Back in the day of neighborhood arcades, neighborhood gaming establishments were arguably the premier social hubs for 15-22 year olds. Nothing created more excitement than a new machine getting rolled out onto the arcade floor or setting a high score on an old favorite. I was part of that crowd, loved to play both video games and pinball machines and got to see both the rise and fall of the "neighborhood arcade". It was with some surprise, but when my wife suggested to me we go down to Coin Jam to enjoy a beer and a few games of pinball on date night, I was thrilled to oblige her. We arrived around 6:00 PM and approached the left end of the bar, ordered a very nice Belgian Ale, from the polite and efficient server. The arcade was comfortable and clean as were the restrooms. After changing a $10.00 for some coin, we marched off to find who was to be arcade champion on this night. As we walked through the main hallway, we were impressed by the assortment of classic era games. Selection here is not a problem and kudos should go out for having such a strong lineup of games that bring back memories of the glory days of gaming. I wanted to march straight back to play my first love "pinball", but the pull of the stand up version of "Spy Hunter", along with hearing the pulse pounding, totally unique version of "Peter Gunn" gripped me so tight, that I had plunk my quarters. I was disappointed to hear.........nothing. Nice game, but why remove an integral aspect of the experience of playing a classic by turning the music off....shameful. Next we made our way to the pinball area of the arcade. We didn't play all of the machines here, so I will list the ones we did along with my impression of each. Adams Family - The play field is curiously sloping to the right hand side of the machine. The right flipper rubber is worn out on the tip. This machine is a classic, but is not enjoyable like this. (Imagine bowling on a lane tipped to one gutter) Bride Of Pin Bot - This machine plays good, but the flipper tips are worn. This is the absolute easiest item to maintain on a pin and hasn't been addressed here. This is important, because when flipper tips are bad the game play suffers substantially. Simpsons Pinball - Same thing with the flipper tips. This machine's is completely worn out. AC/DC - Played great, sounds great! Medieval Madness - This machine is flat out broken and should be turned off. The drawbridge is broke, the game play is skewed. A quarter stealer....beware. Getaway - Broken or in need of service (not operating) Tron Legacy - Played fine, everything seemed to work. Scared Stiff - Broken, sometimes a simple thing like a broken switch (Frog three on play field) will prevent a player from progressing from level to level. The spider on the back glass is broken too. Wizard Of OZ - Advertised on the "Coin Jam" website....MIA! not on the gaming floor?????? At this point, our beer was finished and we both decided to continue our evening elsewhere. As we emerged from the back of the arcade I was again gripped by the pull of "Donkey Kong" and plunked my quarter in. Yep, same story....nice game, no classic music, thereby providing only part of the experience. At this point, we were starting to notice a trend. I went to find the maintenance request box that all reputable classic arcades provided and chuckled to myself when I realized I was reliving the disappointment of those classic arcades too! No such luck. My overall impression of this establishment wasn't positive on this trip. We went there to play games and found more problems with the games we played than we thought was reasonable. I feel Coin Jam might be biting off more than it can chew. We will try it again, perhaps their virtues are in their menu, for last night it certainly wasn't in their gameplay. read more

Food - Fantastic: The food is wonderful. The food's decently priced and fantastic. The Chili Verde Fries had huge, succulent chunks of pork... ermagerd. Service - Fantastic: The people who work there are super friendly and cool as hell. Atmosphere - Fantastic for nerds, so-so for non-nerds: The TVs play clips from terrible movies and '80s commercials. Their fridge door is Han Solo in carbonite while comic covers and memes line the walls. The back half is an arcade full of games both classic and modern, so bring a pocket full of quarters. Overall - Fantastic: It's a great place to hang out, eat, drink, and/or play video games. If you're not into nerdy things, you might feel a little out-of-place, but hell, the food is still good! read more

