Tenth Level Tavern really is on another level.
Credit: Jesse Scott
While new breweries, parks and civic projects (ahem, new sidewalks among them) reshape Oakland Park on the daily, one local institution has quietly been holding down the fort for more than a decade.
Tenth Level Tavern, tucked into an unassuming shopping plaza just down the road from Funky Buddha Brewery, bills itself as South Florida's first bar arcade. Since opening in 2015, the 21-and-over hangout has built a loyal following among gamers, craft beer enthusiasts and anyone looking for a night out that doesn't involve snobby velvet ropes or bottle service.
Part of the appeal is that there's always something happening. And, it’s not just games.
A glance at June's calendar alone reveals everything from How I Met Your Mother trivia and The Simpsons trivia to anime movie nights, emo karaoke, music bingo, hip-hop showcases, drum-and-bass parties and even... a furry meetup. The programming is eclectic in the best possible way, attracting a crowd that's refreshingly welcoming and unapologetically itself, especially in South Florida.
Of course, the games remain the star attraction. Tenth Level Tavern features an impressive collection of classic and modern gaming consoles, along with a deep library of board games that often gets overlooked. Plenty of tables make it easy for groups to settle in for a few hours, whether they're battling through a cooperative board game or revisiting a favorite retro title.
Add in a strong craft beer selection – with cans, drafts and non-alcoholic selections – and a staff that genuinely seems happy you're there, and it's easy to understand why locals have kept coming back year after year.
As Oakland Park continues its evolution, Tenth Level Tavern remains one of its most beloved gathering spots—and one of Broward County's most underrated nights out.
For more information, visit instagram.com/tenthleveltavern.
