UPDATE: Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions have one again delayed the opening of BitBar in Temple.

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It feels like an entire decade's gone by since BitBar in Temple had a big preview party back on January 28, 2020. Before the place could even enjoy a real opening, COVID-19 strolled into town and ruined everyone's plans.

Today, I have good news for anyone who was looking forward to enjoying some of their favorite arcade games with a good beer in hand: Temple's BitBar is set to reopen this Friday, January 8, with a weekend-long soft opening.

It's located just behind Dynasty Chinese Restaurant at 2501 Airport Road, and if you missed the big party last year, here's how it works. If you're 21 or over, you can enjoy unlimited free arcade play on some of your favorite cabinets from the 70's, 80's, and 90's.

They'll have drink and food specials, and there's an outdoor patio section where you can take a break and get some fresh air when grinding through the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or X-Men arcade games. They have beat-'em-ups, PONG, shooters, tournament fighters, and really all sorts of games you loved playing with friends at your favorite arcade or pizza place as a kid.

They're taking safety seriously, and will be checking temperatures and asking that you sanitize your hands on the way in. They also ask that you wear a mask when you're not eating or drinking. The outdoor patio area would be the perfect place to do both.

For now it's 21-and-up, but they plan to host some kid-friendly events in the future, so be looking out for those. You can follow them on Facebook for announcements, or check out their website.

It's hard to believe it's only been a year since they threw their preview party. The big guest star was Michael Anthony Hall, and the place was packed with fans. Hopefully 2021 is the year we kick COVID to the curb and they can throw more great parties with celebrity guests.

Check out the video below for a look inside BitBar Temple. We filmed it back in January 2020, so don't expect it to be as crowded when you go. That was a special event, and it'll be great when this pandemic is over and they can pack the place again.

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