Old School Meets New Cool!

Baxter’s R•Cade in Southpointe brings play and nostalgia to the South Hills.

In a region known for its growing entertainment scene, Baxter’s R•Cade has quickly carved out a space as a go-to destination for play, food, connection—wrapped in a bit of nostalgia. Located in Southpointe Town Center in Canonsburg, Baxter’s blends classic arcade fun with an elevated restaurant and bar experience, offering something refreshingly different for the South Hills.

The idea came from Dan Baxter, founder and owner, and a partnership with Horizon Properties Group, the master developer of Southpointe and Southpointe Town Center. Baxter noticed something missing from the area—a truly “cool” place to hang out.

“The idea was driven by recreating my fondest recollections of bonding with friends and family over games and sports, but doing so in a really hip and cool setting,” says Baxter. Drawing on his personal interests—golf, music and retro technology—the concept became a modern take on the games of yesteryear, designed for all ages.

Unlike traditional bars or arcades, Baxter’s R•Cade is an “eater-tainment” venue, combining elevated bar food, craft beer, artisanal cocktails and a curated wine list with a wide range of activities. Guests can move seamlessly from dinner to games—or enjoy both at the same time—making it ideal for everything from casual nights out to celebrations and corporate events. In fact, Baxter’s was the first venue of its kind outside the city of Pittsburgh and remains one of the only experiences like it in the area.

The game selection reflects both crowd input and careful curation. Baxter sought ideas from friends, family, colleagues and plenty of online research. The result is a mix of newer arcade hits like Jurassic Park, Neon Bowl, Boxer Fire, and Whack N Win, alongside beloved classics that include NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat II, Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.

A standout feature is the retro console section, showcasing gaming systems from the 1980s and 1990s, personally modified by Baxter to include full game libraries.

While gaming is central, it’s only part of the experience. Guests can also enjoy pool, darts, old-school board games and two TrackMan golf simulators—widely regarded as the best in the business. The team regularly evaluates customer feedback to keep the space dynamic. For example, bocce courts were initially installed but later removed when guests showed more interest in other offerings.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Baxter’s has become a popular venue for kids birthday parties, milestone adult celebrations, and large-scale gatherings. One notable event was hosting the Upper St. Clair Youth Football Banquet, welcoming more than 300 guests in a single day.

“We’ve had a blast and received great feedback,” says Baxter. “It’s been exciting to see people really make this space their own.”

Looking ahead, Baxter’s R•Cade is continuing to grow through community involvement and special programming including trivia nights, bingo, golf leagues and support for local fundraisers. While expansion plans remain flexible, Baxter says the focus is simple—adapt, grow and keep building relationships.