Reviews of The Ottawa Pinball Arcade (Bowling Alley)

Anna Campbell

Limited beer selection but kind staff and warm dive bar atmosphere!

Zevy

trash

Ermite Sociable

(Translated) Super, arcade as in the 80s, located in the room next to the "Neibourhood pub" (communicating room). Machines in very good condition. They even have an "Eight Ball Deluxe" The machine that gives change is not reliable and the staff at the neighboring bar does not really have change: I solved the problem when I arrived with my roll of 25 X $ 1 :) (Original) Super, arcade comme dans les années 80, située dans le local voisin du "Neibourhood pub" (local communiquant). Machines en très bon état. Ils ont même une "Eight Ball Deluxe" La machine qui donne la monnaie n'est pas fiable et le personnel du bar voisin n'a pas vraiment de monnaie: j'ai réglé le problème en arrivant avec mon rouleau de 25 X 1$ :)

Raquel Gomes

Best pinball arcade in the world!!! Had a blast when I went and played on the machines!!! The pinball machines are very well taken care of and are works of art!!! I love it how there is a pub that connects to the arcade, so if you are hungry and want a bite to eat or need a drink you are all set for a great night!!! The owners of the pinball machines were very friendly, professional and helpful!!! I would totally recommend everybody located in or visiting the Ottawa area to go check it out immediately!!! Thanks for giving the city of Ottawa an awesome source of entertainment and a blast to the past!!!

Jeff MC

So the pinball machines are accessible through the "Neighbourhood Pub". One must enter this pub in order to access the long space where all the machines are. That being said, I had no idea until last weekend that this place existed! I went with the kids on a Sunday afternoon. Staff were super friendly and a coin machine is easily accessible. Machines cost $1 for 5 balls. There are also two video arcade cabinets which both contain something like 20 different arcade classics to choose from. We had fun and I certainly plan to return!

Spectrum Insights

The largest pinball arcade in Canada? House of targ is far bigger with a greater selection. The advertising is VERY misleading Not as advertised. If you are stopping in for a pint with friends...then yes, this is a cool atmosphere. I was expecting more arcade games, their site lists quite a few but only 2 were on the floor...again, a tad misleading. Go for a pint...play some games...ignore the website and your expectations will not be built up.

Steve Northover

This place is the best. If you were like me as a kid, saving your paper route money all week and heading out to the local arcade on Saturday, you will be magically transported into your past. I can't tell you how wonderful this feels. If you are new to pinball, this is the place to learn about the machines and what makes pinball so special. In this age of everything digital, the ball rolling on the playing surface can literally do anything, which makes each game different and special. You can see this in the faces and the smiles of those around you. When I travel, I make a point of trying to get to the local arcade in each city I visit. The machines at the Ottawa Pinball Arcade are easily the best maintained and the most fun, especially the vintage ones that require a lot of maintenance to keep in good shape. It is clear that the Ottawa Pinball Arcade is a labor of love and that the owners are passionate about what they do. If you are looking for a fun night out, this is it. The atmosphere is friendly and the beer and wings supplied by the Neighborhood Pub next door take it to the next level. You never had those as a kid. Come and join the fun!

LIAM LEGAULT

The games here were amazing and i had a time with my group of friends. I’ve looked at a few other arcades around town and nothing really compares to the way these games play here. Great condition also

Dug Rotar

I heard about this place on the radio and it sounded great and looked forward to checking it out. It was fun to play some machines I haven't seen I was a kid but the selection was slim and quite a few machines were out of commission. Fun for a one time quick diversion but I doubt I'll ever go back.

Kaylee Gomme

I've never seen so many pinball machines in one room, also love the FREE play Wednesdays. The food is unbelievable, definitely should check it out!!

Victoria Lappee

Just a slow night... Quiet . But fun games

Snizz Box

Fun games and good food.

Tom LaRocque

Lirs of fun...cold beer

Jordan Reilly

This arcade is ran by some amazing people. They run charity events and offer some of the best pinball machines in all of ottawa.

Kathy Clermont

Ok but better pinball machine selection would help.

