# FULL TILT TAVERN **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2025-04-15 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2025/04/15/full-tilt-tavern --- ## Analysis Full Tilt Tavern is an entertainment-focused sports bar and restaurant in Bloomington, Minnesota, owned by restaurateur Mike Tupa, featuring a comprehensive arcade and pinball collection alongside craft food and beverages. The venue maintains newer pinball machines in generally clean condition with competent staff, though several machines exhibited maintenance issues including flipper responsiveness problems and switch malfunctions during review visits. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Full Tilt Tavern interior is painted like the cabinet of an '80s Williams pinball machine — _Article states directly in venue section with accompanying photo documentation_ - [HIGH] Pinball pricing ranges from 7.50 to 9.50 card credits per player credit, with all plays as three-ball games — _Directly observed pricing displayed on machines; verified with photo evidence_ - [HIGH] Two pinball machines were non-operational during first visit due to poor flipper responsiveness and multiball mode failure — _Manager Joey personally turned off Deadpool and another machine; confirmed operational on return visit two days later_ - [HIGH] Multiple pinball machines exhibited maintenance issues including SDTM syndrome, kicker/switch problems, and leveling issues — _Author noted findings from second visit gameplay testing; acknowledged most casual players would not notice these issues_ - [HIGH] Amusement Connect card system pricing offers $5 for 20 credits with no service charges or taxes added — _Author tested the system and verified credit card statement showed no additional charges_ - [HIGH] Manager Joey is described as a self-proclaimed avid pinball player who makes operational decisions based on game quality — _Direct quote: 'One of the managers is on our side pinheads! Joey is a self-proclaimed avid pinball player'_ - [HIGH] The building was originally constructed as a restaurant in 1971 and has changed ownership a dozen or so times while remaining a restaurant — _Historical information provided in Location section_ - [HIGH] The same arcade mechanic from St. Paul Tap Sports Bar & Gaming Company services games at Full Tilt Tavern — _Stated in Pinball section of article_ ### Notable Quotes > "A place for people of all ages. There are games for everyone. The monthly specials on drinks is something special. There is a build your own burger with possibly more ingredient options than any other place." > — **Full Tilt Tavern business description**, N/A > _Describes the core venue concept and target appeal_ > "At Full Tilt Tavern, we know dining out is so much more than grabbing a burger or a slice of pizza and a beer. It's about the feeling you leave with." > — **Full Tilt Tavern website messaging**, N/A > _Marketing philosophy emphasizing experiential dining rather than transactional food service_ > "One of the managers is on our side pinheads! Joey is a self-proclaimed avid pinball player who personally turned off the two previously mention downed games." > — **Article author**, N/A > _Identifies venue management with genuine pinball enthusiasm; suggests quality control from knowledgeable staff_ > "Despite the specific problems we just mentioned, we want to be clear that all the pinball machines were much cleaner and in much better condition than the majority of machines 'in-the-wild'." > — **Article author**, N/A > _Balances criticism with acknowledgment of above-average venue maintenance standards_ > "The first game had unsatisfactory responding flippers. The second would not go into one of its multiball modes." > — **Article author, citing Manager Joey's reasons**, N/A > _Identifies specific mechanical issues that prompted machine removal_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Full Tilt Tavern | organization | Sports bar and restaurant venue in Bloomington, Minnesota featuring arcade and pinball games | | Mike Tupa | person | Restaurateur and owner of Full Tilt Tavern; also owns multiple other sports bars through Premier Hospitality | | Joey | person | Manager at Full Tilt Tavern; self-proclaimed avid pinball player who makes operational decisions regarding game quality | | Premier Hospitality | company | Mike Tupa's business entity owning Full Tilt Tavern, Babe's Music Bar and Grill, Smilin' Moose Lodge, and Wild Bill's Sports Saloon locations | | Aspen Video and Vending | company | Potential operator/vendor of arcade machines at Full Tilt Tavern; ownership of specific machines unclear | | Amusement Connect | company | Provider of RF-card cashless payment system used at Full Tilt Tavern for arcade game access | | St. Paul Tap Sports Bar & Gaming Company | organization | Previously owned by Mike Tupa; arcade mechanic from this location also services Full Tilt Tavern games | | Godzilla | product | Pinball machine at Full Tilt Tavern; noted as non-working during review visit | | Jurassic Park | product | Pinball machine at Full Tilt Tavern featuring 'Insider' header | | Deadpool | product | Pinball machine at Full Tilt Tavern; was non-operational during first visit due to flipper issues | | Babe's Music Bar and Grill | organization | Sports bar owned by Mike Tupa in Lakeville, Minnesota | | Smilin' Moose Lodge Bar & Grill | organization | Sports bar owned by Mike Tupa in Hudson, Wisconsin | | Wild Bill's Sports Saloon | organization | Sports bar chain owned by Mike Tupa with four locations in Minnesota and one in North Dakota | | Bloomington, Minnesota | event | Location of Full Tilt Tavern at 8301 Normandale Blvd., south side of 494 loop, west-central Bloomington | ### Topics - **Primary:** Venue Operations and Management, Pinball Machine Maintenance and Repair, Location-Based Arcade Gaming - **Secondary:** Cashless Payment Systems for Arcade Venues, Food and Beverage Service Quality, Staff Training and Customer Service, Entertainment Venue Design and Atmosphere - **Mentioned:** Pinball Game Pricing Models ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.72) — Article is generally favorable toward Full Tilt Tavern, praising food