Fun, friendly atmosphere, and affordable entertainment. I've never gone duck bowling before but it was arguably better than normal bowling.

We were excited to check Pins out once we heard they were open. We got there around 7PM on a Friday and were able to get a lane for duckpin bowling right away. I thought there'd be a wait but was pleasantly surprised. Two guys were checking ID's out front. I asked if the place was 21+ and they say after 7PM. They had lots of beer on draft and a pretty decent cocktail menu. I tried the La Bomba which had tequila, grapefruit and jalapeño. It was light but the jalapeño added a nice kick. Duckpin bowling was super fun! I believe it's $24 per game which is pretty reasonable if you go with a group. You don't have to rent shoes which is also nice. We bowled for about an hour and spent some time with the arcade games. It was so nice being able to go to Pins and then heading to The Garage to eat. We look forward to coming back with more friends! read more

See all

Such a fun addition to the downtown! This spot is kid friendly (during the day only) and dog friendly. They offer all types of games: pinball, bocce ball, duckpin bowling, foosball, ping pong, Jenga, Connect Four and more. We arrived on a Friday night and there was a three-hour wait for bowling, a two-hour wait to play ping pong, and an hour wait for bocce ball. We therefore just headed upstairs to hang out on the rooftop bar around the fire pits. The bar is huge and we enjoyed just hanging out in that nice atmosphere. There were a few kinks to work out too. We tried to play foosball but didn't have cash to play it and there seemed to be so many bowling lanes and ping pong tables open, yet the waitlist was so long. We also got a moonshine cocktail that none of us could drink. This is a place we'll probably come back to eventually. Definitely check it out for yourself! read more

When I first visited there was lots of excitement, me and my friends went on day 1 and were actually the first customers to walk through the doors. Now that the dust has settled, the staff isn't nearly as friendly as they once were. The folks at the check in area don't greet you and stand around on the phones and provide bare minimum service, the bartenders (specifically the ones in the front area) act like your are a Nuisance when you try to order your overly priced drink.. the vibe of the staff just isn't the same months later. Perhaps it is the lack of service staff that seems to be impacting many places or maybe they are just burnt out due to always being busy, not sure. Nevertheless, I miss the old Pins staff!!! read more

See all

I had a BLAST at Pins for the first (hopefully annual) winter bowling league. Teams of 4 met up weekly for 8 weeks and bowled 2 games each night. We were always greeted by the friendliest staff and our fearless leader, Christian, who organized the whole shabang wonderfully. It was something to look forward to mid week in the gross winter months and we made many new friends. Pins also has a bunch of fun games other than bowling- giant trash can pong, ping pong, bocce ball, hookie, pinball, and giant Jenga. Kids bowl free on Sunday so come early and anticipate chaos, you've been warned! Upstairs is a rooftop area that is sometimes less busy read more

Very very cool game bar! It's a new game bar in the garage district downtown. I planned a gathering graduation celebration for my partner who sent me this place! It's a pretty big space. It's across the street from the cafeteria parking lot and next to the theatre. They have ping pong, duckpin bowling and other games. I believe it's 3 levels ! Downstairs level has the duckpin lanes and very modern lounge seating kind of similar to 16-bits couches. They even have tv lounge areas, big size jenga playing area. Just so many options of fun and so many places to lounge and drink. The duckpin bowling is pretty much a check in and get a text to get a lane kind of deal. Keep in mind that if you check in and fill out a game sheet to play, once you get the text, you go to the check OUT lane. I saw so many people confused about where to go so hopefully that helps set people up for success! It's about $18 per duck pin bowling game and goes up depending on the amount of people. They have a pretty wide variety at the bars. Lots of beers on tap and regular hard liquor choices. There's 2 bars downstairs and 1 upstairs. They also have pitchers for specialty drinks ($35) and serves up to 4-5 people. They don't serve food but allow outside food in! All in all a good new game bar to hang out at. read more

Looking for a good place for the family, even the furry one? Pins is perfect with options for everyone to enjoy and you can bring your own food. We have taken our poodle and played some pinball. We are looking forward to taking friends for duckpin bowling. There's ample parking around the Bottleworks complex and the drinks are festive similar to their other business 16-bit. They even made a great "mocktail" for me. Check it out! read more

