A new entertainment spot called Purple Quarters has opened at 4170 Manchester Ave. in the Grove, featuring arcade games, specialty cocktails and a lively atmosphere designed to make it a go-to destination for both casual outings and private parties.
This is the latest venture from brothers and co-owners Tony and Joe Collins, who also own The Get Down a few blocks away at 1449 S. Vandeventer Ave. Originally slated to be called The Get Down Emporium, the bar changed its name to Purple Quarters before it opened due to trademark infringement. Despite the change, the spirit of fun and community remains at the heart of the venue, which formerly housed Parlor.
Purple Quarters offers a mix of classic arcade games, regular themed nights and events, and a full bar with a succinct cocktail list. The three specialty cocktails on the menu include She Bad, a strong but refreshing blend of 1220 Origin Gin, St. Germain, mint, sour mix and ginger beer; For the Benefit of Mr. Kite, featuring Espolon Reposado tequila, Luxardo liqueur, honey, lime and plum bitters; and the Peachy Blinders, a bourbon-forward sipper that includes Aperol, peach, lemon and brown sugar. There’s also a slushy machine that features ever-rotating flavors such as Strawberry Rosé Lemonade and Red Cream Crush. You can also get local craft beers in cans and on draft, and two mocktails are offered: blueberry lemonade and pineapple passion fruit. If none of that is your jam, the bartenders will be happy to create something unique for you.
There are arcade games like Pop-A-Shot basketball, skeeball and Mario Kart, all of which range from 50 cents to $1 per play, along with some free tabletop games scattered throughout the indoor space. Don’t miss the purple pool table or the giant Jenga set on the patio.
“We’ve always wanted to open a spot on the main strip of the Grove,” said Tony Collins. “When we saw the location available, we felt like everything had lined up perfectly. We had just celebrated the fifth anniversary of The Get Down, and we were at a point where we could afford to take on a second location.”
While Purple Quarters shares some elements – including the general color scheme – with their first bar, The Get Down, which is known for its upscale dive-bar vibe, this new venue stands apart with its focus on arcade games and more interactive, social experiences. Guests can enjoy a variety of themed nights such as Funky Town Friday with DJ Mahf on the last Friday of each month, along with a monthly emo night. Currently, pool is free to play on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and a karaoke night is in the works for the near future.
“We wanted to create a place where people could come in and have fun with their friends, meet new people, and just vibe with the games,” said Joe Collins. “We have a really great atmosphere, and everyone is super friendly. It’s a place where you can relax, play games, and enjoy the music.”
While food is not currently served at the bar, it will be in the coming months. “We don’t have a kitchen here, but we’re partnering with people to bring in food soon,” said Joe Collins. “Right now, you can bring your own food, but by spring or summer, we’ll have a more permanent solution.”
The name Purple Quarters will eventually play into a broader marketing strategy as the brothers plan to soon implement a rewards system tied to its games. Players who get change from the bar’s change machine may receive a rare purple quarter, akin to a “golden ticket,” which will offer recipients rewards. The hope is that this will become a signature part of the Purple Quarters experience.
“The purple quarters will be a way to give back to our guests and create a community around the space,” Tony said. “We see this place as more than just a bar; it’s an experience.”
With bright colors and a retro arcade atmosphere, the 2,500-square-foot space includes seating for 50 indoors and an additional 50 on the patio, which boasts massive heaters that allow the space to be used on all but the most frigid of days.
In addition to all the fun to be had at Purple Quarters, the owners just launched a Sunday brunch and jazz weekends at The Get Down and are inviting everyone to come check that out as well.
Purple Quarters is open from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and opens at 2 p.m. both weekend days, closing at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday and at 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Check out the slideshow below for a look at the new concept.
