I’ve always enjoyed playing pinball when I visit arcades, so I was excited when I had a chance to visit Pinball Perfect in West View, just a few miles north of downtown Pittsburgh.
Pinball Perfection has been opened to the public since 1991 (They’ve been in their current location since 2008) and has more than 300 pinball machines, which makes this the largest collection of pinball machines in the region. The machines here range from newer models to some that date back nearly 100 years.
The entire focus at Pinball Perfection is one the machines, so don’t come here expecting fancy amenities or even a ton of flashing lights like you’ll find at most arcades.
On the contrary, Pinball Perfection is located in a nondescript warehouse at a tight 180-degree turn in Perry Highway. You could drive past this spot a hundred times and probably not really notice what’s there (and not just because you are paying attention to the steep turn).
Inside, the warehouse feel continues with hundreds of pinball machines lined up next to each other in between random artifacts like a cigarette vending machine and a phone booth. In the back, there is a rather professional looking stage and drum set that seems like a permanent fixture in the space.
There are also some signs around the space that offer information about how pinball machines work, which give the space a bit of a museum feel.
What’s great about Pinball Perfection is that unlike most other arcades where you have to pay for every game you play, here, there is an hourly rate and all games are set to free play. This means you can play as many games as you like without having to worry about how much you are spending.
And, with over 300 pinball machines, you’ll definitely want to play a ton of different games during your visit.
Another thing I love about Pinball Perfection is the sheer variety of games here. Whether you want to play newer machines from the last 20-30 years or you’re looking to play some much older games, there’s a bit of something here for everyone.
There are even rare machines that are playable including the only working Empire Strikes Back machine in the US, which completes their set of all six Star Wars pinball machines.
In addition to all of these incredible pinball games, there are also a few other arcade games for those looking for variety including car racing games, a Skee-Ball machine, an air hockey table and more.
While it’s likely that most of the clientele here are adults, kids aren’t left out as there are stools throughout the space that kids can use to play the games and even a few historic kiddie rides they can check out.
Overall, Pinball Perfection is a really fun spot to visit in the Pittsburgh area, especially if you’re looking for something to do on a day with poor weather.. While it certainly lacks the ambiance of typical arcades, this puts the focus squarely on the great mix of machines, and it’s a great way to pass a few hours.
Looking for more places to visit nearby? Check out the best craft breweries in Pittsburgh, the Allegheny Observatory, and Bicycle Heaven.
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