Pinball in California

The Pacific Pinball Museum is a must-visit destination for pinball fans. With over 90 games on free play, all for just a $22 admission fee, it's one of the best-known and most popular pinball museums in the United States.

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The museum has games from all eras, so there's something for everyone. They're also a certified non-profit organization, so they do a lot of fundraising and support STEAM education field-trips. Plus, they have rotating exhibits that are always worth checking out.

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And if that wasn't enough, the museum is currently photographing all the backglasses in their collection for the public to view. So if you love pinball and want to see some amazing artwork, the Pacific Pinball Museum is definitely worth checking out.

Free Gold Watch is one of San Francisco's hidden arcade treasures - a unique pinball arcade with the largest collection of pinball machines in the city. Free Gold Watch started out as a screen printing shop, but they quickly became known for their amazing collection of pinball machines. They have games from all eras, including some older games like Prospector that are on loan from the Pacific Pinball Museum. But it's not just the quantity of their games that sets them apart - Free Gold Watch has an incredible variety of games, from Banzai Run to Total Nuclear Annihilation. Whether you're a seasoned pinball wizard or a first-time player, Free Gold Watch is sure to have a game that you'll love to play.

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.

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.

THE destination for pinball in Los Angeles, AYCE Gogi Korean BBQ and Pinball in Van Nuys, California serves up all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and the hottest new pinball machines. It’s like a pinhead’s dream come true. Fill up on hot stone bibimbap, spicy bulgogi and even beef tongue and don’t miss the deep fried Nutella Oreo dessert. Bring friends and drink cocktails from a flaming punchbowl or choose a local craft beer. Featuring many newly released machines like Stranger Things and Rick and Morty, AYCE Gogi hosts frequent launch parties to celebrate new additions, as well as tournaments and occasionally the state championship players. Rumor has it Gary Stern stops by when he is in town!

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!

Das Flipperhaus in Rocklin, CA is a family friendly arcade that is fun for all ages. The arcade currently has 22 pinball games, food, beer and wine. It is designed for pinball lovers and arcade enthusiasts. Das Flipperhaus also holds pinball tournaments. Normal hours are the following: Wednesday - Friday 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday Noon to 10 pm, and Sunday Noon to 6 pm. They also offer Retro Mobile Arcade of 17 custom arcade cabs from the 80's and 90's.

EightyTwo in Los Angeles, CA, features a barcade with an outdoor patio, nightly DJs, and arcade and pinball competitions. EightyTwo boasts a rotating crop of new pinball machines, like Godzilla and Iron Maiden, but also the very best of the classics, like Monster Bash and Mars Attacks. Is it trendy? Yes. Is there a bathroom attendant? Yes. Are the drinks and games inexpensive for downtown LA? Also yes. Will it be crowded? YES.  

The Riverside Game Lab is the perfect combination of both classic and modern arcades, pinball, and virtual reality under one roof. They have six Virtual Reality booths and an Immersive Virtual Reality room. For the pinball player, they have about 20 games and tournaments. They also have the following types of arcade games: classic, retro, fight, rhythm (including DDR), sports, racing, and shooting.  They also offer e-sports tournaments with casual and competitive gamers! The Riverside Game Lab has a full bar and a small food menu. The Riverside Game Lab has at least one of every gaming experience so you never have to look far for what you want to play!

Mission control is a barcade bringing the '80s back with style, video arcade games, and pinball machines. Their video game collection includes Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. For pinball machines, they have classic games, including Jurassic Park and Attack from Mars. Mission Control does have pinball tournaments. It is located on the 2nd floor of the McFadden Public Market and usually has a DJ playing awesome music. Children are allowed during the day but 21+ at 9 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Revenge Of is an amazing comic book store with a pinball machine collection. They have about 15 pinball machines. Revenge Of also holds pinball tournaments. 

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.

Dyno Bar is the perfect place to get your fill of classic pinball machine action in San Diego. Located at 3367 India St., Dyno Bar features 12 pinball machines on location, making it the perfect spot for a quick game or an all-day session. Dyno Bar is also home to sister property, the popular Aero Club, and is open 7 days a week from 2pm - 2am. To get to Dyno Bar, simply walk through the arch located within the Aero Club. In addition to pinball, Dyno Bar also features classic arcade games and pool tables. So whether you're in the mood for some friendly competition or just want to relax with a beer in hand, Dyno Bar is the place for you.

Do people come to Miniboss in San Jose, CA just for the craft cocktails? Yes, but then they also geek out over the old school arcade with throwbacks like Ms. Pac Man and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker. Play popular modern pinball like Monster Bash and Theater of Magic for 75 cents or free on Thursdays. This chic retro barcade also offers full table service and Asian fusion cuisine. Try the Winter on Niberu cocktail – it is like a boozy strawberry milkshake.

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.

47 Hills Brewing Company in South San Francisco is a must-visit for anyone who loves beer and pinball. This unique brewery has a large collection of pinball machines, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends. The menu features a curated selection of pub food and pizzas, and the brews are sure to please even the most discerning beer drinker. 47 Hills is also family friendly and dog friendly, so you can bring the whole gang along for a fun day out. So whether you're a pinball enthusiast or just looking for a new place to enjoy a cold one, 47 Hills Brewing Company is definitely worth a visit.