Pinball in Louisiana

Got an envie for spicey, smokey Cajun BBQ and risqué pinball themes? Head over to Très Bon Cajun Meats in River Ridge, LA. Not only is the BBQ hot and fresh, but Très Bon also carries beer, wine, a variety of hand-picked pantry items made from local artisans and a small gallery featuring charming artwork and crafts from Louisiana artists. These pinball games may not be intended for Ti-Billy with themes like Playboy (both Bally and Delta East), Big Indian and The Sopranos, but grown Billy also just added Godzilla to the floor. Allons!

We gonna rock down to Electric Avenue – the newest retro spot in Olde Towne Slidell, LA. Just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, this small barcade has throwback arcade classics, plus pinball games like Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars with free play on Mondays. Have a beer and watch the Saints on a 200 inch projection screen! Ready for more pinball in Slidell? Stop into Old Town Slidell Soda Shop to flip on four more pins.

As one of the few independent theaters in New Orleans, LA, The Broad Theater attracts locals from Treme to Slidell. Step back in time inside this small theater to enjoy real butter on your popcorn and fresh lemonade, a few bar offerings, and the Mystic Krewe Pinball Parlor with nostalgic games like Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man and a rotating line-up of pinball machines belonging to the Mystic Krewe. Now, lean in and we’ll whisper a local legend: Mystic Krewe actually does operate the best pinball parlor in New Orleans. It’s just not in this spot and it isn’t open to the public. However, if you’re a serious pinhead and a regular around these parts, you may be extended an exclusive invitation. 

Step back into New Orleans history in The Gem Theater – historically the last segregated theater serving Black patrons – where Zony Mash Beer Project is a unique brewery experience and one of NOLA's coolest music venues. Zony Mash honors the building’s past with occasional movie screenings. If there’s no band playing, you can select favorite tunes by local musicians on vinyl from the jukebox and flip on historic pinball machines or play some ping pong. With an adjoining beer garden and food trucks, Zony Mash is kid friendly, dog friendly and just all around super friendly. The beer rocks, too!

Old Town Slidell Soda Shop is easily the most adorable, nostalgic ice cream parlor on Lake Pontchartrain located right across the bridge from New Orleans in Slidell, LA. This soda shop is right out of the 50’s with ice cream, candy, sundaes, banana splits, video games, pinball and miniature golf.