Quarters Brewing at Downtown Melbourne Review

If you haven’t heard, Downtown Melbourne has an arcade brewery now! Quarters Brewing is a full service bar, that also makes their own beer and has arcade games to play! I have seen similar bars open up in other parts of Florida, but this is the first I have heard of an arcade brewery.

We have been here at least half a dozen times since it opened a year ago. They have a solid beer lineup and I love playing Ms. Pac-Man here! It almost feels like a trip back in time, if it weren’t for all the modern craft beer options. This is such a fun place to visit, whether you are barhopping downtown or looking for a brewery hangout.

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Location & Atmosphere

Quarters Brewing is located in the main area of Downtown Melbourne, close to Crush XI and Backwater. It’s actually in the building that Island Pasta Company used to occupy. I always thought the area was a bit odd, because it’s two buildings with a courtyard in the middle. This leaves a feeling of disjointedness, which is even more apparent now that it’s a brewery.

My only complaint is that they didn’t do more to rectify this. The bar still kind of feels like a restaurant instead of an arcade. The strangest part is the other side building has a few games and a big empty bar. I hope they plan to do more with this to make it feel like an arcade. They definitely could use some retro decor.

Despite thus, the atmosphere is very lively with all the different games. They have classic arcade games, pinball machines, arcade tables, and bubble hockey. They also have a big TV screen with Tetris battle that gets a lot of use. Every time we have visited, it has been fun and inviting, with everyone having a great time playing the games. Quarters Brewing is definitely filling a niche Downtown Melbourne needed.

Quarters Brewing Menu

Currently, Quarters Brewing has about ten of their own beers on tap. This includes three core beers that are always available and rotating seasonal beers. The three core beers are:

Pounder Lager – 5% ABV, 10 IBU
Dad Breakfast English Porter – 4.4% ABV, 21 IBU
Princess Pale Ale – 5.1% ABV, 24 IBU

In addition to these, they have seven seasonal beers, which currently includes a cherry milk stout, and English Strong Bitter and a Tangerine Lime Ale. They only offer one sour beer, a berliner, but currently have six other brewery sour beers available by the can, as well as four cider options. The beers and ciders cost between $4.75 and $7.75 for a pint.

As for other drinks, there is wine available from $6.50 to $7.25 and $23 for a bottle. They also have some unique mead options if you are in the mood for a strong drink. Kids are allowed, so naturally there are some Cane Sugar soda options for them, or adults, even.

Quarters Brewing also offers food if you are hungry. It’s typical bar food that consists of nachos, flatbreads, and sliders. Some nights, a food truck is out back, and they have had the Bearded Chef and the Weber Grille in the part. Basically, Quarters has something for everyone!

Our Experience

The beer here has evolved a lot, even since opening just a year ago. Andrew and I both agree that they have started to find their groove now. My favorite beer I have had here so far is the Lemonsville IPA. Though it wasn’t super hazy, I enjoyed the juicy, slightly tart flavor. Andrew’s favorite is the Old Bitter Wizard. I have not been a fan of ESBs, but I loved this one. It’s not too strong, and the chosen malts are very tasty.

The Princess Pale is the best of the core beers, in my opinion. I applaud them for use Galaxy and Mosaic hops in a pale ale and I think it really shines through. They do have a great mix of options. There are plenty of beers for those who like a classic brew, a few unique ones from themselves, and some guest cans for those who like sours. I was super excited to the Hidden Springs (one of the best Tampa breweries) Never Nude beer available for only $7.75 last time. I still try and stick to the house beers though, because they consistently have a new lineup to try.

We always have a fun time when we have visited. I love the old pinball machines and of course, Ms. Pac-Man. When we have gone with friends, it has been a fun challenge to try and beat the Simpsons arcade game, though it takes a lot of quarters to do so. Make sure to bring cash, or get some from the ATM, because it is hard to resist playing the games! They do have a machine to convert your bills to quarters, and it only cost one quarter to play each game.

Events at Quarters Brewing

This brewery has events going on every day of the week! The best day to go is Wednesday when all the arcade games are free from 8 PM – 11 PM. However, once we went on a Thursday and they had yet to change a lot of the machines to paid, so that was a treat. Tuesdays is weekly trivia and Sundays is weekly beer bingo. Yoga has frequently been offered on Saturday mornings as well.

Monday’s tend to be tournament nights. Quarters Brewing has hosted Super Smash Brothers, pinball and bubble hockey tournaments so far. They occasionally have live music here on the weekends as well. They also like to participate in local events as well. I am looking forward to seeing what they brew for the Rocky Water Brew Fest next month!

Know Before You Go: Quarters Brewing and Arcade

I have found Quarters Brewing to be an excellent addition to Downtown Melbourne. Though the space may not be your typical arcade, they are doing plenty of cool things to make for an entertaining time. If you are looking for good beer and something to do, Quarters will not disappoint! Here’s some things to keep in mind before you go.

Quarters Brewing is opens 4 to 11 PM Monday through Thursday, 4 to 2 AM on Friday, noon to 2 AM on Saturday and noon to 9 PM on Sunday.
Seating is available inside only and dogs are not allowed.
They have about ten of their own beers on tap costing between $4.75 and $7.75. Sours and ciders from other breweries are available by the can
Growlers cost between $10 to $30 depending on the size, and crowlers are available for $12. You can get four 4 oz beers for a flight for $9.25, or just a single half pint for $4. They even have pitchers for $15 to $18.
Wine is served for around $7 per glass and soda is also available.
Food is available at all times.
You will have to park in Downtown Melbourne, and the closest lot is the one across from Crane Creek.
Arcade games cost one quarter to play, except on Wednesday nights when there is free play.

Have you ever been to an arcade bar? I am obsessed now! If you would like to find out about more breweries in the area, check out my Space Coast Travel Guide.