This is a charming arcade and print shop near the Haight and Golden Gate Park. They pack a lot into a small space, though it's not claustrophobic, and there's actually a main room, plus a couple smaller rooms at the venue. It didn't feel crowded on a Saturday afternoon, even with a handful of visitors in and out while we were there. The old mini Tetris arcade game ate my 50 cents. But the plethora of pinball machines we played were all in working order. This included Stranger Things, Alien, Fish Tales, Indiana Jones, Theatre of Magic, Beetlejuice, Monster Bash, and Lord of the Rings. Most costed 75 cents or a dollar to play (3 balls). And there was at least one change machine available on site. I also enjoyed playing nba hoops. Skipped the skeeball since it only accepts bills (not quarters). The place also offers shirts for sale, a pool table in the back, and vending machines for snacks and drinks. Parking sucks around here, so keep that in mind if planning to stop by. But at least it's free admission. read more

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CHEAP! GAMES! forget your local round 1, if you are in the area, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend checking this place out! was riding the Google Gemini bikes and needed to stop at a bike station to park, and stumbled upon this gem that was nearby!!! This place brings back so much nostalgia with the old school pinball machines, and even old school arcade games... it was actually a time capsule of a place!! the pinball machines range from $0.50-$1.00 per play, and that's actually not too bad!! Each pinball has 3 balls per play which is a lot if you can keep the ball in play. It's fun to walk around the cute arcade spot and find super old school games to try out. They even have some newer games like Mario kart, and this awesome Pokémon pinball machine which I thought was super fun where you try to capture and fight Pokémon! I had $5 and was there for a good minute playing a bunch of games, it really doesn't cost much! read more

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We stopped here as a quick detour, and it turned out to be one of the best parts of my trip. The place isn't very big, but there's so much to it. I'm not huge into pinball, I never really got the point, but these were totally different. There were a tonnnn of vintage pinball machines, and several of them had screens telling a story and pieces moving inside the machine. I could've spent hours in there. You need to go. read more

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It's pretty sweet having a neighborhood pinball arcade. My wallet didn't stand a chance. There are games for all levels ages and fandoms. In the back is a screen printing studio with a 6 color manual press and a wall full of ink. Games were anywhere between 25 cents and a dollar per play. read more

Cool pinball place. Not just pinball but you'll find arcade games too including some skeeball and shooting hoops or some real retro ones too. There are change machines to get coins Most games $0.50 -$1 each. Inserted all coins and my machine didn't turn on so asked staff for help. He wasn't able to get someone from the back to help so he refunded me $1 cash Back has screen printing, pool table, and it looked like a private ping pong table sectioned off from people going there. Great Lego collection buildings in the front entrance window read more

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I started to visit free gold watch again ..when was that 2021? I would check my YouTube page ..it's gotten better ..museum arcade with museum pieces machines ..wood machines ..museum pieces to use ..pay with 50 cents ...pieces made with wood u haven't seen before .."wooden" ask the doc The first post was 10 years ago 2015 read more

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Amazing selection of machines. Most of which were in great working condition. I like the fact that parties can be held in the back and silk screening can also be done as part of your event. The machines are a little "sensitive" in terms of bumping them and that in some places, you are back to back with other people and people try to walk through and you get bumped as you play. After that happened, I just opted to play in areas where that wasn't going to happen. Definitely worth supporting this gem of a collection. read more

Free Gold Watch - Printing Services Near Me - San Francisco, California

Relatives were visiting, two 15 yr old boys and their parents. They had a blast! There was something for everyone.

Free Gold Watch is a proper noir pinball arcade that doubles as a print shop. Classic machines and arcade games transport you to pre-screentime days--no phones, just coins and chaos. Amazing finds for kids and adults. $20 buys a good time. Maybe it's laundering money on the side. Who cares? It's fun as hell. read more

PRINT SHOP ARCADE? In the legendary Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco is what may be one of the nations most unique arcade venues. A spot called "Free Gold Watch" that is not only the city's largest pinball destination, but it's also a fully functional commercial print shop. They were literally screen printing t-shirts in the middle of the arcade during my visit and that's something I've never come across in my travels. Free Gold Watch has at least 50 well maintained pinball machines spanning the last 60 years. Players will appreciate the title diversity from the golden era to the modern day, and even some rare and obscure titles like Hoops, Rack Em' Up and Diamond Lady. I was also impressed to competition quality restorations of Paragon, Harlem Globetrotters, Nine Ball and Play Boy among others. A unique thing I saw here was the inclusion of "Small Change Arcade" cabinets. An artist named Matt Sengbusch takes original game boards and small CRT televisions and makes 40% scale size replicas of classic arcade games, that have 100% authentic game play and display, yet are 60% smaller than the original. This is not some mass produced gimmick, these things were all hand made and incredibly accurate mini replicas that had functional coin doors and took quarters. I've never seen anything like those. The California pinball scene is well known to be alive and well, but it would be hard to argue that anyone in the Bay Area is carrying quite as much love for the silver ball as the people operating Free Gold Watch. Absolutely a must visit for any pinball or arcade enthusiast. read more

