Where to Play Pinball & Arcade Games

My Father's Place is a great spot for anyone looking for a little bit of everything in Portland. They've got a great selection of pinball machines, as well as classic arcade games, video poker and a pool table. The retro jukebox is a great touch, and the staff are always friendly and helpful. The food is classic diner fare with a few twists, and breakfast is served all day long. And it's somewhat famous for being a haunt of musician Elliot Smith. Whether you're looking for a great diner-style meal or a fun time playing pinball, My Father's Place should be on your list.

Prince Arcades in Bolingbrook, Illinois is a great place to get your retro gaming fix. With 10 pinball machines and a ton of classic arcade games, it's perfect for anyone looking for a dose of nostalgia. The focus at Prince Arcades is solely on the games; there's no bar or restaurant here but it's in a plaza where they are plenty around. That said, it's one of the few places where you can get that full retro mall arcade experience, as it's located in an open-air shopping center. Best of all, games are on free play with a $15 admission fee. So if you're in the Chicago suburbs area and are looking for a great place to bring the family (or just want to relive your childhood), Prince Arcades is the perfect spot. And bonus you can play an Al's Garage Band Goes on a World Tour (Alvin G) which you don't see very often in public locations.

Ready for some retro gaming under black light? LeaderBoard Arcade Bar & Pizzeria in Orange Park near Jacksonville, FL took over an Applebee’s and kept the layout: a bar in the center surrounded by modern arcade games, including a great selection of Japanese games, Dance Dance Revolution and modern pinball machines. The pizza alone is worth the trip and the fried jalapenos do not disappoint either. Grab a beer, cocktail or Japanese soda and fill your game card. Time to get on the leaderboard. 

The Emporium is a small barcade chain with locations in Chicago, Oakland, Las Vegas and New Orleans. The San Francisco location is located in the Harding Theater, a historic old theater. The Emporium has 10 pinball machines on location plus arcade games, air hockey, shuffleboard, foosball, skee ball and more. You can bring your own food or have it delivered. The Emporium offers frequent DJ nights and a dedicated dance floor to get your dance on. This arcade and bar is 21+, so adults only at this arcade and bar.

Headquarters Beercade Chicago is the Windy City's outpost of a growing chain of pinball bars (see also, Nashville), with an amazing selection of 32 pinball machines. They cover all eras, from Bally's Eight Ball to Stern's Game of Thrones and Sega's Space Jam, offering something for everyone. Headquarters Beercade also features a full bar and elevated pub food options like pizza, burgers, and tacos - not to mention retro arcade games, skee ball, and other gaming favorites! With a unique and heavily decorated atmosphere, Headquarters Beercade Chicago is the perfect place to hang out for a few pints and some pins. Chicago pinball fans will certainly feel at home here!

Alamo Drafthouse is the best movie theater in San Francisco--no, the Bay Area-- Scratch that, Alamo Drafthouse is the best movie theater ever. Alamo's got the best mix of indie and wide release film programming around. Plus, there's a full-service restaurant and bar inside the theater, so you can enjoy a meal and a movie all in one place. And if that's not enough to persuade you, Alamo also has the second largest pinball machine collection in San Francisco that's available for public play with 14 machines on the 2nd floor of the theater. So whether you're in the mood to catch an indie flick or play some pinball, Alamo Drafthouse is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening in San Francisco.

403 Club in Kansas City is an amazing barcade and dive bar for pinball lovers. With a rotating selection of eleven machines on-site, 403 Club has something for everyone, from classic favorites to the latest offerings. And if you're looking to test your skills against others, 403 Club hosts frequent IFPA certified tournaments too! But 403 Club isn't just about the pins—they offer a range of great local craft beers on tap - perfect for quenching your thirst while playing a casual game or watching a sporting event. Whether you're a hardcore pinball fan, or just someone looking for some old-fashioned pub fun, 403 Club has you covered!

When it comes to Cobra Arcade Bar, a 21+ only gaming and nightlife destination in downtown Tucson, Arizona, the Cobra has got you covered for all kinds of fun. As part of the small Arizona-based barcade chain that also has an outpost in Phoenix, Cobra Arcade Bar offers more than just their 9 pinball machines and classic arcade games - they also have regularly scheduled events with DJs and game-themed cocktails like 'Punch Out' and 'Princess Peach.' All this plus draft beer means Cobra Arcade Bar is the perfect place for an adults’ night out - no youths allowed! So, come on down and experience one of Tucson's most popular retro gaming and pinball hangouts.

There’s an arcade in the mall again! World 1-1 Games in Santa Maria’s Town Center Mall is a California Central Coast hometown video game and pop culture store with impossible-to-find collectibles and an extensive arcade. Redemption games are in the front, followed by a great mix of classic and modern arcade games and a fantastic pinball selection with a big range of new Sterns and rare Sega and Williams classics. Don’t miss the Dance Dance Revolution SuperNova!

Pop's Pinball is a roving pop-up pinball parlor, currently located in Bow Market in Somerville, MA. The space is cozy with what we can describe as a 1970s Texas Bud-heavy vibe. Vintage paintings on the wall, antique seating, a well-worn oriental rug. A diverse lineup of interesting games that aren't always seen on location. Open from 11am-11pm daily, check social media for info on tournaments and events.

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.

Locally acknowledged as "The Brewery," Cody Craft Brewing offers an opportunity to dive into the local craft beer scene in an environment that's both family-friendly and dog-friendly. Housed in the historic Thriftway grocery store edifice on Sheridan Ave, the taproom brings a hint of nostalgia to your visit, echoing back to the late 1950s.

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Visitors to this charming location can indulge in the breathtaking views of Heart Mountain, enhanced by the area's impressive tally of over 210 sunlit days per year. The weather consistently invites outdoor enjoyment, making the patio an enticing spot to bask in the sun with a chosen brew in hand.

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Inside the brewery, an assortment of activities awaits. With diversions ranging from corn-hole to kid-friendly games, there's something for everyone. Guests can glimpse into the production brewhouse, witnessing the genesis of the craft beers they enjoy. The brewery's seating arrangements are designed to comfortably host both small, intimate groups and larger parties, making it a versatile space for any event. The taproom exudes an atmosphere of openness, welcome, and comfort.

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On certain days, visitors will be delighted by the presence of food trucks, offering an array of culinary delights that perfectly pair with the brewery's beers. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food, adding a personal touch to their brewery experience. At Cody Craft Brewing, the ambiance is carefully curated to be as enjoyable and cozy as possible. A visit to this beloved local establishment promises not only a pint of finely crafted beer, but a memorable experience steeped in local character.

There’s an old school arcade in Indy's mall! Boss Battle Games at Castleton Square Mall in Indianapolis, IN offers video arcade cabinets, pinball, console gaming and tabletop gaming in an arcade made to feel like a gaming convention. Pay one price at this retro arcade to play all day on Mortal Kombat, Gauntlet, and Tron, but you may have to drop a few quarters to play Godzilla or Deadpool pinball. Boss is all about the games, so no food or drinks available here.