Free Gold Watch, 1767 Waller St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Pure pinball. Dozens of machines in a relaxed setting steps away from Golden Gate Park. You’ll find great games including Walking dead, Metallica, X-Men, the Hobbit, and Super Mario Bros.
Plan accordingly because the latest nights the shop is open are Wednesday and Thursday till 8PM. There aren’t any watches but the shops other enterprise is custom screen-printed apparel.
Musée Mécanique, 45 Pier D7, San Francisco, CA 94133
This place is an old school, and I’m not talking 90s, arcade. Vintage penny arcade games from the early 1900s. There are oddities such as laughing sal whose giggles are frighteningly contagious.
Nostalgic and fascinating mechanical wonders, dancing marionette characters, a piano that plays itself, fortune tellers, and even a machine where the Egyptian mummy of Ramesses will answer your question.
Most only cost a quarter or fifty cents and only last a few moments, but it’s pure entertainment. Oh, but you’re here for pinball right? They have a few machines, including a Pirates of the Caribbean which was a favorite.
A short walk from Pier 39, don’t miss this blissfully bizarre gem after you view the sea lions.
Gestalt, 3159 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Specialty sandwiches, craft beer, and…wait for it…pinball! This is a really upbeat hang out with a good variety of machines including Medieval Madness, Dracula, Game of Thrones, Ghostbusters, and one of my personal favorites – Fish Tales!
Located in the bustling Mission District the shop is not far from wonderful Tartine Bakery and Dolores Park.
+Stay tuned for pinball in the East Bay!