The Unofficial DC Pinball Guide
From A Local's Perspective
DC may be small, but it has Pinball. Whether you're visiting or a resident looking for new places to play, I've got you covered. You can check out the Pinball Map: DC Region for a more visual view of places to play.
This guide highlights some of the city’s more prominent pinball locales. For simplicity, I’ve set a few rules: I won’t be covering bars with fewer than five machines (sorry, City-State Brewery!!), and instead of ratings, I’ll offer honest feedback about each spot based on my personal experiences. Let’s get into it.
(Note: There are plenty of places to play in Arlington, but much like most DC Daters, I'm not crossing the bridge for this article.)
Player's Club
1400 14th St NW
Washington, DC, 20005
Located in the heart of the bustling 14th Street corridor, Player’s Club is DC’s contribution to the growing trend of retro arcade bars sweeping the United States. Unfortunately, timing is everything if you plan a Player’s Club trip. If you’re planning to go, I would avoid Fridays and Saturdays. Trust me, stay away unless you want drunk, newly-graduated frat bros chirping in your ear and/or getting bumped around by the spatially unaware woman. Or worse for the 30 and over the crowd like myself, wait in line to get in and/or feel old.
However, an upside to Player’s Club is its central location, popularity, and chill, approachable vibe, which make it the perfect place to suggest for meet-ups with nonplaying pinball friends. If, at any point, the conversation gets boring, the Pinball Machines are a perfect excuse for a quick exit. Eventually, those friends come over and start playing. And Boom! New Pinball Recruits!
Another positive of Player’s Club is that it's a good place to get in practice games. All their games are newer sterns in various working conditions. It depends on how rough the previously mentioned patrons get with the machines. But it seems as of September 17, 2024, Players Club has refreshed their complete lineup. So this is the best time to go down there and play. (Note: I played Nov 29th, and at that time, Venom’s left ramp was not working…) The games cost $1 each, with a 3-for-$2 special, and their low replay scores meant that I made money if I played exceptionally well and got a match. Despite the crowd, Player's Club does the trick for a midweek practice or an early night out.
Atlas Brewery
2052 West Virginia Ave NE
Washington, DC, 20002
Tucked away in Ivy City, Atlas Brewery is a pinball oasis. While Atlas may be known for its good beer, its pinball selection is also pretty good. The location boasts a rotating selection of classic machines like Red and Ted’s Road Show (And its top tier callouts, AWWWWW Reddddd!!!) No Fear, Johnny Mnemonic, and Royal Rumble. Royal Rumble holds a special place as it is one of the first machines I learned to play—it’s forgiving, with easy multiballs and low replay scores.
Although it's one of the only places to play in NE, it never gets overcrowded. I usually go on a weekend, and besides the occasional birthday party or middle-aged parents hanging out with their childless friends or each other, I typically have the place to myself. It's perfect for all the pinball loners out there like myself.
The Mansion on O Street
2020 O St NW
Washington, DC, 20036
The Mansion on O Street is one of DC’s most unique attractions, and its pinball collection is just another layer of its eclectic charm. From its eccentric décor to its maze of secret passages, the mansion offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. Tucked among its labyrinth of themed rooms and hidden doors are some classic pinball machines, including Williams’ Comet (the precursor to Cyclone).
But here’s the catch: to play, you’ll need to pay the $30 entrance fee to explore the mansion. That’s a steep price if you’re looking to play a few games, and honestly, the lineup, Led Zeppelin, Elvis, and The Beatles.—while cool—isn’t enough to justify the cost if you’re strictly focused on pinball (I’m my opinion!! 🤷🏿♂️). That said, if you’ve never been to the Mansion on O Street, it’s an experience worth having at least once. The pinball machines feel like a bonus rather than the main draw. But if you're a pinball player, you know how important bonuses are.
VÜK Pinball
5335 Wisconsin Ave
Washington, DC, 20015
In the fossilized remains of a dead mall lies VÜK Pinball, DC’s hidden gem. Hidden is the operative word—this pinball haven is buried deep within the surreal, liminal expanse of the Chevy Chase Pavilion. The mall itself feels like a Mallsoft vaporwave album cover. Still, if you're courageous enough to navigate its eerie corridors without wandering into the backrooms, you’ll find yourself in pinball paradise.
It is the spiritual successor to the expansive space Moms in College Park (RIP). While VÜK has fewer machines than Moms, there are still 40 machines. That is a staggering number of machines, considering how small that space is. The only place with that many pinball machines is Spinners (50), and that's in Fredrick, Maryland. VÜK boasts an impressive collection of machines spanning eras: EMs, solid states, ‘90s Williams classics, and modern Sterns. The extra ball on top of this multiball sundae is the fact that the games are all 50 cents! Five dollars is more than enough for a good session**.
This place is a must for serious pinball enthusiasts. To be viable in any competitive play, a player must be competent in each type of game. So VÜK is a place where players hone their skills.
How do you get there you ask? I could tell you, but I won’t. Finding VÜK is half the adventure!
** Results may vary
Lyman’s Tavern
3720 14th St NW
Washington, DC, 20011
If pinball has a beating heart in DC, it’s Lyman’s Tavern. If the bar from Cheers were a pinball bar, it would be Lyman’s. It's a place where everyone knows who you are if you get a replay on a machine. Lyman’s lineup is impressive and ever-changing, featuring everything from the latest Stern hits like Godzilla and JAWS to solid-state classics like Cheetah and Lost World (BRING BACK SEGA GODZILLA!!!). Whether you’re a casual player or gearing up for competitive play, Lyman’s variety makes it the perfect place to play. Machines range from 50 cents to a dollar per play.
But Lyman’s is more than just its machines—it’s the hub of DC’s pinball scene. The bar hosts year-round social leagues and monthly tournaments that welcome players of all skill levels. The culture of friendship and fellowship at Lyman’s is truly remarkable. The local players are exceptionally kind and welcoming (though I might be an exception when I’m in competition mode). While there are plenty of places to play, Lyman’s players consistently share that the people who play there keep them coming back. For many, Lyman’s feels like a second family. But what I think sets Lyman’s apart is its inclusivity —a rare haven for LGBTQIA and BIPOC Pinball players. To help foster a friendly and supportive community, Lyman hosts events such as tournaments and fundraisers.
Lyman’s is where I began my pinball journey. As a result, it holds a special place in my heart. I can’t recommend it enough for newcomers or seasoned players alike. Come for the Pinball, Stay for the Friends, and never leave because of the Hot Toddies.
Tilt
1612 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
Conclusion
DC’s pinball scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From the rowdy charm of Player’s Club to the hidden gem that is Vuk, the relaxed vibes of Atlas Brewery, the quirky adventure of the Mansion on O Street, and the warm embrace of Lyman’s Tavern, there’s a spot for every type of pinball enthusiast—or future enthusiast.
But now, I want to hear from you. Do you agree with my takes? Do you know a hidden gem I didn’t mention? Or maybe you’ve got a totally different vibe from one of these places. So Let me know! Pinball is about more than just the game—it’s about the community that surrounds it.