You’re standing in front of a cabinet that hasn't been cleaned since 1994, clutching a lukewarm pint of generic lager while a sticky joystick refuses to register your "up" input. We've all been to that kind of "barcade." It’s a trope at this point. But High Score Brewing in Grand Junction, Colorado, isn't playing that game. It’s actually doing something surprisingly difficult: balancing a legitimate production brewery with a high-functioning retrogaming museum.
Most people walk in expecting a gimmick. They think the beer will be an afterthought—something wet to sip while they try to beat a high score on Galaga. They're usually wrong.
High Score Brewing represents a weirdly specific intersection of 80s nostalgia and modern fermentation science. It’s located on North Avenue, a spot that feels perfectly gritty enough for an arcade but polished enough for a Saturday night date. The owners, Dave and Jennifer Jenkins, didn't just buy a few MAME cabinets and call it a day. They built a space where the taplist is as curated as the game floor.
The Real Deal on the High Score Brewing Taplist
Let’s talk about the liquid first. If the beer sucks, the games don't matter. You can play Pac-Man on your phone, right? You go to a brewery for the craft.
The brewing program here is surprisingly experimental. While many microbreweries lean heavily on the "IPA or bust" strategy, High Score tends to play with styles that reflect their brand's quirky energy. You’ll find things like the "Power Up" Cream Ale—which is dangerously smooth—or various incarnations of their stouts and sours. They aren't afraid of adjuncts, but they don't hide behind them either.
The brewing happens on-site. That's a key distinction. Some arcade bars contract their beer out, essentially becoming just a bar with a theme. High Score is a licensed manufacturing brewery. When you sit at the bar, you’re looking at the stainless steel tanks where the "Kilobyte" Kolsch or whatever seasonal rotatable is currently on deck was born. It gives the place a literal smell of grain and hops that mixes with the ozone of old CRTs. It’s a specific vibe. You either love it or you haven't been there yet.
Why the Arcade Side Isn't Just for Kids
The arcade market is fickle. If a machine breaks, the experience dies. High Score handles this by treating their machines like vintage cars. They have a rotating selection that usually includes heavy hitters like Mortal Kombat II, Donkey Kong, and a decent spread of pinball.
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Here is what most people get wrong about these places: they think it's for children. Honestly? It's mostly for people in their 30s and 40s who finally have the disposable income to buy a $7 pour and actually understand how to pull off a dragon punch.
They use a card-based system or quarters depending on the current setup, but the focus is always on maintenance. There is nothing more depressing than a Centipede trackball that doesn't roll. The staff here actually seems to care about the hardware. It’s a preservation project as much as it is a business.
The Community Element
It’s not just about solo play. High Score Brewing has carved out a niche in the Grand Junction community by hosting events that actually make sense for their brand. We're talking:
- Pinball tournaments that get surprisingly sweaty.
- Trivia nights that aren't just "general knowledge" but dive deep into nerd culture.
- Release parties for new brews that coincide with high score challenges.
Small businesses in Western Colorado have to be "third places"—that space between work and home. High Score fits that because it’s loud, but not "club" loud. It’s social, but you have something to do with your hands if you’re awkward at small talk.
The Business of Nostalgia and Fermentation
Running a brewery is hard. Running an arcade is arguably harder because the "employees" (the machines) are constantly breaking down and require specialized parts from eBay.
Combining the two is a logistical nightmare.
High Score Brewing survives because they’ve leaned into the "micro" part of microbrewing. They aren't trying to be Budweiser. They are trying to be the best place in Mesa County to drink a heavy stout while complaining about the difficulty spikes in Ghosts 'n Goblins.
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From a business perspective, the "lifestyle" category fits them best because they sell an experience. You aren't just buying 16 ounces of fermented malt; you're buying a 30-minute trip back to 1988, minus the awkward haircut and the lack of autonomy.
What to Expect When You Visit
If you’re planning a trip, don't expect a quiet library. It’s a cacophony of 8-bit chirps, clacking pinball flippers, and the general roar of a busy taproom.
- The Food Situation: They don't usually have a full-scale kitchen in-house, which is common for smaller taprooms. Instead, they leverage the food truck culture of Grand Junction. You’ll often find a local truck parked outside, or you can bring in your own grub. It works.
- The Seating: It’s a mix of bar stools and tables. If you want to sit and stay a while, get there early on weekends. It fills up fast.
- The Variety: They usually keep about 10-12 beers on tap. They do flights. Get a flight. It’s the only way to experience the range without falling off your stool.
The "Craft" in High Score Brewing
There’s a nuance to their brewing that often gets overlooked because people are distracted by the neon lights. For instance, their water chemistry. Grand Junction water is "mountain water," but for certain styles, you have to mineralize it to get that crisp finish.
The brewers here are clearly students of the craft. You can taste it in the clarity of their lagers. A bad brewery hides flaws in a "hazy" IPA. A good brewery makes a Pilsner that tastes like nothing but clean crackers and noble hops. High Score hits those marks more often than not.
They also lean into the "nerd" branding with their naming conventions, which is fun. It's not just "Stout #4." It's something that makes you smirk when you order it. That kind of branding builds loyalty. It makes you feel like you're "in" on the joke.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just walk in and start banging on buttons. Here is how to actually enjoy High Score Brewing like a regular.
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First, check their social media or website for the current tap list. It changes. If they have a seasonal fruit sour, try it—they tend to handle acidity better than most.
Second, bring some cash, but know they are modern. Most of their systems are integrated for easy use.
Third, respect the machines. These are vintage pieces of history. If you're a "rage quitter," maybe stick to the patio.
Finally, keep an eye on their "Tapping Into" series or any collaborative brews they do with other Western Slope breweries. The Colorado beer scene is tight-knit, and the best stuff often comes from these "collabs."
High Score Brewing isn't just a place to play games; it's a legitimate pillar of the local craft scene. Whether you're there for the nostalgia or the hops, you’re likely to leave with a new personal best—either on a leaderboard or in your quest for the perfect pint.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
- Check their official calendar for the next scheduled pinball tournament.
- Visit during a weekday afternoon for "study hall" vibes if you want the machines to yourself.
- Ask the bartender about the "Secret Level"—sometimes they have small-batch test kegs that aren't on the main board.
- Follow their taproom updates to see when the high-gravity stouts return for the winter season.