BLAST FROM THE PAST!!! This place's food was as good as the pictures on Yelp! The cheese fries are good enough to figuratively kill for. My husband got the sliders and I got the BLT wrap. We filled up on the cheese fries beforehand so we didn't finish everything but I would have if I could have! The retro vibe is A+++. We watched 80s/90s movies while we ate and played coin video games after. Granted we were the "old" people (and we aren't even 30 yet) but we had fun! read more

Decent selection of games and beer reasonably priced. Bathrooms are messy and floor is always sticky but there are always a lot of people, so I see the workers are kept busy. read more

Love it. Their snacks and food is delicious, the games are fun and I've only had one eat my money and the game person walking around just gave it back no issues. It's a great place to go have fun. read more

This place is super fun! They have air hockey (my personal favorite) and a bunch of arcade games. The best part is.........the alcohol!

Awesome! So many retro games literally had a blast playing through my childhood!! A must go for any gamer or anyone wanting to play retro games! read more

I love this place! Great food and video games, what more do you want?? Oh ya, cool stuff on the t.v.s and on the walls!

This a really nice spot to hangout with friends and grab a drink and enjoy some old school arcade games. I just wish it wasn't so small as it gets very busy, and I also wish they had a full bar so I could get more than just beer, cider, and wine. I will say the food is great though, and its always very clean. read more

Seriously at 10 pm on the dot (without a warning) a server came to me and said I had to chug the rest of my beer or else they were going to take it and throw it away. Sure, with covid there are restrictions. I get it. But give someone a warning or a little grace shoooooot. read more

Tacos and other foods are delicious! Fun atmosphere and a cool place to hang out if you are looking for something different in Salem.

As someone who would qualify themselves as a 'mini nerd', I truly enjoy this place. The classic arcade style games and the 4 person PAC-man are things that allow 'adults' (we all know it's quotes, don't try to talk yourselves out of it) to reach into themselves and touch their children side. This is an incredible concept but the lack of space can be difficult to get around. The functionality of it as a bar/pub and video game arcade is genius however the amount of space does not do the theme justice. If there was a possibility of finding a larger venue to rent/own/lease, I would recommend the owners of The Coin Jam take up that spot. The dining itself could use more space and become more useful for families who come in before the curfew. I would also love to see some lounging furniture for social times for the 'adult' hours. Just some thoughts, I love the concept and the food's about a 7/10. Nothing to go crazy over but good enough to add in to the story. read more

Attentive servers, excellent food and killer atmosphere. Our server was so friendly and the food was excellent. I will definitely be back to try more of the menu. read more

The Coin Jam - American Near Me - Salem, Oregon

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Extremely disappointed. Ordered burger, usually a safe order. I was told they come cooked medium, which is great. I prefer medium even rare. This burger came out too thick to take a bite of. I cut it in half to find an absolutely raw patty. You could smell the raw meat. Waitress seemed offended that I didn't love their food. At the end of meal I didn't eat but no worries, she took 2 dollars off out bill!!!!!! There is way too much competition around to even consider coming back. read more

This place is fun. First, it's a video arcade, with classic arcade games, from starting back in the mid-to late '70s: talkin' Asteroids, Dig Dug, Space Invaders, Centipede, Galaxian. As well as many, many others. Go see for yourself. Second, it's a bar. Which serves Oregon brews. (And, uh, Sorry other states, and I've lived in a few and drank beers in brewpubs all over the world, but our Oregon brewers are the best.) Third, it's a pub restaurant, with great tater tots, burgers and wings, plus enough of a variety of other foods to pleas most palates. This place is an arcade-bar with food. I go there just for the Juicy Burger and play a game or two at lunch. Doesn't mean I'm drinkin' beer at lunch. Wouldn't do that. Go. Check it out. read more

I love this place! They have so many games. It's the perfect place to meet up with some friends grab a beer or two and play some pinball. They have a huge selection of new games And classics as well. The food is also very yummy. I'd probably have to say the pork tacos are the best starter plate in all of Salem. The staff is very friendly as well there isn't one Person I don't like(which is rare) read more

