dancing, and high-energy nightlife until midnight.

The programming reflects something larger than entertainment. It is about giving people consistent opportunities to leave the house, meet others, and participate in something fun and communal.

Built by People Who Understand Hospitality

If you spend any time reading about the team behind Continues — including Allen Brooks, Doug Bauer, Brian Lacayo, Amber Bryso, and Spike Mendelsohn — it quickly becomes clear why the space feels so special.

Since its soft launch in July 2025, Continues has rapidly become a favorite among Alexandria and DMV locals alike, blending nostalgia, hospitality, and community into something that feels both playful and surprisingly meaningful.

See you there — I’ll be the one with the sheet nachos in front of me.