Chicago Pinball Bars, Tournaments and Leagues in Chicago
Updated March 13, 2018
Bags/Cornhole ☆ Bingo ☆ Bocce Ball ☆ Board Games/Cards ☆ Bowling ☆ Darts ☆ Foosball / Table Soccer ☆ Karaoke ☆ Pinball ☆ Ping Pong and Beer Pong ☆ Pool/Billiards ☆ Shuffleboard ☆ Skeeball ☆ Trivia ☆ Video/Arcade
Find a Pinball Machine in Chicago
Pinball is a wonderful pastime and pairing with beverages of all kinds. Chicagoans are lucky that pinball has its roots in this city, making machines and affinity toward the game commonplace.
The Pinball Chicago League takes place Monday nights at approved locations, and is free to join. Teams of 6-10 play against one other team each week (either at their 'home' bar or at an 'away' game) for 8 weeks. Top teams then compete for the championship title during a 2 week playoff round.
The Blind Robin in Ukranian Village has vintage machines as well as a newer Ghostbusters machine, and has hosted league teams with great success.
With locations in both River North and Lakeview, Headquarters Beercade (above) has an array of pinball options.
Nick's Beer Garden in Wicker Park has a Harley Davidson pinball machine to play a game on your way to the outdoor beer garden. Nearby, The Flat Iron has a game room with a 007 Goldeneye pinball machine. At Piece Pizzeria and Brewery you can pair GABF award-winning brews with delicious pizza, so don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table. The god news is there is a Soprano's pinball machine as well as TVs and live music (some nights) to keep you entertained.
O's Tap in Bucktown has two pinball machines, and has hosted pinball tournaments:
Elvis fans can flip out at K's dugout in Andersonville:
The fact that you can play pinball in coffee shops, bars, and restaurants in Chicago is no coincidence - did you know Chicago is essentially the origin and capitol of pinball? Stern has been manufacturing pinball machines and parts in the Chicagoland area for decades, and has a long list of pinball games you've likely played. Learn more with this informative video: