Setting a new high score, ‘serious’ all-ages Boise arcade, concert venue, bar to open

The past year has been long for Tanner Nielsen — but gratifying.

He hunted down dozens of vintage arcade games from classified ads, traveling to places like Salt Lake City and Portland to pick them up. He hired Idaho musicians as subcontractors, learned to mud drywall and apply finishing materials to a bar. He brainstormed with family and friends about the the best way to transform a 4,200-square-foot Boise building into a family-friendly vintage arcade, music venue and lounge.

“It was, like, all hands on deck,” says Nielsen, president of Realms, 109 S. 23rd St. “A lot of heart put into it.”

Now that he’s rolling out the red carpet, there’s one more challenge.

Realms might be too fun. At least to function like a traditional business.

“We’re definitely serious about our gaming interests here,” Nielsen, 27, explains. “It’s going to be hard to work sometimes, because I know I’ll get challenged at ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ and have to go play or something.”

The moment Realms formally opens on Friday, June 30, it will set a new Boise high score as the area’s most inviting vintage arcade. Realms will offer more than 50 old-school games, ranging from “Defender” and “Joust” to iconic Japanese imports such as “Dance Dance Revolution.” A dozen pinball machines also will beckon.

And that’s just one side of the space.

In the middle, there’s a bar that will serve beer, wine and canned cocktails.

On the opposite end, a stage will feature two or three concerts each month, plus other events. And when that area isn’t booked? Tables in the room will offer retro console action such as Atari 2600, Nintendo 64 — and Sega Genesis. “Actually, my dad’s Genesis that I pulled out of the closet,” Nielsen says, “which is kind of cool.”

All ages, $10 pass

Unlike Boise’s other classic gaming mecca, Spacebar Arcade, Realms is an arcade first, a bar second. “Being all-ages,” Nielsen says, “we want to promote youth expression and community in Boise first and foremost.”

With the exception of a Seattle SuperSonics-themed basketball hoop and two prize-related games, Realms won’t require any quarters. Instead, customers will purchase a day pass — re-entry allowed — for unlimited play on all the arcade games and pinball machines. Adults will pay $10 (plus tax), students $8. Kids 4 to 12 cost $6, toddlers are free. On Sundays, Realms probably will offer a group family discount, too, Nielsen says.

The concept of family and inclusion is baked into Realms, “a blood, sweat and tears project all completed by Idaho natives,” he says.

Nielsen’s father owns the LLC. “My mother painted the whole building,” he adds. “... Quite a feat.”

The food at Realms won’t exactly be Grandma’s cookin’. Still, it’s “pretty decent,” Nielsen says. The menu runs the gamut from German sausages and egg rolls to soft pretzels and vegan options.

Behind the bar, eight taps will flow at Realms, emphasizing local breweries. “What we’ve got is pretty good,” Nielsen says. “I’m pretty happy with it.”

Treepeople shows

The first concerts planned at Realms are two nights of Treepeople, Prism Bitch and Dirt Fishermen on Aug. 9 and 10. The $25 ticket includes access to games, so fans can show up early for nostalgic joystick action.

In the future, Realms won’t only book bands based in Idaho. Nielsen is working with one of the founders of Boise promoter Duck Club and hopes to snag occasional touring acts, too.

DJs are part of the picture as well. On Friday during Realms’ grand opening, Light Screen, Lasher (also known as Street Fever), Psyte (Nielsen) and Dreamweaver will unleash tunes. The celebration will last into the wee hours.

As Realms settles into a rhythm, it will exude multiple personalities, Nielsen says. A board game night is planned. Karaoke is being kicked around as a future promotion. Radio Boise plans to host an event in July.

“The nice thing about this space is that we can really, like, tailor it to whatever crowd,” Nielsen says.

Realm’s hours will be 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, noon to midnight on Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Online: realms7.net, @realms.7.

This story was originally published June 26, 2023 at 4:00 AM.