The Pyramid Scheme

68 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

Address:	68 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
Phone:	+1 616-272-3758
Site:	pyramidschemebar.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 34

B. Rowland

If you enjoy beer and pinball then you will love the Pyramid Scheme. This laid-back bar has everything you need to drop $20 of quarters into pinball machines for a few hours. Not to mention that their beer selection is better than most. Great location to hang out with friends and to get away from the standard bar scene. They are also a music venue that bring in a lot of good local bands throughout the year.

Macie Weiland

Laid back place with friendly patrons. Its a nice venue for local bands too. Ive had people just walk up and offer me free tickets to the concerts performed there. Its only drawback is the bartenders. Even when its not busy Ive had to wait a long time to order a drink because the bartender was talking to someone.

Sean DeLeon

Playing pinball and drinking PBR is what re-charges my batteries after a long work week. The dim lighting but colorful artwork compliment each other with a soothing tone. And the venue in the back of the building is perfect for watching a show from the side or engaging in the show on the dance floor.

Sean Keller

Excellent cheap pinball (the Twilight Zone is the best) great local beer at reasonable prices. Wednesdays are half off Shorts, which is an insane deal. Friendly staff. Venue side is a great place to see a show, nice and small like the Metro in Chicago, and frequently features lovely indie acts.

Johnny P

One of the few places in GR to check out cool bands. The decor is a bit tacky (theyre trying WAY too hard for that "kitschy vibe"), but its not a bad place overall. The crowd here is very young compared to most bars. Beer selection is above-average. Pinball is a nice extra.

Ryan

I love the pinball machines that they have available for you to play while having a drink. More of a trendy or hipster crowd. They have a small venue in the back for live music and shows. Interesting place check our for a drink and to play at least one game of pinball.

Andy Weaver

Brilliantly curated and expertly maintained, this is the place to be for live music in Grand Rapids. Beautiful parquet floor and intimate atmostphere makes it feel like home the second you walk in. Also just a fun hangout spot for good beer and pinball. Go here!

Bueford Wilson

Great concert venue, awesome selection of classic pinball games and the staff is excellent. A rad place to enjoy a cocktail or beer. Plus being a little bit off of Ionia St keeps some of those crumbums out of the place. Amirite?! 10/10 would pinball again.

Sam Hoats

"Its a trap!" -Admiral Ackbar. Seriously though, it is. This place is ballin and I am not just referring to the pinball machines. Very competitive drink prices, great atmosphere. It will trap you in the most positive meaning of the phrase.

Ryan VanderMeer

Ive been to many great events here over the years. Tons of memories made at concerts of all genres, burlesque shows, fundraisers, comedy shows, etc. The staff is great. Event curation is superb. Affordable drinks to enjoy. Lots of pinball.

Amber Byrne

Hidden gem, has a great selection of beer and a ton of arcade games to entertain. Only downside is they dont open until 4 and since I was in town for a wedding there was only one evening I was able to go.

Brad Zerns

I seen Red Rio & Samantha Fish. Samantha Fish was soooo incredible. Not a lot of seating I stood the whole time. I did Facebook live & they took my audio from the concert. Next time I will record to SD.

Taylor Kenney

Really relaxed atmosphere, felt like a college bar. Cool artwork and vintage posters hanging around the bar are for sale. Bartender was personable and gave great service. Nice selection of craft beers.

Jonathon Kay

I have been here a couple times to see some bands play. Really cool atmosphere. Great beers on tap. Great sound system. Lots of old school pin ball machines. Definitely going to keep coming here.

Robert Bishop

This is a great little bar. Ive never found it too busy to get in the door. Theres a great Michigan beer selection and they even have a few ciders. If youre short on money, they have cheap beers too.

Ben Thies

As a concert venue, this is one of my favorite venues. Security does their job while staying out of the way of people having fun. Very personal experience with the bands. They also have FREE WATER!

cindi ward

Great place to pop in and stay a while! Very comfortable, music gets a little loud but ambiance, knowledgeable bartenders and crowd are totally worth it. Definately our go to for a night out!

Phillip Brossia

Nice atmosphere, decent prices, lots of pinball machines. Only knock is for a dive bar the music is up a little loud, like to the level of a club, so it makes it hard to chat with friends.

Nicholas Shaneyfelt

Great place to grab a beer and play pinball! A selection of nearly 30 machines, old and new. I cant say anything about the concert venue, but the pinball is enough to keep me occupied.

Significant Brothers

This bar has such a great atmosphere. Its nice and dark, has tons of pinball machines, and has a good selection of beers. As a bonus, it is also a music venue, which is pretty awesome.

Brad Golden

Lots of Shorts brews on tap and an excellent atmosphere, theres also various pinball machines to play. The venue in the back has great local and small time national acts all the time.

Wes M

Very cool bar/venue combo. The venue is separate so if there is a show you can still go to the bar without a cover charge. Pinball machines and lots of great beer options.

Vix Zekken

Great pinball machines. Definitely place to go if youre more experienced at pinball. Machines seem a little more cutthroat than a beginner should be playing on though.

Shane Sievers

Great venue for small bands and art events. Fun lobby/lounge with tasteful and some local art. Clean enough for this type of place. Nothing great by way of food.

Ron Howard

One of the best music venues in the region. Great sightlines, sounds and intimate feel. Bar has a killer assortment of beers, pinball machines and relaxed vibe.

Chandler Versluis

The Pyramid Scheme is a very fun, relaxed and personal concert venue with a distinct culture. Its also a great place to find local and just beyond local bands.

Melinda Torres

Awesome live music venue! 1st visit was to see Fruition and Ill plan on returning often! Good beer on tap and overall selection! Not a bad spot in the room!

Alex Schroeder

Excellent small venue for concerts and community events, their extensive pinball machine collection is a beauty to behold. The bar does take credit cards.

Kim Davidson

I love the pyramid scheme for the diverse shows and community. Absolutely the best atmosphere. Great shows. Awesome bar. And pinball! Best staff ever.

Joshua Wilson

Roughly 28 pinballs machines, lots of open tables when I was there (mid afternoon on a saturday). Bar service was quick. Ill definitely come back!

Andrew Bentley

Best pinball bar in Michigan, hands down. They run a pinball leauge here. Search for "Grand Rapids pinball leauge" on Facebook for more information.

Eric Long

Eclectic atmosphere by far. A unique experience for sure too. Not many places where you can get a craft beer and play the timeless pinball machine.

Derek Mohr

Awesome weekday specials, great microbrews (and PBR) on tap. Also a ton of Pinball Machines if youre into that thing. One of my favorite bars!

Mari Sundell

This is a fun place, great shows of all varieties and if you like pinball youve come to the right place. A little pricey but worth it.