Republic Bar and Grill in Midtown Sacramento is a great place for college students to enjoy old school arcade games, watch sports and enjoy some amazing food while grabbing a cold brew.

Republic features three pool tables, vintage video and arcade games. Classic arcade games such as Ms. Pac Man, Whack-A-Mole, Skee-Ball, basketball arcade, air hockey and board games keep customers coming back for a nostalgic good time.

Ilena Montanez, 23, family and consumer sciences, has been serving at Republic for about three months. Montanez said she always enjoyed what Republic had to offer and enjoys where she works because of her coworkers.

“We have such a fun, down-to-earth staff that makes coming to work so enjoyable,” Montanez said. “Republic is a great spot for college students because we have great prices on drinks, our bartenders pour generously, we offer fun games and great food.”

Republic serves fun drink specials, such as its PB and J, a tall Pabst Blue Ribbon beer with a shot of Jameson Irish whiskey for $7.

The bar also offers the Shotski, a multi-person shot plank, to share with three or four people. Whether the shots are taken with Fireball whiskey or a fruity shooter, the Shotski is a unique way to enjoy a quick drink with friends.

Capital Burger Kitchen, the same team that runs Coast to Coast Sandwiches at the Midtown bar Pour House, has taken over the kitchen at Republic. Despite the change in kitchen management, the establishment still focuses on hearty food selections with beer battered onion rings and nacho loaded fries that fit in with Republic’s sports bar atmosphere.

Montanez said she likes that Capital Burger Kitchen moved into Republic and jokes that her waistline is expanding due to how much she enjoys eating its food.

“I love their food so much, it’s becoming a problem,” Montanez said. “Everything on our menu is delicious. I would recommend trying every single item if you could.”

Paula Miller, 23, kinesiology, said she visits Republic frequently during the weekend and likes the fact that it is different than many of the bars that she has gone to.

“It’s perfect for college students because it’s not just another normal bar people would go to,” Miller said.

Miller’s roommate and Sacramento State alumna Monica Kaufmann, 24, said the bar is appealing due to its numerous gaming options.

“Republic is such a fun bar. I always end up there when I go out and no matter what I have a good time,” Kaufmann said. “I always play the pool tables and jumbo Jenga when I am there.”

Kaufmann and Miller both enjoy playing the board games, especially drinking Jenga when they are at Republic.

Drinking Jenga is a twist Republic has added to the famous childhood puzzle game. The game is played the same way as the original, yet drinking is involved with every move. Players must write an action on each Jenga piece and whoever grabs the piece, must play it out.

“The game makes drinking fun and entertaining, especially if the loser buys the next round of drinks,” Miller said.

With the drinks flowing while trying to get the highest score in Skee-ball, Republic Bar and Grill is the ideal place to revisit some childhood nostalgia with some adult fun.

Sammie Moreno can be reached at [email protected]