Pinball in New York

Poketeer Billiards and Bar in Buffalo, NY is a destination for pinball enthusiasts for miles around. This pool hall has over 80 pinball machines – making it one of the largest pinball arcades in the United States – with all of the most popular modern games, plus some well maintained classics, and a few you can play for free on Tuesdays. Join a league, compete in tournaments, and watch for their frequent pinball events. There are also a few video arcade games, plenty of darts, and 20 pool tables, including bar and full sized tables. Poketeer also offers pub grub, including pizza and wings, and a full bar. Pocketeer is family friendly all day and 16 and up after 9pm. 

Five pinball fanatics pooled their private collections to form the Rochester Pinball Collective and put East Rochester, NY on the pinball map. Located upstairs in Piano Works mall, the state’s 2nd largest collection of retro to modern games attract top-ranked pinball players for tournaments. Machines are set on unlimited free allowing players to pull the plunger for hours for a small entrance fee. Looking to buy, sell or repair pinball machines? Have an International Flipper Pinball Association’s top-ranked player help you with that in the back room.

Rock Fantasy in Middletown, NY is a landmark headshop for metalheads, pinheads, and… well… heads! This record store, smoke shop and pinball arcade is absolutely PACKED with heavy metal and classic rock records, posters, pipes, patchouli and pinball machines – mostly rock-themed. Home of the Orange County Pinball Club and hosts the occasional International Flipper Pinball Association tournament. 

The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, is the nation’s second-largest children’s museum and will entertain all ages with its highly interactive, collections-based exhibits devoted to the history and exploration of play. The Strong is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of toys, dolls, games, and video games. You can snap a selfie on the steps on a life-sized Sesame Street and peruse the Superhero Comics exhibits before heading into the arcade. You’ll also find a great collection of older and newer pinball machines to play and learn the history and cultural relevance of the games. 

Robot City Games and Arcade in Binghamton, NY is a video game store with a very cute 80’s arcade attached. In the video game store, you’ll find consoles, accessories and perhaps every title of game ever published for sale. In the arcade, a two-tone neon paint job gives the space an 80’s vibe and the Kangaroo and Burger Time run on tokens. With over 20 pinball machines and 125 arcade games, Robot City may just be the biggest arcade in the state. 

Skills Shot Arcade has 20-plus pinball and classic arcade games. There are open on Wednesdays and Fridays for unlimited play. You can pay per person or family packs are available. They also have many options for birthday and private events. 

Flower City Arcade opened in Rochester, NY with favorite video arcade games from the 80’s including an assortment of Donkey Kong cabinets, PacMan and Ms PacMan, and Centipede, plus bubble hockey, darts, skeeball, and a nice lineup of pinball including Adams Family, Haunted House, Taxi, and Hercules, plus a few electromechanical pins set up outdoors. Games are all set to free play for $12 per person. Flower City was an arcade games distributor from 1940 until 1981, and this iteration of the family business is being revamped by the family’s third generation of arcade enthusiasts, Greg Grillo, who opened the arcade at the age of 20 and has been restoring the machines and improving the arcade since 2018. 

Set in a church building built in 1890, The Playhouse is a trendy hangout in Rochester, NY right on the border of the Southwedge and Swillburg neighborhoods. The Playhouse has a full bar with craft cocktails, two floors full of vintage arcade games, and Swillburger, a modern take on American burger joints complete with vegan and gluten free options. Play classic arcade games like Pacman and Donkey Kong, newer games like Guitar Hero, plus skeeball, shuffleboard, and a whole room dedicated to pinball with modern favorites and a couple of 90’s classics. Swillburger is family friendly until 10pm.

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Jackbar is a hidden gem for any fan of pinball. This unpretentious dive bar offers a great array of new and classic pinball machines from the recently released Toy Story 4 table from Jersey jack to classic releases like Fish Tales from Williams. Along with their diverse selection of machines, Jackbar also has a large assortment of 18 beers on tap and other alcoholic drinks that act as a perfect lubricant for flippin' some silverball. Whether you're looking for somewhere to chill out or seek a good old-fashioned friendly competition, Jackbar provides it all in relaxed surrounding free of non-pinball distractions perfect to keep you flipping all night. Offering up titular jackpots with its well maintained machines, Jackbar stands amongst Brooklyn's most unique hidden gems.

