The Ice Box Arcade

Found this place after checking out and leaving thereafter another arcade establishment in the area. As a patron who values ambiance and overall experience, I must say that The Ice Box Arcade takes the cake. It is clean, and with a huge open space. The atmosphere is as inviting as it is vibrant, staff exudes warmth and hospitality. So, all you family-friendly, fun-seekers and nostalgia junkies, if you haven't experienced the pinball and arcade paradise that is The Ice Box Arcade, you're seriously missing out! This place is the holy grail of good times, where every flip of the pinball machine and every beep of the arcade game sends shivers of delight down your spine. The vibe? It's like stepping into a time machine, talk about a blast from the past! And the best part? The staff here are as cool as the games themselves, dishing out unparalleled service and smiles in equal measure. So whether you're a pinball wizard or just a casual gamer looking for a good time, The Ice Box Arcade has got you covered. Five stars for keeping the fun alive and reminding us that sometimes, the best way to escape reality is to dive headfirst into a world of flashing lights and high scores!

Fun hole in the wall arcade. Mostly pinball but a few classic arcade video game gems slipped in there too. Tons of drink options, alcohol & non-alcohol. Love that it runs on quarters, keeps the nostalgia alive that much more! 10/10

Had an AMAZING time here! They have the original Marvel vs Capcom 2 (my absolute favorite arcade game) machine here and the sound is on!! Chaynee the staff here is absolutely wonderful. I even won a fancy cigar humidors box from their claw machine!!

Great place to take the whole family. Kids and teens will get to experience some great retro games. Many pinball machine choices, an air hockey table and good beer selection. So glad to find a place like this that allows people under 21 years old. My teenage sons had a great time, I will definitely be back.

Solid fun place. LOTS of pinball. They also have one air hockey machine, Mario kart and a few other arcade games. They have a machine that gives quarters if you put $1, $5, $10. It is also dog friendly. Recommend visiting!

The Ice Box is one of the true historic gems of Seattle; conveniently located across from Big Mario’s, Bad Jimmie’s etc., is a barcade with what is probably the best selection of pinball in the greater Seattle area (besides the museum near CID). The space itself is probably most noteworthy - it was in fact an ice locker; what sets it apart from other places is the fact that the owners will do little things like roll out a BBQ and leave a bunch of dogs, patties and buns for anyone walking through. The entryway includes an outdoor fairway of seating to socialize and rest. Games average about $.75 per play. There are ATMs and change machines on site. The pinball machines are all in exceptional condition with new games rotating in and out all the time (I should add that they keep a pair of Killer Queen machines!) The bar has a wide selection of local and popular beverages (both with and without alcohol). You can even purchase various art and craft products from a small selection of local vendors. Furthermore there remain a handful of weekly and monthly tournaments on rotation which occasionally include live music. I love this place so much!

I really am enamored by the eclectic variety of arcade and pinball games. A very inviting and comfortable atmosphere throughout. I've seen a couple different shows there, and both the stage and sound quality are great 🤘❤️

Holy cow! This place totally exceeded my expectations! Not only do they have a large collection of awesome pins and arcade machines (in good repair, that's important), there's an awesome little garden and patio area, and a stage where they have some live music. Place felt clean, fresh open air, and I couldn't have been more stoked. Big time five stars from me.

Super chill place, the perfect place to drink, relax, play games, and bring kids. Was looking for an arcade that has drinks and is kid friendly and this place was perfect. They don't have any food here but they are right next to a pizza place which you can order and bring over to eat. It had a great vibe, the workers were super nice and I really enjoyed my time here. Its more of a pinball place with a couple real arcade machines, nerveless it was super fun! The place becomes not kid friendly after a certain time at night so be warned. Overall I really enjoyed my time spent here and would come back1

So glad I came across this neighborhood gem. I was at Bad Jimmy's across the street for an event and gladly ended the night here. Games are a decent price and the place has a cool outdoor area to hang out and take a breather. There's even a separate room with more pinball machines and games. There's 2 gender neutral bathrooms, the times I've used it are clean. 1 of the bathrooms door doesn't lock so just be aware. They sell drinks and some local artists goodies at the register too.

