Pinballz Lake Creek

Pinballz Lake Creek

Reviews Summary

Pinballz offers a fun, family-friendly experience with diverse activities like arcade games, go-karts, laser tag, and bumper cars. Most reviews praise the attentive staff, great drinks, and clean environment, though some mention occasional issues with game functionality, rude managers, or long wait times. High ratings dominate, highlighting enjoyable visits, while lower scores cite poor service or technical problems. The bar and food receive positive mentions, and Groupon deals are recommended. Overall, it’s a popular spot for groups and special occasions, with minor inconsistencies in service and upkeep.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

What to Expect from Retro Games in Arcades

Step into the glow of retro arcade games and expect a nostalgic rush! Classics like Galaga, Donkey Kong, or Mortal Kombat await, housed in vibrant cabinets with joysticks, buttons, or trackballs. You’ll dodge enemies, chase high scores, or battle opponents in fast-paced, pixel-perfect gameplay. Modern restorations include sharp CRT or LED screens and authentic controls, preserving the 80s/90s vibe. Games are easy to learn but tough to master, offering quick sessions or deep challenges. With leaderboards and arcade crowds cheering, retro games deliver timeless fun in 2025.

What to Expect from Virtual Reality in Arcades

Step into virtual reality for a breathtaking adventure! Arcade VR stations boast advanced headsets (like Oculus or HTC Vive), motion controllers, and sometimes full-body tracking or treadmills. You’ll dive into games like Beat Saber or VR shooters, swinging, dodging, or aiming in 360-degree worlds with vivid visuals and immersive sound. Gameplay spans solo quests to multiplayer battles, with intuitive controls for all levels. Arcades offer vibrant, social VR zones, delivering a thrilling, cutting-edge experience in 2025.

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

13729 Research Blvd

Austin, Texas 78750

Hours

Monday 10AM-12AM
Tuesday 10AM-12AM
Wednesday 10AM-12AM
Thursday 10AM-12AM
Friday 10AM-1AM
Saturday 10AM-1AM
Sunday 10AM-12AM

Customer Reviews

We had a great time playing video games, pinball and mini-bowling. What a fun place and the prices to play was better than expected. Looking forward to trying the go carts and other activities here!

Multi-generational household had enough fun to last us the time we were here. Our 8 yo got more pts after the birthday party and my 40+yo husband got to walk down memory lane! This was an afternoon well spent!

This Pinballz is absolutely amazing, I had a beautiful time here with my family. Xavier is honestly a very great employee, and was super helpful towards my family! Btw Makayla is also a fantastic employee who even helped with everything too.

Kathy is literally always so friendly and helpful. My kids get so excited to see her whenever we come to Pinballz. This arcade has been such a staple for family fun and birthdays and special occasions for many years. We love it here!

Watched a poor elderly lady trip over an extension cord stretched across the sidewalk right in front of the entrance. Skinned her knee pretty bad, tore the skin. Not very smart setting yourself up for such a liability just to plug in a dumb inflatable. I went back inside and informed an employee but nothing was done.

The staff here is beyond so helpful and sweet, esp the young male manager (forgot to get his name) and everyone working the go karts. We went two days back to back since we were on vacation and the staff both times were incredible and so nice and helpful. They made my son feel so welcomed and encouraged him and were so kind and great. All the games were amazing and super fun and the place was always clean and all the games were well maintained. It was such a great place for some good family fun and we love

customer service was amazing. A guy named Xavier helped me out. I gotta say he's the nicest guys I've ever met. He was welcoming and helped me with everything. I had questions about definitely one of the nicest employees. I've met very respectable.

I had so much fun with my friends and my little sister! I took tons of videos rarely any photos though. Great place to go after the lake for sure, also you lose track of time really quickly.. we were here for 4 hours because of how fun it was! definitely a place to go when looking for someplace fun for groups!

Huge selection of games, tasty food, and fun prizes. Went with co-workers and had a blast. Jackson was a big help getting gifts for my kids.

Kids are in love with their first time here! Food was great and staff was awesome to my boys. Will be back for sure

I've been to this location plenty of times and it's always a great experience. There is a good variety of games to choose from, ranging from a wide an array of pinball machines, claw machine, arcade games, and so on. The food and drinks are decent, my favorites being the BBQ pizza and the cheeseburger, and my favorite (alcoholic) drink would be the frozen Pinballz Punch. My only complaint is that some of the games aren't maintained very well. Laser tag had issues when we played and it's not unusual for th

Katheryn was extremely nice and helpful. Most of the staff were willing to assist and gave friendly smiles. Bathrooms were very clean which was very impressive for a Saturday afternoon. Great place for all ages and lots to do! Some of the food is fresh and not frozen. Drinks for all ages and happy hours. My family and I be returning for sure! ??