Highly recommend The Coin Jam for a fun night out. We've been here quite a few times and it's always a fun experience. Good service, good eats and lots of games! For me I was particularly happy that their hot wings weren't breaded! ;) read more

The Coin Jam - Pre-gaming snacks, delicious fries and hot wings! - American Near Me - Salem, Oregon

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Love this place! Went for a co workers birthday a month ago . The bartender asked me what I wanted I ordered an Angry orchard but she politely told me they ran out but she recommend another cider which was just as good if not better. I always enjoy going to the coin jam because they treat thier customers like family. read more

I ordered food for my party guests, food delivery was great, very efficient and pleasant. I asked the waitress for a hug, she declined so I asked her for a "hand hug" ( high 5) after this interaction with the waitress I was "cut off" I had 2 Deschutes beers, played games and enjoyed time with my company. I would understand if I was out of line or a " drunk A$$hole" to warrant cut off, I was neither of these!. My rating of coin jam , is in and out and don't linger!. It's for 21 year olds bar hopping not someone who's 38 wanting to enjoy time with friends!. I will never attend coin jam again EVER. It took this frustration for me to even crate a yelp account!. Salem, Oregon coin jam, enjoy having one less customer. read more

Love this place. I was a bit skeptical the first time my husband took me here but that was quickly changed! The games are fun, the drink options are great, and the food is super delicious!!!! When friends come into town to visit, we usually introduce them to Coin Jam :) read more

Loved this place. Good for larger group hang outs and it has a funky retro atmosphere that I enjoyed. Good food and fun games!

A fantastic addition to the growing 'downtown Salem'. This establishment is truly a gem, for gamers and non-gamers alike. The place is wall-to-wall arcade classics, with new and exciting ones being rotated in every so often. They also have the largest line of pinball machines in Salem. The number of beers that they have on tap is incredible. The staff is fantastic too -- Jen, Julia, Big Hoss, Sean, and Cody are just a few of these amazing employees whose personality alone is a reason to visit this place! Additionally, I have yet to be unhappy with anything I've ordered off the food menu. While I'm a sucker for the Bowser BLT and the Pork Belly Tacos, I've tried many different entrees and have always been very satisfied with the quality of the dish and the price of the food! If you're in downtown Salem looking for a place to get loose or just have some amazing food, Coin Jam would be at the top of my recommendation list! read more

Love this place! Super fun with a variety of games to play. Always has yummy beers and IPA's on tap and the service is friendly.

This place is fun. I hosted a "crawl" through some local bar/pubs and this one was in the list. We had a great time. A couple of the people in the group got some fries that had a bunch of stuff piled high on them and they were super yummy. Service could definitely be better. Yes we had a large crowd and yes it was a Saturday night, BUT I called days in advance to let them know so they could be prepared staff wise and I think they were. But the kid that was expecting us literally ignored us once we got there. He appeared super stressed out. I get it though. I'll go back for sure, great tap list and the snacks are good plus, who doesn't like to play an old school video game when they toss back a cold one!? read more

Lots of really great food and lots of good games if you like games they have classic video games as well as classic pinball games plenty to suit your fancy the beer selection is excellent there's TVs for sports if you're into that. They have plenty of coin machines so you don't have to ask the bartenders for coins. read more

Burger was good, messy as hell, but good. Prices are a little high though and the fries were drenched in salt ruining the style of fries. Cool old games but the biggest problem isn't one they care to control, large numbers of obnoxiously loud morons who seem to think this is their basement. read more

Don't eat here! It might seem cool ad retro if you want to play a game and grab a beer, but the food I tasted was horrid and amateur. The bacon on my pulled pork sandwich was so completely burnt that it was more cooked then a potato chip! Add the burnt taste and it was complete nastiness. The pulled pork wasn't even pulled pork, more like pork belly pieces cooked in a pan and was also very dry. The sauce was chipotle stomach ache and the fries over seasoned with chili powder I think. I could cook better than this and I have zero skills. Save your stomach, and money and go elsewhere. read more

Gives Salem some life. Great atmosphere. Friendly Staff. Sweet place. A reason to go DownTown. read more

Pork belly tacos..... Amazing! This place is cool and the food is a hidden gem in Salem.

