A Combination Retro Arcade And Restaurant Opens In Nassau

LEVITTOWN, NY—A new restaurant has opened in Nassau and it has a twist: Arcadia Retro Eats offers up retro arcade games along with classic America comfort food. The Levittown eatery opened at 2890 Hempstead Turnpike, with a retro arcade with vintage games like Donkey Kong that patrons can play before or after eating.

Retro gaming is having a resurgence on Long Island. A classic pinball arcade opened in the South Shore Mall this summer. Blast from the Past sells video games and collectibles from the 1980s and 1990s in downtown Bay Shore.

Cory Poccia tells Patch that he was walking down the street in Manhattan four years ago when he spotted an adult arcade, which gave him the idea to create one of his own, but with food and drinks.

"Honestly, arcade games now aren’t appealing to adults. So I figure let’s bring back the old school games for those who want it," he said.

Poccia isn't new to the hospitality world or to starting businesses. The Levittown native has video production and marketing companies. He teaches communications and entrepreneurship at Adelphi University.

"I’ve been a nightclub DJ since 2000, working in Long Island and NYC clubs and bars which prompted my passion for opening a restaurant. I grew up in Levittown, and now I’m back to hopefully serve the Levittown Community. "

The menu at Arcadia Retro Eats was created by celebrity chef Brian Duffy, known from the Food Network and the Spike TV show "Bar Rescue."

Duffy's menu is "retro-inspired," Poccia explains.

“We have scratch-made menu that celebrate the 80s and 90s" like disco fries with gravy and "Bagel Byte Fries" which are a nod to Bagel Bites and 1990s TV show "Saved by the Bell." A Lucky Charms milkshake, is made with, yes, Lucky Charms cereal milk.

"Homer Simpson would be proud," Poccia joked.