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X-tra Ball Ice Cream & Pinball

X-tra Ball Ice Cream & Pinball

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the unique combination of comics, ice cream, and pinball, with many highlighting friendly staff, generous portions, and a fun atmosphere. Positive mentions focus on Hershey's ice cream, pinball machines, and family-friendly vibes. However, some criticize inconsistent customer service, poorly maintained pinball machines, and limited comic selections. A few negative experiences cite rude employees or high prices, but overall, the shop is well-regarded for its novelty and charm.

About This Listing

Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
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.

Features

Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

8420 Bellhaven Blvd

Charlotte, North Carolina 28216

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 12-8PM
Wednesday 12-9PM
Thursday 12-9PM
Friday 12-9PM
Saturday 12-8PM
Sunday 12-7PM

Customer Reviews

Delightful little place! Many options for ice cream, I got the moose tracks. Pinball was great fun! It's been years since I played and it was seating to be able to introduce my daughter to it! Bring your quarters or get change- I recommend getting a treat and your game on! Check out the comics too if you're into those.

Went to this place on a whim for ice cream with my kiddo for a break in between work. They have a small collection of comics and toys, along with pinball machines and lots of tables to hang out and chat or play board or card games. There is even an area in the rear for parties. They have several flavors of Hersheys ice cream. The lady at the counter was very friendly and allowed us to sample several flavors before we finally settled on our selections. We would return.

Friday April 18, 2025 X-tra Ball Ice cream has the BEST ice cream (smooth, creamy ice cream) that I have tasted in a while my friend and I visited this place for the first time very friendly staff.

We had a lot of fun at this place... I mean comic books, ice cream and pinball? What more could you ask for. Oh! Tabletop games tooo. I got the starter set for dungeons and dragons, a dice bag, 3 comics and a milkshake. 3 pinball machines that take quarters. And they do magic the gathering games! They are scheduled on specific days and times. I think commander was the day I was there. Jeremy was working when we visited and he was great. Super helpful in finding a comic my kid would love

Strangest customer service experience I've ever had. We walked in and were not greeting by the man at the counter, he refused to make eye contact with us, and maybe said a total of 3 words to us the entire time. No ?thank yous? or ?have a good night?. Ice cream was good but we will probably not be back

Really interesting comic book / game /ice cream store. My friend and I went by after dinner last week for ice cream. It was around 7pm and had little trouble finding a parking place with most other smaller shops closed. Pandemic precautions are in full effect with a notice on the front door. I was surprised they had 16 flavors and you can get a cup, a cone or make a sundae. We made our selections and opted to sit outside. Employees were friendly, answered questions and quickly checked is out with dessert

Bring your quarters for the xmen pinball in the back, get a waffle cone of delicious Hershey's chocolate ice cream, and check out the rest of the store that includes all things super hero related. It seems the owner was helping us, very informative and attentive. There was a group playing D&D at some of the tables. We loved checking out this small locally owned spot on a rainy Sunday afternoon, hope to return soon.

Listen, ice cream is good but Hershey's ice cream is the best. If an establishment uses Hershey's ice cream you can bet you will be leaving happy. Not only does X-tra ball have giant scoops of Hershey's ice cream, they have some awesome pinball machines too! We always get in a few games of pinball before we leave, usually a game or two before we even order our ice cream. Great staff and very fair prices, I'm a fan.

It's really a comic book store that happens to sell ice cream. I expected more than a dozen boring flavors of ice cream that were way over priced. It cost $3.50 for one scoop. Also there was a Magic tournament going on so there was no seating for ice cream customers. The one plus side was that you get to walk around and shop their comic related merchandise while you eat your ice cream. There is just not enough reason for me to come back.

Excellent time. Great comic collection even better Ice cream. My son give it two thumbs up

I would live here if i could! The team here is incredible smart and insanely friendly and welcoming. Whether you want ice cream, looking for something new to read, joining the weekly games, or just looking for somewhere to chill, X-Tra Ball is the spot.

The worker here was rude and didn't say anything to us when we walked in and stood by the ice area. When he was scooping the ice cream he was having a difficult time as if the ice cream hadn't been touched in a while. Whole place looked unsanitary.. worker didn't say anything after we said thank you?

Not for pinball players. Machines eat your balls and rude service. Planned to get ice cream but wouldn't dare after our experience. Maybe a name change to Cards, Comics, and Cream is needed?

Been there before & this one employee Hope Roten was really rude. I told her I like Frozen & she has a fit over it with her hate of Frozen and Disney. She even wrote many hateful comments along with vulgar words on Facebook of Mad Monster Party from last March announcing they were having 2 young girls who done the voice on Frozen.

Kid friendly place. Jeremy is a great help to the kids during pokemon league. A couple of decent pinball machines, too!

my sons and I went for the first time last week. friendly staff. great ice cream. the scoops are HUGE!

Nice little comic shop that also has great ice cream and 3 pinball machines to enjoy.

I'm here once a week for the ice cream. I'm alway met with big scoops, and the best customer service. This place is a gem.

The ice cream portion of Spandex City Comics, all located in the same building. Comics and ice cream, what's not to love?

Magic the gathering nights, D&D nights, pokemon nights, Nice staff. A great place. Only con is that it's a bit small.

Staff was friendly and helpful. Great variety of pinball machines. Good prices on pinball games.

Very small selection of comics. Not a single thing there to entice me to ever visit again

Great experience. Alot of neat stuff that you cant usually find locally. Kids love it

Great environment and very involved staff. Will definitely make it a routine stop through Charlotte.

Cool little spot with comics, figures, ice cream and a few pinball machines.

The pinball machines are in really rough shape. Wouldn't recommend to people looking exclusively for pinball.

Great ice cream. Comics and games. Fun.

Friendly and knowledgeable cashier.

4 pin ball machines and ice cream. Now combined with spandex city comics

Great little shop for comics and ice cream!

Comics and great ice cream. Hard to mess that up!

Great place especially if you can pay for it

Interesting place, super friendly folks.

Great place for a snack, a game and shopping

The ice cream is yummy!!

difficult to get in and out of parking lot

Very pleasant and informative service!!

Had just what I was looking for.

Such a great fun themed store! My kids loved looking at the comics and pinball machines! We grabbed ice cream and it was sooooooooo affordable! Please visit you won't regret it!

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.