Journey to another world at Select Start, the Exchange District’s newest barcade that blends nostalgia with a futuristic edge. Part video game haven, part cocktail lounge, and part design marvel, Select Start invites you to choose your own adventure. It’s the first space of its kind in Winnipeg, and thanks to its creators, the experience is completely immersive and one-of-a-kind.
The vision for Select Start is all in the name. After visiting barcades in other cities like Portland, Nashville, and Chicago, they realized one named Select Start would be the perfect homage to the iconic Nintendo controller. “From there, it springboarded to “Why doesn’t Winnipeg have one yet? We need one.” The idea stuck, and a few years later, they refined the logo and concept and began to bring the vision to life.
Designing and building Select Start was a collaborative process. “We wanted to do something more elevated than the equivalent of a bar combined with an arcade,” shares one of the owners. “We were looking at something more sophisticated and inspired and to give people a place where they can revel in some nostalgia and enjoy an environment like no other.” To bring this vision to life, they worked with Fireside Design, which put an incredible amount of thought and care into every detail. The result is a space that transports you to another world.
Influenced by Japanese video game culture, vapourwave, and postmodernism, Select Start is full of nooks to explore. A red, velvety room for group seating feels opulent and lush, while a wall of bubble mirrors offers an upscale funhouse effect. The bar is dripping with futuristic chrome domes, while the lush greenery throughout feels grounding. A backsplash of the Tokyo skyline offers modern city views, while video games of bygone eras transport you to the past.
“We were looking at something more sophisticated and inspired and to give people a place where they can revel in some nostalgia and enjoy an environment like no other.”
If the design of Select Start is what draws you in, the video games and atmosphere are what will make you stay. The barcade is filled with primarily vintage video game machines sporting familiar names like Donkey Kong, Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, The Simpsons, Dungeons and Dragons, and Burger Time. “About 75% of our games are old vintage ones with original CRT tubes, original parts, the original laminates on the cabinets, you name it,” shares Mitch Rouire, the restaurant consultant who helped bring Select Start to life. “The idea is that you get to experience the nostalgia of playing these older games, not just on an emulator, but on an actual cabinet itself.”
The machines lend to the nostalgia of the space, which, one the owners shares, is a primary concept for Select Start. “We can reintroduce games from our childhood into the forefront of our guests’ memories.” Some of the newer games they have, Killer Queen and Black Emporer, are designed with the same 8-bit graphics style and simple gameplay as the older machines, offering a cohesive gaming experience.
If you need a break from gaming, check out their food and drink menu, which is filled with Asian-inspired fare. Try the newly launched Nori Dog, a hotdog with a Japanese twist that’s reminiscent of the Japadogs of the West Coast. Other dishes like Spam Fries, Pan-Fried Ramen, and Spicy Chicken Baos incorporate Filipino and Japanese influences.
For drinks, cocktail and mocktail enthusiasts can enjoy traditional drinks with Asian-inspired flavours, like the Yuzu Sour, Lychee martini, or zero-proof Lychee mojito. Expect to see some new food and beverage items over the next few weeks as the menu continues to evolve.
At its core, Select Start is more than just a bar, a lounge, or an arcade—it’s all those things and more. “We want to be the kind of place where people feel comfortable hanging out for hours, where they don’t feel the need to find another venue to finish their night.” Being in the Exchange District was important to the team, which aims to add to the vibrant community and be a destination location. They also offer group booking options, private events, kids-only hours, and Spring Break hours from 12-3pm for families, so there’s something for everyone.
Visit Select Start on the 2nd floor of 110 Market Ave. to try your hand at vintage video games, socialize with friends, or explore the space’s thoughtful design details.
Website: https://www.selectstartwpg.com/
Instagram: @selectstartwpg