Bernal Heights is only getting better. The low key South-of-Mission neighborhood has been a sleepy favorite for years, but thanks to local residents and pinball enthusiasts Christian and Elisabeth, Skillshot Pinball and Bar is only a few months away.
Bernal Heights blog Bernalwood alerts us to the news. Taking over the space formerly occupied by the Cutting Edge Salon on Cortland at Folsom, Skillshot Pinball and Bar aims to be a family-friendly pinball-themed arcade and libations destination.
"It’ll be a family-oriented spot with no age restrictions, though we will also be selling beer and snacks (gotta make the rent somehow!)," the couple explained to Bernalwood. "We’re just getting started with our architect now, but the plan is for pretty bold and bright colors for a playful feel to appeal to kids. At night, with some magic by way of lighting, it’ll transform into a hip little gem to bring a date or challenge friends for high scores. We’re planning on selling craft beer from neighbors Bare Bottle and Blue Oak Brewing, and will have others on hand through crafty distributors."
While Musee Mecanique serves up some vintage pinball across town at Fisherman's Wharf and the Pacific Pinball Museum entertains and educates across the Bay in Alameda, Skillshot will be filling a playful niche on the south side of San Francisco.
Serious pinball nerds take note. A temporary website built to satisfy the growing curiosity of excited neighbors reveals that patrons can expect, "a rotating collection of 8 pinball machines kept in great condition and playability that range in era, such as the new Big Lebowski, the 1998 Monster Bash and a few EM favorites. Other analog games like skeeball and air hockey will also be joining the mix! We plan to someday get our zoning changed so we can add even more pins to our collection!" And while they'll strive to be kid-friendly, they also want young ones to stay in school; unaccompanied minors will not be admitted during weekday school hours.
Skillshot Pinball and Bar will be available for kids birthday parties and private grown-up parties. While the new owners don't anticipate opening for another six or seven months, they've already got hours and pricing up on their website.
Anyone who wishes to peek through the windows and watch as an old hair salon transforms into a pinball bar can head to 1000 Cortland Street in Bernal Heights.
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