Stephanie and I recently visited Pin Grounds Coffee in Roselle, IL while attending a session for a pinball league we’re part of. Pin Grounds is a newer coffee and pinball spot in the Chicago suburbs. We’ve been following them on social media since they opened, and we were excited to finally check it out. It did not disappoint.
Atmosphere
The venue is small, but very clean and well lit. The lighting is just right – bright enough to comfortably play without being harsh or distracting.
There’s one main table with chairs and a few high-top tables placed throughout the space. If we had one suggestion, it would be to add more comfortable seating. When you’re playing in a tournament or a longer session, it helps to have somewhere soft to take a break.
Coffee and Beverages
Pin Grounds doesn’t serve food or alcohol, but they offer a solid selection of drinks. They roast their own beans, and all of their products are ethically sourced. The coffee is high quality, and they also offer tea and hot chocolate for those who prefer something different. Every cup feels like it’s been made with care.
The Pinball Machines
This is where Pin Grounds really shines.
While the number of machines is modest, the quality is exceptional. Every machine was spotless and fully operational. It felt more like playing in someone’s carefully maintained home collection than a public location. No broken flippers, dirty glass, or out-of-order signs, just clean, smooth gameplay.
This is easily one of the best-maintained lineups we’ve seen in the Chicagoland area. The mix of machines spans decades, from electro-mechanical games of the 70s to modern machines. Several are rare or hard to find in the wild, so even if you’re not local, it’s worth the drive.
Current Lineup (at the time of our visit):
- 300 (Gottlieb, 1975)
- Amigo (Bally, 1973)
- Congo (Williams, 1995)
- Godzilla Premium (Stern, 2021)
- Hot Wheels (American, 2020)
- Johnny Mnemonic (Williams, 1995)
- Metallica Pro (Stern, 2013)
- Motordome (Bally, 1986)
- Pulp Fiction LE (Chicago Gaming, 2023)
- Rick and Morty – Blood Sucker Edition (Spooky, 2020)
- Scooby-Doo – Blood Sucker Edition (Spooky, 2023)
- Total Nuclear Annihilation (Spooky, 2017)
- Toy Story 4 LE (Jersey Jack, 2022)
- Victory (Gottlieb, 1987)
- The Walking Dead Premium (Stern, 2015)
Hosting and Events
Pin Grounds is also available for private events like pinball tournaments, parties, or casual meetups. The owners are incredibly friendly and welcoming. If you’re looking for a place to host a league or fun group gathering, this is a great option. Reach out to them to schedule your event!
League Night Results
For those curious:
- Mike finished 8th out of 19
- Stephanie finished 14th
Not our best showing, but we had an amazing time.
Final Verdict
Pin Grounds is doing something special. The quality of the coffee, the care in their machines, and the laid-back but enthusiastic vibe all come together in a unique way. Whether you’re deep into the pinball hobby or just want a fun and different coffee stop, this place is worth checking out.
Overall Grade: A
Pinball Machines Grade: A+
More Pinball Content
If you’re into pinball—or just curious about it—check out our Punk Rock Pinball Podcast where we talk about our experiences, share updates from league play, and highlight cool locations like this one. You can also explore our blog for articles on:
- Great pinball news sites
- Entertaining pinball content creators
- Other standout pinball venues
Location Details
- Address: 31 W. Irving Park Rd., Roselle, IL
- Website: pingrounds.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/pingrounds
Glad you guys were able to check it out! We’re so lucky to live within walking distance.