quality, staff attentiveness, venue atmosphere, and overall machine condition. Critical observations about specific mechanical issues are presented as minor problems within a context of above-average maintenance. The tone is professional and balanced, acknowledging limitations without being dismissive. ### Signals - **[operational_signal]** Multiple pinball machines exhibit standard location-venue maintenance issues including SDTM syndrome, switch matrix problems, and leveling issues, suggesting systemic maintenance challenges despite above-average cleanliness (confidence: high) — Author found technical issues on multiple machines: 'First there was SDTM syndrome on one game. Next was possibly an incorrectly-adjusted kicker/slingshot switch... Lastly, we found either a warped playfield, or more probably an unlevel machine' - **[operational_signal]** Venue demonstrates above-average operational standards with dedicated food runners, attentive staff, and systematic game problem reporting procedures despite minor maintenance gaps (confidence: high) — Author observed: 'When other places may have wait staff performing double duty... FTT had dedicated food runners' and 'Problems with any game may be reported to any of the staff' - **[operational_signal]** Venue management demonstrates genuine pinball knowledge and quality standards, with manager Joey making operational decisions based on playability rather than revenue optimization (confidence: high) — Joey personally took machines offline for quality concerns (flipper responsiveness, multiball mode failure) despite being non-functional, indicating expertise and player-first attitude - **[market_signal]** Full Tilt Tavern employs card-based pricing model at 7.50-9.50 credits per game play, representing mid-to-premium pricing tier for location venues; $5 packages with no added fees suggest competitive operator margins (confidence: high) — Documented pricing: '7.50 card credits needed for one gameplay on some, 9.5 card credits on others' with verified $5 for 20 credits conversion (equivalent to $1.50-$2.37 per game) - **[venue_signal]** Pinball is secondary to overall entertainment/dining venue concept; machines configured for casual/novice players with default settings and forgiving flipper settings rather than competitive play (confidence: medium) — Author noted: 'From player experience... we concluded that the game rules were set on default route play. Novices kept replays at default levels' and 'flippers played a little loose and weak... to allow novice players to catch the ball(s) more easily' - **[venue_signal]** Full Tilt Tavern maintains pinball machines in significantly better condition than typical location venues, with regular cleaning and proactive maintenance, though specific mechanical issues (flipper responsiveness, switch problems) persist (confidence: high) — Author noted: 'all the pinball machines were much cleaner and in much better condition than the majority of machines in-the-wild' despite finding specific technical issues on each machine tested --- ## Transcript **Date:** April 2025 **Location:** 8301 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN 55405, USA [![Full Tilt Tavern in Bloomington, Minnesota](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/001-full-tilt-tavern-812x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/001-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Full Tilt Tavern in Bloomington, Minnesota **INTRODUCTION** Full Tilt Tavern – Simply a food and sports bar? Full Tilt Tavern is an expansion of businesses by restaurateur Mike Tupa. It has been described as, “*A place for people of all ages. There are games for everyone. The monthly specials on drinks is something special. There is a build your own burger with possibly more ingredient options than any other place.*” Per the concept proposal to the city, “*Full Tilt Tavern is a welcoming and unique retro classic atmosphere with a twist of modern and rustic themes that delivers a full service casual restaurant and bar that’s immersed in sports, games and builds an environment that attracts guests looking for fun, fresh creative food offerings and high quality beverages.*” (More on that later.) In general, our impression is entertainment-focused dining and drinking. (More on that later.) Mike Tupa’s Premier Hospitality also owns several sports bars: * **Babe’s Music Bar** and Grill in Lakeville in Minnesota * **Smilin’ Moose Lodge Bar & Grill** in Hudson in Wisconsin * **Wild Bill’s Sports Saloon** with four locations throughout Minnesota and one in North Dakota. Tupa also previously owned **St. Paul Tap Sports Bar & Gaming Company** (More on that later too.) Getting back to Full Tilt Tavern (or ‘FTT’ from now on) and according to their website, “At Full Tilt Tavern, we know dining out is so much more than grabbing a burger or a slice of pizza and a beer. It’s about the feeling you leave with. That’s why we provide an immersive experience that will leave guests of all ages saying ‘*every day should feel this good.*‘” [![FTT's premises in Bloomington, MN](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/002-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/002-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) FTT’s premises in Bloomington, MN **LOCATION** FTT is located west-central, just on the south side of the ‘494 loop’, in Bloomington, MN. [![Putting FTT on the map](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/003-full-tilt-tavern-1024x709.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/003-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Putting FTT on the map This building was originally built as a restaurant in 1971. Though it changed menus with each of the dozen or so name/owner changes, it has always remained a restaurant. [![The main entrance](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/004-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/004-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) The main entrance **OPENING HOURS** The opening hours are: * Monday-Wednesday: 11am to 12am * Thursday & Friday: 11am to 2am * Saturday: 10am to 2am * Sunday: 10am to 12am [Party bookings](https://www.fulltilttavern.com/bookings) are also available with their own menu. FTT has several patios – including [the dog patio](https://www.fulltilttavern.com/dog-patio). With, of course, a dedicated ‘Puppy Menu’. FTT has also filed with the city to install a roof-top patio and… a slide. Both are yet to happen, but are still planned. **PARKING** There is a restively small parking strip on the north side of the FTT building, and an even smaller strip on the south side. [![There is room for about a dozen vehicles on the north side of the building](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/006-full-tilt-tavern-1024x616.