Guide to The Top Places to Play Pinball in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is a great city for pinball lovers.  There are plenty of places to play pinball in San Francisco, California, whether you're looking for a casual game or want to compete in an IFPA sanctioned tournament.

There are seven great places to play pinball in the city, and each place has its own unique atmosphere and sets of machines. Some places even have selections of other arcade games, redemption games, and more on site. Here is a roundup of the best places to find and play pinball in San Francisco, California.

‍

7 Best Places to Play Pinball in the Bay Area and San Francisco, California

‍

Free Gold Watch

Why You Should Play at Free Gold Watch

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.

Free Gold Watch Address

1767 Waller St

San Francisco, CA 94117

Pinball Machines at Free Gold Watch

54

‍

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema San Francisco

Why You Should Play at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema San Francisco

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.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema San Francisco Address

2550 Mission St

San Francisco, CA 94110

Pinball Machines at Alamo Drafthouse San Francisco

14

‍

47 Hills Brewing Company

Why You Should Play Pinball at 47 Hills Brewing Company

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.

47 Hills Brewing Company Address

137 S Linden Ave

South San Francisco, CA 94080

Pinball Machines at 47 Hills Brewing Company

11

The Detour



Why You Should Play Pinball at The Detour

The Detour is a barcade in San Francisco California with an elevated food, beverage and cocktail program. The food menu focuses on pan-pacific street food like a ponzu salad, nori tots, tacos, and pizza (ok pizza may be a stretch on the pan-pacific part but pizza is delicious so we'll let it slide). The Detour has a mix of arcade games, skee ball, arcade style basketball games, pinball and board games for entertainment while you consume your tasty food and drink. The Detour is generally 21+ except for Saturdays from 2pm-6pm when all ages are allowed inside. The Detour has a good sized pinball machine collection with 10 machines on location. The Detour is a classic barcade style location with an elevated food, beverage and cocktail program. The mix of arcade games, skee ball, arcade style basketball games, pinball and board games for entertainment make The Detour a great place to visit in San Francisco California.

The Detour Address

2200 Market St #102

San Francisco, CA 94114

Pinball Machines at The Detour

10

‍

Emporium San Francisco

Why You Should Play Pinball at Emporium San Francisco

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, video 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 game arcade and bar is 21+, so adults only at this arcade and bar.

Emporium San Francisco Address

616 Divisadero St

San Francisco, CA 94117

Pinball Machines

10

‍

Gestalt



Why You Should Play Pinball at Gestalt

Gestalt is the quintessential San Francisco craft beer dive bar and barcade. Tucked away in a corner of the city, Gestalt is a dark and divey bar focused on craft beer and eight different pinball machines. The small food menu offers delicious sausages and German soft pretzels to soak up all the beer you'll be drinking. Gestalt also offers pinball leagues and tournaments for those who want to get competitive. And if pinball isn't your thing, they also occasionally have DJ nights where they play vinyl records. So whether you're in the mood to drink, eat, or play, Gestalt has you covered.

Gestalt Address

3159 16th St

San Francisco, CA 94103-3334

Pinball Machines at Gestalt

8

‍

Outer Orbit

Why You Should Play Pinball at Outer Orbit

Outer Orbit is a barcade in San Francisco, California with a small pinball collection of seven machines. They're big supporters of the local pinball community and frequently host tournaments and events. Outer Orbit is 18+ only, but they have family days on Wednesdays and Sundays. In addition to their bar games, they also serve Hapa-Hawaii style food that's become popular with their visitors. Their menu includes items like Garlic Noodles, Spam Musubi, and Loco Moco. You can wash all of this down with one of their many craft beers, wine, or sake options. People love Outer Orbit for its tasty food and cool environment. So if you're ever in San Francisco, be sure to check it out!

Outer Orbit Address

3215 Mission St

San Francisco, CA 94110

Pinball Machines at Outer Orbit

7

‍

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