Fun environment was able to have a good time with my friends overall good service definitely should check it out

Pretty cool place, lots to do, would be nice if they had some more under 5 kids stuff. Would like to tandem drive with sons ages 3 and 5 Staff is phenomenal and helpful

Came for the easter "party" and had a so/so experience. The VIP upgrade was good for the extra 500 tickets, not much else. Our youngest had a good time in the little kid hunt but the next age group was waaay over crowded. The manager made it right by us though with added surprises for our girls. Overall, had a good time.

There is a great assortment of games. Something good for everyone yet there isn't too much pressure to buy anything so you can bring friends that might not have money. Many games are less than 2 dollers so I could try at least one game on a low budget. The cards make it easy to play each game without constantly taking out cash but that would likely mean there is a minimum fee but it looks like there is a way to pay with coins so you can come and have fun even if your budget is just 2 dollers.

Very nice go karting!! Some bald man kept bumping me??????Lost all my money on deal or no deal. ????

Angie was amazing. Her recommendations were on point. She was extremely attentive and made the best drink, Nitro cold brew with a bacardi shot. Highly recommend.

Today, we had a first. We come often for birthday parties & have a good time with all the old school & newer games. Usually, the service is pretty great. However, we had issues with a couple manager's getting belligerent because they were way too over whelmed with customers & the drink stand going down. It's pretty sad when management loses their cool coming back from a vacation. I truly hope our next visit will be much better.

Amazing place!!! Xavier and Makayla were very helpful and fun people to talk. 10/10 place and great staff

This was the best experience ever! Goof games and really good food! Also favorite employee has got to be robert!!!

The Best Arcade Place EVER! Out of all of the 3 locations (Original Arcade, Kingdom, and Lake Creek) This location is my favorite one! It has more fun things to do besides games such as Go-Karts, Bumper Cars and More! It's like a real entertainment arcade place like Gattitown! I highly recommend going. The best part about it is that now they have a Spring and Fall Carnivals each year. They picked 2 great Carnival Companies, Mitchell Brothers Amusements and Amusement Midway Providers (AMP). So now I don't ha

Go karts were great for the kids! Employees very kind and accommodating. This place is huge and lots to do, perfect summer activity.

Amazing staff. They were so so kind. They gave my brother an extra 100 tickets because he couldn't get much. Inside is very clean and almost all the machines worked!

This arcade is so much fun!! There are a lot of games and fun activities for the family. We have a 4 and 6 year old who thoroughly enjoyed their time too!

Place is amazing for kids and adults we come here all the time and it's always fun

I absolutely love Pinballz Arcade! I come here all the time, and it never disappoints. The staff is incredibly friendly and always makes you feel welcome. There are tons of games to choose from, seriously, there's something for everyone. The laser tag arena is a blast, and the go-kart track is pure adrenaline-pumping fun. Every visit is an unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a place to have an amazing time, Pinballz is definitely the spot!

No bowling balls came out. Ice hockey only scored one side. My three-year-old chicken nuggets were raw. Laser tag was not open. Mario kart racing did not work described four player only two player. Y?all have changed for Covid. Hope management hasn't shifted because this just seems like All the owners want to do is push their new sports memorabilia and purse bullshit. Very disappointed pinballs I've given you thousands of dollars In the past

Super family friendly and fun! Been here often and other locations but this is our fav!

Really fun place but new changes aren't doing it any justice and still a lot of broken games. This could be another case of growing too fast but the recent changes have made us change our plans. The new food options are over priced compared to the serving and quality. They don't have chicken tenders on the kids menu anymore so I had to order them off the main menu for my daughter. Normally this isn't a problem but when I got them they were really just two fried chicken breast that you would find in a typica

Pros: Large selection of Vintage video games and latest video games. Large Variety Pinball machines. Lazer Tag. Virtual games and virtual gaming area. Many Coin pusher games. Places to sit and eat. Variety menu of food and drinks. A Full Bar for alcohol drinks. Large parking area. Indoor racing area. Great fun for kids and adults. Other events too. Cons: It can get pricey. It really gets loud, if you have sensitive hearing. Overall: Amazing!

It was okay. Just visiting in town n didn't know they closed at 11 so only had time in the arcade area. Didn't get to experience it too well. Overall the arcade was cool.

It's conveniently located for us. There's a variety of stuff from go karts, to bumper carts, to VR, to laser tag. We did the go karts and some games. Go karts were decent!

Wow! Xavier and Robert and Jude were INCREDIBLE!!! Charming and funny and made our time soooo fun!! We love it here!!!

Super chill and fun kids had a blast!

So much fun! Lots of games to pick from. Laser tag and go karts are amazing! Lady at the prize redeem station was super nice!

