Up until a few years ago, arcades in Chicago were on the verge of extinction. However, it is only when we take a closer look we might still find a handful of them in the city. These arcades are the best place for anyone to enjoy their weekends with family and friends.
Arcades usually contain a wide range of games, from mini golf and laser tag to bumper cars and more. On the contrary, they’ll also serve food and drinks as per your requirements. Here are some of the most amazing arcades to find in the city.
Arcades in Chicago
Let’s have a look at the top 7 Chicago arcades that come under the “must-visit” category in our list. We have thoughtfully created this list so that you can revisit the arcade life and have a blast!
Ignite Gaming Lounge
Ignite Gaming Lounge is located in northwest Chicago, between generic office buildings and muffler shops. For a top-notch gaming experience, Ignite can be your one-stop shop. Whether you want to rent a private rock band studio or check out Virtual Reality games, Ignite is a perfect choice. Significantly, Ignite could be among the top arcades in Chicagoland.
Check out the “living-room experience” (maximum four people), where gamers can compete on 55 LCD TVs from the comfort of a comfy couch or stick with high-end gaming PCs. significantly, Ignite provides super-fast internet as well as a whole food bar for a great experience.
Let’s have a look at the memorable events hosted by Ignite, one of the best arcades in the city:
- Kid & Teen Parties with food, gaming, drinks, and personal party hosts.
- Adult Socials – A whole lot of drinks, food, and gaming packages for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or any kind of celebration.
- Bar & Bat Mitzvahs for a legendary celebration and customized theme parties with video games, private events, and much more.
- Company Events for official parties hosted outside of your official place of business.
Address: 8125 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
Phone: +1 773-404-7033
Website: https://www.ignitegaming.com/
Chicago’s Funhouse Maze (Fun Arcades in Chicago)
Chicago’s Funhouse Maze is holiday heaven for families. This is Chicago’s only self-paced maze experience. Here you have to make your way through the 4000 square feet of tunnels and mazes.
Amazing Funhouse Maze in Chicago is a traditional twist on a family fun center. The 4000-square-foot structure is densely packed with sensory overloads. You’ll always be wondering what’s around the next corner as you make your way through the tunnels, hallways, and mazes. This engaging event is suitable for all families and kids.
Let’s have a look inside the Amazing Funhouse Maze, among the best Chicago arcades:
- Rainbow Tunnel
- Mirror Maze
- Spinning Light Tunnel
- Blacklight Art Hallway
- Funny Floor
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Phone: +1 312-595-5375
Website: http://amazingchicago.com/
Headquarters Beercade
Headquarters Beercade, one of the arcades in Chicago, packs the area with 70+ classic arcade games and pinball equipment, appealing to people seeking a break from the mundane. Ideal for weddings, bachelorette parties, birthdays, corporate outings, and other special occasions.
So, if you wish to relish the nightlife of Chicago city, then HQ Beercade will be the perfect destination for you. Unlike other bars and arcades, they set a perfect blend to help you connect with your inner child. You’ll get to play dozens of free vintage arcade games with a menu full of modern, fresh American food, innovative signature, and communal Cocktails.
Here are some amazing arcade games in Chicago available at Headquarters Beercade:
- IVAN STEWART’S OFF-ROAD
- PRIMAL RAGE
- ALTERED BEAST
- ROBOTRON
- CENTIPEDE
- GALAGA
- R.B.I BASEBALL
- STREET FIGHTER 2: CHAMPION EDITION
- DONKEY KONG
- TAPPER
- FROGGER
- MARVEL VS CAPCOM 2
- KILLER QUEEN
- PAPERBOY
Address: 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
Phone: +1 312-291-8735
Website: https://www.hqrivernorth.com/
Emporium Arcade Bar – Among Top Arcades in Chicago
The features of Emporium Arcade Bar are quite similar to other arcades, with delicious beer, classic games, and infinite enjoyment (until you run out of quarters). It is also among the best arcade bars in Chicago to explore.
They have gone a step further by offering two locations: N Milwaukee Ave. and Logan Square. Their main arcade station is on Milwaukee Avenue, while the Logan Square branch has more table games. Pool tables, foosball tables, air hockey tables, pinball machines, bubble hockey, shuffle puck bowlers, and similar games will dominate the floor.
Address:
- Chicago Fulton Market – 839 W Fulton Market, Chicago, Illinois 60607
-
Chicago Wicker Park – 1366 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60622
Website – https://www.emporiumarcadebar.com/
Logan Arcade
Logan has the best crowd among other arcades, and it is probably the best for pinball heads, although they have a selection of very rare and imported arcade games that you won’t find elsewhere.
With a superb bar staff, a nice atmosphere, and plenty of pinball and arcade games, this is the ideal location to visit on a cold and wet winter day, ranking it higher on the list of best arcades in Chicago. It also overcomes the cabin fever monotony that strikes every Chicagoan at some point. During these chilly months, there are some amazing offers on drinks and games that you might not want to miss.
Address: 2410 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
Phone: +1 872-206-2859
Website: https://loganarcade.com/
Galloping Ghost Arcade
The Galloping Ghost Arcade is one of the largest video arcades in the USA. They have around 885+ games available in the house. They don’t have any tokens or quarters, unlike other arcades in Chicago. All the games in the arcades are set to play for free, you just need to pay $25 entry fee upfront. Then you can spend your whole day playing around with different games.
They also have weekly, monthly, yearly, and lifetime memberships available! They are are also one of the most well-known arcades for keeping track of high scores and world records. Galloping Ghost Arcade currently has over 600+ World Records.
Address: 9415 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513, United States
Phone: +1 708-485-4700
Chicago Street Pinball Arcade
If you are a fan of pinball and you are from Chicago, then, you should not miss a change to visit Chicago Street Pinball Arcade. It is located in the heart of Chicagoland. It is mostly famous for its vintage pinball machines. They have the most selection of pinball machines out of all arcades in Chicago. There are only a handful of other games since pinball remains a specialty. Most of these are free to play with a minimum daily admission fee.
Make sure you visit on the weekends for a fantastic experience since they are only open on the weekends.
Address: 215 N Chicago St, Joliet, Illinois, 60432, United States
Phone: (779) 279-8799
Website: www.jolietpinball.com
Conclusion
We hope this list of the top 7 arcades in Chicago captured your interest and revived your admiration for the world of video games. With these arcades, you can enjoy some of the hidden gems like Frogger and experience Rainbow Tunnel, Mirror Maze, etc. All of these add to the classic arcade gaming and bring back the essence of nostalgia. So, if you are in the city, check out these amazing arcades!
If you want to pair your admiration for arcades with the best bars in the city, check out 7 Amazing Bars in Seattle To Hang Out.
