Wedgehead
Bar · Hollywood ·
Rotating pinball machines, craft beer, and smash burgers
Rotating pinball machines, craft beer, and smash burgers
"In an ultra-wired city, there’s something refreshingly timeless about the low-tech joys of pinball. Even for those who don’t play, the gleaming chrome and neon and the thumps and pings of flippers and plungers create a more intoxicating atmosphere to the uninitiated than, say, a video arcade or sports bar. WedgeHead may not house the highest volume of machines in town, but with solid food, a creative drink menu, $12 unlimited play, and an unforced eclectic vibe, many swear by it as the best pinball bar in town. For those seeking a quieter night, the food and cocktail menus are still available to-go." - Nathan Williams
"I read that a car crashed into the side of Wedgehead early Thursday morning: at 12:40 a.m. a driver's car smashed through the glass window, plowed through a booth and damaged a pinball machine while the bar was closed, and no one was hurt. Co-owner Alan Robertson, who was having a shift drink with staff downstairs, says the team found the front end of the car jutting into the building and that the driver — described as "coherent and apologetic" and not visibly inebriated — had already exited; an additional passenger also appeared uninjured. Robertson said the extent and cost of repairs are unclear: there is no clear evidence of structural damage but a structural engineer needs to assess it, the window will be boarded up for quite some time, and the bar reopened Thursday night and will continue to operate; Robertson added, "If people want to come support us, it's greatly appreciated." Eater Portland has reached out to police for more information." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden
"Wedgehead is one of those unicorns of an arcade bar, where the cocktails and food are just as good as the game selection. In the arcade section of the bar, a maze of lit up pinball machines includes glowing Godzillas and Addams Family characters; down in the kitchen, chefs flip some knockout Painted Hills beef burgers and slather fries with queso. The beer selection includes fan favorite breweries like Pfriem, and bartender KaCee Solis-Robertson serves spiked horchata and tamarind whiskey highballs with names alluding to Bobs Burgers. Unlimited game play is available for $12."
"Part of the charm of drinking at Wedgehead is being able to play through the plethora of vintage and contemporary pinball machines that fill the bar. However, for those who would rather take their drinks home, Wedgehead has it covered. Unusual for a pinball bar, it actually features a star cocktail bartender with KaCee Solis-Robertson, whose cocktails tend towards bright, juicy, and summery with a focus on tequila and rum. For takeout, the cocktails are canned with the Wedgehead label and come as a double–the bar even offers delivery on orders over $30, which is easy to do with a double-cocktail and an order of burgers or nachos." - Alex Frane
"A pinball bar might not seem the most obvious choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, but this year Wedgehead is teaming up with the natural wine pop-up bar Sardine Head for a special take-home dinner. The collaborative menu includes radicchio salad, chicken paprikash, brown-butter mashed potatoes, and turmeric cheesecake, along with a specialty canned cocktail from bar manager KaCee Solis-Robertson. That’s only dinner, though, as the special also includes an extra-large breakfast burrito, champagne, and orange juice for the following morning. The whole package serves two and is $100, with ordering for takeout and delivery available online." - Alex Frane