Pinstack

Pinstack is west Plano’s hottest new entertainment venue. This place has everything: lasers, Transformers, an arcade, rock climbing, ice cream sandwiches, Dan Cortez, human pinball (you know, that thing where you strap yourself into an electric rolling donut and bump into your friends till they throw up.) Oh wait, I think I’m getting this place confused with an old SNL sketch. Anyway, you get the idea. Pinstack has bowling, but it’s much more than just a bowling alley.

In reality, Pinstack, open since January 30th, is a massive 50,000 square foot magical wonderland situated at the northwest corner of Dallas North Tollway and Windhaven Parkway in Plano. The first of its kind, it combines upscale bowling and dining with fun and games in an impressive modern atmosphere. Here are the glorious things you’ll find there:

Arcade and Lasers
Lasers. I’m in. Finally, a place where you can train for your next jewel heist. Pinstack has a laser maze that mimics those high-tech security systems you see in the movies. Unlike real life, if you don’t make it through this maze, you can just play again, rather than getting busted by the law.

In the arcade, you’ll find a wide variety of the newest simulators, like the giant Transformers one. It’s the only one of its kind. Not sure how you play, but it looks pretty sweet.

You’ll also find plenty of ticket-redemption games that win prizes, a 2-story laser tag, glow-in-the-dark bumper cars, an ice cream claw game, and a giant bouncy ball claw machine (that seemed pretty easy to win judging by the sheer number of kids bouncing these things around the building).

Rock Climbing
Pinstack claims the only pulsating LED rock climbing grips in the world. Here’s a tip: don’t stare directly into the grips. The rock climbing wall has 6 lanes with different inclines, from easy to difficult.

Ropes Course
Look up in the sky: it’s children. If you’re playing PAC-MAN and you see a child (or adult) scaling the rafters, don’t be alarmed. That’s just the ropes course, suspended 20 feet above the arcade games. It’s the only one in Plano as of yet, and there is no minimum (or maximum) age.

Bowling
Pinstack’s got 20 spacious bowling lanes, plus 8 VIP lanes with huge comfy cushioned seating (like in da club). They all have lane-side service so you can get yo eat or drank on. Or if you just want to hang out, there is a bar near the bowling area with booze, coffee and sweets.

Full-service Restaurant
In the restaurant, you’ll find several big (really big) screens to watch the games, 24 beers on tap (some local), a bar area, a heated and covered outdoor patio with more TV screens, and a chef-inspired menu. The restaurant is separate from the bowling and arcade areas so it truly feels like fine dining. Plus you can get a break from my children.

You can still order your favorite bowling alley fare like pizza and burgers, but your pizza may have sriracha and blue cheese drizzle, and your West Plano burger will have gorgonzola and caramelized onions. Healthier options include the Haggard Farm salad and a grilled salmon fillet. I haven’t tried those yet — I’m on an all-burger diet.

Service was great throughout the venue. On entering, you are greeted by polite uniformed hosts and hostesses, who will show you to your table in the restaurant or direct you to whatever else you’d like to do. In the arcade and attraction areas, employees (mostly pretty young) engage with visitors and will happily show you how the rides work. These kids even seem to enjoy their job. Crazy, right?

So when you visit Pinstack, be sure to give all the employees a high five. They are helping bring a little more entertainment and fun to Plano.