I've checked this place out a few times as I am into pinball bars lately. It's a little hard to see what it is exactly from the street but it's worth the walk inside. Parking in this area is street only, there's some other establishments across the street. I really like the vibe here and it never seems too crowded, even when there is an event going on. It's got 2 separate rooms (one currently with older games) and a really nice outdoor area. It seems like they have different games every time I visit and I always find something I am excited to play. It's nice they have two bathrooms and some places to sit both indoors and outdoors. There's a few video games and an air hockey table too. They sell a variety canned beverages, beer, cider, etc (be sure to crush your cans) and some snacks. I recently went here for a show, this is not a place that I would have expected to be a good music venue. I even called ahead of time to make sure the music was being played inside as it was rainy out. I had no idea the back upper area was big enough to use as a stage. I had a really good time, plus the benefit of attending here was that even if I didn't like the music I could still enjoy myself playing some pinball. I'll plan to stop back in whenever I am in the area and will definitely pay attention to any future music events they might have here.

The Ice Box Arcade is pure nostalgia, my husband and I felt like we were in the 80/90s walking into Tilt (a once popular arcade.) The arcade is really well put together, and even when private parties are being held it's still very accommodating for walk-in patrons to play. My husband was bouncing from game to game sharing so many stories from his childhood. This was such a great find, and I'm happy my toddlers will be able frequent an arcade that resembles our childhood. Places like The Ice Box Arcade are rare, I'm looking forward to returning!

Dog friendly pinball bar! Need I say more? I will not just dog friendly, kid friendly during the day time and great place to throw a party the games here are randomly changing some stay for longer than others but that's just because the owner owns from what I understand a fair majority of the pinball machines in north Seattle. I'm thankful for this place it's one of places in Seattle I am truly going to miss. Also if you like this place be sure to stop by 4's it's sister bar located on the same block for some billiards and karaoke

An unassuming little arcade tucked into the heart of a residential area between Ballard and Fremont -- I have very fond memories here! It's a very no-frills establishment with friendly bartenders and staff. They have a solid selection of beers and all of the games are decently priced to play. They have plenty of classic arcade games and pinball split across two rooms, and change out the games every once in a while. You can usually find Street Fighter, Air Hockey, Mario Kart, as well as some of my personal favorites like an old-school DK and Ms. Pac-Man. I've had many a chill date nights here, and friends have come here for their work HHs since there's a great outdoor patio for seating, too. If you're looking for a nostalgic vibe that D&Bs can't provide, this is the spot!

A few friends and I wanted to do something after work on a weekend and found this cool arcade gem. It's located in a neighborhood area on NW Bright St in between Ballard and Fremont. It was super out of place as the neighboring places are all homes. I can't imagine how loud the arcade could get at night. There's street parking around the area. The arcade was really unique! There were a LOT of paid pinball machines and older shooting/fighting games that gave a very nostalgic feeling from the '90s. The pinball machines were all relatively new with different themes but with same features. I remembered playing the pinball machines so much when I was a kid whether it be in person or on the ancient computer! It was a cool family friendly area for both kids and adults! There was also a small bar located near the entrance with canned drinks (beer, ciders, seltzers) for the adult. Fun place to hang out with friends or with families. The shop is relatively small, but it was unique experience!

