I step into the local pinball arcade on a Wednesday night, Kickback Pinball Cafe, but I know it is simply as Kickback. Images line the floor and walls as you can see. I think I see a machine in the back, I want a closer look.
Ah. The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Looks new, but it isn't - this one came out in the early 90's. There are three games up front, so I'll have a look at those before we walk upstairs.
Two more classics from the mid 90's - Theater of Magic and Scared Stiff
The newest game out by Stern Pinball, Star Wars.
These two beauties line the wall on the way up the steps. I am not sure exactly how old they are, but they look pristine. The perfect pinball art for this little pinball cafe. As I crest the landing, I can see that most of Kickback's machines are up here.
The lights are off and all of the games are on. I love it! This is where the magic happens. In about an hour, a tournament is going to begin. Usually, on a Wednesday night at Kickback, the draw is about 20 people. Everyone throws in $5 and it goes about 4 hours. I consider myself pretty lucky to live in Pittsburgh, where a pinball cafe is a legitimate destination any day of the week.