Brooklyn, New York
Sunshine Laundromat: Brooklyn's Secret Pinball Speakeasy
Brooklyn, New York, United States
This isn't just a place to wash your socks; it is a premier pinball destination hidden behind a stack of washing machines, featuring world-class tables and a legal bar.
While locals might stop by this Greenpoint storefront to handle a load of whites, those in the know look past the soap dispensers toward a suspicious stack of appliances at the rear. Behind those faux dryer doors lies a neon-lit sanctuary dedicated to the silver ball.
What began as a neighborhood laundry with a quirky sense of humor—advertising "vegan dryers" and "gourmet washing machines"—has evolved into a premier destination for competitive flipper enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The Echo Park Time Travel Mart is another retail space that uses a whimsical theme.
Why It Stands Out
The transformation is the work of Peter Rose and Michael Medovoy, two pinball devotees who turned a former storage room into a high-end arcade and bar. Since early 2016, it has held the distinction of being the city’s only laundromat licensed to serve beer and wine.
The collection isn't just a side attraction; it’s a curated gallery of elite machines. You’ll find rarities like "Big Bang Bar" and "Safe Cracker," maintained by Rose himself, who manages a massive personal collection of nearly 200 machines.
The atmosphere is intentionally designed as a shrine to the game that happens to have a tap list, rather than a standard bar that just happens to have a few games in the corner. Even the staff knows their way around a plunger; you might find yourself being served by a bartender ranked globally by the International Flipper Pinball Association.
Before You Go
The front of the house remains a fully operational business, so feel free to bring a basket of clothes if you actually need to do laundry. Once you navigate the secret entrance, keep an eye out for the fortune-telling chimpanzee that guards the transition into the backroom.
The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store also uses a storefront to hide a secret space. While the washing machines are available from early morning until late night, the hidden bar follows its own schedule.
It typically opens in the late afternoon on weekdays and around noon on weekends. If you are looking to improve your game, don't be afraid to ask for tips; the experts behind the bar are often happy to share strategies for hitting high scores on the most challenging tables.
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