My team and I had a great time at Pins! We had to wait forever for the candlestick bowling, but they were plenty of things to do while we waited. My guys played ping-pong, some game that was kind of like darts, and bocce ball while we waited. Our only complaint was that we waited forever and then we only got to play one game of candlestick bowling after waiting 2 1/2 hours to get the lane. We felt like we should be able to play at least two games. Cool thing about the weight was you can walk across the street to grab food at the food hall, which was amazing. Bartenders were great. They made an especially refreshing blackberry drink. Just wish I didn't have so much time to have so many drinks before bowling. read more

If you're looking for a place where you can easily lose track of time (in the best way possible), Pins Mechanical is it. This isn't just a bar with a few games tucked in the corner--it's an entire experience. Everywhere you turn there's something to do. Whether you're feeling competitive or just want to laugh with friends, you'll find duckpin bowling, bocce ball, pinball machines for days, patio pong (think giant beer pong), ping pong, foosball, billiards, and one of my personal favorites... Hookie, a surprisingly addicting ring toss game that had us saying, "One more round..." more times than I'd like to admit. One thing I really appreciate is that the atmosphere works for just about everyone. You can come for date night, celebrate with a group, bring coworkers, or just grab a drink and wander around trying games you've never played before. It somehow feels energetic without being overwhelming. The upstairs patio is a hidden gem. There's plenty of seating, colorful décor, and a fire pit that makes it a great place to take a break before heading back inside. (I still miss the adult swings they used to have--they were ridiculously fun... although I can also understand why swinging and cocktails may not have been the safest long-term business decision. ) There are several bars throughout the building, so grabbing a drink is easy, and yes... they serve Jell-O shots if that's your thing. They don't serve food, but that's honestly not an issue because you're welcome to bring your own in. We grabbed food from The Garage next door, and it paired perfectly with an afternoon of games. A few tips: * Don't skip the upstairs. * Try Hookie at least once. * Wander around before settling on one activity--you'll probably discover something you didn't know was there. * Plan on staying longer than you expected. This is one of those rare places where the atmosphere is just as entertaining as the games themselves. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, it's hard to walk out without saying, "We should come back." read more

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Our team recently had a team building night out at Pins Mechanical for duck pin bowling. It's regular bowling (no special shoes required) but on a smaller scale. The pins are on strings and the balls are hand sized. We had two lanes and a dedicated server to come take food and drink orders. She was speedy and very attentive. I had the mocktails and they were tasty but just a bit too sweet. The bartender was able to pour over ice and top with soda water which helped. Along with bowling they have pinball, jenga, cornhole, and other yard games. It really started picking up and getting busy around 7:30-8pm. read more

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This place is always a good time. Not only are there so many activities (duckpin bowling, arcade games, beer pong), the drinks are fun too. This was our first stop on a bar crawl and the drinks we had here were excellent! read more

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"This is not 'Nam, this is bowling. There are rules." Pins Mechanical offers duckpin bowling, which has its own rules. This is similar to regular bowling, except the balls are smaller and lighter, the pins are smaller so they're more difficult to knock down, and the lanes are shorter. It's a fun pastime, and it's especially fun for kids, because they can hold the balls a lot easier. But Pins is way more than just duckpin bowling. You'll also find an assortment of indoor lawn games, like bocce ball, ping pong (table tennis), foosball, giant Jenga and dozens of pinball machines. One of the simplest but fun games is this court with trash cans, and you have to get the ball in the trash can. Kind of like giant cup pong game. There are multiple bars and multiple levels, so there's something fun wherever you look. Upstairs, you'll find an outdoor patio with a fireplace, too. Pins Mechanical is all ages until 9 p.m., upon which is turns into an adult-only spot. We visited on a weekend around opening time (noon), and there weren't too many people there, so it felt like we had the run of the place. If you want to experience the games, getting to Pins soon after it opens is your best bet. read more

