The last time you schlepped to Sim Lim Square was probably to fix or buy a laptop or phone. But what if we told you that there’s more to Sim Lim Square than bargaining with bengs over gadgets and gizmos? What if we told you… that there’s a cool new underground bar-club at the basement?

Pinball Wizard, a new pinball-themed bar and club, has breathed new life into the techie mall. It’s nothing like what you’d imagine to find inside the 32-year-old building that has been sullied by cutthroat electronic store owners. Pinball Wizard unabashedly pays tribute to the glory days of the 90s, from the psychedelic décor to the authentic game machines.

To find Pinball Wizard, look out for this kitschy sign at the entrance. It's right next to Subway, and opposite the mall’s food court at the basement.

Being Singapore’s only pinball-dedicated bar is serious business. The pinball machines are a mix of the old and the new, with analogue ones dating all the way back to the 70s, and electronic machines offering over 500 interchangeable interfaces, where you take your pick from an array of games like Dracula, The Simpsons, Star Wars and Avengers.

If you grew up playing and replaying tunes from the Backstreet Boys, Take That, Britney Spears on your Walkman and Discman, you’ll feel at home on the dancefloor here. Spinning fabulous hits from the 90s, 00s and current charts are DJ Nicolette (pictured) who you may recognise from Canvas and Empire, Eatmepoptart’s Weelikeme, erstwhile Hard Rock Café resident Bucko, and Nineteen80’s Ollie’des, YA5TH and Bobos.

It’s helmed by the same folks behind Nineteen80, the arcade-bar-club at Tanjong Pagar, people who definitely know how throw a fun partay. Just look at how Nineteen80 is packed to the gills every weekend. The two-week-old Pinball Wizard is still relatively under the radar, but we’re guessing nostalgia-chasing xennials (aka older millennials) will be thronging this place very soon, especially since there’s no cover charge.

Pinball Wizard operates as a bar earlier in the evening (doors open at 6pm), where an array of cocktails are available till 9pm. Try the Berry Poppins (pictured; $18), a heady mix of bourbon, sourz apple, cloudy apple juice and strawberry caviar.

Although Pinball Wizard’s inspiration is from the era of dial-up Internet, but it doesn’t mean its drinks aren’t Insta-worthy. Take these Glitter Shooters ($80 for 10), for instance. The lava-lamp like concoction comes in two flavours – Crouching Tiger is a mix of tequila, lychee liqueur and chrysanthemum tea, while Peanut Butter & Jelly is a blend of raspberry liqueur, hazelnut liqueur, vodka and cranberry juice. The rest of its drink offerings are just as eclectic, with a range of handcrafted spirits (like a citrus-based Widges London dry gin and the acclaimed Plantation 3 Stars white rum) served as housepours, and a slew of craft beers and ciders available as well.

The bright, funky aesthetic pays homage to the 70s, which saw the inception of the pinball machine.

Pinball Wizard is at #B1-29 Sim Lim Square, 1 Rochor Canal Road (entrance facing Prinsep Street). Open Tue and Wed at 6pm-1am, Thu and Fri 6pm-3am and Sat 6pm-4am. More info at www.pinballwizard.sg.

Photos: Pinball Wizard