Pins Mechanical Company Bar in OTR - Cincinnati, Ohio

Photo by author

We have been wanting to go out bowling for a while, and we stumbled upon this bar in OTR. Along with bowling, they also have numerous pinball machines. With five separate floors all filled with unique activities, you could not have a better night out. We were thrilled to hang out at Pins Mechanical Company, and we'll definitely be back with more people in the future.

Atmosphere and layout

When you first walk in, you're on the main floor. There's a very large bar and tables set up in the middle of the room. There are multiple duckpin bowling lanes set up and the pay-to-play station is on the left from the entrance. This type of bowling allows each player to bowl three times per turn, and the pins hang from strings.

If you go downstairs, you'll end up in the basement where many of their pinball machines reside. There's also a large couch and television set up with some video games. I'll admit, being down here alone can feel a little creepy. It's very quiet down here, but you can hear people bowling overhead.

Photo by author

After returning to the main floor and going up the stairs, you'll find another bowling floor. The lanes are directly overhead the lanes on the main floor. I suspect they send people up here when all the lanes are full on the first level, or upon request. There were three groups bowling up there when we poked around.

Photo by author

The third floor has more pinball machines and a whole other bar, set up exactly like the one on the first floor. There is plenty of seating available as well. The second and third floors can both be seen from the main floor, while the top floor and basement are more "private". My favorite floor is the top floor, and you'll understand why.

Photo by author

It was the rooftop! They have two fire pits set up, some very comfortable wire chairs out, and a bar as well. The view is lovely, and it was nice out. This is where they offer free games such as giant Jenga, but since it had just rained the games were not out. The bar up here was not open, either due to the weather or it being too early for most people to enjoy the fire pits.

Prices for games and drinks

Google Images Tour from Pin Mechanical Company website

Cocktails are $10. I had a strawberry old-fashioned which was very strong. Beer drafts are $6/$9, wines are $10, and punches vary. My boyfriend had a lovely alcoholic cider (Ciderboys peach country) which was $6 and easily the best drink of the night. Remember, Pins does not serve food, so it would be wise to bring your own if you want to drink heavily.

Duckpin bowling is $5 per person, per game. Ping pong on the third floor is $10/hour or $6/half hour. Pinball and foosball are $0.50 per game, and the giant Jenga on the roof is free. Bocce ball is coming soon.

Bowling was the most popular game available, and we played one round. It took us about a half-hour to get through a game while snacking and drinking. I think two games is probably the sweet spot. We had a fantastic time at Pins Mechanical Company - give them a go!

Follow me to see more articles like this.

...

Follow