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10th March 2018
08:46pm GMT
Holy moly - Smithfield is about to get even better as an area for food, drink, and general good vibes.
Opening in May in a huuuge 6,000 square foot space spread over two floors, Token is set to become Dublin's slickest hang out spot yet.
Brought to you by the people behind The R.A.G.E, Token is a restaurant, bar, retro-arcade, pinball parlour and event space.
They plan to regularly host events, gaming and not gaming-related, ranging from film screenings to board game meet-ups to pinball leagues to eating challenges to beer tastings - the dream.
Original Arcade Machines in the space will certainly excite the 90's fans amongst us, and will include:
Not just your average game bar (although they will have 21 taps), Token are going all out with their food options, taking inspiration from the exciting food truck movements in America, Australia and pop-ups in London.
Treats on the menu include Nashville Hot Chicken, Vegan Calamari, and bacon battered Reese's cups - and these are only the tip of the iceberg.
If food, and lots of it, is truly your obsession, then you'll be thrilled to hear that Token are going to host food challenges for walk-in groups, and at least one competitive eating event each month.
Don't start freaking out about your arteries just yet though, 'cos there'll also be healthy options too: Think Packed Bowls, and GF, vegan and veggie delights.
Something we're SO looking forward to is their concept of a 'brewery takeover' in the downstairs beer bar, which will see different companies coming in every fortnight, both Irish and international, to showcase their brews.
Not a beer drinker? Token will have a full bar, and emphasise that "if you don't drink alcohol, it will not compromise your experience in Token in any way."
These guys want everyone to feel included and have a good time.
Despite the project having hit a few snags since the space was bought in 2014, things are finally all in order to open the doors to the first revellers in May.
All that's needed is funds to get the building's elevator in a safe condition so that the venue is accessible to people with mobility issues. Token owner Nicholas DiMaio says this is an important factor:
"I feel that a lot of businesses tend to not offer the full experience to those who have difficulty getting around or who aren't unable to ascend or descend a staircase.
"It's something that has truly bugged me about a lot of places, so I was delighted that I could offer an experience that is totally available to anyone."
The Token guys had been using the lift over the past few years, but it was recently brought to their attention that it would need a full overhaul to be safe for the public to use - something which was way out of their budget.
That's why they've started a Kickstarter to raise money to get the lift up and running, and they're hoping this will happen ASAP so that everyone can enjoy Token.
The rewards for donating are pretty sweet too, ranging from a €125 Sippers Membership, which will include a session with a photographer (they highly encourage you to bring your favourite pet) and your pic on the wall.
Other bonuses are The Name of Thrones, where you can get your mates named engraved on a toilet stall, or Ice Ice Baby, which will give one lucky pledger the chance to name their ice machine.
If at any point the staff at Token don't answer with the correct name of the Ice Machine, you’ll be given your choice of 10 free Token tokens, a free food item, or a free drink.
This will go on for the lifetime of Token's Smithfield location - GAS.
Token will be open from 4-11.30pm to start, and will more than likely open during the days as the summer gets nicer.
We seriously CANNOT WAIT for this place to open - summer evenings sorted.
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