# Where to Play Pinball in Columbia: Arcades, Game Stores, and Bars with Machines
by [Colin Alsheimer](/author/colin) · May 19, 2025 · [Travel](/news/category/travel)

> Columbia's pinball scene punches above its weight, with two venues carrying 20 machines each, a downtown retro arcade, and a casual sports bar rounding out solid metro coverage.

Columbia's pinball scene delivers unexpected depth for a mid-sized Southern city. Two venues in the St. Andrews Road corridor each maintain around 20 machines, while downtown offers a retro arcade bar with a substantial collection. A West Columbia sports bar adds a casual option to the mix.

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The area's standout collections feature well-maintained machines spanning decades, from early electromechanical titles to the latest Stern releases. Monthly tournaments and regular events at Firefly draw competitive players, while Transmission Arcade provides an all-ages entry point downtown.

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Here's where to find pinball across the Columbia metro.

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Venue

Area

Machines

Type

[Craft And Draft Irmo](https://www.kineticist.com/locations/craft-and-draft-irmo)

Irmo

20

Bar

[Firefly Toys & Games](https://www.kineticist.com/locations/firefly-toys-and-games)

St Andrews

19

Arcade

[Transmission Arcade](https://www.kineticist.com/locations/transmission-arcade)

Downtown

12

Arcade Bar

[Calloway's Sports Bar](https://www.kineticist.com/locations/calloways-sports-bar-and-grill)

West Columbia

A few

Bar

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## Columbia Arcades

### Firefly Toys & Games

**Game store and pinball arcade · St. Andrews**

![__wf_reserved_inherit](https://media.kineticist.com/posts/play-pinball-columbia-sc/inline/696a48ebe21fb324b66c06b3_694028e936c60b5bd12622e2_Firefly-Toys---Games.jpg)

[Firefly Toys & Games](/locations/firefly-toys-and-games) operates as a family-friendly game store with one of the area's largest pinball collections. The venue maintains 19 well-maintained and modded machines on a token-based system, with monthly tournaments and late-night events drawing serious players. The lineup features premium and limited edition titles including Medieval Madness, Monster Bash, Dungeons & Dragons, and Lord of the Rings.

-   Pinball machines: 19
-   Practical notes: Token-based (~$1/play); monthly tournaments; snacks and soda available
-   Address: 736 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29210

### Transmission Arcade

**Retro arcade and bar · Downtown**

![__wf_reserved_inherit](https://media.kineticist.com/posts/play-pinball-columbia-sc/inline/696a49417d289e3c5f441374_69160700b2ec20c3576b3d21_Transmission-Arcade-pinball-.avif)

[Transmission Arcade](/locations/transmission-arcade) brings 12 pinball machines to downtown Columbia's Main Street alongside classic arcade cabinets, skee-ball, and a full-service bar. The venue offers all-ages access until 8pm, then transitions to a bar atmosphere. Made-from-scratch food and Sunday brunch complement a diverse lineup spanning The Big Lebowski, Black Knight 2000, Dungeons & Dragons, and vintage gems.

-   Pinball machines: 12
-   Practical notes: All-ages until 8pm; full bar and kitchen; Sunday brunch
-   Address: 1712 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

## Columbia Bars with Pinball

### Craft And Draft Irmo

**Craft beer taproom · Irmo**

![__wf_reserved_inherit](https://media.kineticist.com/posts/play-pinball-columbia-sc/inline/696a495573d9973c2c10530e_670709025a83dca3e6b764a0_Craft-and-Draft-15279_Irmo_SC-_2_.avif)

[Craft And Draft Irmo](/locations/craft-and-draft-irmo) pairs a rotating draft list with the largest pinball collection in the Columbia area. The family-friendly taproom in Irmo offers 20 machines spanning modern hits like JAWS, King Kong, and Jurassic Park alongside vintage titles like Whirlwind and Fathom. The relaxed atmosphere suits both serious players and casual visitors.

-   Pinball machines: 20
-   Practical notes: Craft beer taproom; rotating draft list; family-friendly
-   Address: 7583 Saint Andrews Road, Irmo, SC 29063

### Calloway's Sports Bar & Grill

**Sports bar · West Columbia**

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[Calloway's Sports Bar & Grill](/locations/calloways-sports-bar-and-grill) offers pinball alongside pool tables and Golden Tee in a casual mom-and-pop sports bar setting. The West Columbia spot maintains a rotating collection of modern machines including The Mandalorian, John Wick, and JAWS, with a full bar and pub-style menu serving late-night hours.

-   Pinball machines: A few
-   Practical notes: Casual sports bar; pool tables; late-night hours
-   Address: 2410 Augusta Road, West Columbia, SC 29169

Columbia surprises with two substantial collections along the St. Andrews corridor, each worth a dedicated visit. Firefly's tournament scene draws competitive players, while Craft And Draft suits those who want craft beer alongside their games. Transmission provides a downtown anchor for visitors staying central.

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