A night out with friends at a barcade is a perfect combination of fun and nostalgia. You can enjoy some adult beverages (responsibly, of course, with a designated driver) and your favorite video games from the past and present. Chicago has no shortage of barcades for a great time. Here are some of our favorites at American Auto Insurance in Chicago.
Emporium Arcade Bar
Emporium Arcade Bar has three Chicago locations to serve you all over the city. Emporium Fulton Market is located in the transformed Betty space, Emporium Logan Square is the largest of the three venues, and the Wicker Park location is the first and original. In each of the locations, you’re greeted with expansive murals on all the walls, with black light contributing to the ambiance of light, color, and sound. All three locations feature a combination of classic video games, lots of pinball machines, air hockey, pool, and foosball tables playable with prepaid tokens.
For your drinking pleasure, the bar menu at Wicker Park features rotating craft beers in all varieties: lagers, wheats, ciders, pilsners, and more. Logan Square has beer plus gin, scotch, tequila, and dozens of different whiskeys. Other drink options include kombucha, coffee, sparkling water, and wine. At Fulton Market, you can choose from the large beer selection, hard drinks, and house-made craft cocktails featuring rum, bourbon, tequila, and more. Or try an adult frozen slushie with rum or vodka. For the non-drinkers, CBD-infused sparkling waters, Red Bull, and bottles of Sprecher sodas round out the menu.
Fulton Market is surrounded by some of Chicago’s best restaurants, and you’re welcome to bring in takeout from any of them. The Wicker Park location sells a selection of light bar snacks, such as local nuts, pretzels, and potato chips, and allows outside food as well. Logan Square features a food truck in the bar that’s run by a rotating cast of Chicago’s fine cooks. Outside food is permitted at this location by request only. Outside beverages, including water and soda, aren’t allowed, and you’re responsible to clean up your takeout containers, though they will provide a garbage bag.
Special events, such as DJ sets, team trivia, and even private parties, are always happening at all three Emporium locations. You must be 21 to enter.
Location and Hours:
Emporium Fulton Market: 839 W. Fulton Market, Chicago.
Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Emporium Logan Square: 2363 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.
Open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Emporium Wicker Park: 1366 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.
Open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Logan Arcade
Since 2014, Logan Arcade has provided the Chicago area with the most well-maintained collection of games around. The arcade features some of the best classic and modern video games, such as Q*bert, Donkey Kong, and The Walking Dead Arcade. There are also pinballs, such as Elvira’s House of Horrors and Medieval Madness, fighting games, and the 10-player Killer Queen Arcade for when you really want to show your friends what you’re made of. Come on Tuesdays to participate in the Pinball League for all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Sign-up starts at 8 p.m., and gameplay starts at 8:30 p.m.
Stop by on the first and third Sunday of the month in the late afternoon for a killer DJ set until 8 p.m. Check the calendar for special holiday-themed events, such as the Halloween Hangout and Market, with local vendors and drink specials. Want to host a corporate party or private event? Logan Arcade is a great spot for a relaxing evening of games, beverages, and conversation.
The drink menu includes a selection of drafts and canned beers at all price points. You can also enjoy a mixed cocktail, such as an old-fashioned or a screwdriver. The non-alcoholic beverage menu includes a variety of bottled sodas. Sunday through Thursday, the Logan Arcade offers a daily drink special, with happy hour Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can also enjoy some takeout from the vegan food truck Fry Like an Eagle.
Location and Hours:
2410 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago.
Open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Headquarters Beercade
Open 365 days a year, Headquarters Beercade has 14,000 square feet of entertainment space on two floors. With a full menu of food, drinks, games, and events, it’s a nightlife spot that can provide a relaxed evening with friends playing one of 70 video games or a competitive night of team trivia. Their roster of video games includes classics, such as Space Invaders, Tetris, and Pac Man, and vintage and new pinballs, such as Tron and The Mandalorian.
Food choices include house-made Sicilian pizza with all your favorite toppings and a modern take on classic bar snacks, such as fries with lime mayo and soy, ginger, bonito, and nori toppers. You can always wash down your burger or grilled cheese with something from the huge selection of canned or draft beers on tap, a hard seltzer, or cider. Or you can take your time sipping on a craft cocktail with unique names and flavor combinations.
You must be 21 to enter.
Location and Hours:
213 W. Institute Place, Chicago.
Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday.
We hope one of these Chicago barcade spots tempts you. Always drink responsibly and designate a driver for a fun and safe night out. Are there any we missed? Feel free to contact us and tell us your favorite barcades in town.