Came here for an event which highlighted a sort of gem of a place in Fremont. Not too many arcades or pinball museums around so The Ice Box is great but doesn't just offer those couple things. Lots of events take place here. Of course, the Yelp event I attended, but they have live music nights, regular karaoke, Free play times, tournaments and probably more, which can be found on site and on the website. It's a great hang out spot where like the many breweries in the area, they'll serve up the beer, but you can bring your own food. What a great place to bring food too, particularly in the warmer weather though. There are outdoor benched seating making for an awesome place to hang out, drink some beers and play some games. Dogs and kids are welcome too. There are over 25 Pinball machines, and, on the website, there is even a link to strategies on how to play a lot of the games. I'm not great at pinball by any stretch but that is cool. Not just because there is help, but that for such games that even exists. Ice Box is definitely one of the cooler places in the area, pun intended.

This is the best pinball arcade in Seattle. We just went to go check it out for a bit and ended up hanging out for 5 hours. They have an amazing selection and the games are clearly well taken care of and run smoothly. We had an issue with one of the flippers on a game and went and told staff - they immediately came over to try and fix it and refunded our coins. The space is nice and open, there's a decent amount of space between all of the machines so you're not on top of other people. They have hand sanitizer all over the place and everything feels very clean. There's also great lighting which can be hard to come by when playing arcades in bars. In addition to pinball, there's a pool table, a room of arcade games and air hockey. It would be nice if all of the machines were more clearly labeled how many quarters they take - a few of them ended up being guesswork. The outside space is really cute and it's nice to be able to take a break in fresh air, but even inside has good air circulation. I wish only one area of the outside was for smokers but there's an ashtray at every table. They sell beer and other canned beverages. It'd be awesome if they had a couple of beers on tap. You can also bring outdoor food and there's a couple of good nearby options - Mario's pizza and Hooligans, or bring whatever food you like! I can't wait to come back and have more fun! They have special stuff going on nearly every night, and even drag brunch on saturdays.

I just came from a party that was held at this awesome place! It was a great way to find out about somewhere that I didn't know existed. I love pinball so it was a lot of fun trying my skills at the different machines. The music was loud but in a good way (like the days of dance clubs in the 80's-90's). Loved the colorful atmosphere and it's easy to find. I did have a few problems with some of the pinball machines not working correctly, but that was overlooked by the fun I had playing the other games. This place is so much more fun than going to a casino and I didn't mind "blowing" $5! Will definitely come back in the future (hopefully I can get someone to join me) and stay a little longer.

This is a fun spot to grab a drink and play some games. They have air hockey, pool, shooting games, old school video games, and the biggest collection of pin ball machines I've seen! Great music and a nice sized out door area with picnic tables if you want to play jenga. Will be back!

I've gone to this arcade many times and it's pretty much the only game in town as far as a family friendly, full arcade. I've even had my kids birthday here. However, this last trip lost my business. When I had my kids birthday we had a table with some snacks and let the kids loose on the arcade. Apparently there is also the option to rent the entire arcade out on a Saturday afternoon and exclude anyone else who didn't think to call ahead before making the trek to this establishment. This is probably just me but the need to take an entire arcade and make it exclusive for your entitled spawn is the definition of boujee. After being approached by the puckered patron who rented the place for the day I approached an employee to confirm this madness. Indeed my kids and I had to go home sans our video game fix because some people can't have their precious pupa mixing with the unwashed masses while eating junk food and dropping quarters. Of course I'm not so naive to believe that there aren't classist douche canoes in the world. I am, however, surprised that a place like this, with it's relatively unpretentious vibe enables them at the expense of the rest of their patrons.

We always look for the best pinball spots when we travel and this one was the best we found in our time in Seattle. Unassuming street presence takes you through a colorful patio/beer garden and into a fantastic collection of pinball and arcade games, all priced well. A handful of rarities and a good lineup that were all well-maintained, good selection of snacks and non-alcoholic bevs, friendly people, don't miss this place

Lovely, local neighborhood arcade bar offering pinball games, video games, pool table, air hockey and drinks (beer, NA canned drinks, water) and snacks. You'll also find stickers, earrings and other miscellania for purchase. Owned by a couple who want to be a friendly and inviting spot to hang out in Frelard. I think they've achieved that.

