Pin Up Arcade Bar — Restaurant in Waterloo

Exceptional service and an impressive array of games make this establishment an absolute delight. From the moment I stepped in, I was enraptured by the unparalleled experience it offered, seamlessly blending the comforts of a sophisticated bar with the exhilarating nostalgia of an arcade.

The sheer variety of games available left me in awe, and I had an absolute blast, losing myself in the captivating world of pinball and classic arcade games. The $8 entrance fee per person was a mere pittance compared to the immense fun it afforded. Open to all ages until the evening hour of 9 pm, it catered to a diverse audience, ensuring a truly inclusive and lively atmosphere.

As the day transitioned into night, the place transformed into an atmospheric bar, exuding a vibrant energy that heightened the overall experience. I found myself appreciating the ingenious concept of this dual-purpose establishment, creating an unforgettable fusion of entertainment and relaxation.

The bar staff, notably the male bartender, was exceptionally amiable, adding a personal touch to the already extraordinary ambiance. It's rare to encounter such genuine warmth and hospitality in a venue like this, and it made the visit all the more enjoyable.

One noteworthy aspect was the option to order food from an upstairs burger joint, elevating the overall experience. However, while the convenience was appreciated, the quality of the food left something to be desired. Nonetheless, the sheer exhilaration of the games overshadowed this minor drawback.

As a regular patron, I hold this place in the highest regard, having frequented it for several years now. The bartender's endearing demeanor and the venue's enthralling 80s garage atmosphere have formed an indelible bond, making this a cherished haven for me. I unequivocally adore this unique establishment and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an extraordinary fusion of nostalgia, entertainment, and...

Pin Up Arcade and Bar is exsctlynad the name implies - it is a bar and an arcade all in one.

Located near Laurier, this bar has become a popular hangout for students and families alike, with the appeal of retro arcade cabinets.

The cabinets themselves consist of many popular old titles, such as Donkey Kong, Burger Time, Ms. Pac Man, Q-Bert, and more.

Along with the cabinets they have a few racing games, skiball, foosball, a couple of shooters, a couple novelty games, and around a dozen pinball cabinets, including several newer ones.

Food and drinks are available on site, with the food coming from the Frat Burger next door.

Children are allowed in till a certain time, unsure when, but families are free to bring their kids to experience some of the classic games in their original glory.

There is a five dollar cover at the door, plus two dollars if you want to check your coat, but for unlimited play, as the machined are all set to free play, this is well worth it.

Downsides, with the popularity of the machines, the place is often crowded and busy, so if you are looking to play a particular machine you may have to wait a bit.

As well, with people waiting to use machines, it can sometimes feel crowded.

Lastly, if I can nitpick, some of the games are not in the best shape. A loose joystick here, stuck button, or non working button....to be fair, they are older and take some upkeep.

Overall, a fun location that brings a little bit nostalgia to your life. Definitely worth a drop in and a look around. If in the area, it would be worth your time to drop in.

I apologize for lack of pictures, but I found myself caught up in the games. The only one I have is of the bar area. Then I discovered they had Time Pilot and lost myself in...

The premise is fantastic. The execution is subpar. A flat fee for unlimited games is a great idea, but many of the games were just broken.

The games are all old and they bring me back down memory lane when I was a kid and I used to frequent arcades, trying to decide how to ration out my quarters amongst my favourite arcade games. The games are still fun, even if they pale in comparison to today's modern games, but when the controls only let you move in one direction, or you can only target enemies on one half of the screen, games turn into more frustration than fun. Not all games are broken, but certainly enough of them that it should be addressed.

In addition to the old arcade games, there are also skee ball machines and lots of pin ball ball machines. There's a lounge area with tables and seating to have food and drinks, as well as a couple of booths, one of which has an emulator that lets you play a bunch of old Nintendo games (Super Mario World, Star Fox, and many others).

This is, as the name implies, also a bar and food and drink is available for order. Food is provided by Philthy Philly's upstairs/next door, which I highly recommend.

This is NOT an accessible place as the business is located down a flight of narrow stairs to the basement of the building. Free parking is available on site, though it can get packed at peak times as there are many business in the plaza. Spots are narrow and there is also lots of pedestrian traffic both in the parking lot and just outside as the plaza is located very close to both universities.

In the end, our group had a pretty good time here, but it could have been better. Your mileage may vary, as I understand that the games may be...