Let the good times roll at Pins Mechanical Company and discover one of Austin’s coolest new south side spots. This is a massive warehouse filled with wonder. You’ll leave with your expectations exceeded and an urge to return. Family and fur baby friendly with plenty of fun for all. Watch your top team play on the big screens or challenge your buddies and besties to a great game. 

They’ve woven nostalgia through every fiber of this entire warehouse. From the moment you step through the front door to every corner turned, you’ll be delighted with different discoveries. Right at the entrance is a massive, literally giant sized Lite-Brite with pegs as big as track and field batons and a screen the size of a wall. Standing here you feel like a miniature or maybe a mouse popping into some kid’s room. Their attention to detail really allows you to feel transported. Simple inclusions make a significant impact like how the Mega Lite-Brite even has a massive power cord “plugged into” the wall behind it. I can’t recall how many times my jaw dropped (literally) in joyful awe but that sight was the first of many. 

The major focus at Pins Mechanical is Duckpin Bowling. You’ll see the pins are smaller than standard, lighter, and attached to ropes at the top that reset them. There’s a steady supply of small cannon ball sized spheres that are all the same size. No finger holes just pick them up in your palm and roll away. Surprisingly it was more difficult than we expected to knock over every pin and get a strike or spare. This all makes for a fun and challenging game that is easier to navigate than traditional bowling. All you have to do is pick up a ball and wait for the green light. I must also note that the process of hurling those dense little balls and the sound of crashing pins made for one of the most satisfying activities I’ve experienced in a long time. There is a sense of power and pleasure with this game and Pins knows it, proudly displaying one of their mottos “When life gives you balls, play with them!” Gaming at a place like this allows visitors to embrace that inner child and this is healing for people of all ages. So, whether you are having a good OR bad day, this is the place to go…to escape, to celebrate, reminisce, reconnect, or whatever else you might be looking for. 

Pins Mechanical boasts “Old School Entertainment” and they’ve created a fairly comprehensive experience under this theme with over ten different types of games and activity zones spread throughout the warehouse and patio. One of the best areas here is the video game living room. This space resembles a 90’s family den with details like shag carpet walls, pictures and antique décor, recliners, afghan blankets, MAD magazine and Highlights spread out on side tables, and best of all… the free classic video games all set up and ready to play. Get down on old SEGA, NES, and other vintage console collections including Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, Sonic, Tetris, and many many more.
 

Much of the warehouse is free and the games they do charge for are very affordable. Duckpin bowling is $8-9 per game and the pinball machines take quarters. Some of the others are first come first serve for reservations but free to play like Bocce Ball or “patio pong”. Head outside and play hookie to your heart's content or go pass some time in the FREE arcade. Yes… unlimited free games on a ton of arcade classics like Frogger, Q*Bert, Street Fighter, and more.

Just because this is a bowling alley doesn’t mean you should doubt their drinks. Mechanical’s menu features a smashing selection of cocktails, shareable pitchers, shots, slushies, 36 draft beers, and more. Check out the “OG Classics” for cocktails that call back to legends like the Pinball Wizard or “Hazed & Confused”. They’ve cleverly used color and candy in their recipes to pay playful homage to people like Hulk Hogan (a lemonade drink that comes with a bomb pop) or Carrie Fisher (a beautiful beachy bev with a purple lightsaber-like rock candy stick). Try the Daphne, a perfect purple punch garnished with a distinct sugar-dusted candy orange slice. You can also take home a Pins Mechanical merch mug if you get the Game Over, a drink that will knock you out with EIGHT types of liquor hidden in Hawaiian Punch. Luckily everything here tastes just as fabulous and fun as the names imply.    

Every area we explored had something exciting and unexpected to offer. Way more than just a bowling alley, this is a place for community, family, fun, competition, and good memories. One visit is not enough to experience everything they have to offer and they do a good job making folks want to return. Even the staff seems excited to be there. One superb server, Charles, said there was some stiff competition for jobs when they opened and it is clear why. Pins Mechanical is certainly special.

See y’all there.