Pins Mechanical was a lot of fun. Lots of games under one roof. The duckpin on short lanes is great and inclusive. The bocce is free, and there are lots of pinball games as well. Great selection of local beer. Helpful staff. It was a great place to wind down with family during a holiday trip. read more

Pins Mechanical - Games! - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Not sure how I hadn't been here before! Pins is a time! You can play duckpin bowling, pinball, corn hole, etc. Perfect for a winter hang! Though they have "garage" doors that open so I'm sure it's a summer vibe too! The service here is phenomenal. They are always walking around making sure everyone has what they need. I noticed all the little touches like having drink holders next to all the games. So thoughtful! I didn't get anything to drink (other than soda water) but my friends enjoyed their drinks and they have fun cocktails! Pro tips: Put your name in for a lane and then eat dinner at the garage! They will text when your lane is ready. Go upstairs!! They have a whole patio with fire pits. It's dreamyyyy! We wouldn't have known if was there but a sever shared this hidden gem! read more

Pins Mechanical - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

We recently had our company holiday party and everyone had a blast. The servers and bartenders were fun. They all worked quickly to make drinks. The cocktails were so funky and fun, but also tasty. read more

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Pins Mechanical is so much fun!!! There's plenty to do. The staff is always welcoming & helpful.

Great place to hang out with the family, (before nine) hang out with some friends, go out on a date with your significant other, have a few few drinks play a game of duckball and just enjoy your night. You can hangout and socialize throughout or on their outdoor deck play pinball games and a whole bunch of other games too read more

Pins Mechanical - We all enjoyed duck ball tonight - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Very cool and relaxed vibe at Pins Mechanical. It's a great spot to spend a few hours with friends or colleagues. I'd highly recommend this location for a fun outing and great atmosphere. read more

Pins Mechanical - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Had a blast. Played jumbo Jenga with friends and celebrated my sisters 40th birthday. Definitely will be back to try to bowling. The service was great, the drinks was good, and the atmosphere was clean and well put together! read more

Pins Mechanical - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

We arrived wanting to duck pin bowl and have some drinks for a friends birthday. We were quoted a 3 hour wait for a lane but was told it could be sooner because people had been leaving. So we grabbed a drink at the bar and played some of the games that were offered besides bowling. The drinks and beer were really good and not too bad of a price either. You can open a tab or pay as you go which is nice. The pinball games weren't all working the best but were still fun The giant connect 4 game was a lot of fun There's also bocce ball, cornhole and giant jenga as well as a few other options There's plenty of places to hang out on couches etc while you wait to play or to just have a nice conversation. The restrooms on one end were in desperate need of cleaning. We ended up only wait about an hour. They text you or you can view your place in line on your phone. We had so much fun bowling. Downside is when they are busy you get one game per lane and that's it Also do wish they took reservations for lanes No food but you can bring food in with you or go across to the food hall and bring food back. After 9pm it's 21 and over only. Overall decent experience and will definitely be back read more

Solid spot. The servers are polite but please know it can get busy. They aren't super slow in my opinion but it could be slow. Great for gatherings. Go during the week for a little less crowd. read more

I had loads of fun at Pins Mechanical. It's a great hang out spot. I went there for a group event and played duck pin. The servers there did a great job. They were so attentive and made sure we were not out of drinks. Not just the bowling but they also have arcade games and ping pong table. I felt like I could spend hours and hours there just playing something. Highly recommended. read more

Enjoyed our time here! Was able to bring in outside food while ordering drinks. Then played duck pin bowling and other games. They also allow dogs which was an added perk. Staff was also very nice and accommodating. read more

We went to Pins Mechanical to play some duck pin bowling. It wasn't very busy when we arrived, and the service was quick and efficient. I appreciate that families can enjoy time together before 9 PM, as the venue is 21+ after that hour. The friendly dog that roams the place adds to the atmosphere and brightens some people's day. read more

