I have a very typical little boy and by typical I mean he loves electronics and video games. When I asked him what theme he wanted for his seventh birthday he quickly replied, “Mario!” Immediately, I thought about 16-Bit being the perfect party location.

I reached out to 16-Bit and asked if party packages were available on “Bring Your Shorty” days. If you are not familiar with 16-Bit, it is a 21 and up bar and arcade located in OTR. They allow children under 21 to come play the arcade games one time a month on designated “Bring your Shorty” days. We have taken our kids on the designated days and they loved it! 16-Bit responded back to me and shared they do not offer party packages for kids parties on “Bring your Shorty” day, but welcomed me to throw my son’s party there. They shared I was welcome to bring in food, cake, plates, and utensils, but not tablecloths, decorations, or balloons. I checked the calendar online, found the November date for kid’s day, and planned my son’s party for that day.

I arrived right before they opened to score a table for the kids coming to his party. Meanwhile, my husband walked to Goodfella’s to pick up our pizza order. When 16-Bit opened, I grabbed a table for the Mario themed cupcakes and cookies I made as well as for the pizza that was on its way. I also opened a tab for our guests to order the adult and kid friendly drinks they craved.

I am not sure who had more fun…the kids or the adults! I watched the kids zip from machine to machine with smiles on their faces. The adults looked to be having fun too! At more than one point during the party, I watched kids playing arcade games with their parents! My son enjoyed bonding with his friends over old school games and teaming up to beat the villains. At the end of his party, he thanked my husband and me for, “the best party a seven year old could ask for!” I hope his friends had as much fun as he did!

16-Bit

1331 Walnut Street

513-381-1616 or 16-bitbar.com