Best Places to Play Pinball in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon is a city that is known for its progressive values and abundance of outdoor activities. Situated in the northwestern corner of the United States, Portland is bordered by the Columbia River and the states of Washington and California. The city has a population of approximately 600,000 and is home to a thriving arts and music scene. Portland is also known for its food scene, which offers everything from high-end restaurants to food carts (plus their generous local regulations around happy hour).

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When it comes to things to do in Portland, there are no shortages of options. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Mount Hood or the Columbia River Gorge, while culture vultures can check out one of the city's many museums, art galleries or the live music scene. And no visit to Portland would be complete without sampling the city's famous coffee and microbrews.

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And if you're looking for a place to play some pinball or arcade games, Portland certainly has you covered there too. There are several top-notch arcades and barcades in the city that offer a variety of pinball machines, arcade games, and other amusement options. Here are some of the best places to find and play pinball in Portland:

9 Best Places to Play Pinball in Portland, Oregon

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade

Why You Should Play at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade Bar is a must-visit destination in Portland, Oregon. This barcade is home to the largest collection of pinball machines in Portland, with 41 games on location spanning all eras - from classics like the 90s great White Water to more modern machines like Stern's Keith Elwin designed Iron Maiden. Ground Kontrol is an all ages location until 5pm, after which it becomes 21+, so bring the kids early if you've got them. Otherwise, get your adults only gaming on after 5pm! In addition to a large collection of classic video games like Asteroids, Burgertime and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ground Kontrol also has a full bar with cocktails, beer and wine. Plus, they've got a food menu focused on items like tacos, nachos and quesadilla sliders. So whether you're looking to relive your childhood or just want to sip on a craft beer while playing some old-school arcade games, Ground Kontrol is the place for you!

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade Address

115 NW 5th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

Pinball Machines

41

QuarterWorld Arcade

Why You Should Play at QuarterWorld Arcade

QuarterWorld Arcade is a barcade in Portland, Oregon with the second largest collection of pinball machines in the city. They have 32 pinball games on location, with a selection that includes games like The Addam's Family, Batman '66 and Iron Man. In addition to pinball, they also have over 50 classic arcade games featuring titles like Marvel vs. Capcom, NBA Jam, Pac-Man and others. If you're looking for something different to do, they also have other fun games like Dance Dance Revolution, basketball, and skee ball. QuarterWorld has 2 full bars if you get thirsty, with a focus on cocktails and draft beer. They also serve American pub food like burgers and pizza. QuarterWorld is 21+ except for Saturdays and Sundays between 1pm and 7pm. And yes, they take quarters.

QuarterWorld Arcade Address

4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd

Portland, OR 97215

Pinball Machines

32

Wedgehead

Why You Should Play at Wedgehead

Wedgehead is a barcade in Portland Oregon that boasts an extensive rotating pinball collection. They keep around 20 games on location at any given time but have a selection of over 150 machines to rotate from. Games are set to free play with your admission fee, so you can play all day if you want (plus they allow ins and outs). If you're looking to compete, they host a casual weekly pinball tournament format called Howdy Pardner!

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Unlike some of the other more popular arcades in Portland and elsewhere, Wedgehead focuses exclusively on pinball machines, so no video games or other arcade machines to district you from your intended purpose. They offer a food menu to go with your beverages that features items like burgers, sandwiches, burritos and shareable appetizers. Customers rave about the food and quality of the pinball machines at Wedgehead. If you love pinball and good food, Wedgehead is the place for you! Note - Wedghead becomes a 21+ adults only establishment after 6pm every night.

Wedgehead Address

3728 NE Sandy Blvd

Portland, OR 97232

Pinball Machines

20

C-Bar

Why You Should Play at C-Bar

C-Bar is a divey little arcade bar in Portland, Oregon, and it's got quite the selection of pinball machines - 15 to be exact. They've got a mix of classics and moderns, and they're all pretty cheap! Most machines are set to $.50 per play, so you can definitely get your money's worth in here. And if you get hungry, they've got food options too, plus a pretty solid selection of craft beer on tap. So if you're ever in Portland and looking for a lower key place to drink and play some pinball, C-Bar should be on your list to explore.

C-Bar Address

2880 SE Gladstone St

Portland, OR 97202

Pinball Machines

15

My Father's Place

Why You Should Play at My Father's Place

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.

My Father's Place Address

523 SE Grand Ave

Portland, OR 97214

Pinball Machines

12

Scoreboard Sports Bar

Why You Should Play at Scoreboard Sports Bar

Scoreboard Sports Bar in Portland, Oregon is the perfect place to get your game on - literally. With a dozen pinball machines currently on location, this low key divey sports bar has something for everyone. And if pinball isn't your thing, they've also got skee ball and pool. Not to mention their affordable prices. You can't go wrong with their menu, which features lots of fried options like fried chicken, mozzarella sticks plus standard fare like burgers and sandwiches. And their pinball machines are typically well maintained.

Scoreboard Sports Bar Address

4822 SE Division St

Portland, OR 97206

Pinball Machines

12

Lava Room

Why You Should Play at Lava Room

If you're looking for a fun place to eat and play in Portland, Oregon, the Lava Room is the perfect spot. They have a great selection of pinball arcade games, with 10 currently active, and the street-style tacos are delicious. The margaritas are also a hit with customers, with some calling them the best in the Portland area. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, they have a few different types of veggie tacos that are definitely worth trying. Plus, the pinball room in the back is the perfect place to challenge your friends to a game or two.

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Lava Room Address

8128 SE 13th Ave

Portland, OR 97202

Pinball Machines

10

Space Room Lounge

Why You Should Play at Space Room Lounge

Space Room Lounge in Portland, Oregon is a small bar with a big personality. The highlight of the place is their pinball collection, which currently features eight games. But Space Room Lounge is more than just a cocktail bar with some pinball machines – they also offer American comfort food, video arcade games, air hockey, and a photo booth. The atmosphere is casual and fun, making it the perfect place to let loose and have a good time.  

Space Room Lounge Address

4800 SE Hawthorne Blvd

Portland, OR 97215

Pinball Machines

8

Slingshot Lounge

Why You Should Play at Slingshot Lounge

Slingshot Lounge is a great neighborhood bar in Portland, Oregon. They have a small pinball collection with 7 games on location currently. The bar and restaurant are relaxed with a menu of American classics like burgers (their beef is butchered and ground in house) and sandwiches. They also have a small selection of local craft beers and ciders on tap. The game room area is cozy with pool, air hockey, and pinball of course. Slingshot Lounge is a great place to recover after work with a burger, beer, and some pins.

Slingshot Lounge Address

5532 SE Center

Portland, OR 97206

Pinball Machines

7

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Portland pinball players - did we miss anything good? Drop us a line and let us know!