Awesome place. Lots of machines, mostly pinball. All the machines actually work, as far as I can tell. From the non-pinball machines, there are some in interesting ones like Simpsons Arcade and Area 51. The machines take quarters and there are several change machines on-premise. Decent selection of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well. Friendly staff. Cool music. The arcade looks like it's in a garage and is actually open-air.

This place was dank, dark, and smelled like stale cigarettes. The fake grass was especially moist. The arcade games were expensive. I do not understand the appeal of this place.

Love this place!! Not as much as a bar/Party environment as the other pinball place in town, which I liked. They had some movie style candies and a nice beer/seltzer selection! Nice selection of pinball machines that were in great shape.

I love it here!! such a great atmosphere! The only thing that wasn't great was that after 8 it is 21+ only which I didn't know since i had only been there after 9 till like 11 and it was strange that nobody told us to leave those times. The last time we went we bought some non alcoholic beverages and we're asked if we were over 21, which we said no and we're asked to leave. not a problem, as i understand that is policy which i can respect, however the tone and attitude the lady had shown us was nothing less than rude. She did let us stay an additional hour for the misunderstanding but that left such a bitter taste in my mouth and really ruined the vibe of the night. again i understand the policy, however the lady was so rude and acted like she didn't even want to work there. happy employee, happy customer! this was not a happy employee... while we were there well after 8, we also saw a small child who was so friendly! but we didn't understand why we couldn't be there but they seemed to allow children well under 15.

HAD GREAT MUSIC TASTE. every game was working really well. the people working there were really kind and the whole place had a great atmosphere.

I had such a great time here! I decided to go on m y own and had a blast! I'm not much of a gamer, but I walked past the Ice Box the other week and had to visit it. It's just around the corner from me, so I had to check it out. I tried out their pinball machines and who knew I would be a natural?? I don't remember the name of the machine but it had a spooky vibe. It reminded me of the times I played pinball on windows xp but way more fun. The atmosphere was lively but not annoyingly loud. I grabbed a beer ( they have a great selection ) and went on to one of those old school looking games, I think it was called Rampager? I played as a dinosaur and destroyed a small town, why didn't I play games sooner? Definitely bringing my friends next time! Also the staff was friendly and inviting!

Super hidden jewel in freelard. Tons of games especially pinball. Awesome friendly staff and patrons with ample outdoor seating on a hip patio. Shhhhh.... Don't tell anyone. :)

Three years later, this place still rules--and is *still* getting better. It'd be tough to argue this isn't the best pinball spot in a city with some really great ones. The vibe is always perfect, whether you're cutting loose on the weekend or just want to get some games in on a chill weeknight. The games are so good, too--always rotating and they always manage to snag the latest release. Owner, Alex, is an awesome dude who's clearly passionate about making this spot great for everyone. And, yeah, mission accomplished. This is literally my favorite establishment in the city.

Both games we played ate my money. Got told to use the other coin slot (right slot works) and didn't get reimbursed for the inconvenience of the other player stopping to wait while they fixed/inspected the game. So $2 out on the Terminator game. Then $2 out on the Big Buck game to the right which only has the left controller working. So turn based only. One attendant so if they're being talked up by a drunk bar guest, you just have to wait patiently until that conversation ends. If you're looking for a place to play pinball, got plenty of those! This only had Simpons, Mario Kart, and I think maybe 2 other random arcade machines.

Great spot to chill with friends and play arcade games. Lots of pinball machines and random other arcade games (Mario kart, some shooting games, and more). Also love how late they're open for - will definitely be back!

This place is just awesome!! Lots of fun games to play, incredibly friendly staff, and great events!

