Where to Play Pinball & Arcade Games

Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery. The name says it all. Lynn's is an all you can play pinball arcade that slangs cans of craft beer in Seaside, California. What more did you need? Guess you could buy one of the not-beer cans Lynn sells. Or you could buy, service or rent a pinball machine. You could even rent the venue like the Monterey Flipper Pinball league does. But why don’t you just get your can in here and play some pinball? That’s what you do at Lynn’s.

Free Play Pinball Arcade in Fraser, MI is an excellent, medium-sized classic video and pinball arcade that is family-friendly and serves a little alcohol. Pay one price and play all of the arcade blockbusters from the late 70s and 80s, with the exception of Hercules – the largest pinball machine ever made and one of only about 10 machines still in circulation. That’ll cost you a dollar. Ready for a tournament? Choose from pinball, darts, bubble hockey and foosball.

What started as a few collectors playing tournaments in their homes has grown into the Richmond Pinball Collective, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the love of pinball to the community in Richmond, VA. This wide-ranging collection of new and old machines is the area’s largest and a must-stop for any serious pinhead. Check it out for a one-time fee or become a member for a very reasonable monthly cost. Monthly tournaments and a small selection of beer, soda, and snacks.

Velum Fermentation, situated at 2120 Jane Street in Pittsburgh, PA, is a craft brewery housed in the historic Duquesne Brewing bottling facility on the city's South Side. The brewery, which opened its doors in April 2023, is operated by co-owners Nate McLaughlin and his sister-in-law, Jenna McLaughlin. Velum Fermentation is known for its spacious 35,000-square-foot area, which is one of Pittsburgh's largest flex spaces. This space is equipped with picnic tables and games, creating a welcoming environment for community events, festivals, and fundraisers.

It is worth planning a trip to downtown Chattanooga, TN to experience the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum. This interactive museum is dedicated to the history, science, and fun behind the fascinating game of pinball! Placards explain the history of vintage machines so you’ll leave knowing that Hercules is the largest pinball machine ever, how Earthshaker shakes, and why Delta Queen is a local favorite. Play all day for the price of admission with your come-and-go wristband or grab something from the snackbar. Local? Join a tournament or league. 

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade Bar is a must-visit destination in Portland, Oregon. This barcade is home to the largest collection of pinball machines in Portland, with 41 games on location spanning all eras - from classics like the 90s great White Water to more modern machines like Stern's Keith Elwin designed Iron Maiden. Ground Kontrol is an all ages location until 5pm, after which it becomes 21+, so bring the kids early if you've got them. Otherwise, get your adults only gaming on after 5pm! In addition to a large collection of classic video games like Asteroids, Burgertime and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ground Kontrol also has a full bar with cocktails, beer and wine. Plus, they've got a food menu focused on items like tacos, nachos and quesadilla sliders. So whether you're looking to relive your childhood or just want to sip on a craft beer while playing some old-school arcade games, Ground Kontrol is the place for you!

Pinball Garage in Hamilton, OH is no longer an actual garage, but it is where entrepreneur Brad Baker invented the VPcabs Virtual Panel – digital pinball games in traditional cabinets that you may have seen pitched on Shark Tank. The Pinball Garage collection includes old classics like Harlem Globetrotters and new favorites like Stranger Things and Jurassic Park, as well as a few arcade classics. Live entertainment, BBQ on the menu, and a full bar with a solid draft beer selection make the Pinball Garage a fun place to bring the kids or a hot date.

Remember when malls had arcades where you could play for hours? Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing, NJ still has one! Starcade has all of the classics like Robotron, Galaga and Burger Time, as well some vintage Star Wars video games and a nice collection of old Williams pinball machines. Starcade also offers console gaming. All games are set to free play so you can enjoy the arcade by the hour for a very low fee. 

Central Virginia’s largest arcade is Decades Arcade in Charlottesville, VA has arcade games from the 80s and 90s, home consoles from the 70s to today, and four decades worth of pinball machines. The pinball machine collection is museum quality, and all of your favorite video games are here like Donkey Kong, Centipede, and Pac Man. All games are free play for a low flat fee and there are vending machines to tide you over – but bring food because you’ll want to be here a while. Go ahead and elbow your way in to play classic Japanese Street Fighter and Tempest.

Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, MI is known as one of the state’s most creative craft beer breweries, but pinheads know their taproom for its eclectic selection of pinball machines, including one of the largest pinball machines in the world, Hercules. Come in for a sour beer and play arcade games like skee ball, bowling and street fighter. There’s a food truck out front, live music in the evening, and porter and stout recipes you won’t find anywhere else.

Southern Coin Op and Amusement in Pelham, AL is an all you can play pinball and arcade hosting leagues and tournaments. With more than 40 pinball machines from modern, mid-era and classic pinball machines as well as air hockey, a couple pool tables and a foosball table. Hosts to Pinball in Pelham tournaments that always welcome new players!

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Note - generally not open to the public! Check their Facebook page for info on tournaments and public play days.