My company booked an evening out for meeting attendees and we had such a great time. We were treated to a buffet of Condado Tacos and a wristband to order at the main bar. We also enjoyed several lanes for bowling, a unique experience and strategy to knock down the pins. Several game options fill the space too, including video games, ping pong and "beer pong" using garbage cans. While a big are, I appreciated how open and bright the space was, and it was easy to find people in your party. The team at the bar were fantastic. They took care of our orders fast and greeted us with smiles. Even with a big crowd needing to be checked in with wristbands, we didn't wait long to be inside to enjoy the space. I'm looking forward to being back in Indianapolis and bringing my family back to enjoy this space. read more

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This is the most poorly operated business... do not waste any time waiting here .., big disappointment. We were on a wait list for 90 minutes that dropped steadily until we hit 5 parties ahead of us .... Then it fluctuated between 4 and 5 for over 30 minutes ... so I got in a very long line to ask why it was doing that. When I got to the check in they indicated it would be another 20 minutes and had no real explanation for why this was taking so long. We left read more

We stumbled upon this place and boy did it not disappoint, plenty of free games and the most unique bowling pin game ever, it was so much fun and such a cost effective way to hang out with friends or just a couples day out! Plenty of seating, friendly and engaging staff, we ordered a few drinks and hang out for hours! Perfect for a day and the food hall is a two minute walk away! read more

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As a B-Towner, getting to Indy is a fun and rare treat. And if I'm going to have a fun and rare treat, why not make it even sweeter? That's what a trip to Pins did! I found this while familiarizing myself with the area. It's been quite a long time since I had been in the area, and as soon as I spotted Pins, I knew I had to go check it out. I love that during the day it's family friendly, and the variety of activities is fun! I've gone candle pin bowling in Boston, but never duckpin bowling. I didn't get to this time mostly because we didn't have a lot of time and I never quite figured out how to get a lane activated. I did, however, make time to dump a number of quarters into some great pinball games! The sheer number was impressive! Most of them were in working order, which was a big plus. If there was a downside it was not being able to hear the sound of the machine you were playing because of the overall noise level. We didn't have any snacks or drinks. We were just here for the ambiance and coolness factor. I wouldn't have minded seeing a few older tables available. There is a lot of charm in those, and when you have as many tables as this place does it would make a nice addition. Pinball really is a fun and singular experience. The addition of online accounts that let you track table progression is fun as well. If I'm ever in the area, I'm going back with a lot more quarters and a lot more time! read more

Pins Mechanical - Rows and rows of pinball heaven! - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Came here for a work party and had a blast! They reserved the whole south end for our party with four lanes of duck pin bowling. Loved trying all the fun cocktails. The honey badger was our favorite! Also loved the stony fizz for a non-sugary option. Most of the cocktails come with a fun item--like a crazy straw for the magic school bus or a bomb pop! Note: because of the duck pin bowling it is VERY hard to hear! Not the right space if you're trying to have a sit down conversation--I would go elsewhere for that. read more

Pins Mechanical - Weekly specials - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

What a fun way to spend the day! They don't offer any food but you are welcome to bring anything in. They do have a full bar and lots of seating areas. Lots of games and activities for everyone to do. read more

Pins Mechanical - Duck pun bowling - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Pins is a great place for families, couples, and groups! We come here often on date nights to play games, duckpin bowl, and grab a fun drink from their extensive cocktail and draft menu! We love to head to Pins on Sundays around lunchtime as a fun family activity- kids bowl for free and get a free soda. Everything is so well well done here in the staff is super friendly. If I could find ANYTHING wrong with Pins, it's because they don't have food. Nothing in the Bottleworks District is open terribly late, so if you stay late at Pins, you'll have to go on a hunt to find food. We love Pins and will keep coming back! read more

Pins Mechanical - Duckpin bowling - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

My family and I stopped in while in the area. We really just came for the pinball as we had our quarters ready! I loved the variety of pinball they had. The space is quite large and has a variety of games you can play for free or play for a low price. I would love to come back and play duckpin bowling. The place could use some more cleaning and replacing chairs as you walk throughout. read more

