Top Places to Play Pinball in and Around Boston, MA

So here's the deal. If you don't know much about Boston, it's a pretty small city. By population and land area. And that scarcity of land means that the business model for location pinball is hard. Rents are typically so high in Boston city proper (and most of the surrounding suburbs) that a pinball arcade just doesn't usually work unless you're a big chain like Dave & Busters or Kings Dining, and those places don't typically feature a lot of pinball machines! Plus, since all our buildings are old, any place where pinball machines could be located, like a bar or restaurant, are typically too small to house much of a collection.

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But, while Boston might not have the same on-location reputation as, say, a Portland Oregon or San Francisco when it comes to pinball, that doesn't mean there aren't some great places to play in and around Beantown. The Boston area is home to some top notch pinball operators who make up for their lack of collection breadth with some of the highest quality machines you'll find in the area.

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However, in order to make a proper guide to playing pinball in the Boston area, we have to extend a bit outside of Boston city proper to include locations that you won't want to miss, but that may be a bit of a drive from city center. (We tried to keep it to under an hour or so - sorry Western Mass Pinball Club).

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Not only is Boston a small city, but Massachusetts is a small state. So if you happen to have a set of wheels to get you around the region, other notable omissions include Pizza-J in Providence, Rhode Island, Tokens Taproom in Dover, NH, ElectroMagnetic Pinball in Pawtucket, RI, and the newly opened Tycoon Arcade in Manchester, NH, among others further out in the region.

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Since writing the original version of this guide at the end of 2022, a lot has change in the area! Mostly for the good, as we've seen quite a number of well-received openings. But we've also lost a few, like Bone-Up Brewing in Everett, which as been removed. Added this go-around include Pop's Pinball, Flat Top Johnny's, Hometown Arcade, and Deep Cuts. We also removed Flipper's Pinball Parlor - we think it's a great spot, but realistically Tyngsborough is just a touch too far for a Boston-focused guide.

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So without further ado, here are our picks for the best places to play pinball in and around Boston, Massachusetts:

Double Bull Taphouse (Peabody, MA)



Why You Should Play at Double Bull Taphouse

The Double Bull Taphouse in Peabody (about an hour north of Boston) is the perfect place to drink, eat, and play. The large, upscale bar and restaurant offers an elevated bar food program, a wide selection of craft beers, and a collection of well-maintained pinball machines on the second floor (with its own bar, too!). The Double Bull is the perfect place for a night out with friends or a date night with a special someone. The food is noteworthy and delicious (try the burger), the beer selection is impressive and mostly locally sourced, and the pinball machines are top-notch for Massachusetts. Usually features a lineup of the latest pinball machines from Stern Pinball with a rotating mix of classics and other manufacturers. They also have bubble hockey and a small selection of arcade games, alongside other pub favorites like darts.

Double Bull Taphouse Address

210 Andover St

Peabody, MA 01960

Pinball Machines

11

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Flat Top Johnny's (Cambridge, MA)

Why You Should Play at Flat Top Johnny's

Flat Top Johnny's is back! Longtime pinball players in the region will have fond memories for the old Flat Top Johnny's, which closed (most thought for good) during the pandemic, but was a frequent hangout and tournament spot for many of the cities most passionate pinball fans. The games were always in pristine condition thanks to the efforts of operator Pinball Over Boston (see Double Bull, above). In a bit of a surprise move, Flat Top Johnny's has made a comeback this year, opening up nearby its old location in Kendall Square, right near a convenient T stop. Pinball Over Boston is still operating the games, where you can get your fix of pinball and pool, if that's your thing.

Flat Top Johnny's Address

238 Main St.

Cambridge, MA 02139

Pinball Machines

10

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Pop's Pinball (Somerville, MA)

Why You Should Play at Pop's Pinball

What was supposed to be a temporary pop-up pinball location (hence the name, Pop's Pinball) has turned into a near permanent pinball paradise in Davis Square, at the Bow St. Market. Operators Three Knocks Pinball and Our Lady of Pinball get the most out of their small space with a rotating selection of mostly classic pinball machines, from EM era games up through 90s DMD titles. The space is unattended, so come and go as you please, but don't forget to order food and drink from nearby establishments. There's still good chance Pop's won't be here forever, so be sure to visit it while you can!