Prepared to be warmly welcomed by the coolest hipsters and artists in Michigan’s state capitol at The Avenue in Lansing, MI. This dive bar and music venue hosts open mics, burlesque shows, goth night, pottery painting, and pinball tournaments. Choose from over 40 of the latest pinball themes and a few retro favorites, a few vintage arcade games, plus three pool tables and darts. Serving up craft brews, ciders, and cocktails, The Avenue is known for its unique take on ramen noodles and vegan dishes. Parking lot is around back off the alley or across the street in the lot behind Strange Matter. 

One of the nation’s finest pinball arcades, Blizzard Mountain Pinball in Conifer, CO has a great mix of early solid state games, higher-end Bally and Williams games, premium Sterns, Jersey Jacks, and high-end older games like Addams Family, Medieval Madness, and Tales of the Arabian nights. It’s a family-friendly spot with snacks and drinks where you can play by the hour on a pay card system or just drop quarters into the machines. Blizzard hosts regular tournaments and leagues and also offers a party room for events.

Bring your quarters to the vape shop to feed your addictions at the Retro Arcade located inside Vaporosity in Sharon, PA. Part vape store, part video game and movie store, and part quarter-play pinball arcade, Retro Arcade at Vaporosity hosts IFPA ranked tournaments under black light and sells thousands of retro console games and DVDs. 

Player 1UP in Rock Hill, SC, is a barcade with great food, live music, and arcade video and pinball games, including Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Donkey Kong. A $5 cover charge at the door includes play for all the games. Player 1UP also has weekly pinball tournaments. Do not miss the bacon cheese fries and the cinnamon sugar fries with icing to dip.

Young and hip college students in Fort Collins, CO know to head to the heart of Old Town for Pinball Jones – a basement barcade with arcade classics like pinball, skeeball, air hockey, bowlers and claw machines. Machines like Theater of Magic, Tron, Jurassic Park, and Medieval Madness are all set to a reasonable charge. Pinball Jones has a great selection of local craft beers and ciders, but don’t let the bar atmosphere fool you – Pinball Jones is kid-friendly. 

Flashback Arcade in Murfreesboro, TN is a wonderful, unassuming destination for any arcade enthusiast looking to enjoy some classic and modern games! From 40 different pinball machines of all eras, to the ever popular Dance Dance Revolution, Flashback has plenty to offer. There's also a great selection of other retro and new-gen arcade titles as well. All machines are set up for free play and entrance will only set you back $15. Flashback Arcade is kept very clean and well maintained so you're sure to have a great time - just make sure to get your grub on before or after your visit since there isn't food or drink available at this establishment!

Tucked inside of the Oviedo Mall is a little family fun center with a surprising pinball collection at District Eat & Play in Oviedo, FL. This one-stop destination for entertainment includes four escape rooms, boutique bowling, axe throwing, bumper cars, pinball and arcade games, a restaurant, bar, and live entertainment. Earn virtual tickets on your game card to redeem for prizes at the end of your visit. Watch for special deals like the 30 day pinball pass for $30. 

The Flipper Room in Concord, CA is a pinball arcade and art gallery. A beautiful and well displayed mix of new, classic and rare pinball titles including TX Sector, Batman 66-Premium, and Ultraman Collectors Edition all set to quarter play and a meticulous tilt. Join a league or tournament and watch for open play events. Purchase a comic-themed print in the art gallery or bring in your art for framing, have a custom framed mirror made, and experience pinball through the lens of art and presentation.

Sparks Pinball Museum at Premier Lanes in Chesterfield, Michigan is a one-stop-shop for pinball enthusiasts. With over 50 vintage and newly released pinball games, guests can take a trip down memory lane. In addition to pinball, Sparks also has pool tables as well as pizza and cold drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It’s also a great place to host an event or party with a dedicated space to rent. So come and visit the largest pinball arcade in the Midwest and have a blast while reliving childhood memories or making new ones.

The Pinball Parlor at Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire, is a distinctive attraction nestled in the Bear Lodge. It's a haven for pinball enthusiasts, showcasing a diverse array of both new and nostalgically refurbished pinball games. This specialized gaming area offers a blend of classic and modern experiences, featuring around 30 operational pinball machines. Canobie Lake Park, with over 85 rides, games, and attractions, is known for its commitment to family entertainment, and the Pinball Parlor adds a special touch of nostalgia and fun to the park's vibrant atmosphere.

Pinball artwork from Brian Allen covers the walls of Maine Silverball Tavern in Saco, ME, where you’ll find a nice collection of craft beer and an even better collection of quarter-player pinball machines. Make your way down the row of Williams machines, including Grand Lizard, Fish Tales, and Taxi, then head to newer Stern machines, including The Mandalorian, complete with a Grogu doll on the playfield, and don’t miss the handful of old electro-mechanical pinball machines like pitch and bat baseball games. All ages are welcome, but a parent must accompany children. Silverball Tavern is also a host of The New England Pinball League and tournaments.