Picture the scene: You walk through a sliding door and are instantly greeted by a glass counter stocked with instant noodles, mini bottles of baijiu, e-cigarettes, mouthwash and… a vintage can of Heinz Baked Beans?
No, this isn’t an oddly-stocked 7-Eleven. It’s Pinball Liquors, home of retro pinball machines and canned beer. It’s a playground for pinball geeks and hip Instagrammers alike, and probably the only establishment where a neon Playboy bunny sign and a Ghostbusters-themed pinball machine coexist. There’s also a giant red lobster sculpture in the corner (we’re not sure why).
The counter in the entrance is the heart of this curious amalgam of bar-meets-arcade. It’s where the goods are kept (and we don’t mean Magic 8-Balls and rubber masks, though they are on offer as well). We’re talking game tokens and drinks, which they’ve got a sweet little deal for. Every RMB20 you spend on a beverage earns you one complimentary token (RMB10 when bought separately), good for one play at any machine.
Pick your poison from the fridge. They’ve got all the cheap thrills – Kirin for RMB20 and Hoegaarden for RMB30 – ideal for those ballin’ on a budget. We opt for the latter and some AriZona teas (RMB35), which pair delightfully with a few rounds at the Batman machine.
The pinball magic happens in the room next door. There are only 11 machines, so we recommend getting there early to claim your favorites like Game of Thrones and Star Wars. There’s no crowd when we visit, but weekends might prove a bit more cramped and competitive. Use those elbows.
Image via Valerie Osipov/That's Beijing
Now, let’s say you’ve had a bad match and need the hard stuff to take the edge off. Your answer is right upstairs. Head up the staircase lined with caution tape to the dimly-lit area where you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store. On three walls, dispensers of liquors of every variety are shelved in glass cases. A flashy blue sign reads “Hello Let’s Play 'N' Play 'N' Play” next to where you can drink ’n’ drink ’n’ drink. Choose from a vast selection of wines, some sake, tequila, rum and more – just scan the QR code underneath any bottle and let the floodgates open. It’s the snazziest dive lounge, complete with cigarette smoke and a television showing E.T. (By this point, we’re not surprised by the oddities anymore.)
Image via Valerie Osipov/That's Beijing
But if you’re overwhelmed by high-tech drinking, don’t worry, there’s a standard bar in the back where you can grab fancier brews like a Rogue Dead Guy Ale (RMB40, presumably to be enjoyed with the Walking Dead-themed pinball machine downstairs) or a Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin IPA (RMB45).
The vibe is as questionable as some of the items for sale back at the counter. (Seriously, why is there canned pork meat and nasal spray in there?) But one thing is clear – whether you’re looking to friend-zone a Tinder date or dial up an average Wednesday night, Pinball Liquors is there for it all.
[Cover image via Valerie Osipov/That's Beijing]
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