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/006-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) There is room for about a dozen vehicles on the north side of the building [![A tiny bit of front door parking](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/007-full-tilt-tavern-1024x653.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/007-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) A tiny bit of front door parking Most of the parking is in a spacious lot on the east side of the building. [![The east parking lot](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/008-full-tilt-tavern-1024x628.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/008-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) The east parking lot **VENUE** Walking into FTT felt more like walking into an entertainment center than a restaurant. However, being a restaurant, we were cheerfully greeted by hostesses the moment we walked in on a very busy Saturday afternoon. [![Happy and helpful hostesses](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/009-full-tilt-tavern-1024x773.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/009-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Happy and helpful hostesses Even though most of the building was full and bustling, the hostesses easily had everything under control. And in fact, the entire staff performed their jobs cheerfully and exceedingly well. The inside of the building was painted like the cabinet of an ’80s Williams pinball machine! [![The decor at FTT](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/010-full-tilt-tavern-1024x710.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/010-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) The decor at FTT **FOOD** FTT has a [full menu](https://www.fulltilttavern.com/eat-drink), including gluten-free and dog-friendly choices. [![The menu](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/012-full-tilt-tavern-818x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/012-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) The menu Our first food order was take-home. The second was enjoyed in the restaurant. Both experiences proved the food far superior to “fast food”. [![Fried pickles, cheese curds and the Full Tilt burger](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/051-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/051-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Fried pickles, cheese curds and the Full Tilt burger [![Tasty made-to-order burger with sauces made in-house ](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/011-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/011-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Tasty made-to-order burger with sauces made in-house **MENU** FTT has possibly the greatest amount of burger ingredients in the entire known universe. We had several things from the menu, including the burger. As someone else put it, the food was “elevated”. [![Selections from the menu](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/013-full-tilt-tavern-1024x774.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/013-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Selections from the menu We think this speaks to two things. First, a chef run kitchen. Second, a commitment to customer service. When other places may have the wait staff performing double duty as customer and kitchen liaisons, FFT had dedicated food runners. That’s not to say the wait staff was lackadaisical in their duties. They, along with every other staff member was constantly keeping the place clean. Allowing the servers to concentrate more on their customers permitted them to do one thing not seen in many other establishments. They stopped and paid attention, answering any questions. [![Pizzas and 'build-your-own' burgers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/014-full-tilt-tavern-1024x698.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/014-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Pizzas and ‘build-your-own’ burgers The fact that both the staff and fellow patrons always stop to give attention is the one thing most appreciated by the customers I interviewed. And, specifically, by one frequently returning customer. This friendly and inviting atmosphere helps make the venue indefinable, but ever welcoming. **DRINKS** FTT also has a full-service bar. Their bottled beer selection alone was more varied than some total beer offerings from other restaurants. [![One of the many bottled beers available](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/015-full-tilt-tavern-753x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/015-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) One of the many bottled beers available Besides having a full-service bar. For alcoholic choices they offer: beer, seltzers, and wine. Getting back to the bar, it also serves ever-changing monthly specials. [![March monthly drink features](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/016-full-tilt-tavern-675x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/016-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) March monthly drink features **SEATING** During our first visit, due to families constantly arriving with their children in tow, we did not take up a table and, consequently therefore, got out first order of food as takeaway. Seating at FTT is mostly tables and booths. Fun fact, FTT kept the built-in game boards from the previous owner. They also have other (portable) table games, which are free for customers to play. [![Built-in table game and the shelf of other games which may be brought to your table](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/017-full-tilt-tavern-1024x517.