No, drinking and driving hasn’t suddenly been legalized. Please don’t try it.
Denver’s newest experiential entertainment spot, the F1 Arcade, brings the thrill of Formula 1 racing combined with a full-service bar and menu. Tucked into the “artistic,” largely gentrified RiNo neighborhood, the arcade is part of a growing chain across the United States.
Denver’s location heightens this racing experience with Axim driving simulators, completed by food and drink offerings that easily outpace those of TopGolf. Though Topgolf’s donut holes remain superior, mind you.
The space spans more than 15,000 square feet, with simulators lining nearly every wall. Toward the back, a more secluded bar sits beside an open patio that overlooks Walnut Street. In its glory, it’s sure to spark envy from any passersby catching a glimpse of the action inside, yet also close enough to people-watch those at the caddy-corner Burton store picking out their newest alpine gear.
Inside, it’s stylized somewhere between the opulence of the 1920s Gatsby era, with warm, marquee-inspired lighting framing each wall, and the neon glow of a 1990s commercial mall, where sharp fluorescent lights cast across the ceiling. These bold and buzzy accents are illuminated by a dimmer overhead glow, unsupported by hardly a window, nodding to a Las Vegas casino. The disorienting space seems ideal for those who take their F1 racing seriously. It’s not hard to lose track of the outside world and become fully immersed in the screen.
Needless to say, when 303 Magazine attended the pre-release party, we stayed far longer than expected, thanks to the abundance of racing options and an equally tempting spread of food and drinks.
The F1 Arcade tapped master mixologist LP O’Brien, winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters, to craft a standout cocktail menu for racers and spectators alike. 303 Magazine writer Jess Vanderpool received not one, but two, of these specialty drinks firsthand. The F1 Arcade classic, “Welcome to Miami,” and the Denver exclusive, “Mantequilla.” Both were tequila-based, but each offered its own distinct palate.
“Welcome to Miami” evoked its tropical namesake, blending passionfruit-spiced hibiscus with lime and mint. Designed for brightness, and dare I say, flirtation, it channels the pulse of particularly attractive F1 drivers like Charles Leclerc, where party meets performance.
“Mantequilla,” on the other hand, nods to Colorado’s own South Park. Named after character Butters’ nickname in the show’s “Casa Bonita” episode, the cocktail mixes raspberry, browned butter, lime, moët and Chandon Imperial Brut, packing a bold concoction. Its cleverness and comically offensive undertones only add to its richness and irresistibly delightful taste.
Thankfully for us, we also had Emily Rodz, the 303 Magazine Food and Booze editor, in our company, who was pleasantly surprised by the food offerings. In her esteemed opinion, the pepperoni flatbread ranked high. Its golden crust, topped with melted cheese and salty pepperonis, left hardly a trace of grease while still delivering a modern spin on an Italian classic, with just a dash of cafeteria-style energy. 303 Magazine writer Kat Todorovic sampled the beef sliders, which proved ideal for both convenience and flavor. I was ravenous that night, after all.
With slightly fuller bellies and buzzed brains, the Axim driving simulators became more tempting than ever. Available only at the Denver and Philadelphia locations, these rigs deliver smoother motion, more precise handling, and heightened realism, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the F1 world, regardless of height or real-world driving credentials.
The races themselves are intentionally low-stakes and designed with socializing in mind. Guests can choose from multiple difficulty levels, ranging from rookie to elite. Be wary, though, the higher the level, the tougher the drive. Players can also opt for head-to-head matchups, individual races, or team competitions in groups of four, ensuring a variety of ways to play.
In the driving seat, the experience is categorically realistic, from turning to speeding and even crashing. Each movement matches an appropriate physical response, with 303 Magazine writer Dan Weimer reporting his “legs were shaking” after the first round.
On the other hand, writer Kat Todorovic felt every rumble when she spun off the course and somehow ended up in an unassuming offshoot, unaware of the reverse feature located on the wheel. Thankfully, the F1 Arcade attendants were quick to step in and get her back on track. My heroes.
303 Magazine writer Josh Dominguez opted for racing against his friend, with the two occasionally bumping into each other along the way, yet Dominguez still secured first place. That didn’t stop them from returning to the simulators for rematches. No, if anything, it ignited them. And, admittedly, we occasionally lost track of them due to their butts being plastered to the simulator seats.
As exhilarating as the experience is, it feels like the perfect fit for either a date night or a business outing. After all, there’s nothing like the rush of adrenaline to complicate the question of whether to go in for a first-date kiss or to sit beside your boss, anxiously awaiting feedback on your latest proposal.
Sounds like Puttshack better start counting its days.
All in all, the Denver F1 Arcade proves to be a surprisingly enjoyable and arguably dynamic addition to the RiNo district. As winter encroaches and time outdoors, becomes limited, the venue offers a perfect blend of community and charge. Denver is full of thrill-seekers, after all, and it seems F1 racing is no exception.
The F1 Arcade Denver is located at 2734 Walnut Street, Denver. It’s open Sunday – Thursday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday – Saturday from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m..