No matter your age, nobody is too old for a few rounds of skee ball, Star Wars pinball, or Cruis’n World!
Arcade games evoke nostalgia and the excitement of winning tickets, tokens, and prizes. It’s no wonder that incredible arcades are scattered throughout the city and Chicago is even home to the biggest arcade in the world.
Here are the best arcades in Chicago for hours of merriment!
1. Emporium Arcade Bar
Chicago’s original arcade bar and event venues are not just about games. They feature vintage arcade games, table games, and pinball machines but also provide curated beer and cocktails and a diverse, vibrant live music scene.
With three distinct locations in the Chicago area, there’s an atmosphere for everybody to enjoy. All of their games operate on tokens, and each location has a token machine. This is one of the arcades in Chicago that should not be missed.
Address: Various Locations
2. Logan Arcade
Logan Arcade provides a wide range of classic and modern arcade games, pinball, and fighting games, including the incredible 10-player Killer Queen Arcade and more; the extensive and well-maintained collection is quintessential for arcade aficionados.
Address: 2410 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
3. Replay Lincoln Park
Replay is unique not just because the moment you enter the arcade bar, you’re transported to a 70’s bar, a Tay Tay Partay (Swifties unite), or whatever the monthly decorated theme is—it’s that all of Replay’s arcade games are free. Yes, you heard right. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to give up the fun, head to this bar for a spectacle.
Address: Various Locations
4. Headquarters Beercade
Located in River North, Headquarters Beercade is taking the traditional bar setting to the next level. Spanning 2 floors and 14,000 square feet, HQ offers a low-maintenance night with high-energy entertainment that is perfect for nightlife, dates, or a chill night out. Choose from a full menu of modern, fresh American food, innovative signature cocktails, and dozens of free vintage arcade games.
Address: 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610
5. HighPoint
Hi-Point is a game lounge located at Highline Bar + Lounge. It offers patrons a variety of entertaining arcade games.
The space provides a dynamic experience for game enthusiasts and entertainment seekers, combined with the elevated bar scene in Highline Bar + Lounge. Beloved arcade games and activities include skee ball, NBA Jam, Pac-Man, special editions of pinball, Donkey Kong, and WWF WrestleMania, among others.
Address: 1 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60603
6. WhirlyBall
WhirlyBall is an entertainment center and one of the arcades in Chicago that offers a variety of exhilarating games, such as WhirlyBall, bowling, multi-level LaserTag, video games, and pool tables.
Address: 1825 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
7. Sandbox VR Chicago
Okay, so this isn’t exactly one of the arcades in Chicago. However, it’s an unparalleled gaming experience. Sandbox is a futuristic VR experience that allows users to see and physically interact with each other, creating an experience similar to the real world.
Inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck, their exclusive worlds make users feel like they’re living inside a game or movie—which can be thrilling and haunting.
Address: 2359 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
8. Galloping Ghost Arcade
The Galloping Ghost Arcade offers a unique video gaming experience! It is the biggest video arcade in the USA, currently housing over 885 games, with more being added all the time.
At Galloping Ghost Arcade, they’re all about giving you the best gaming experience for your money. Unlike most arcades, they don’t require quarters or tokens. Instead, they offer free play for all their games and charge a $25 entry fee. This allows their guests to play as many games as they want for as long as they want.
Address: 9415 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
9. Velocity Esports
Velocity Esports is an innovative esports arcade with entertainment experiences, offering arcade games, prizes, social gaming lounges, live tournaments, and other in-person entertainment features.
Whether you choose from their wide variety of arcade and redemption games, it’s the perfect place to enjoy competitive games, elevated casual dining, and craft beverages.
Address: E108 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173