BeatRoute Magazine [AB] print e-edition - [February 2018]

PINBAR WIZARD
Arlen’s new funhouse opens this February, are you ready for the challenge?
BY CHRISTINE LEONARD
The thrill that accompanies pulling back the plunger and sending a little
silver ball screaming up the rails is as universal as the sigh of satisfaction
that comes with biting into a perfectly prepared sandwich. All the better
when these two immensely gratifying activities are paired together. That’s
exactly what local restaurateur and BBQ-guru Arlen Smith had in mind when
he struck upon the notion of PinBar. A dynamic game and grain combo that
will satiate your hunger for thumping bumpers and delicious tucker.
“The concept behind PinBar is fairly simple, a room that has great music
playing, lots of pinball machines to keep you entertained, killer food including
well-crafted sandwiches, appetizers and comfort food,” says Smith who is
looking forward to launching his latest venture in late February. “People can
expect a space that is playing great music, giving excellent service, has delicious
food at a good value. PinBar is a treat for the senses, because nothing is
more eye-catching than a row, or two, of pinball machines.”
“I’ve been working in bars since 1998,” he explains. “I took The Palomino
Smokehouse over in 2012 and have been concentrating on two of my favorite
things: live music and barbeque. Now i am going into this new space to
carry on working with things i truly enjoy. In this case, pinball and great food.”
As the second-half of the fledgling establishment’s name implies, there
is a pubtastic element to PinBar. The innovative Smith is looking forward to
tempting his clientelle with a surprising selection of beverages designed to
appeal to a wide-variety of pinball enthusiasts.
“PinBar will feature an extensive craft beer and cocktail list,” Smith
confirms. “And, for the first time in a business I’ve been involved with, a great
selection of non-alcoholic cocktails! We will also have Kombucha on tap, as
well as two types of cold brew coffee.”
Does this mean that parents and the all-ages crowd have gained another
haunt? Hell, yes!
“The target clientele is anyone who likes to have fun. We are trying our
best, as with the other venues I am and have been a part of, to be totally
inclusive to everyone. We will be family-friendly until 8pm Sunday to
Wednesday and before 4pm Thursday to Saturday. So, people can bring their
family down to play games and have some awesome food.”
Oh, we’re all about the food. Bonus play, PinBar’s masterfully-balanced
menu promises to draw would-be pinball wizards away from the bright lights
and chiming bells inside those glass cabinets.
“For the food end of things, we will be curing and making a bunch of items
in-house and putting out the best cold and hot sandwiches in the city. The
recipes are based off of some of my culinary favourites from around North
America; a French dip a la Phillipe’s in Los Angeles, a pastrami sandwich inspired
by Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh. We will also have a wonderful selection
of main courses, for those who don’t want a sandwich and would prefer to
have something not jammed between tasty slices of bread!”
Feeling adventurous? PinBar wants to feed your competitive spirit.
“We will have a ‘Challenge Sandwich’ that’s a total monster. If you eat the
whole thing in 30 minutes it’s free!”
Good luck staggering back to the office after attempting that noonhour
feat!
“Hopefully people will want to come hang-out for lunch, stop in for happy
hour and come party and play games all night long,” Smith continues. “The
prime location on 17th Avenue and 4th Street is the crossroads of the restaurant
scene of 4th and the nightlife of 17th, which is perfect for us as we are
not only food but fun-focused, as well. We hope to get people in for the great
food and to stay for the good times. That being said, we’ll have a more relaxed
and low key ‘Rumpus Room’ area at the front of the bar for those who want
to grab a booth and relax.”
Lounging with drink-in-hand is a worthy pastime in itself, but the allure of
PinBar’s neon-hued machines is bound to get diner’s flipping-out for analog
arcade amusements.
“There will be 18 games when we open our doors. I am a big fan of the
games that feature the art of Dirty Donny (he is a close personal friend). I also
recommend The Pabst Can Crusher and Aerosmith machines, but I would
have to say that the Metallica game is probably my favourite. From the art to
the soundtrack, in my opinion, it’s of the funnest games out there.”
Racking up points and downing frosty pints sounds simple enough, but according
to Smith the flipside of hustling a good game of pinball comes down
to hand-eye coordination and what the individual brings to the table.
“There really is only one way to become a ‘Wizard’ and that is practice,
practice, practice.”
PinBar grand opening takes place 22 Feb. at 501-17th ave S.W.
BEATROUTE • FEBRUARY 2018 | 7