Pins Mechanical - This is our dog hanging out with us in the back pinball area. - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I've not participated in any of the games but been in for drinks several times. Really fun atmosphere and the upper level deck is great on a summer day. Service is friendly and speedy. Only one restroom upstairs is a bit of a downer so plan ahead. Will take my family soon for fun and games. read more

Pins Mechanical - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This is a very fun space with lots of games to play including pins (bowling), giant pong, oversized connect 4, ring toss, and more! There is a rooftop patio which is a great place to have a drink. Although the businesses are separate, you can also bring food inside Pins from the Garage Food Hall. You can open a tab at any bar in the building and close at another one. The whole ambiance is very fun and modern - perfect for adults who want to play and have a drink! Also it is dog friendly! read more

Pins Mechanical - Pinball Wizard cocktail - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all

I love this place! I wonder if there is anything similar in Atlanta! Fun fun and great drinks! It's across from the Garage which is an indoor food court with lots of different meal choices. Pins has different games and seating options. Their Kiwi Mule is so good! The only thing I did not understand nor liked is how they manage the duckpin lanes and waiting list. We were told there was a 1,5 hour wait but there were 4 unoccupied lanes for over an hour. Basically, people book and then don't play? I found that to be a waste of time for customers and money for them...they should give a time limit and collect payment only after you play. read more

See all

Highly recommend checking this place out! Super fun duck pin bowling and yummy drinks! The lanes are a lot shorter than your typical duck pin. They also have pinball, foosball, ping ball and bocce. read more

Pins Mechanical - Duck pin - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

LOVE this place. We went recently to celebrate a family birthday and had the best time. Went on a Saturday in the early afternoon and only had about a 10 min wait for the duckpin bowling, which was fine because there is so much to do here. I'm a huge fan of jumbo yard games like jenga, connect four, etc. and they have plenty of those here. They also have a ton of pinball machines to play, ping pong, jumbo beer pong, and more. I was already impressed by everything before we even went to the top level where there is another bar, more games, and a rooftop patio with fire pits and seating. Overall a big fan of this place because it can get boring standing around at bars. There's is so much to do here! read more

See all

Perfect for a birthday party I took my niece there for hers. I didn't know I got three chances in duckpin bowling so that was cool. I went in Thursday so the bowling wait list was only about 20mins. It was very nice outside. It was cold but the fire feel so nice and warm and the staff was so kind. read more

See all

Myself and two friends came out to the long awaited Pins soft opening tonight, and I must say: we were not disappointed. We started with a game of duckpin -- and it was so much more fun than your traditional bowling. The lanes were shorter, the balls were lighter, and it felt easier overall. Easier = more engaging and it feels like you actually can be competitive. We played some pinball and some games upstairs as well - we were definitely kept entertained. The drinks were the star of the show - fun cocktails and quite a few beers on tap. I had the pinball wizard and it was good but not my absolute fave - I liked kingpin a lot more. The atmosphere was definitely fun and vibey. Pins does not sell any food so make sure you stop at The Garage (right across the street) for dinner before you start your night there. read more

Pins Mechanical - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

We took our grandson to duckpin bowling. When I checked in, I was told it would be an hour and 20 minute wait. After and hour and a half, the website said we were next. When I went to the desk to check, I was told there were 3 people ahead and I would have to wait for the text. When I showed him the website that said there was no one ahead of us, he said you can't trust the website. I do not appreciate being lied to. We will find someplace else to take our grandson in the future. read more

If you're looking for a more casual and engaging night out with your friends, please check out Pins! This place plays off all your favorite memories of going to the bowling alley as a kid but classes them up and adds so much more! On the main floor, you will find lane after lane of duckpin-style bowling, ping pong tables, pinball machines, cute seating areas, and a bar with over 30 beers on tap - including many local options! Upstairs, there are many life sized games like giant Jenga, another bar, and a beautiful rooftop patio that is gorgeous in the summertime. The bartenders have all been so nice and helpful and have given me some great recommendations from their never ending beer list. I'm sad that they aren't doing half price beers on Mondays anymore, but the wide selection and drink specials (like the $3 green tea shots) keep me coming back! I have bowled a couple of times, and I personally think it is more fun (and easier) than traditional bowling - especially after a few trips to the bar ;) A year-round fun night out - what's not to love! read more

Pins Mechanical - Pins is Hazel approved! - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all