PinBallZ is the best place in Austin to have a good time. 100% family-friendly, a place for kids and adults.

Very nice arcade place, there is cool laser tag too. The team is great as well

Very good time. Quite enjoyed all the games and the staff, especially at the prize booth and escape room were quite frendily, would recommend for family nights/events. This time around a claw machine errored on me, but rhe staff qas kind enough to give me a refund.

Very fun place! We drove a few hours each month to come enjoy yall. Fun games, good food, and good drinks

Lots of fun for the kids and the options for refreshments were varied. Some of the staff we encountered were really, really helpful. Unfortunately, there were a couple who could have ruined the whole experience had it not been for the others. We'll be back.

This is a very fun place to go and they have some great games, food, drinks and now go carts. We really had a good time and I'm so glad that we went. They have added a lot onto this place and the go carts are a great addition to the place. The food was very good and the pinball games were just awesome. The place is really big so there is a lot of room for everyone. They have so many games and things to do that I can't even begin to list all of them. We stayed there about 3 hours and enjoyed every minute of

This is my absolute favorite place to take my family and friends to. They haven't disappointed the last 4 times I've been here. HOWEVER, there WAS a bit of a problem on our recent visit. They were closing the VR mini theater early which showcases horror genre. The last showing was at 10:15 pm and we were waiting for the 9:45 pm one, only for one of the workers to let us know they closed it. The supervisor understood and helped us out. Go-Karts! Shout out to Ethan, what a Chad. There was a family that wanted

Came here as something to do in the evening with the kids while out of town. It was next to our hotel and it was a very nice surprise. They had an array of activities to do, from indoor go-cart racing (adults only and kids only categories), axe throwing, laser tag, bumper cars and even axe throwing. A few other activities as well. Tons of video and ticket prize games. Oh, and they also had fire oven pizza! It was so delicious ?? The wings were way too salty but the fries were tasty. There was no table servi

Had a great time here with friends. The guy working the ticket booth Legend was a great guy with a really good personality. Thank you for excellent service!

Great if you want to come get drunk and spend all your money. Don't go if you have a gambling addiction. Walked out with an overflowing bag of goodies we won though!

My family and I have been here many times and have always had a great time! The games are always running and in great shape. The food and bar is good as well. Of you want to do the go carts there is usual and hour or more wait for the weekends. But there are plenty of things to do while you wait. Our only complaint would be that they ask for a ton of tickets for simple little prizes. Otherwise it's nonstop fun! We have brought our kids from ages 6 to our oldest kids in their early 20s and recommend Pinballz

Had a blast at this place! Super clean and nice vibes. They've got some cool games, including old school arcade classics and several pinball machines. Plus, there are some new games too. Definitely planning to come back!

Pinballz is pure happiness. There's a large variety of games and we always have a great time. The bartenders at the Mickey?s Tavern are always so nice and I'm obsessed with the Rainbow Road drink. Thank ya?ll at Pinballz for being awesome!

So much fun and alot of game ..good food also

Having a marvelous time here! It is so big and has so much for everybody

Great place with many options for kids and adults with GoKarts as well. Decent food and drink choices. You can book a room for your party as well. Lots of arcade and prizes.

Fantastic place lots to do. Everyone was very nice especially Shaz Who was excellent

Kids' first time on go carts. They LOVED it! The Pinballz employees are very nice. Arcades are always fun, and they have a good selection .

Most games except Fishtales work! Love this place ??

Editing down my review from few years ago. Had a very poor booking experience as their website does not show up to date availability, and their party managers do not call back despite several voice messages. Very rude manager finally called back with a clear ?can't and won't give birthday package? and ?just use the building? ? refused to share his name or commit to take care of broken online booking process. Past review: I am not sure why we did not go here earlier, maybe the place looks so isolated, wou

Very fun and incredible experience although we got scammed on one for candy very fun I still want my candy though - 2 ten year olds with their dads phone

We've been going to Pinballz since it opened and absolutely love it!!! Awesome games, staff, atmosphere and cool prizes you actually want!

This place really captures the feeling of what early arcades must have been like. There is plenty to play without it feeling overwhelming. I dont know about the food or bigger attractions, but the games are great. They always seem to have bundle deals, so this place wont charge you an arm and a leg to play. I just wish the unlimited play included the older machines.

i love this place! we always have so much fun!

I had a lot of fun!!! There was a lot to do and I never got bored! 10/10

This was one of the best experiences in a long time. It is my first trip to Austin and this place did not disappoint. My friends and I had a great time with the escape room, VR and all the games that we could think of. Definitely a place to visit to have fun

Jude and Robert are absolutely fantastic! They were so nice to my kids! Xavier helped me at the front desk with a smile on his face. Definitely will be back!