Ok. 1st visit Took 6 yo grandson ... meh.....but he did better the 2nd time at a birthday party w/,friends

This seems a popular place for day drinkers, it is behind a house, basically looks like somebody's converted garage and storage rooms, containing pinball games and other games. The hockey game didn't work, and if you're looking for classic video games, you won't find donkey, Kong, Pac-Man, space invaders, joust. Nope, the pinball games are a bit overpriced. And then, something you have to deal with if you bring kids around is that just outside in the driveway of this establishment, there are people smoking. Cigarettes, and from the smell of it, some ganja. I brought my kids and was a little disappointed, not super family friendly

Great pinballs and friendly staff. The owners are rad and there is generally stuff from local artists for sale.

Super fun bar w games and open air. Hidden gem of "Frelard". I'd recommend checking out bad Jimmy's for some beer and live music and get some pizza at big Mario's and then head over to icebox for your after party.

*Adult hours review* My partner and I love this spot! They're not charging up for games or drinks. Legitimately one of the few places left in Seattle with the true Seattle feel, the right amount of grunge and the right amount of freeze. People just minding their business playing arcade games and sipping on a lil sumn! The workers are nice and some folks who play "killer queen" on the regular took the time to explain the game to my partner and I. They've got every kind of pinball you can think of, air hockey (my fav) along with a few other games. Overall a very fun place to be.

They have really stepped up their pinball game. Lots of machines and a really good mix. From classic 70's all the way to weird modern ones (The Beatles machine is pretty hard). Great way to kill some time and let the kids blow thru some money.

Awesome arcade with a great collection of modern/classic pins! Gonna be our main Spring/Summer hangout (post-COVID winter) since it is also open-air with great ventilation, and has a large picnic table beer garden outside. Great owner/operator too (Alex)!

Friends of ours had a little celebration a the ICE BOX and I had to be there. I mean, arcades, hello? Walking to the venue it seems like this corner of Fremont /Frelard /Ballard is turning into a hub for arcades! I stepped into the wrong one at first. Well, after I found it (turn right at Marios Pizza and walk behind the white house on the green grass carpet) I had a ton of fun! My friends purchased a time for free plays for us all and so we could just walk to the machines and start playing (or waive at the nice lady with the keys). The bar is not the biggest but they have a solid selection of beer and lots of non-alcoholic drinks (enegery drinks, iced tea, lemonade, sodas,...) and some snacks. You are welcome to bring in outside food, so no wonder Big Marios Pizza Boxes are EVERYWHERE. I had a good time and enjoyed the multi-player arcade games very much and also the vintage ones.

Good beer and music. There is an awesome South Park pinball machine that I enjoyed playing.

Classic pinball games at reasonable prices per play. Air hockey for those moments where I need to be taken down a peg or two. Great spot!!

Hidden gem! Fun arcade games (lots of pinball, but also some excellent, if not slightly obscure fighters- (mortal kombat 4, street fighter vs x-men, terminator). Some movie-theater style snacks, family friendly, and a great AstroTurf patio to boot. No booze as of yet, but you can always roll here after a pint at Bad Jimmy's or The Leary Traveller. Seems like there's more fun to come (Roof golf? Beer!), so come by and stay tuned!

I can't believe I'm the first to review this little Ballard/Frelard gem. An amazing arcade tucked away in an old ice warehouse, the ICE BOX features tons of vintage video games and pinball machines. The people that work there are super friendly and knowledgeable. It sounds like they're going to be adding mini-golf and a bowling lane (!) at some point. Holy cow!

This new arcade within walking distance of downtown Fremont or Ballard is an awesome place to go play some arcade games and kick back and have some fun. I had a great time losing to my girlfriend in Mortal Kombat and pinball (she made me say that). The staff is super friendly. The outdoor patio is perfect for summer. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood!

If you're looking for a place to chill and play games,look no further then this joint,which offers plenty of space (never too crowded) and they offer up a decent beer selection and munchies! Let's Play!!!!

Great space - love the pinball. The machines are well maintained and prices are reasonable. Can't wait for them to get a full bar!

Love this gem that took over the old Allied Ice. Great selection of beer and pinball, Tetris Galaga and Donkey Kong Jr to boot!