We made our first visit here to celebrate our granddaughter's birthday. It was a party of 17 so they had reserved two lanes for bowling and a table. It was a great idea since all the kids were three and older. We also had enough adults to supervise as there were many activities besides bowling. It would not be good to let children roam freely. You can carry in food for your table and there were servers who came around for drink orders. They offer soft drinks and beer/wine or cocktails. If you're thinking of booking a party you should probably go in advance and check things out. It was a fun and unique way to spend a Saturday afternoon. The Bottleworks also has many food and shopping venues nearby with a surface parking lot and parking garage. read more

This place is so amazing but bring your wallet. They charge for everything! There are a few games that are free but not many. We took our kids on a Saturday. We had to wait for duckpin bowling but there was other stuff to do while we waited. Great bar selection too! We will go back without kids and see how it goes. read more

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

Good for playing Chatting and drinking But no food is provided only drinks. Ambiance is good. Service is okay Drinks are nice. read more

Pins Mechanical - Mocktail GameOver - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all

I really like this place. To be honest I was prepared to dislike it...but I think it's because I get excited about places like this with activities to do while hanging out (that aren't dancing to super loud music), and then I'm left disappointed...but not at Pins! The drinks are fun, and they have a good selection of beer and a few whiskeys etc. There are several activities, and it still feels spacious for sitting in between activities or low key hanging out. I love that I can casually hang out or play pinball without having to reserve and wait. I will have to plan ahead to wait for bowling sometime. Everytime I've been thus far has been spontaneous and duckpin had too long of a wait for our liking at the moment. That's a good thing for Pins...people are enjoying the facility! Other activities: Bocce, foosball, ping pong, giant beer pong At certain times they allow under 21 crowd to come and play too.(until 8pm daily) Nothing is free though, drinks aren't super cheap and the games all cost. I'm prepared to pay a little over price for drinks when the venue is modern industrial cool and has plenty of activities to offer. I don't even think they have food, but totally not needed as it's nestled in the Bottleworks district with much deliciousness nearby! Good to have this as a fun stop on a night out or plan for a game night out with many activities to satisfy everyone. read more

This is a fun game/ activity, but seems you can't pre-reserve, and on weekends, you can only play one game. Hence 4 stars instead of 5. We have been 3 times now and I guess as more people are coming out of the woodwork, they have limited game playing to only one round. For many of us, you're just getting warmed up with one game, so it's a bummer you can't play two. And still we have never not waited at least 45 minutes to get in. I'm not sure what the answer is, but one game goes by so fast- especially if there's just two of you. Maybe for two people they should allow two games, because you're taking about the same amount of time as the groups of 5-6 on one lane? At least there's good music and with The Garage next door, you can put your name in and go eat, and still have plenty of time to wait. read more

This was a fun date night for my husband and I ! We have been looking for fun activities to do for dates rather than just a movie and dinner and this was great! We had fun with duck pin bowling and enjoyed the drinks while bowling. We liked the rooftop bar as well! read more

See all

Pins is one of my favorite places in Indy! I've been here several times and had great experiences. There are so many games to engage in from duckpin bowling, pinball, giant pong, and so much more. Some are free and some aren't. It's really nice having options of things to do while socializing with friends. It does get pretty busy at times so expect to wait in the bar line a bit or for tables to be full if you go on a weekend, but nothing out of the usual Indy weekend crowd wait times! Weekdays are very mellow. They make a great mojito. The upstairs has swings and a little rooftop area as well as a tv and couch area if your crew is wanting to watch a game. The surrounding bottleworks district also has a lot to offer and is fun to explore. I recommend eating at The Garage before. We love bringing friends and family here when they come to visit! read more

Great place to hang out. I had my birthday with friends. They don't have food so go to the garage first.

