Location: 340 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N3, Canada
Date: June 2014

Ask most Vancouver natives for the best places to play pinball and Pub 340 is bound to be at or near the top of their list. So on our recent visit to the city we had to pay them a visit.

Pub 340 on Cambie Street

With a smoking ban in effect, there were usually several people standing around outside getting their tobacco fix. This gave the pub a slightly seedy appearance, but the advertisement in the window for their pinball offering dispelled any concerns.

Relax, they have pinball

Once through the doors, there is a series of steps up to the main bar and the pinball area.

The main bar is ahead, pinball on the right

The main area is decidedly old-school with well-worn, dark wood feel. The bar area has a few seats, but the majority of patrons used the tables and seats set between it and the stage at the far end of the room.

Into the bar area

The pub serves around half a dozen tap beers - we recommend the Grasshopper - and a modest menu. Our attempts to order food failed when the daily special had run out, and they had also run out of mashed potato for the second choice dinner.

The bar selection

Before the total smoking ban, the pub used to have a smoking section at the front of the pub. When this was outlawed, the area was cleaned-up and converted into a pinball arcade.

The pinball room

There are eleven pinballs, all priced at CAD1.00 (US$0.94/€0.69/£0.55) per game, or 3 games for 2 dollars.

The line up includes the latest game, Mustang

This was the selection when we visited:

We met the operator, Kyle Seller, at Pub 340. He was cleaning up the games which were all in excellent condition. He clearly takes a lot of pride in his arcade and has decorated the walls and ceiling with arcade-related items. You can also find the occasional celebrity hanging out if you look closely.

Wall decoration

Kramer keeps an eye on things from behind the machines

From up on the ceiling, The Hoff has you covered

Promotions for pinball events

The latest arrival is Terminator 2

And here it is

There is also room for a little non-pinball silver ball fun too.

Time for some Ice Cold Beer

Although it was busy in the room it was never crowded, and the air-con did a fine job of keeping everyone as cool as their drinks.

Friday night at Pub 340

By the time we left to catch one of the last SkyTrains back home, we could see why everyone recommended Pub 340 for their pinball.

Pub 340 is open 7 days a week from 9am until 2am Sunday to Thursday, and until 3am on Friday and Saturday. The nearest SkyTrain station is Stadium-Chinatown.

© Pinball News 2014