Let me tell ya... I love bar food. I love a good burger with some beer battered onion rings, or a chicken sandwich with some fried pickles and French fries. I love nachos, and chicken wings and a club sandwich. I love good quality, tasty, affordable, non-pretentious food and the best places to get that are usually a local pub. The trick is to find a local bar where you feel comfortable. Someplace where the patrons aren't obnoxious, loud, violent, or all of the above. When I lived in Nashville, there was a place called Johnny's Sports Bar on the corner of OHB and Nolensville. It was mine and Summer's favorite place to grab a quick dinner. We preferred Johnny's over much of the other fare available in a 15 mile radius. But then, as all good things are wont to do, Johnny's went the way of the dodo and now a Chick-fil-A stands where Johnny's used to be; because we all need another chain restaurant to shove a bagful of tasty apathy out a window into our sweaty, trembling, pre-diabetic hands. But I digress. After Johnny's closed, we were without a good bar food spot. Then, we made the decision to move back to East Tennessee. We'd lived in Clinton for the past 5 years, and while there were a fair number of good local places to eat, they didn't have bar food! Now we're in Powell, and today we finally found our new spot. If you haven't been to Pins & Pints Pinball Pub, and you love bar food like I love bar food, then you should get out there and see them! The food is amazing! The vibe is very laid back but fun, as they have pinball machines and dart boards, along with televisions displaying various sports and a modern "jukebox". They were having a pinball tournament today. (And every Sunday) And I was impressed with how there were so many people playing pinball, music was playing, and sports were on TV, but you didn't have to scream to talk to the person in front of you. The vibe was relaxed, the staff was friendly...and did I mention that the food was amazing? I did? Well, Im saying it again! The food was amazing! I'll be...
Read moreI've been playing pinball in Knoxville for almost two years. Pins and Pints opened recently and what an amazing addition to not only the pinball community but to the North Knoxville area as well. This is a family friendly environment (although after 9pm 21 and older only) It's not a very large place, however there is something for everyone of all ages. The location is convenient for all of Knox County with PLENTY of free parking. Better yet, a clean friendly environment with a great menu for adults and children. The food is a big hit! I loved the smash burgers and several other times had the Fried Chicken Salad, also amazing! There is a real nice beer selection with standard and also local brewery beers. Twelve on draft, plus beer in bottles and cans.
The Pinball machines are outstanding!!!!! There is a nice variety of both New and Classic Pinball Machines. All are extremely well kept and play phenomenal. Whether it's a recently released new game like Jaws or Pulp Fiction or a classic game like WrestleMania, Alien Poker or Captain Fantastic, everyone of all ages will have loads of fun.
There are a total number of 18 Pinball machines. In my opinion, to have access and be able to play on classic pinball machines from the 1970's to 1990's is a real treat to be in this wonderful, clean and friendly atmosphere.
Looking for some new place to try or just hang out at? Pins and Pints is the place to be. Hope to see you at at a Pinball Tournament on Sunday's. They start at 4:30. Come early to Eat, Play...
Read moreLiked the place and had high hopes, though was a bit of a letdown. With some improvements, this place could be a success. A couple of friends and I went down to check it out the Friday after grand opening. Firstly, no greeting from any staff member when walking in the door, not that it's necessary, though would've been nice, given that the place wasn't very busy and being their second night open. We proceeded over to a table near the darts. While it was noticed that there more than enough staff on deck, 8-10 min had gone by without contact from any waitstaff. After looking over the menu during that time, decided to make my way over to the bar to place my order. Ordered nachos and wings, bartender said it would be about 10-15 min. Perfectly reasonable. Will say the beer selection is nice. Waited about 20-25 min for the food. Unfortunately, the nachos were ice cold and the wings were about room temp. The dart machine we were using we faulty. 3 of the pinball machines were out of order. Several of the tvs on the wall were showing nothing. Not that all of these things are controllable, but to be the second night open, it doesn't leave a great impression on the patrons. Again, with plenty of waitstaff not doing much of anything, there shouldn't have been reason for cold food, having to go back to the bar to order my own drink and nothing on half the tvs. I do not want this review to come off completely negative, but helpful to the business for areas to focus on and improve in order to...
Read more