Pins Mechanical - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Fun spot with a good mix of activities like duckpin bowling, pinball, and ping pong. The atmosphere is upbeat, and it's easy to spend a few hours just hanging out, playing games, and enjoying drinks. Service was friendly and things felt organized, which made the visit smooth overall. It can get a little busy at times, so expect to wait if you're coming during peak hours, but once you're in, it's worth it. A solid place to relax with friends or family and definitely one I'd come back to, though maybe not every weekend. read more

Pins Mechanical is a really cool bowling bar! We Came at a busy time so we weren't able to get a spot but it was nice to chill around for a drink. read more

Pins Mechanical - Old Aloha - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This is such a fun spot in Indianapolis! You more than likely have to wait on a weekend for a lane to open up (they'll text you when ready) but there is so much to do that you hardly notice! Giant Jenga(free), pinball machines($1), ping pong(25¢), giant beer pong(free), foosball(50¢), bocce(free)...and that's just the first floor! Every group I've been with has had so much fun passing the time by having a good time with the other activities. Make sure to bring cash for the machines! The upstairs has its own bar, some more games, and rooftop seating. They used to have swings there as well. They weren't there last time but it was a busy Friday night so they may have temporarily taken them down for room. There is no kitchen but it has a full bar. It is kinda pricey but there is always some special to help the wallet. Some of their special drink are pretty creative and always good. Outside food is welcome (The Garage food hall is right next door) though you can get a Hot Pocket or Uncrustable if you really want to order there. This is definitely a great spot to hang out at! read more

Pins Mechanical - They really lean into the puns :) - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Rockin' & Rollin', & Bowling! Pins Mechanical is such a good time! We absolutely loved the loft area with the games & can't wait to visit in the summer to sit outdoors. The pinball machines were such fun & you can't go wrong with giant Jenga. Downstairs, you'll find Bocce Ball, Table Tennis, and of course bowling! This is duckpin style bowling, so both less and more competitive for you and your friends. Friendly bets will not go amiss and what's a competition without a little trash talking? This is definitely a fun place to spend an afternoon or evening. Check it out! read more

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Went here on a Friday night and put our name in, they said it will take about 3 hours, went to the garage and ate dinner, came back and ask where we at in line and they said about 30 more minutes Went to grab some drinks and talked while we waited overall wait was 1.5 hours you're only allowed to play 1 game on a weekend due to wait Max 5 people allowed per lane we had 6 people in our group so we had 2 lanes by each other, didn't do anything else because other activities were rented by a group. 4 stars because for an hour and half wait we were not allowed to do 2 games of duckpin, and I don't think they should have had a private event on Friday night and if they did they should just have closed the whole place so that people could do other activities they offer and not just a 1 game of duckpin but that's just my opinion I'd recommend coming here it's fun and their drinks are awesome they had different cocktails and a full bar! They don't have food but you can bring your own and dog are allowed as well read more

Pins Mechanical - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Duck pin bowling is a lot of fun! I have never done that before but it was a fast paced and easy game to play with our family, from age 8 to age 78 we all had fun knocking over pins. The bar was also great and had some clever and fun cocktails to help with my bowling skills! They have a lot of pin ball machines, ping-pong and large Jenga to play as well. This was a great family friendly space and I can't wait to go back! read more

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Had a night out with coworkers here recently. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Really fun, laidback vibe. Plenty of activities. I really enjoyed the outside patio, quipped with fire pits. Also enjoyed the lounge areas. I would return and recommend to others! read more

Pins Mechanical - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Always have a good, random creative seasonal drink or two on the menu. It's always good. Fire pit was clutch for a date I was on. A lot of stuff to do, or chill at one of the bars / lounging seat areas. All around good time whenever I go. read more

Pins Mechanical - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I have passed by this place several times while eating at the garage and never even thought to walk through here. It is a great atmosphere with several lanes for duckpin pulling, as well as other activities. Some activities are free and others cost money. The ones that do are pretty reasonably priced. I would say compared to an average game of bowling. It is a little on the expensive side to bowl, but that kind of makes up for it with the other activities. This place only serves drinks and does not offer any food choices read more