Good bar food and video games. Staff is good. If you like video games (who doesn't? Sad people that's who) give it a try. I stop here every time I am in town for work. read more

We were here at 12:00 and they told us we had 20 mins to order. Funny, we look at their webpage and they close at 1:30, weird, right? Their place was busy so I don't understand why they were kicking everyone out at 12:30... Don't get the smothered fries cuz all they smothered with is gristle and a raw egg... to go. Maybe if CODY wasn't sooooo busy stuffing his face he would have noticed some unhappy customers. And for a shitty arcade bar they had three people behind the bar doing nothing BUT stuff their faces most likely on the low down. This shitty "bar"cade is called coin jam bc these games steal your change and if you havent gone to school with these fools you aint getting helped. Fuck this place, drive another hour to either CITY to get some real scene. read more

Great video games that rotate. Great bar with good beer selections. It's an arcade for adults, leave your shitty, misbehaving kids at home. Really fun place. read more

We came on a Sunday afternoon. All draft beers are 3.00 Sunday 11AM to closing. The service was excellent. We ordered sunset budget and the tots. I am a good snob and I say two yummy thumbs up! I will definitely come back. I appreciate that their food is fresh (not frozen) and you can definitely taste the difference. Service was friendly, attentive, and prompt. Great Job!! read more

They have my favorite beer: mamba. They have my favorite game: buck hunter & they have great parking since they're located in downtown. Beer n games what more could you ask for? read more

Holy mackerel had a great time. All the games from my childhood in one place. Wish I had this many quarters when I was young. Food was really good. Service was good. Definitely worth the time and money. read more

The memes every where we're definitely my favorite thing. Their beer selection could definitely be better but everything was good. It was packed on Saturday night and we saw every type of person in there. The bartender was a sweet heart too, I definitely recommend this place to whomever is in Salem and wants a simple beer with some simple games. read more

My fav date night place on Monday. They have freeplay on select pinball games. Munchies? Grab a plate of pork belly tacos, they are heaven for taste buds and the gorganzola/blue cheese fries #foodporn #dankfood#nomnomnom #drooling I always get cider. I like the Strongbow cider even if it is English! Lol Brings me back to my youth and knacker drinking in Ireland tho. Drank that before I could afford to drink in the pubs n get Bulmers (Magners cider here) . If you got Magners on tap I might move in and never leave. #irishborn Service always rocks at the bar xoxo #goodjoblads Compliments will get you everywhere, even with a lesbian couple! Slainte! read more

If there was a 10 star review that's what I'd score them. I met my husband during a pinball tournament in Seattle. We've been married 7 years and are on a road trip to visit family in So Cal. Finding pinball games is always a challenge that we take to heart. OMGosh... 15+ games all in the same place. They have more then pinball but that's what we were searching for. Games GALORE!!! I've played some of these games before but they have never looked like this. The colors, lights and quality was more then I could have ever hoped for. If you love pinball.... This is a must stop. read more

Bartenders are very friendly and fun to talk to, and the environment in the bar is great. The food on the menu is a bit pricey, but VERY good. They also change it up with a lot of special items. They have local brews from Gilgamesh and 2Towns. Would definitely recommend the Gilgamesh Mamba. They also have weekly events like free play machines on Mondays, etc. read more

Great place to chill, play some games and drink beer. Great beer selection. I prefer to go on weeknights as they are extremely full and busy Friday and Saturday nights. Great pinball games too. read more