Tilt Arcade Bar, Toronto's iconic retro arcade bar, has reopened bigger and better than ever. 

After being forced to close down due to a devastating fire in May 2022, the popular gaming spot has made its way to a larger location at 1255 Queen Street West. 

For $10, you'll gain unlimited access to Tilt's impressive collection of over 90 games. Make sure to bring cash, because you'll need it to pay the cash-only entry fee. 

Whether you're drawn to classic arcade machines, the nostalgia of pinball, or the immersive world of console gaming, here, the clock never ticks, and you can play to your heart's content without any time limits.

Families are also welcome to enjoy the fun, with minors allowed every day until 8 p.m. (as long as they're accompanied by a parent or guardian). 

During my visit, I found patrons spanning every age group, which contributed to this space's fun, wholesome vibe.

You'll notice tons of cool decor in this place, giving the bar a cozy, nostalgic ambiance. 

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With vintage game posters, glowing red lights, exposed brick, and displays of old games, every nook and cranny of this spot will transport you to a bygone, playful era.

Tilt owner Evan Oswald also has another arcade bar under the same name in London, Ontario. There's a connection in some of the Toronto location's decor, like remnants of old pinball machines used as wall decor — an element brought over from the London bar's design.

Oswald shared that he'd placed an order for those specific decor pieces just before Tilt's unfortunate 2022 fire, but they hadn't yet been delivered.

Remarkably, there are also other items within the arcade that were present in the building during the night of the fire, miraculously surviving and subsequently undergoing refurbishment for their reopening.

Popular 1983 arcade classic, Ice Cold Beer, suffered significant damage, but through an exceptional restoration effort, it's been reborn at Tilt's new location, with several other arcade games contributing parts to revive the iconic Tilt staple.

Additionally, according to Oswald, the original staff members have also made a triumphant return to Tilt Toronto. While they temporarily pursued other employment during the closure, their strong ties to the business warranted a return to their former jobs.

It's evident that the staff at Tilt Arcade Bar not only enjoy their work but are also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the bar's extensive game selection, which span from analog games like basketball, skeeball, and pong to consoles like SNES, Nintendo 64, and Gamecube. 

If you have a question regarding Tilt's food and drink menu, you'll probably love knowing that every recipe was created by staff members, Oswald proudly mentioned.

Food here is a selection of simple (but tasty) bar snacks. 

We enjoyed the Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($14), served alongside pub-style fries. While the sandwich, which came dressed with lettuce, pickles, and mayonnaise, was delightful, it had a tendency to disassemble easily due to the three strip-style chicken pieces inside.

The Nachos ($15) arrived in a shareable portion, with an array of toppings like tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, real melted cheese, and sour cream, and are accompanied by a side of zesty salsa dip.

While they make for a satisfying snack choice, it's worth noting that considering the price point, there may be other menu options that may sway your preference.

The Loaded Fries ($9) stood out as the highlight of my evening. They were fried to crispy perfection and generously covered with a medley of cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and just a drizzle of honey.

For beer enthusiasts, Tilt has a lineup of 20 beers on tap, offering a delightful selection of craft and domestic brews to please every palate.

Notably, Tilt also offers a unique house specialty: Tilt Brau, a refreshing blonde lager.

One standout option from Tilt's cocktail selection is the Naked & Almost Famous ($18) cocktail. It has a combination of zesty and bitter notes, thanks to the mix of mezcal, Aperol, and lemon dry Curaçao.

Their Oaxaca Old Fashioned ($18) was a delightful sip as well, made with a blend of Angostura bitters, agave, mezcal, and tequila.

Tilt's dessert menu is full of comfort food treats. Among these goodies, the deep-fried Oreos (served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce), offer a delightful combo of sweetness and crunchiness.

They're the perfect indulgence for the fun-filled, entertainment-packed atmosphere at Tilt, where the primary focus is on having a blast. Tilt Arcade Bar is located at 1255 Queen Street West.