Pop's Pinball Address

1 Bow Market Wy

Somerville, MA 02143

Pinball Machines

11

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Roxy's ARCADE (Cambridge, MA)

Why You Should Play at Roxy's ARCADE

Roxy's ARCADE (formally known as Roxy's A4Cade) is a super unique, speakeasy style arcade located in the back of an unassuming grilled cheese restaurant (Roxy's Grilled Cheese) in Cambridge, MA. It's somewhat small, but makes up for its size with its trendy atmosphere and excellent collection of pinball machines, arcade games, skee-ball, and other coin-op activities. The games are maintained by the same people who maintain the games at Double Bull Taphouse, so machine quality is top notch. The pinball machines are mostly newer Stern games, though you are likely to see a few other modern manufacturers and classics thrown in. Delicious cocktails and a full food menu are available. This is not a great establishment for kids, as its more of a younger bar crowd. There are 9 pinball machines on site.

Roxy's ARCADE (formerly Roxy's A4Cade) Address

292 Massachusetts Ave

Cambridge, MA 02139

Pinball Machines:

10

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BearMoose Brewing Company (Everett, MA)

Why You Should Play at BearMoose Brewing Company

BearMoose Brewing Company is a small craft brewery located in an old industrial building in Everett, MA. The taproom is spacious and dog friendly, and has a diverse lineup of new and old pinball machines. One of the more unique public pinball collections in the area, BearMoose is just as likely to have the latest offering from Chicago Gaming Company as a vintage single player EM machine. No food is served on site, but you can bring your own or have something delivered. BearMoose only offers beers and non-alcoholic options, so no liquor or wine is available. If you're looking for a fun place to hang out and play some pinball, BearMoose Brewing Company is definitely worth check out!

BearMoose Brewing Company Address

1934 Revere Beach Parkway

Everett, MA 02149

Pinball Machines

8

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Hometown Arcade (Norwood, MA)

Why You Should Play at Hometown Arcade

Another new spot for the region, Hometown Arcade finally fills in some of the South Shore gaps for places to play pinball. It's a free-play family entertainment style arcade, though without the focus on newer redemption games. Instead, the vibe here is retro and community focused with a ton of vintage arcade games and a great selection of pinball machines, mostly those released in the last several years. Hometown is a frequent host to leagues, tournaments and other gaming focused events.

Hometown Arcade Address

61 Endicott St.

Norwood, MA 02062

Pinball Machines

13

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Deep Cuts (Medford, MA)

Why You Should Play at Deep Cuts

Live music. Tasty sandwiches. Beer. Pinball. What else do you need? Deep Cuts is another location from operator Our Lady of Pinball, Deep Cuts features a curated selection of high-quality games that you can play while imbibing, listening, or eating. The sandwiches are seriously good, so if you're in the area be sure to check this spot out.

Deep Cuts Address

21 Main St

Medford, MA 02155

Pinball Machines

5

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Silhouette Lounge (Boston, MA)

Why You Should Play at Silhouette Lounge

Silhouette Lounge is a great dive bar located in the Boston neighborhood of Allston. They have 3 pinball machines on site, so not the largest collection, but the operator is the same as BearMoose so quality is high. They run the occasional tournament and also have darts, a pool table and free popcorn for your snacking needs. It's a great place to stop in for a beer before seeing a concert at one of Allston's many nearby music venues. In Silhouette Lounge you'll find a fun, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of games to keep you entertained. So if you're ever in the area, be sure to check it out!

Silhouette Lounge Address

200 Brighton Ave

Boston, MA 02134

Pinball Machines:

3

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Boston pinball players - did we miss anything? Drop us a line and let us know!