Photos by Dylyn Rose
Every pinball enthusiast I’ve spoken to is not only passionate about pinball but also about the growing community. No matter a person’s age or skill level, each player wants the best for the Indy pinball scene — a growing community that has become so much more than just games for many people.
It’s no shock that all things ’90s have come back around, but games never died out. The gaming and toy industries continue to grow, producing more and more new goodies. But what about the classics like G.I. Joe, He-Man, Thundercats and My Little Pony? The Toy Pit at 3827 N. College Ave. has you covered, offering thousands of toys and game options. Opening in 2009 in Fort Wayne and moving to Indianapolis in 2014, The Toy Pit is the largest toy shop in Indianapolis. Not only does the shop buy and trade, but it also has a lovely collection of pinball machines open for play.
It’s not a big leap from toy collectors to pinball enthusiasts — many pinball players’ stories start with childhood memories and nostalgia. That’s exactly what got Joe Bayer into the Indy pinball scene and leading league nights at Tappers Arcade Bar.
“When I was a kid, my dad picked up a machine for $50 from a yard sale. I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Bayer said.
Flash forward to adult Joe trying, like the rest of us, to get through COVID. He found 16-Bit Bar+Arcade on New York Avenue, which opened in 2019. From there, he heard about Tappers on Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square and hasn’t left since.
“I run leagues at Tappers every Tuesday night. League is essentially a mini tournament meant to be social and not super competitive. You learn to play and talk to new people, then keep coming back for the fun,” Bayer said.
Tappers is a much more laid-back local scene versus the more high-energy 16-Bit. Both have great drinks and a wide selection of arcade and console games, but Tappers has the edge when it comes to pinball. With more than 25 meticulously maintained machines, it’s the best place for gameplay, drinks and laid-back fun.
“The Indy pinball scene is small but great, especially in Fountain Square. We have beginners to world-ranking players here weekly. The PinVault in the Murphy Building is a great co-op that holds open play on First Fridays and multiple tournaments,” Bayer said.
The PinVault opened in 2016 with approximately 25 machines available to the public on First Fridays for a small door fee. It also hosts Sunday and Friday tournaments for players ready for more advanced action.
There’s pinball to play across all of Indianapolis. In Broad Ripple, you’ll find Black Circle Brewing and Loom. Black Circle on 46th Street hosts nightly shows, from bands to burlesque. Alongside it is Loom, a laundromat that houses several pinball machines. Grab your laundry, lots of quarters and a spot at Loom to enjoy the afternoon — and a beer from Black Circle, too.
On the east side, you’ll find the extra-special Irvington Pinball Lodge on the third floor of the old Masonic Lodge. The Lodge is like no place you’ve seen, hosting more than 100 immaculate machines from modern to vintage. The space itself is the iconic three-story Masonic Lodge No. 666, now hosting monthly art shows along with pinball open plays — a current favorite for locals.
The Pin Lodge, as it’s affectionately called, started in 2022 after a group of buddies came up with a plan to share their treasures with the community. Fully owned by a local couple and maintained by a group of friends, it’s a labor of love.
“It started as one machine at the Lodge, then the full collection was moved there because we were running out of room everywhere else. A group of guys playing weekly at someone’s house turned into ‘how can we share this with others?’” said Jace Mitchell.
Jace and his wife, Beth, handle the Pin Lodge schedules, socials and merchandise — all as volunteers. Along with several players who maintain the machines, the Pin Lodge is 100% volunteer-run. Currently, it’s open for play only once a month but occasionally opens for special events. The third floor also hosts monthly art shows.
This drop-in format is great for those new to pinball or experienced players who want to try every game they can find. For $10, you get unlimited play during open sessions. All ages are welcome to come, have fun and meet new people.
“When you walk through those doors into a room with over 100 machines, you just forget your troubles and have fun. It’s a blessing and rewarding to get to do this. The Indy pinball community is full of incredible people,” Mitchell said.
The next open play night is June 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Pin Lodge. Stay up to date with other pop-up events by following @indy_pinball_ on Instagram.
Check out all the mentioned locations on Facebook: PinVault, Tappers Arcade Bar, Black Circle, Loom, 16-Bit Bar+Arcade and Irvington Lodge Events.