It's honestly amazing! So much to do and so much games; you wanna do go-carts, do it! You got children who are upset that they spend points on a claw machine that's rigged, they got a candy one that lets you play until you get candy!

I love this location! It's huge with over half of it an arcade and the other section is bumper cars. There is a nice big bar at the back with food and tables to eat. There it's the ultimate arcade experience! New and old games.

Had a great time with our out of town family. The place is clean and the staff if friendly. The kids really enjoyed themselves.

Had the best time at Pinballz today! Love the claw games! Won several prizes! Totally recommend anyone looking to have a blast to come here!

Lots of different games!! We had a lot of fun!

there's so many things to do here! the drink selection is huge and the food is great. i came here with my coworkers for our happy hour and i will definitely come again!

We've been coming here for years! Always a blast! Great customer Service, all of our favorite games and the food and drinks are pretty good!

They're very nice place very clean have everything and kidneys plates questions are clean. Let me see. I mean I would even want to come here. One of my life

Very fun and spacious place, there are so many games to choose from and lots of other cool things

Pokemon Day was a blast! My only complaint was that they advertised that a pokemon go quest were to be completed and we would get an extra $10 towards gameplay. Instead, it was a specific one from a few weeks ago. We told the front desk person that we were deaf and to please speak louder or write since we couldnt hear him. I even had to show him my hearing aid since he didnt believe me!! He decided to stay the same and treat us rudely. Every time we asked a question about the raffle, changing his speech, o

Ashima was such a respectful lady, and was super helpful and nice. She attended our La Bamba ride and was a very great person and gave the best customer service one could ask for.

Been here twice now and both times had Mikki's Tavern bartender, Matt. He's so attentive and personable! Tonight we also had Angie help fix an issue with a food allergy and she was polite and quick to resolve the issue. Thanks guys for making my date night wonderful!

One of the best family experiences!! We came in pinballz because we found it on Groupon, and there was no regret!! We spent more than four hours in here and all of my kids loved it. From my 6-year-old all the way up to my 11-year-old. The dark ride was my favorite and we actually did that one four times. If you are in Austin, you definitely have to try this!!!

Took my niece to play games and drive the go-carts. She loved it. Introduced her to coin pushers too. 10/10 would recommend.

I LOVE this place! I bring my kids here fairly often. The games are hard to beat and the food is pretty good.

I love this place. I'm definitely coming back. The staff treated me so nicely all the prizes we are very good price. I am pleased with my experience.

Pinballz was amazing and my kids loved the place. Brought back so much nostalgia. Would definitely recommend going here since it's such a fun family place to go.

Very fun. My dad won 5,000 points by spinning twice(jackpot). Go Karts were very fun, he got 1st both times.

Fun gaming center for kids and adults. Look on Groupon for a discount. The go carts are really fun and fast. They I it have one seaters. They can get very busy at night and in the weekend. The staff is very kind and helpful to help you pick what works best for you

Great rides and amazing service for kids. Also very great places for adults and kids.

Best arcade ive ever been in my WHOLE LIFE I ABSOLUTELY recommend to EVERYBODY for a good and fun time #PINBALLZ4LIFE!!! #IHATECIDERCADE

The laser tag and gokartign were very entertaining for my birthday party. We all had fun.

Place is super mega rad. My kids love the Lakeline location and ask me to take them at least 1x per month.

It was a fun place to take my daughter to. There was definitely a variety of games for the whole family. There were also food and drinks for adults and a lot of entertainment to choose from. There was so much to choose from we were only going to spend 45 minutes and we ended up staying two hours. We will definitely be back!!

Everyone is having a great time. The music is kind of loud, though. So, it's hard to carry a conversation. But all machines are fun. You gotta go there at least once. This was my first time. Fun for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

Are retro games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Absolutely, retro games in arcades remain a thrilling draw in 2025! Classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter II offer simple yet addictive gameplay, blending nostalgia with timeless challenge. Modern arcade cabinets often feature crisp displays and restored controls, enhancing the experience. These games thrive on quick reflexes and strategy, with vibrant pixel art and iconic soundtracks that spark joy. Arcades host tournaments and leaderboards, fostering a lively community. While modern games dominate, retro titles provide a unique, accessible thrill that keeps arcades buzzing.

Are virtual reality games in arcades worth playing?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) games in arcades are a top attraction in 2025! Titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx deliver immersive thrills with cutting-edge headsets, motion tracking, and responsive controllers. High-resolution displays and spatial audio create heart-pounding experiences, from slashing rhythms to battling zombies. Arcades feature multiplayer VR zones and tournaments, fostering lively communities. VR booths are regularly packed, proving their captivating, next-level gameplay makes them a must-try arcade experience.

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.