A rooftop bar, a soda shop and an arcade highlight regional business debuts

By Jessica Jones Gorman

Game On!
YESTERCades, a throwback arcade that defines itself as an experience straight out of the “golden age of gaming,” recently opened a third location in Downtown Westfield.

Open in Red Bank since 2011 and in Somerville since 2014, the video game hotspot features classic titles like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Street Fighter, as well as classic pinball machines. There are also titles from Atari 2600 and the original Nintendo Entertainment System, as well as modern consoles from the Xbox and Wii families.

Located in a space formerly occupied by City Sports, YESTER cades has redesigned its machines to not take quarters or tokens; players are instead charged an hourly rate of $8.75. Open until midnight on weeknights and until 2 A.M. on the weekends, there is a BYOB option after 9 P.M. 151 E Broad Street, Westfield, yestercades.com

UP ON THE ROOF
A rooftop cocktail bar with expansive views of New York City recently opened in Jersey City, just in time for the summer happy hour season. Roof Top at Exchange Place features a retractable glass roof, a Daily Sunset Punch and “large format cocktails,” and an impressive menu crafted by executive chef Dongil Cha. The locally inspired fare includes a “create your own burger” option as well as trendy poke bowls and plates of charcuterie. A perfect setting for lunch, dinner, and sunset drinks, Roof Top also turns into an end of week later night hotspot with DJ entertainment every Friday and Saturday. 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City, rooftopxp.com

Fountain Fantasy
After finding and restoring a functioning 1950s style soda fountain, Kevin Kopacko decided to open an old fashioned soda shop. Dispensing carbonated varieties not available locally as well as a range of sandwiches and shakes, Fizz Soda Fountain just opened its turquoise doors in January.

The compact spot serves a variety of diner staples: burgers, fries, and all day breakfast, along with a bevy of innovative shakes, sundaes, and egg creams.

Another Fizz focus is its late night crowd (on weekends doors are open until 3 A.M.). Kopacko, owner of the space’s short lived Red Bank Sub Shop, reinvented that concept to offer something innovative and unique. 8A Monmouth Street, Red Bank, 732.268.8414