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Ground Kontrol Arcade reopens with official beer from Binary Brewing and Ridgewalker


Portland’s favorite NW adult arcade bar is reopening, for this special occasion Beaverton’s video game themed Binary Brewing is collaborating with Ridgewalker Brewing of Forest Grove on a new beer for Ground Kontrol. Cycle Light, is the official beer of Ground Kontrol classic arcade and bar’s reopening in Portland’s old town area, the crisp easy drinker can be smashed just like the buttons on a heated game of Mortal Kombat.

It’s the little things we missed over the last year. The lights and sounds of a bustling arcade, already fueled by nostalgia, seemed so far away as we all stayed at home. BinaryBrewing.co and Ridgewalker Brewing were brought together by their love of arcades, beer and a very specific arcade themed 80’s movie,

More from a press release:

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Ground Kontrol and have spent countless hours playing pinball and other great games there with fantastic beer in hand. Getting to work together with the great folks at Ridgewalker Brewing to build a beer I get to drink in my favorite arcade was such a fantastic experience,” explained BinaryBrewing.co co-owner Joshua Johnson.

Ground Kontrol classic arcade and bar


An analog beer for a digital age, Cycle Light’s recipe is rooted in a cream ale, but built to be highly drinkable and incredibly crisp. Dubbed a “Domestic Cream Ale”, the team’s goal was to create an approachable beer that is reminiscent of certain red, white and blue canned beers often found in arcades. While the 16oz cans will be available all over Portland, daft will be exclusive to Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and at Ridgewalker Brewing’s Taproom in Forest Grove.

“Ground Kontrol had a wonderful experience hosting a Halo tournament with Ridgewalker a few years ago, so we were excited to join forces once again and have the opportunity to be introduced to another local brewery passionate about arcade culture, BinaryBrewing.co. Our excitement for this collaboration accelerated after meeting the team and discussing our shared passion for pinball and its community,” said Dylan Snow, Ground Kontrol’s Promotions Director.


Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade is now open to the public Monday through Thursday 5pm to 11pm for 21 and older guests, Friday through Sunday noon to midnight open to all ages until 5pm. Masks are required at all times other than when eating or drinking at a table, or taking a sip at a game. Check out the playable games list at https://groundkontrol.com/games/ and reservations and private rentals are currently unavailable.

Ground Kontrol will be hosting a beer release party for Cycle Light Monday June 28th 6-8pm. Highest scores on a certain very specific arcade themed 80’s movie arcade and pinball games will win fun BinaryBrewing.co and Ridgewalker gear. Come play games, drink beer and meet the nerdy brains behind this crisp easy drinking beer.