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One of my problems with Toronto is that I find there is a lack of things to do after 9pm that doesn’t involve booze. I mean, unless you want to go to Tim Horton’s – where exactly do we hang out after 9 without ordering drinks? Most cafes close relatively early, and the movie theatre doesn’t exactly lend itself to conversation. So, when I first investigated The Pinball Café on BlogTO, I was caught off-guard by the comments – a good portion suggesting that it should serve liquor, and some commenters going so far as suggesting it would be impossible to manage a successful business without it. Well, controversy aside, The Pinball Café had peaked my interest by it’s gimmick alone – you guessed it, pinball.

If you want a place that has a friendly atmosphere, coffee, ice cream, sandwiches, board games (free) and pinball (for as little as 25 cents a game), this is probably a good fit. The pinball machines range from classic 1970’s tables to the more recent 2011 Transformers table. For the more videogame inclined, there’s an 1979 Atari machine featuring the classic Asteroids. For those on a date, there’s a love meter! What more could we ask for?! This retro hangout lends itself to conversation, eating and entertainment! And can be done relatively cheaply.

How cheap? Here’s some prices:

• Latte: $3.50
• Hot dog: $2.50
• Bagel with topping (cream cheese, peanut butter, nutella): $2.50
• Greg’s Ice Cream: $4-6
• Sundaes: $5
• Floats: $4.50

The Pinky Tuscadero Sundae: strawberry ice cream, house-made strawberry sauce, marshmallow fluff, marshmallows.

 

I stuck around for about three hours and felt very welcome. Speaking with Jason and Rachel, the owners, they really want to promote a laid-back, family friendly vibe. With the warm weather approaching, I am happy that my neighbourhood of Parkdale has a one-stop-shop for ice cream, coffee and entertainment… sans drunks.