Barcade in Brooklyn is the perfect spot for a night of nostalgic fun. This small chain was the first establishment to combine classic arcade games with craft beer and cocktails, offering visitors the chance to relive their youth while enjoying modern adult beverages. Barcade Brooklyn boasts an impressive lineup of 12 pinball machines, plus a collection of classic retro video games for visitors to enjoy. All of these come with a 21+ only rule, making Barcade an exciting adults-only destination. Beer enthusiasts will love Barcade's focus on craft brews as well as inventive cocktails. If you get hungry while you're there, Barcade has small snacks available or you can order delivery from nearby local restaurants. Barcade Brooklyn is a unique experience that combines the best of old-school gaming with modern libations!

The Bumper Factory in the heart of New York City is a fantastic place to visit. Housed inside a Martial Arts center near Central Park, The Bumper Factory is the perfect spot for an afternoon of retro fun! The space can be rented out for parties and events, yet it's also open to the public on the weekends. Without food or alcohol it is the perfect place to bring kids and families since all pinball games are set to free play. The only cost is a time-based admittance fee, but then you're all set for unlimited playtime! If ever you find yourself around The Big Apple, The Bumper Factory will bring back childhood memories as you immerse yourself in this classic arcade environment. Whether it's playing a couple rounds or having a party with friends and family, The Bumper Factory is definitely worth checking out when visiting New York City. 

Randolph Beer Dumbo Brooklyn is a one-of-a-kind spot to experience all the best of modern Brooklyn. Located in the heart of Brooklyn's trendy Dumbo neighborhood, Randolph Beer offers an upscale setting combined with a classic brewpub environment. You can grab a pint of craft beer and sit back to enjoy some classic pinball machines, pulled from Randolph Beer's small yet unique collection which includes both modern and classic machines. To ramp up the fun even further Randolph Beer also has classic arcade games, skee ball, shuffleboard, foosball, and Belgian Feather bowling courts. The tap selection at Randolph Beer is top notch with an ever-changing list of house-produced craft beers while their menu features favorites like shareable appetizers, burgers and sandwiches made fresh to order. For real convenience Randolph Beer also has a self-pour system where you simply swipe your NFC card at the tap and pay by the ounce.

Misuta Chow’s in Buffalo, NY is a funky gastropub that will transport you across the globe to the bustling yokocho alleys of Tokyo City. On the main floor, Misuta Chow’s serves fried rice bowls, ramen noodles, dim sum, gua bao buns, and other Japanese street foods. Up the pink Hello Kitty stairs you’ll find plenty of video arcade games like Q*Bert, Galaga, Frogger and Tron, plus a nice modern pinball lineup. Enjoy craft cocktails like the Hello Kitty or a Miami Noice, choose from an array of sake or Japanese whiskey, and craft beers and Japanese sodas. 

Rullo's in Brooklyn NYC is a cocktail and pinball bar that brings together a fun and low-key atmosphere. Formerly the home of Sidecar, Rullo's features six pinball machines on location that are all known to be well-maintained. Rullo's has a diverse collection of pinball tables; their lineup includes games from many different eras, including the hard-to-find Big Lebowski game. Rullo's staff is always friendly and helpful. They don't have food on-site but if you get lucky it might be nice enough to sit outside in their small backyard patio. Inside Rullo's, you'll find plenty of classic booth seating perfect for larger groups as well as a large bar top with plenty of space for drinks and snacks. Whether you're a pinball enthusiast or just looking for a cozy spot to hang out in Brooklyn, Rullo's is definitely worth checking out!

Brooklyn’s Buttermilk Bar is the definition of a neighborhood dive bar, but it sure packs a lot of entertaining possibilities. Whether you’re into pinball machines, air hockey, pool or darts, this place has all of that and more. Plus the beer prices are incredibly cheap for New York City standards so there’s always something to appreciate about this amazing spot! It’s great for a few hours of fun but you can hang out here all day if that’s what you choose to do. The charm of this place is undeniable; the friendly relaxed atmosphere invites everyone in and makes Buttermilk Bar one of those spots that you can't miss out on while in Brooklyn! So gather up your friends, pick up some beers from the bar and let the fun begin at Buttermilk Bar.