(Image: @instajoericci)
A Capitol Hill dream hatched just as the COVID nightmare was beginning is on its way to becoming a reality some two years later. Can the reality of a Pike/Pine pinball arcade bar live up to our pandemic fantasies?
We’re looking forward to finding out.
A nightclub liquor license for the project now called Time Warp has been applied for on the 10th Ave side of the Jack Apartments at the address of the project CHS first reported on in February of 2020 from a group of friends and game connoisseurs hoping to make their contribution to Capitol Hill’s arcade community.
With a new name, the project and its plans for a collectors-level selection of games and a craftsman’s approach to maintaining machines with the highest level of fine tuning and repair is moving forward again with the folks behind the arcade bar telling CHS the venue is in “serious construction” with designs on a possible late March or April opening.
Other early plans called for a full bar and a selection of the best, most exotic ramen and noodle cups from around the world. Back in 2020, the group putting the bar together said they were aiming for a kind of Wednesday night vibe to the place. “On a Saturday night, I wouldn’t go into some of these places,” Joe Ricci told CHS about Pike/Pine’s weekend nightlife crowds at the time. “Wednesday night? Sure.”
But so much has changed since February 2020. The crowds are smaller. Quarters are a rarity. Downtown’s Gameworks was shuttered as part of a nationwide closure. There might be more shifts in the concept to unveil as the new Time Warp project and its pre-pandemic dreams finally takes shape.
UPDATE: We mentioned it in our original report back in 2020 but it’s worth reminding that the Raygun Lounge is still doing its thing in 2022 if you want to enjoy a beer or a cider and play some pinball. You’ll also find some arcade bar action below the Unicorn.
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I hope they have a Whirlwind Pinball .. I miss playing the one at Ray Gun
It already exists over in Ballard. Ice Box has more pinball than anyone can ever need, free parking, no attitude, patio and drinks.
Ugh no one should have to go to Ballard.
Oh, and it’s also all ages until 9pm.
A kid conceived after a night of playing pinball at Hi*Score could have already graduated college by now.
Yesssss!! Awesome.
Stoked for this we need more non pretentious pinball vibes on the hill
For those who feel Full Tilt just isn’t enough. ;)