JACKSON WEEBER

This place is a lot of fun it's a good place to go and have some fun with friends and family

Paul Bastow

This place has some excellent pinball cabinets! The room may be some what small, but it makes up for the size in quality pinball machines. The machines are all in excellent condition and are well maintained. Not only that but they're all set for 5 balls! The pinball room is attached to a sweet little pub, that serves a good selection of local beers and pub food. This is a great place to bring a few friends and just have a laugh smacking a few silver balls around.

Taylan McRae-Yu

Awesome selection of machines great people

Lil Arak

Had a great evening playing some classic pinball games and listening to live music. Fast food on the menu and an excellent bartender. I want to go again...

Amy Carriere

Awesome! Love it!

Lan Astaslem

After reading about the owners passion for Ottawa's rich arcade and pinball history, I must say I was disappointed. I was hoping for an experience closer to the arcades of time past. You are forced to enter through the bar even though there is a door (sealed shut) directly to the arcade area. This restricts people from coming in and out at will (maybe purposely) First red flag. Youre not "allowed" to bring drinks into the arcade. The bartender was nice, but I immediately got a vibe of heavy supervision in this establishment. This is completely contradictory to the glory days of dark dingey unsupervised arcades with questionable dealings that I grew up with and loved from the 80s and 90s. The change machine was out of order and the bartender let us know that she could not provide us with any change. Very nice lady though. The first machine i tried ate my looney. I didn't feel comfortable letting her know because i already knew she didnt have any more change anyway. This is a bar with a room full of machines, i wouldnt really call it a proper arcade.

Brad Udall

Great old games in great working order. Had a blast. It was like I was 16 again

ePiL3PTiC PoNy

All the old school flashing lights and electronic sounds make for a great atmosphere. It's a fun time for kids and adults, especially on unlimited play Wednesdays or weekends. The tables are all very well maintained, and there is a good variety to choose from.

Jayson Saikaley

Good games and updating all the time. Especially enjoyed Flash Gordon today!

RF Digital

Theres a great selection of machines here if you're into vintage Gottlieb and Bally tables and for those who enjoy classic EMs they have them too. I was hoping for some more mid 80's tables or at least more popular Williams/Bally titles. Either way there are a lot of games to choose from and an hour quickly disappeared as well as a pocket full of loonies! But no worries if you run out there's a change machine near by to keep you going. Definitely a cheap way to have fun!

Tim Tuepah

Lots of pinball to choose from most are in great shape

Bonnie Wilson

The selection of classic pinball machines at the Ottawa Pinball Arcade is a must see. The pinball machines play very well. The change machine spits out loonies on demand. The staff are super friendly.

Trevor Kopf-Johnson

Games were fun & prices for drinks were good

David Adelson

I love this place. Games are always working. Always fresh new games to play. Reminds me of when I was young. Games are reasonably priced and there are lots of them to choose from

Rheal Cote-Gallinger

Amazong location, fast service, reasonably priced, and fun time to bring you back to retro. Was told there would be additions and i can't wait to see them.

Claude LaNeuville

Very nice place and people , went for pints and to play pinball machines . I got my moneys worth . I shared memories with the owner it was very interesting . I also tried the wings and they were very good . I will go back for shure and tell my friends .

Tyler Gustafson

No complaints here! A dollar a play and a lot of cool old machines. The staff was super friendly and welcoming. I didn't try the food or drinks but we had an awesome time. They had some sort of play for a flat fee day that I'll be sure to check out too. This was a great place for a date night!

Christine Vande Velde

Fun place!

Glen Sheppard

Machine selection excellent. Most machines 5 ball play for $1.00 which is great. Bar side needs work but if you want to enjoy pinball just like when you were a kid, well this is the spot. Enjoy!!!!

Peter Jupp

Great selection of vintage pinball tables.well maintained. Friendly staff. Cheap beer. Wings. What else could one want? This is my new favourite getaway.

Scott Mcleod

Great place to unwind and feel a bit nostalgic. Great people, and great food. Found this place by accident, glad I did Was nice. Thank you for a great night. Will be back :)