SCHENECTADY — From Pac Man to Mortal Kombat, Schenectady’s newest night spot will have a range of retro games — but not everything about the arcade bar and restaurant will be old school.
There will be air hockey, cornhole and a section for modern boardgames. A crane machine game that holds gift certificates to businesses in downtown Schenectady instead of bouncy balls. And, of course, an entirely vegan menu.
Unbeetable is set to open early next month at 148 Clinton St. and will be owner Chelsea Heilmann’s second vegan eatery in the city. She also owns nearby Take Two Cafe, a plant-based breakfast and lunch spot that opened last May.
“I always loved going out and having an activity, whether its board games or cards, to do while having a beer or some snacks. We have so many bars and restaurants in Schenectady, but we don’t have any places where you can go, play games with your friends and enjoy 100 percent vegan food at night,” Heilmann said.
Heilmann was inspired to fill both voids in the city when visiting popular arcade bars in other cities and witnessing the enthusiasm of participating patrons. She’s designed the 4,100-square foot building to mimic other retro arcades, with colorful art and murals adorning the interior.
A range of 17 arcade games and a myriad of other interactive activities will be accessible throughout the space — but there are no televisions, a conscious decision on the part of Heilmann to encourage conversation between guests.
The sit-down restaurant will have a diverse plant-based menu that includes mac and cheese skillets, jalapeno cornbread hushpuppies, burgers, tacos and other loaded appetizers. Even the selection of craft beers, wines, hard seltzers and signature cocktails will be vegan.
“For people who are vegan and come here a couple times a week, we want them to always have an option depending on what they’re in the mood for,” Heilmann said. “We’re giving people a lot of options, so they don’t get sick of eating the same kind of thing over and over.”
Heilmann sees great potential for the downtown night spot to become a destination for visitors coming to the city for performances and shows at nearby Proctors Theatre. “I’m really excited for people to be able to come and have some drinks and play some games before seeing a show,” she added.
The location, which was previously the Clinton Street Mercantile, will be open Tuesday to Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Once an opening date is finalized, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held to celebrate.
