Game on again for Token at new IFSC venue

Playing Time Crisis 2 isn’t typically part of a journalist’s duties, but for one night only, that was the case.

Ever since it closed in June 2024, Token has been a sorely missed fixture of Dublin’s cultural life, depriving the city of one of its most beloved establishments.

On a good night in Smithfield, one could catch a film in the Lighthouse and then saunter over to Token for a few rounds on the Street Fighter cabinet.

Despite regularly drawing a massive crowd, the owners said that running costs were simply too high and the venue shut its doors after nearly a decade of providing a novel night out for Dubliners.

Now, Token has reopened its doors again, albeit in a new location.

Token has made the move further down the Luas Red Line – it is no longer just off the Smithfield stop and is now located at the Mayor Square stop, at the IFSC.

Management at Token kindly gave the press free rein to look and play around in the new Token, and long-time visitors will be glad to know all the old classics – the Guitar Hero cabinet, Mortal Kombat, Tetris, and Dance Dance Revolution – are all still there.

The new Token has some new trinkets that weren’t present in the old venue, namely newer gaming consoles, a virtual darts board and god help us all, a karaoke bar.

PlayStation and Xbox co-exist side-by-side alongside arcade machines of yore.

Karaoke is likely to be the killer hook for the new iteration of Token – sadly, journalist union rules dictate that journalists are not allowed to perform karaoke without express written permission from senior management and two references from fellow branch members.

The big question among Token veterans is if they still accept the coins from the old place – this journalist can confirm with a resounding yes, the coins still work.

Token is a popular spot for staff night outs, Christmas parties, date nights, or simply spending time with some friends, and is proof that alcohol isn’t needed to have a good night out in Dublin.

The old Smithfield venue had an extensive drinks menu – this journalist recalls when they had a drink named after Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo – and the new venue by the IFSC is no different.

For those who fancy a tipple, there is an extensive cocktail menu, with drink items named after Mario Kart on Ratchet and Clank the menu.

In line with the times, there is also a decent zero alcohol drinks menu, meaning that everyone, lush or teetotal alike, can enjoy a round of drinks at Token.

The food menu and service are also carried over from the old Token, with good table service meaning everything from burgers, pizza, salads, nachos and yes, even avocado toast are on the menu.

For people who missed out on the Token experience in its original iteration, it can best be described as the kind of bar you always see in movies and TV shows, but seemed too cool or American to make its way over here.

The healthy supply of ’80s music and arcade machines allows you to pretend you are in an episode of Stranger Things (without the cringe of 30-something actors playing teenagers).

Token appeals to a younger clientele – the Time Crisis 2 cabinet is possibly older than some of the bar staff – but make no mistake; this is the kind of place that appeals to young and old alike.

The food and drinks were popular – and the staff were able to keep up with demands – but it was the arcade machines that were the big draw.

The X-Men arcade machine and the Simpsons arcade cabinet were the most popular draws, as was tradition in the old iteration of Token, while upstairs karaoke proved to be the wildcard favourite.

The addition of darts is also poised to be a new hit for Token, with everyone keen to get a slice of the Luke Littler action.

For journalistic purposes, we sampled Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Time Crisis 2, Donkey Kong, Double Dragon, Tekken and Dance Dance Revolution.

Each time, the session was over within the first round.

In other words, the machines were telling this journalist to stick to the day job.