Looking for some fun with the family that’s indoors? What about the possibility of good food too? Well, you’re in luck. Here in the Jacksonville & St. Augustine area we have THREE indoor pinball arcades to give you food and fun! *Note, none of these give tickets for prizes so everyone is playing just to have fun.
Sarbez
I’m sad to admit I drove past this place SOOOO many times and from the outside I had NO idea how amazing it was. When we got there, the eclectic décor made me happy (if you have ever been to Satchels in Gainesville, then you know). Food wise, Sarbez offers a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as a hot dog, their own take on cheese bread, hummus and even a “bacon basket”. Both my daughter and I LOVED our sandwiches. They do not have a soda fountain so drinks other than water mostly come in cans or bottles. They also have a variety of beers and ciders on taps for parents interested.
While waiting for our food, we set out to find the pinball machines (my daughter loves them) and as we walked we realized this place is bigger than it seems with a variety of games for kids to play, then an entire room of pinball machines. They have a coin machine to get your quarters, or you can bring your own to play. With a wide variety of options, including Mario Cart and skee-ball, kids of all ages can have fun.
Address: 115 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
Throwbacks
Another place I never would have found if I wasn’t on a pinball machine hunt is Throwbacks. Hidden in a strip mall, this arcade has something the other’s don’t: An ALL YOU CAN PLAY DEAL. Based on a child’s age, you pay one amount and kids can play as much as they want. Skee-Ball, Pinball, they even have a wall of video game consoles to play.
We got a pizza which was pretty good, but they did have a larger menu of your typical arcade/bar type food. The pizza was made to order so they didn’t give us some gross frozen pizza or anything. They also have adult drinks and you can definitely kill a few hours here relaxing and playing games.
Address: 12041 Beach Blvd Suite 3, Jacksonville, FL
Leaderboard Arcade & Pizzeria
This was actually the first place we found one rainy Saturday. Lots of pinball games, various games all in Japanese which are pretty fun to play even though you have no idea what it’s telling you to do (which actually made it even more fun), and some arcade games this is another great option.
The pizza here is REALLY good, there are TVs at every table so your kids that don’t want to play can watch something while they eat if you want, and once again a bar for the adults. They also have trivia nights and other themed events for those interested. Visit the original location in Orange Park, or their new location in Mandarin.
Address: 1760 Wells Rd, Orange Park, FL & 5285 Shad Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257
All of these arcades have something great to offer and are wonderful options for a place to have fun with kids from elementary thru high school and the parents can enjoy themselves too.
Melody is a graduate of Jacksonville University, married a Jax Beach resident, moved away for 12 years, then returned to the area in 2016. Together they have two girls. Melody works as owner/photographer of Melody Coarsey Photography, she loves yoga, family, traveling, dining with a view and the ocean.