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Please take this review with a huge grain of salt! I admit I am biased here. It is because I just don't care for pinball that I can't rate this higher. Whenever I go here I never stay long and get bored easily. I do like that it's a good value like other retro arcades, and has great prices on snacks and cold drinks. It's also on one hand nice to have a retro arcade that's not a bar so all ages are welcome, but I feel like that's part of why I find this place kind of boring. They also have some games in the back which is often closed off. I also wish it wasn't in such a mostly narrow space. I also do not like that the game Black Emperor is $1 here when it is only $.50 at The Detour. Otherwise it's an okay place for low budget retro arcade fun for all ages. I'd still recommend checking it out if you're in the area. If you like pinball you'll probably love it. read more

Best place to be in San Francisco! Rare and unique pins and family friendly! The owner Matt is the nicest guy. They have super cool mini arcade machines run by Small Change Arcade! And the staff is the best - especially Isaiah - so helpful and knowledgeable! Do not sleep on FGW! read more

Free Gold Watch - Printing Services Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you are visiting Haight St and love arcade bars, Free Gold Watch is a very cool spot to check out. We stopped by after lunch over the weekend, and it wasn't super packed. They have a ton of pinball machines and our favorite a pop-a-shot basketball game, which of course I got the high score of the day on. Most of the games are around $1 and take quarters. Best to bring cash, small bills, and they have change machines. A cool thing about this place is that it's BYOB, so if you don't want to spend crazy money at the bars, this is a cost effective way to spend a night. There's no entrance fees, and is very unassuming from the outside. It's a hidden gem for sure. read more

Fun and exciting activity to do in sf-play games! Hang out here for couple of hours, catch up and hangout with some friends. Variety of games to play!! read more

Free Gold Watch - Pinball machines - Printing Services Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Old school arcade with great prices and priceless nostalgia!! It is also a print shop in the back for tshirts, i see theyve done a lot for Amoeba records. No food no drinks except vending machine. Steps away from haight st and Golden Gate Park. read more

Free Gold Watch - Inside - Printing Services Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Grateful to have this place in the neighborhood. Free Gold Watch was the catalyst for my love of pinball. With 60 pinball machines, rotating 25cent game of the month, and merch, it's truly a gem in this city. The only feedback I'd offer is to have an updated monthly calendar on their website or social media so I don't walk over just to find that it's closed for a private event. (but how cool that you can rent this space?!) read more

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Yay pinball! An old school classic arcade primarily with lots of pinball machines and some old school games. Cost of games vary greatly, with some costing as much as $1.50 - $2 for three plays. There's also a print shop at the back of you wanna try out screen printing instead. Overall, a great way to chill out and spend a couple of hours reminiscing old school fun. read more

Free Gold Watch - Printing Services Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ever since I was a young boy I've played the silver ball From Soho down to Brighton I must have played 'em all But I ain't seen nothing like him In any amusement hall That deaf, dumb and blind kid Sure plays a mean pinball! I'm not even a pinball apprentice, but I can appreciate the joy an old-fashioned arcade can bring to adolescent boys even if they're in geriatric bodies. There wasn't a female to be found on the premises as there are 57 pinball machines mostly lined up in a long row. A special area was dedicated to vintage machines on loan from Alameda's even larger Pacific Pinball Museum (review: https://bit.ly/43m6mO1). Unlike that museum which charged a flat $20 admission for unlimited play, this place rightfully lets visitors bring their own quarters. Good for me since I only had one play in me. Machines range between 75 cents and a dollar. I chose The Big Lebowski pinball machine since I have a fondness for the Coen Brothers. The owners still have a custom T-shirt printing business if you were wondering. Otherwise, keep your thumbs limber. Even on my favorite table He can beat my best His disciples lead him in And he just does the rest He's got crazy flipper fingers Never seen him fall That deaf, dumb and blind kid Sure plays a mean pinball! RELATED - Interested in San Francisco's hidden gems? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3K7JKJl read more

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Just a block from Haight is this fun place filled with pinball machines and video games that take 50 cents to $1 in quarters to play! This is such a unique place, full of nostalgia. From Raiders of the Lost Ark to Spiderman to Elton John, these quality pinball machines are truly works of art. It's a fun place for loners, dates as well as families. There's always someone there if you need help and this place also prints t-shirts in the very back. read more

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Wow! 60 pinball machines in one place! If you need a pinball fix this is for you! And they are in very good shape. Check out the list of machines at: https://pinballmap.com/map?by_location_id=2405&by_location_name=Free+Gold+Watch And if you are driving here there is a lot of parking nearby in the Kezar stadium parking lot. read more

Loved the pinball, but people smoking right next to the door ruined it for us. Great selection and variety, wish they had more Stern machines. read more