Fun place downtown in the Bottleworks District. Duckpin bowling, bocce, games, beer pong, pinball macines, and lots of beer and specialty cocktail selections from three large bar areas. 21+ after 8pm, family-friendly prior. And there's a big ol' friendly house dog, which of course is awesome (although I fear a little loud for a dog but he seemed really chill.) Also plenty of seating to lounge if you prefer that as well. #ReviewsByRL read more

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Went for a friend's bachelorette party. We had the best time and never stopped laughing. Drinks were great and great prices on the bowling. I love that they had games all over the place for people to play for free like Jenga and cornhole. I will definitely be back for the next birthday or girls night out. read more

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This spot is fun for all ages! We stopped in on a Sunday to take advantage of their kids bowl free Sunday (with a purchase of adult games). We had about an hour wait so we headed to the patio upstairs to play giant jenga, foosball, pinball, giant connect four and other games for free, or just a few dollars an activity! Once we began bowling, I knew that Pins would be a place we'd be back to soon! Duckpin bowling is so much more fun for children. The balls are lighter and smaller and the lanes are shorter. Because of this, The wait time between bowlers is minimal. Parents can grab beverages and also food for everyone! read more

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I just realized I never reviewed Pins when I was here in January to celebrate my birthday. We were first timers even though we'd walked by several times. We had to wait about 30 minutes for a lane, but we took the time to get drinks and visit. Drinks were good, bartenders were friendly and the wait breezed by. We had a blast even if we weren't the greatest bowlers! Fast forward to this past weekend and I brought my daughter and 2 of her friends on a Saturday evening. We arrived at 5:30 and it wasn't overly busy. We asked for the wait on bowling lanes and were told it would be 2 hours. I asked to be put on the list and was told we couldn't because kids aren't allowed past 8 and with a 2 hour wait, we would be past that time to finish our hour bowling. We decided to head to the garage hall for food and then venture back to try other games. Ping pong was available so the girls played for a bit. We then walked past the lanes and noticed 3 were open. I went back to the counter to inquire if they were open or out of order. The lady very rudely rolled her eyes at me and said that she was waiting for people to claim them. When I asked about the timing of them claiming the lanes, she responded "they are probably waiting in line." I had waited over 10 minutes just to ask the question so it wasn't as if I should have ruined her day as she made it seem. I brushed the rudeness off and we went upstairs. There was plenty to do. The girls played hookie, they enjoyed the swings, the teeter totter and patio in general. There was also jenga and a barrel game. I got a drink and the girls got shaved ice. The bartender was great! There is a ton to do and there were a lot of families present. Despite the poor counter service, I will still be back. read more

Such a fun vibe! Loved the indoor outdoor space, plus couches and a TV. Seems to be something for everyone here! I loved the variety of games. Games seemed to be somewhat reasonably priced- 6 dollars for 30 minutes for the beer bucket pong. There were some games that took coins, and I don't carry cash so that was offputting. Jenga is free to play while waiting on another game. Service was quick although the bar was full. 4 stars because we had a kiwi mule and it was super sugary- not my favorite. I'd probably stick to beer next time and their draft list had a decent line up including local brews. read more

Pins Mechanical - Patio - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Sunday is free duckpin bowling for kids 13 and younger, they also get free soda all until 8pm. What a sweet deal! Adults are $6 for a game, not bad! I absolutely love this place. The environment is so fun, and inside just looks really cool. Came here to spend Father's Day and we all had a great time. My hubby got a drink- old aloha- from the downstairs bar tender, I guess he was new so he didn't care for his drink too much, it was definitely on the strong side. Service was quick on this day, it wasn't too busy so we got a duckpin bowling lane soon after arriving, that's a score! On weekends the games are limited to 1, so it was one and done for us. read more

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