Miniboss

A long-vacant building in downtown San Jose becomes a buzzing bar and arcade with a Southeast Asian dining experience. The design transforms a historic building into a space intended to invoke a sense of nostalgia for ‘80s video game culture by blending the building’s unique historic features — brick walls, pressed tin ceiling, and fluted steel columns — with retro-themed elements that include a glowing Tetris-inspired bar, video game cabinets, and over 25 arcade games interspersed with seating areas. The experience is made complete with intentional low-level lighting reminiscent of original arcade halls, an ‘80s soundtrack playing overhead, and elevated Asian comfort food.