Walking into this narrow warehouse-like space gives me legit San Francisco vibes. So hard not to gatekeep this, bring a sock full of quarters and get ready to have a time. read more

Wandering around the Haight & stumbled into this gem!!! Pinball machines are so photogenic so I just went wild taking pictures and then discovered a screen printing project happening in the back for the Crafty Fox's Beer Week!! I'm super picky about event tees & rarely go for the boxy fit, but this tee is SOOO CUTE and high quality!!!!! (I couldn't resist copping a cotton feel with them so hot off the press) A lot to love about this place!!! Right by GGP & near lots of little concert spots in the Haight, so imagine it's fun at night! \m/ read more

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I have never been to Free Gold Watch but I want to give a big shout out to two employees at this business who found my Apple watch and called me to let me know it had been found. I am so grateful. Good Samaritans for sure! read more

Free Gold Watch is one of the 3 cogs in the 'Mega' pinball locations around the Bay Area with approx 60 pinballs and some arcade games. I have been going there since day 1,when they offered up just 4 pinball games,which I believe,was back in 2011. If you remotely enjoy playing pinball, then you owe yourself a visit,as most if not all,are in immaculate condition,and if there's an issue,you can post it on the board for quick service. I live about a 4 hr drive and visit there many times a year. COME SEE FOR YOURSELF!!!! read more

I love these guys' passion for restoring/maintaining old pinball machines, plus they are really nice. Drop in and drop a few quarters. You won't regret it! read more

Discovered this place while driving through the neighborhood. The man running the place is super friendly and gives tips on how to play the games and which games are his favorite. Some on the games are only 25¢. Next time we are in the neighborhood we will definitely be returning. Definitely will be telling everyone about this place! read more

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a really unique pinball arcade with pins that run the gamut from EMs to the latest Stern, JJPs and CGC remakes with everything in between. Well kept and always working. In the middle of the Haight and across the street from Golden Gate Park with multiple bars and restaurants all within 2-3 blocks. By far and away the best in SF! read more

Wonderful place. Had a birthday gathering for my six year old. Plenty of stools. Cheap snacks. Got crowded pretty quickly.

Fun! I love San Francisco specifically because of places like that. Like to stop by on the way to or from, with kids or without, for a quick game or two and maybe a few tiny toys from $0.25 machine read more

I could really spend all day here. Cheap games, plenty of them, clean bathroom, vending machines... the only thing I wish is there to be more places to sit. If I lived here I'd hang out here all the time. I appreciate this place maintaining an affordable activity in such an expensive city that doesn't make me feel like I can't linger. read more

Immaculate collection of games that are sooooooo well maintained! Will always stop here!

Tons of pinball machines and classic arcade games. They even have buck hunter. It's also quite affordable! read more

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This is an unexpected gem of San Francisco! It is unassuming from the outside but the second you step in, you're teleported into the universe of pinballs! A great place to have fun before a bar or restaurant. They even have a section with historical pinballs! read more

What a fantastic space with such a variety of games. There wasn't much staff to talk to, but fortunately it was very self-explanatory when you got there. Such a great place to hang out with friends. I would have stayed there so much longer if prior commitments didn't make me leave early. read more

What a hole in the wall out of nowhere arcade hidden in the Haight! Feels like a guilty secret when inside . Pinball madness and die hard enthusiasts of bling, flashing lights, beeps and bells, and nostalgia. What a blast. read more

Tons of pinball machines !! I love that its quarters to play and not tokens unlike other pinball arcades. They have a small room with 4 or 5 vintage pinball machines (late to mid 60s/70s) The place does get full but theres so many machines you'll find one to play on while the rest clear up. I would say the only thing that makes me want to give 4 instead of 5 star was one of the workers/owners was kind of rude to another customer playing on a game that had a ball error. Shouted at them to wrap it up because the game was not working but hopefully his demeanor isnt always a bit pushy. Either way it's an arcade not customer service. Lovely pinball arcade for pinball lovers or just people looking for a fun activity. read more

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Good place to burn some time. It's mostly pinball machines with a some aracdes. I wish they more space because it does feel cramped because the machines are right next to each other. read more

Pinball Heaven!!! One of the best kept carefully curated line ups of Pinball machines i've ever seen. JJP Pirates??? You never see that machine on location! worth the trip just to play that game. Fathom?? Scooby Doo? Big Lebowski? Just not games you see on location often. Took the GF and she had a blast. I see others not feeling the set up but to me it's perfect! People bumping into you once in a while as you're playing is just part of any authentic arcade. Games are in fantastic condition and appear to be serviced regularly. An absolute pinball players dream. Can't wait to go back!! read more

What a great place. Never knew this existed right here in SF until my son attended his classmate's birthday party. I didn't interact with the staff but they seemed friendly. These are all quarter operated so there's an ATM machine and change machine. There were some old school consoles so it was very cool. Highly recommend this place. All four of us, my husband and myself and my two kids (10 & 4yrs old). read more

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