the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hawthorne NJ, Since opening on Memorial Day Weekend in 2018, Billy’s Midway has become a beloved cornerstone of the Hawthorne, NJ community. Located above The Celtic Corner pub at 312 Lafayette Avenue, the retro arcade offers a nostalgic trip through decades of gaming history, with classic arcade machines spanning from 1933 to 2012.
A Dream Made Reality by Billy and Allyson Smith
The arcade’s founders, Billy and Allyson Smith, are the heart and soul of this unique destination. Their passion for preserving gaming history and creating a space for families and friends to connect has turned Billy’s Midway into a community treasure.
How to Visit:
- Located on the second floor; entrance on the Diamond Bridge Avenue side.
- Hourly and daily admission rates available.
Exciting New Additions: Two Tigers and Punch-Out!!
Recent weeks have brought exciting updates to Billy’s Midway. Thanks to a generous donation from a local resident and a lucky deal with a collector, the arcade welcomed Two Tigers and Punch-Out!! to its lineup.
The journey to get these games operational was no small feat. After late nights and tricky repairs, both games were ready for action just in time for the weekend. Two Tigers debuted with an impressive 319,550 score set by regular player Greg (FTL) in the single-player mode. It didn’t take long for the dogfight mode to draw in players like Jim and Chris for some competitive fun.
The Timeless Allure of Pinball
Amid the flashing screens and 8-bit sounds, pinball machines remain a staple at Billy’s Midway. Despite technological advances, the core design of pinball machines has remained remarkably consistent over the past 75 years.
What Makes a Pinball Machine?
- Cabinet & Glass: Protects the playfield where all the action happens.
- Backbox & Backglass: Houses mechanisms and displays the game’s name and manufacturer.
- Flippers & Plunger: Keeps the game in motion and challenges players to rack up high scores.
This timeless design is a testament to the enduring appeal of pinball, providing just as much excitement now as it did decades ago.
A Community Staple
Billy’s Midway is more than just an arcade—it’s a place where memories are made and shared. Whether you’re revisiting childhood favorites, setting high scores, or introducing younger generations to classic games, the arcade offers something for everyone.
If you, your business, school, YMCA or other organization wants to come early on a day we are scheduled to open at 5pm, Please email or call and we can schedule an early opening for you.
Regular Hours:
Monday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Tuesday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Wednesday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Thursday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Friday: 5 pm – 11 pm
Saturday: Noon – 11 pm
Sunday: Noon – 10 pm
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