Indie Darling, a new indie-focused arcade and bar, is getting ready to open in San Francisco at 537 Stevenson Street.
The company’s new location is set to open in Mid Market and SOMA Pilipinas, taking over 9,000 square feet across two floors. Owners Christian Gainsley and Elisabeth Kohnke recently submitted a liquor license application. Construction is expected to begin soon, with an opening planned for Fall 2026, according to social media posts. Customers can expect an indie-focused arcade paired with a full bar featuring cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
Indie Darling will be San Francisco’s first bar dedicated to indie games, music, and comics, with a focus on independent developers, artists, and musicians. The two-story, 9,000-square-foot space will include homebrew arcade cabinets, rare low-run pinball machines, and rotating art installations. DJs, league nights, and occasional live music events are planned to complement the arcade offerings.
The project comes from Gainsley and Kohnke, the duo behind the now-closed Outer Orbit, the Hawaii-themed pinball restaurant in Bernal Heights. Their previous venture combined dining and arcade culture, building a following among local gamers and creatives. Indie Darling builds on that foundation, placing greater emphasis on underground and independent creators.
Beyond arcade games, the bar will serve cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. The space will also host tournaments, league nights, and community events, creating a hub for indie creators and players. Civic Center BART and Muni stations are nearby, with paid parking available for customers driving in.
This will be an excellent landing space for Indie Darling, located in the heart of Mid Market and SOMA Pilipinas, where arts and creative culture are thriving. More details on events, programming, and opening schedules will be released as construction progresses.