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/017-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Built-in table game and the shelf of other games which may be brought to your table Which, of course, brings us to the actual seating. [![Tables and booths](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/018-full-tilt-tavern-1024x736.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/018-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Tables and booths There is also seating around the large full-service bar. [![Comfortable chairs at the bar](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/019-full-tilt-tavern-840x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/019-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Comfortable chairs at the bar **CARD MACHINES** FTT chose the use of [Amusement Connect’s](https://amusementconnect.com/cashless-payment-card-system-hardware/) individually numbered RF-card system over cash/coins. [![One of two Amusement Connect card machines spotted](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/020-full-tilt-tavern-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/020-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) One of two Amusement Connect card machines spotted To see how the Amusement Connect card system operated, we used our credit card to purchase the “fiver” option, and then used those 20 card credits to play two games of pinball. For those of you not wanting to do the math, that’s $2.50 per game. ![$5 buys you 20 card credits](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/021-full-tilt-tavern-1024x641.jpg) $5 buys you 20 card credits When we got home, we checked our credit card statement and found no service charges or taxes had been added to our game card purchase. [![No extra charges](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/052-full-tilt-tavern-1024x115.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/052-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) No extra charges General game prices varied from free to six credits to play, with all arcade machines having a card readers. (More on current pinball prices later) Amusement card purchases are like paper towel math. It’s complicated. [![A placard of the old card purchase rates](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/022-full-tilt-tavern-812x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/022-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) A placard of the old card purchase rates The actual purchase rates were a lower dollar-to-received-credit ratio. Price of received credits varied based on the package purchased. The larger the package the greater the number of free “bonus credits”. [![Actual common purchase rates](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/023-full-tilt-tavern-1024x717.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/023-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Actual common purchase rates Exhausted cards can be refilled, or may simply be recycled. [![When it's time to go](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/024-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/024-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) When it’s time to go **TOUR** The old once ‘round, viewed traveling counterclockwise past the front entrance. [![The view from the interior doors & the Pool Room just inside to the right](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/025-full-tilt-tavern-1024x399.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/025-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) The view from the interior doors & the Pool Room just inside to the right [![The restaurant and bar behind the hostess station & the bathrooms behind first card machine and to the right](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/026-full-tilt-tavern-1024x396.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/026-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) The restaurant and bar behind the hostess station & the bathrooms behind first card machine and to the right [![More of the restaurant further in & the start of the arcade games area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/053-full-tilt-tavern-1024x465.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/053-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) More of the restaurant further in & the start of the arcade games area [![The arcade area & the opposite side of the arcade](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/028-full-tilt-tavern-1024x485.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/028-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) The arcade area & the opposite side of the arcade [![A line of pinballs at the back of the arcade](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/029-full-tilt-tavern-1024x715.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/029-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) A line of pinballs at the back of the arcade [![More games fill the entire arcade area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/030-full-tilt-tavern-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/030-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) More games fill the entire arcade area [![Classic video games in the arcade area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/031-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/031-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Classic video games in the arcade area [![One of the patios going back to the bar area & the rear gameroom](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/032-full-tilt-tavern-1024x437.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/032-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) One of the patios going back to the bar area & the rear gameroom [![Rear gameroom looking north](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/033-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/033-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Rear gameroom looking north [![Doubling back from the rear gameroom & gambling/pull tabs to the right](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/034-full-tilt-tavern-1024x397.