The Pyramid Scheme — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

one of my the best pinball bars in the nation! (my opinion). the only other one i think of is paranoia pinball in charlotte north carolina (AS OF WRITING THIS i have learned that paranoia pinball in north carolina is either closed or moving locations, let's hope the latter). ..... most "arcade bars" are overpriced in the machines and drinks, cater to kids or nerds, put more effort into the video games (pinball is the only thing i care about), or have some kind of gimmick ie. cidercadr in austin tx (only thing to drink is stupid cider) or the circuit in richmond va that is pour-your-own beer (which leads ofc to people who don't know how to pour paying $15 for a tap modelo). anyways this place doesn't do any of those things and actually rocks. smoking area outside, there are bums but most are friendly. they have ginger beer and tequila (my favorite drink). the best machines are 50c and give matches. the lotr machine is the best running and most fun of that particular game i've ever played! i played it all night! i don't remember leaving but i made it to where i needed to be. no food served here. also they have some really great bands that i respect love and trust play here. highly recommend...

I know we're all going through a hard time right now, but the service--or really one server in particular--was weirdly volatile and emotional. The situation was needlessly escalated. This bartender voluntarily inserted himself into the situation and came at us with full force. This was at 10 PM, before the night had even begun. I seriously doubt and am fearful for the Pyramid Scheme's competence at handling truly risky or dangerous situations and, with the display I saw on Saturday night, am certain this bartender in particular probably causes more of them than are necessary.

Please note that this post is edited from a previous much lengthier description I gave beforehand, from which I'd still like to make one thing clear: We left and went to Stella's, where we were treated like human beings. In fact, the discrepancy with how we were treated at Stella's really highlighted just how lacking the training and management at the Pyramid Scheme must be. GO TO STELLA'S. You won't be left wondering if your bartender just hates women or who else they must have an unconscious bias...

Service was outstanding. We were there for a concert on Saturday night recently. The artists were awesome, great local bands. Only complaint was during the headliner's performance some people at a table near ours were talking very loudly while the performance was going on. Very rude, and inconsiderate to those of us wanting to enjoy the show. Asked a staff member if they could get them to quiet down, said there was nothing he could do about it. I don't want to spend my hard earned dollars to see a concert, only to have people ruin it by talking throughout the performance. I saw a sign on the mirror behind the bar that asks patrons to stay quiet during the performances. Or keep chatter to a minimum during a performance. Still though, great place to take in a show from a local band, or play some pinball. They don't have food, but will allow you to bring in food...