Altar Bar Brings Booze-Free Nightlife to Downtown Evansville
One local hot spot in Downtown Evansville is expanding, bringing a first-of-its-kind nightlife experience to the River City.
Vintage Arcade Vibes Meet Booze-Free Cocktails
Arcamedie, a combination bar and arcade, first opened its doors in the fall of 2021. Before closing its doors in 1997, the building had been home to the Bethuream Vacuum Cleaner Shop for more than half a century.
A Little History Behind the Vacuums at Arcademie
Owner Carl Arnheiter discovered vacuums and vacuum paraphernalia after first purchasing the historic O’Donnell Building, where Arcademie is located. To preserve a bit of the building's history, many of those vacuums were repurposed into decor, including light fixtures, that now adorn the space.
Since first opening their doors, Arcademie has been serving up adult beverages at the fully stocked bar, as well as classic video and arcade games, too.
Aside from vintage vacuums, you're also going to see nearly 50 of video games and pinball machines like Tempest, Galaga, Q-Bert, Dig Dug, Pac-Man, and more. Plus most of them are set to free play!
What to Expect at the New Altar Bar
According to a recent press release, a new addition is coming to the Indiana small business. They say they are "Exorcizing the Spirits from the Altar Bar at Arcademie." What exactly does that mean? Arcademie will be opening Evansville's first-ever non-alcoholic bar.
Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking for a good time without the hangover, the Altar Bar at Arcademie is here to redefine your weekend nightlife ritual.
Altar Bar will be located upstairs above Arcademie in the historic O'Donnell Building, where visitors will find plush, vintage seating perfect for lounging. If you need a breath of fresh air and want to relax under the stars, you can step out onto the rooftop, too.
Altar Bar at Academie will serve up spirit-free cocktails and non-alcoholic beer to create a "zero-proof" environment perfect for those who want to party and be social without the added effects of alcohol.
Grand Opening Details and Hours
The Grand Opening of Altar Bar will be held during the Night Market presented by Deaconess, and hosted by the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement, taking place on August 8, 2025, from 5 - 8 pm.
Where to Find Altar Bar in Downtown Evansville
- The Altar Bar, located upstairs at Academie
- 22 NW 6th Street, Evansville, Indiana
- Open Friday and Saturdays, 5:00 pm-1:00 am
So whether you're sober or sober-curious, stop in and visit Evansville's first-ever sober bar. Follow Arcademie on Facebook.
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Gallery Credit: Corey Irwin