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/034-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Doubling back from the rear gameroom & gambling/pull tabs to the right [![ATM just right of the entrance & the back to the front area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/035-full-tilt-tavern-1024x426.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/035-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) ATM just right of the entrance & the back to the front area **PINBALL** Though it’s unclear which games belong to [Aspen Video and Vending](https://www.aspenvv.fun/) and which are owned by the location, the impressive line-up of newer and/or remade pinball machines included… [![](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/037-full-tilt-tavern-800x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/037-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) A non-working [Godzilla](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2024/07/09/godzilla-70th-anniversary-announced/) [![](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/039-full-tilt-tavern-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/039-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) [Jurassic Park](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2019/07/27/jurassic-park-2/) with ‘Insider’ header Pinball prices varied from 7.50 to 9.50 card credits per player credit. All plays were three ball games. [![7.50 card credits needed for one gameplay on some, 9.5 card credits on others](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/045-full-tilt-tavern-1024x527.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/045-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) 7.50 card credits needed for one gameplay on some, 9.5 card credits on others From player experience, rather than from game audits, we concluded that the game rules were set on default route play. Novices kept replays at default levels. The first replay awarded a free three ball game, but also immediately increased the points needed for the next replay. [![Earned credit from reaching the first replay score](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/046-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/046-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Earned credit from reaching the first replay score All pinball machines looked shinny and new. The staff did a great job keeping them clean. In general, the games played well, but not perfect. (More on that later.) [![When John Youssi it...](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/047-full-tilt-tavern-1024x789.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/047-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) When John Youssi it… During our first visit, we only played a few of the pinball machines. We thought their flippers played a little loose and weak. Though, this may be intentional to allow novice players to ‘catch’ the ball(s) in play a little more easily, and also to take it easier on the playfield items. Two of the pinball machines were down during this first visit. (More on that later.) [![A dead-pin... Deadpool](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/048-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/048-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) A dead-pin… Deadpool All pinball machines were back up by our return two days later. [![A line of operating games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/049-full-tilt-tavern-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/049-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) A line of operating games Problems with any game, not just pinballs, may be reported to any of the staff. The arcade mechanic from St. PaulL Tap Sports Bar & Gaming Company also fixes the games at FTT. One of the managers is on our side pinheads! Joey is a self-proclaimed avid pinball player who personally turned off the two previously mention downed games. Not because they were actually broken, but because he believed they did not play well enough. The first game had unsatisfactory responding flippers. The second would not go into one of its multiball modes. On our purposeful return visit, we played (and judged) a few more and different pinball machines from our first visit. Not including the flipper issues, we previously discovered, we found at least one thing wrong with each of the machines. First there was [SDTM](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2019/08/07/pinball-acronyms/?name-directory-search-value=SDTM&dir=2#name_directory_position2) syndrome on one game. Next was possibly an incorrectly-adjusted kicker/slingshot switch, but more probably a switch matrix issue, causing one kicker to fire. Lastly, we found either a warped playfield, or more probably an unlevel machine. Despite the specific problems we just mentioned, we want to be clear that all the pinball machines were much cleaner and in much better condition than the majority of machines ‘in-the-wild’.  And, that most novice players would probably not notice these few little things just mentioned. **SUMMARY** On social media, [Full Tilt Tavern touted itself](https://www.fulltilttavern.com/about) as, “THE place to go for a good time in Minnesota. With interactive games, scratch-made food, craft cocktails, and rotating monthly specials, we’ve got everything you need in one place for the best vibes in town!” Full Tilt Tavern? Simply concluded, a good times bar which also has various games, including pinball machines. [![Full Tilt Tavern](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/050-full-tilt-tavern-1024x724.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/full-tilt-tavern/050-full-tilt-tavern.jpg) Full Tilt Tavern You can keep in touch with FTT and reach out to them on social media or by phone. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 1e927f96-167e-4548-9b40-98d0b09ab47b*