Posted on 09/08/2025 4:29:39 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Step into an unassuming industrial building in Teltow, just outside Berlin, and a bright, clacking universe unfolds: around 50 pinball machines line 200 square metres, from classics like Wizard and The Addams Family to modern hits such as Game of Thrones. Welcome to Flipperhalle Berlin - proof that pinball is back in vogue.
The United States, the world's largest pinball market, has seen a dramatic revival since the mid-2000s, fuelled by the rise of arcade bars, or "barcades," that pair vintage games with food and drink.
The trend has spread far beyond the US: pinball machines now pop up in breweries, restaurants and dedicated pinball bars from Chicago to Sydney. Chicago's Logan Arcade, for example, has become a mecca for enthusiasts, with themed machines and regular tournaments.
(Excerpt) Read more at yahoo.com ...
There is a company actually selling new arcade cabinets.
Sorry, not even close.
A little lakeside burger and ice cream joint 1/2 mile from my parent’s home had two pinball machines, and the doughnut shop 300 feet away had a couple of video games.
Seedy bars indeed LOL
Heck, even Arnold’s Drive-In in “Happy Days” had a (period incorect) pinball machine.
Yeah, the authors have no clue. I played Pinball at the entryway to K-Mart, they had 6 or 7 of them easy. I was never any good, and I never had many quarters as a kid and lost ‘em right away. I was envious of kids who could play for more than a minute or two!
AM music stations were perfect for background use. Had this sleepy, relaxing languid sound. But then they decided a half hour worth of commercials every hour in 5 minute increments was the way to go, and I turned it off forever.
Good old tube radios. Zenith made some great 50s brown bakelite AM and AM/FM with the center “Airplane” dial. They sounded great, collectors call them the “poor man’s Bose” because they have excellent bass response.
I never tilt mine.
Then again, I’ve removed the center tilt pendulum and dropped it in the bottom of the bottom box . . .
🤷🏻
I’ll take pinball for a fun game anytime!
You like that torrent of feces in the “opera?”
Ain’t got no distractions.
Can’t hear those buzzers and bells!
What???
You might have to drive a little bit to get to a place. Ironically, there’s a pinball service guy near you. You should reach out and find out where his nearest client is.
https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/09/hinckley-resident-is-a-pinball-wizard.html
Also found this.
https://familydestinationsguide.com/retro-arcades-ohio/
If you make it to Columbus sometime, look up Pins Mechanical. They have several locations. I know they offer pinball there, as well as other fun games.
The ball is analog. Tactile.
Yeah I didn’t get that headline either - they were staples normal arcades, kids recreational places in the games sections, etc.
All that was old is new again! Love it!
Didn’t know coney island was a sleazy bar;-)
The problem is there is nowhere to put your beer when playing pin ball. It’s a hold ma beer activity.
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