Top 17 Arcades in Chicago
"Arcades in Chicago" are an integral part of the city's vibrant gaming culture. These establishments offer a retro experience, allowing visitors to enjoy classic arcade games and the latest virtual reality technology. "Arcades in Chicago" cater to all ages and interests, fostering a sense of community among gaming enthusiasts. Whether it's reliving childhood memories or exploring new gaming frontiers, "Arcades in Chicago" continue to captivate and entertain.
- 1. Logan Arcade
- 2. HiPoint
- 3. Emporium Arcade Bar
- 4. Emporium Arcade Bar
- 5. Headquarters Beercade
- 6. FTW Chicago
- 7. Emporium Arcade Bar
- 8. Midlane Esports
- 9. Gamer's Hall
- 10. Krypton VR Lounge
- 11. Game Night Out
- 12. DePaul Esports Gaming Center
- 13. WhirlyBall Chicago
- 14. Replay Andersonville
- 15. Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
- 16. Chicago Gamespace
- 17. Razzmatazz
1. Logan Arcade
Unique vintage atmosphere

Classical arcade games typically cost a quarter to play, while pinball games are usually 50 cents. Newer games, however, can be pricier, often costing a dollar per play. For the purpose of comparison, I will be referring to Emporium, the closest arcade bar to the one in question.
Emporium charges similar prices for their games, with classical arcade games costing a quarter and pinball games 50 cents. Newer games at Emporium also cost a dollar per play. The pricing structure at both arcades is quite similar, though it is always a good idea to check the prices before playing.
2. HiPoint
Unique combination of entertainment and dining options.

Head to the smaller bar and arcade across from Merchandise Mart for a casual experience with a few games and drinks. The atmosphere is enjoyable, though the space is limited. There's a selection of pinball machines including Ghostbusters and Mars Attack, as well as some arcade games.
However, if your priority is playing games after dining, this may not be the best choice. HiPoint is a room inside another restaurant, with some games located behind occupied tables, making them inaccessible. Additionally, many of the games appeared to have mechanical issues, which could hinder gameplay.
3. Emporium Arcade Bar
Unique combination of arcade games and craft beer

Located in a former theater, Emporium Arcade Bar features an extensive variety of arcade games, from classic options like Pacman and Galaga to pool and Skee-ball. The atmosphere is energetic and engaging, making it an ideal destination for a night out. The establishment is known for its affordable games and reasonably priced drinks, making it an attractive option for adults seeking a fun and social environment.
The staff at Emporium Arcade Bar are welcoming and contribute to the establishment's positive vibe. In addition to the arcade games, big screens display movies, enhancing the entertainment experience. The combination of affordable games, cheap drinks, and a lively ambiance makes Emporium Arcade Bar a popular spot for adults looking for a enjoyable and sociable evening.
4. Emporium Arcade Bar
Offers a unique fusion of bar and arcade experience

Emporium is a popular arcade bar featuring a wide range of games and a bustling yet hushed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for socializing. On a Friday night, the venue was filled with a lively crowd, yet it wasn't overly crowded or deafening.
The bar offers a wide variety of table and arcade games, adding to its appeal. Staffing is sufficient, ensuring that obtaining drinks is a swift and effortless process. Emporium creates a great atmosphere with its energy levels and friendly vibe, allowing for both enjoyable gaming and conversation.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
5. Headquarters Beercade
Full bar with craft beers and cocktails

This location offers a wonderful arcade experience with a wide variety of old-school games at no cost. The atmosphere is lively and entertaining, providing hours of fun.
The establishment boasts an impressive collection of retro arcade games, the majority of which are free to play. This feature attracts a diverse crowd of visitors, all eager to experience the nostalgia of classic gaming.
6. FTW Chicago
Cutting-edge virtual reality technology

FTW Chicago provides a vibrant game room atmosphere, coupled with excellent service, tasty food, and a convenient location near a movie theater. It's a perfect venue for a fun date night or group celebration, thanks to its attentive staff and memorable events.
During my visit, my children, aged 10, 7, and 4, had a wonderful time playing the well-maintained games available at this establishment. The location was also convenient, being a short and easy walk from the Loew's hotel. We particularly enjoyed the quesadillas and pizza. However, there is room for improvement in staff training as some employees could have been more welcoming and attentive. Fortunately, the bar staff provided good service, making our experience pleasant overall.
7. Emporium Arcade Bar
Offers a unique combination of craft beer and classic arcade games

On a Saturday night, a group of people visited a bar arcade with a lively atmosphere and good music. Many of the visitors, including the group, were drawn to playing air hockey. However, there were not enough air hockey tables to accommodate everyone who wanted to play.
The group decided to check out the bar arcade after noticing its appealing location while passing by. The place had a trendy and laid-back vibe, making it an ideal spot to hang out. The visitors were pleased with the overall ambiance of the establishment and enjoyed their time playing various games.
8. Midlane Esports
Host regular gaming tournaments and events

Midlane Esports' arcade section is an enjoyable spot for gaming enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of games that cater to various preferences. The welcoming environment, combined with the friendly and approachable staff, contributes to a positive atmosphere that enhances the overall gaming experience.
This establishment serves as an excellent venue for both arcade games and esports, drawing in a diverse crowd of gamers. The atmosphere is enhanced by the enthusiasm and camaraderie of the patrons and the commitment of the staff to provide excellent customer service.
9. Gamer's Hall
Hosts tournaments and special events for arcade games

