Since Oakland reversed its ban on pinball three years ago, many establishments have installed machines, but would-be wizards need to know where to look.
Bars and restaurants with pinball machines tend to rent them, which means they get swapped out for repairs, or just to keep things fresh. Sites like PinBallMap offer tips on places to play and update listings as new machines rotate through.
Oakland Pinball Warriors, a "selfie" pinball league, lets players with a competitive streak submit photos of themselves with their top score; at month's end, organizers invite top dogs to join a citywide playoff. For more details, email [email protected].
Here's a look at some places to buzz buzzers, drop targets and resurrect Lazarus balls around Oakland.
Five10 Pizza (400 15th St.)
The locus of Oakland's pinball scene, Five10 Pizza has 11 machines and is home to Belles & Chimes, an all-women’s pinball league. The New York-style pizzeria favors computerized machines, though it also boasts the oldest machine available for play in the city, a 1967 Gottlieb’s Melody.
With upstairs table seating, players can take a break for beer and bites like a duck bacon or meatball pizza to nosh between games.
The Legionnaire (2272 Telegraph Ave.)
The Legionnaire hosts 3 pinball machines and hosts in-person championship play, as well as selfie leagues.
In addition to spacious booths and a jukebox that plays 45s, the bar also has a “beat the clock” Sunday night beer special where tap beers start at $1 at 8:30, and increase by $1 every half hour.
Heart and Dagger Saloon (504 Lake Park Ave.)
Heart and Dagger Saloon has a sprawling patio, TVs often tuned to pro wrestling or schlocky action movies, and a game room with a pool table and three pinball machines.
Because the machines are nestled away from the busier parts of the bar, they're usually clean, in good condition, and not too cramped, despite the admittedly small playing area.
Stay Gold Deli (2635 San Pablo Ave.)
Charcuterie and pinball might not seem an obvious pairing, but the marriage of fine food and plebeian fun is indicative of the Oakland character.
The Uptown beer garden and deli currently hosts four vintage machines heralded by vintage decor. Like Five 10, Legionnaire, and other Oakland bars, Stay Gold is one of the arenas for the qualifying round of the current season of Oakland Pinball Warriors, a hybrid league where players compete in the “selfie league” format to qualify for an in-person playoff.
The Gentleperson's Pinball Society, a group of local enthusiasts, has its second-to-last meeting of the winter season on Thursday at 7pm at Five10 Pizza.
Where's your favorite place play pinball in Oakland? Tell us in the comments.