Had a kids birthday party here. Great service!! Great price!! Overall awesome for an event! The following week we went as a family, and still awesome service. Great price. Lots to choose from. read more

We came on a Tuesday night for our anniversary and it was our first time. It was such a fun experience! Tons of games to play for super cheap. The place is set up so cool and there's even an upstairs patio with a fire pit. This spot is literally perfect for a date night or to hang with some friends. I got draft beer all night and my husband tried a bunch of the cocktails. Amazing drinks and service. I already can't wait to go back! read more

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

See all

Came with four of our friends for a Saturday afternoon. Kid friendly during the day. The wait for bowling was too long so we tried a few others of the free activities. Hookie was fun, it's in the corner by the bar. You get points by throwing large rubber bands at a board with hooks. More fun than it sounds and harder than it sounds. We also played Patio pong. It's a larger version of beer pong without the alcohol. The "cups" are trash cans and the balls are larger as well. We had a really good time. I don't try any of the cocktails or drinks but they all looked really good. read more

Definitely a cool place to sit around and watch all the extra trendy people. Lots of fun games, cool second floor patio, but again, just like the rest of the area is very pricey and ultra trendy. read more

This place is so family friendly all around, and great atmosphere for the parents! WIN WIN!!

We often come here on Mondays for the half priced beer, great games, and outdoor fire pits. Perfect for a cold winter night or a warm sunny day. One of my favorite bars in Indianapolis-- I love their giant pong game set up and the duck pin bowling is so much fun. Such a great vibe to chill with a group of friends! read more

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

Fun place. Great bartenders!! Super service. Affordable. Super bright and clean. Made for a great afternoon.

My husband and I love coming here to play a few games! Duckpin bowling is way better than regular bowling in my opinion - I recommend playing at least 2 rounds! Be sure to venture upstairs, the patio is great and they have free games like connect 4 and Jenga available. The pinball machines are also fun so bring some cash ($1). You can also start a tan and order from any of the bars which is super convenient so you aren't tied to a table/game/location. Stop in for some fun! read more

See all

Me, My big brother, 16 year old niece and my 79 year old mom and grandmother popped over around 1pm this past wed. 2/22/23 to the game section of bottleworks after lunch. The door was open but looked closed but we were just checking out the space. When we went to the second floor a very rude employee approached us asking to escort us out as if we were trouble lol. Never said sorry just looked crabby and so disrespectful. He was a tall man. Lost a customer. He was beyond mean and snobby. read more

Super fun place with lots of options for entertainment and drinks! Upstairs patio is so cute as well and enjoyed the fire pits. Pinball is $1 per game and they have change machines there too. You can also pay to reserve games like duck pin, bocce ball, yard pong, foosball, and ping pong, while giant Jenga, giant connect 4, and "Hookey" (upstairs) is free. I appreciate how this place has a non alcoholic beer option as well - Brewdog punk AF. I can't wait until they get more like this as well as mocktails and food on the menu! read more

See all

After dinner at the food garage across the way, we stopped in for a drink and some duck pin bowling. It was super fun, although I had no idea what "duck pin bowling" actually was before we arrived. Light weight balls, pins on strings, back to the basics. Great bartenders, fun atmosphere, good prices all made for a wonderful evening. Pinball games, oversized connect four, and a few other things that we didn't check out this trip but will be back to explore some more. read more

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

Popped in for drinks with my husband! I absolutely loved both our drinks. My husband selected the peach drink with a peach ring. I was super pleased with his drink. So much I drank his more than mine. All in all, the bartender was great. Always nice to see an establishment with fresh cocktails and games. Def a great addition to the bottleworks district we will be back! read more

Pins Mechanical - Friday night cocktails - Bowling Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

We had such a fun time here! Loved the pinball choices. Bocce Ball was a blast! Your bartenders are very sweet and so fast to refill a drink. Alcohol price point is very reasonable. Will definitely be back. read more

Bryce by far might be the most personable, attentive, professional bar tender that I have ever experienced in my life!! Please ask for Bryce next time you're at Pins!! read more

I loved loved loved this place!!! What a cool place to hang out. So much fun and soooo many things to do! There were soo many games to play: bowling, pinball, giant connect four, and giant jingaz. The atmosphere was very chill, casual, and laid back. I thought the outdoor seating was also very chic. The drink menu was pretty good too. I was little iffy on paying for the speciality drink but it was actually very strong & had a great flavor. I'll definitely be back. read more

See all

I went duckpin bowling on a Sunday at about 2pm and I a 5 minute wait to bowl. The drinks were delicious and we went next door to the garage food hall after. This is a lot of fun, it's a lot easier because you are so much closer to the pins! You can also wear your own shoes so it saves you money. The rest of the games other than pinball are free so it's nice to hang out if there is a wait for the lanes. I'm surprised and i'll be back to play again!!! read more

See all