Gamer's Hall is a new event venue and performance space situated in Humboldt Park. Upon arrival, Eddie, the friendly staff member, greeted my 8-year-old son and me with enthusiasm. He offered us a comprehensive tour of the venue, showcasing a wide variety of retro and current games. The setup included both hourly and event-based rental options, providing us with a cost-effective opportunity to explore gaming history.
During the tour, my son and I were introduced to the Atari 2600, NES, and SNES systems. Additionally, we enjoyed playing pool and air hockey in the spacious facility. The diverse range of games and entertainment options available at Gamer's Hall made our visit memorable and enjoyable. This unique venue provides a perfect atmosphere for both casual gamers and nostalgia-seekers alike.
10. Krypton VR Lounge
Unique social experience in a lounge-like atmosphere

The arcade games at Krypton VR Lounge provide an exciting experience for visitors of all ages. Equipped with virtual reality (VR) setups, the lounge allows patrons to explore various virtual worlds and engage in immersive gameplay. This unique arcade experience is perfect for both kids and adults who are looking for a fun and interactive activity.
My friends and I recently visited Krypton VR Lounge and had a fantastic time. We were amazed by the variety of VR games available and enjoyed exploring different virtual worlds together. The VR setups were user-friendly and easy to use, making it simple for us to jump right into the games. The lounge's atmosphere was upbeat and lively, adding to the overall enjoyment of our experience. We highly recommend Krypton VR Lounge for anyone looking for a memorable arcade experience.
11. Game Night Out
Exciting atmosphere with regular tournaments and events

Game Night Out is a enjoyable and lively social activity, especially for a group of friends. Located in Century City mall, it offers easy parking and is BYOB, with ample fridge and counter space for snacks and accessories. The atmosphere is cozy, designed to resemble a living room, and the hostesses are entertaining, friendly, and encouraging.
The experience consists of a series of 7 games, which are fun, easy to follow, and promote teamwork, thinking, and laughter. Whether it's for team building, corporate events, family gatherings, or parties, Game Night Out is highly recommended due to its versatility and entertainment value. The games will have you laughing and wanting to recreate them at your own parties, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
12. DePaul Esports Gaming Center

13. WhirlyBall Chicago
First indoor WhirlyBall facility in the world

The arcade games at the venue were a major hit among the children. They were thrilled by the diverse range of games and the prospect of winning prizes. The arcade section is kept in excellent condition and houses a wide variety of games, making it an enjoyable addition to the WhirlyBall experience.
Children absolutely loved the arcade games, which offered a fun and varied assortment of options and the enticing possibility of winning prizes. As for the arcade's physical space, it is carefully maintained and includes an excellent selection of games, enhancing the overall WhirlyBall experience.
14. Replay Andersonville
Unique mix of classic and new arcade games

The new addition to Andersonville has been well-received, offering tasty drinks and good service. It provides a fresh and exciting option for locals, distinguishing itself from other bars in the area. The unique selection of tap beer and spirits, combined with knowledgeable bartenders, has contributed to its popularity.
The bar boasts over 20 types of tap beer and an extensive range of spirits. Its creative and fun drink offerings make it an attractive destination for those looking for a unique drinking experience. The bartenders' expertise and sophisticated tastes when it comes to alcohol further enhance the overall experience. This new establishment is a welcome complement to the local bar scene.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
15. Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
Interactive maze experience with fun challenges

The experience at the maze was both loud and fun, although the numerous warning signs indicating that children aged 5 and under may find it frightening gave my own kids a few scares. A highlight of the trip for them was the dizzy tunnel, which I did not participate in due to my 9-month pregnancy. My husband believed I would have struggled with the "squeeze area" of the maze.
The maze provided an unexpected amount of sensory experiences and amusement. My kids had so much fun that they are already looking forward to a special haunted maze that will be available for Halloween. Despite finding the maze challenging, we all agreed that it was a highly enjoyable and memorable activity.
16. Chicago Gamespace

Much has been made of the artistic integrity of video games in recent years, and Chicago Gamespace has emerged as a living museum of major arcade games, most of which are playable. In addition to a permanent collection of machines, from Pac-Man to Mortal Kombat, the walls hang original photographs and artwork, with prints available in the on-site shop. About a mile west of the Chicago History Museum and the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo, the only downside is that Chicago Gamespace is only open on Sunday afternoons.
17. Razzmatazz
Includes a full-service restaurant and bar on-site.

Many of the games at the entertainment venue are reportedly not functioning correctly or are completely inoperable. This issue seems to affect a significant portion of the games, which could lead to disappointment and frustration for visitors. Additionally, the prizes available for redeeming tickets won from the games are limited and often outdated, with candy options that are stale. These issues may deter guests from participating in the games and undermine their overall experience at the venue.
On a more positive note, the entertainment venue offers a variety of up-to-date video games that cater to all age levels, providing something for everyone. The venue also features other attractions such as air hockey tables, bowling lanes, and bouncy houses. These options offer alternative sources of entertainment and could provide a more enjoyable experience for visitors.