Empire Alternacade
ProHighlights
- Underground arcade bar packed with pinball machines and retro games
- Private basement functions before opening, with a $500 minimum bar spend
- Level 1 function room with free-play pinball suits groups of 20 to 120
About Empire Alternacade
Empire Alternacade is an alternative arcade bar for adults, set in the basement of the Holiday Inn building on Flinders Street. It mixes pinball, arcade games, loud music and a cocktail bar, and entry is free for over-18s. The basement is the main bar, a low-lit room lined with pinball tables and arcade cabinets. It can be booked for a private function in the hours before it opens to the public, so your group has the machines and the bar to itself. Upstairs on Level 1 is a second space with its own character. It has an Old Chicago theme, a large painted mural, leather lounges and free-play pinball and games, and it works for groups of about 20 to 120 guests. Level 1 is run as a fully private room, with functions held between midday and 10pm. Expressions of interest for that room go to the owner, who can also show groups through the space before they book. For a basement function the only cost listed is a $500 minimum spend at the bar. The bar normally opens at 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 7pm on other nights, so private sessions are scheduled ahead of those times.
Inclusions & amenities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a private function at Empire cost?
A private function in the basement before opening hours has no hire fee. The venue asks for a $500 minimum spend at the bar.
When can the basement be booked privately?
Private basement functions run before the bar opens to the public, which is 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 7pm on the other nights of the week.
How many guests suit the Level 1 function room?
Level 1 works well for groups of roughly 20 to 120 guests. It is a fully private room with free-play pinball and games.
Is Empire suitable for all ages?
The bar itself is 18+ only. Private functions on Level 1 are arranged separately with the owner, who can explain what each booking type includes.
Can we look at the Level 1 space before booking?
Yes. The owner offers viewings of the Level 1 room for groups considering it for a function.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Drew Bates
3 months ago
Metal, pinball, board games, pool tables, great service and the owner is a legend. Come here to have a good time.
TYR
4 months ago
Anytime I visit Townsville I have to go to Empire, best venue love the vibe, love the options we have for consoles and machines, cocktails and other drinks are always on point and the bartenders are top notch!
Lisa Waters
7 months ago
Four of us visited for the first time on Sunday and had a very relaxed and fun time. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I loved the older style pinnies. Can't wait for next month.
Peter Webb
2 years ago
Bloody awesome bar. Full of pinball machines 👌 plus a range of other games including pool tables and a selection of board games, plus video games 🎮 So.. if you love pinballs, this place is a must visit when in Townsv…
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