After more than a decade of speculation, the long-abandoned warehouse off South Congress is finally springing to life—and no, it’s not a food hall. Originally slated to become St. Elmo Public Market in 2018, the 43,000-square-foot-space was meant to house some of Austin’s best restaurants. But after years of delays and canceled plans, the space is getting a new lease on life thanks to Pins Mechanical Co., an entertainment venue featuring duckpin bowling, arcade nostalgia and boozy drinks.
Set to open on April 17, this will be Pins’ 10th location nationwide, and the first in Texas. The Austin outpost comes fully loaded with 20 duckpin bowling lanes, pinball machines, classic arcade games, foosball, ping pong and giant-sized Jenga and Connect Four for those that want to summon their inner competitor.
But it’s not all games. The space features three full bars pouring craft cocktails, beer and low- to no-proof beverages, plus a Jewboy Sliders outpost and a rotating lineup of local food trucks. There are also fire pits and pet-friendly spaces, making it a choose-your-own-adventure kind of hangout, whether you’re with friends, kids or pets.
To celebrate its grand opening, Austin’s Pin Mechanical Co’s will offer daily specials:
- Service Monday: Half off select drafts + free duckpin bowling after 8pm
- Tito’s Tuesday: Half off Tito’s Vodka
- Whiskey Wednesday: Half off Buffalo Trace
- Tequila Thursday: Half off Espolon
- Fireball Friday: You guessed it—half off Fireball
- Shorty Sunday: Kids bowl free between 12 and 5pm with purchase of an adult game + free sodas for the kiddos
Pin Mechanical Co. will open Monday through Thursday, 4pm to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 2am; and Sunday, 12pm to midnight. While the venue is kid-friendly by day, it’s adults-only after 9pm.
The grand opening is April 17. No reservations are needed. Just show up, grab a drink and let the good times roll.