Level Up Your Nightlife: Where Games and Socializing Meet
Looking for bar and games near me? Here is some information:
Types of Game Bars:
- Arcade Bars - Classic pinball, retro games, craft beer (often token or free-play)
- Social Competition Venues - Bowling, darts, shuffleboard, pool tables with upscale food
- Immersive Experiences - VR games, golf simulators, interactive team challenges
Selection Guide:
- For casual hangouts: Arcade bars with nostalgic games
- For groups: Bowling alleys and activity centers with multiple game options
- For certain occasions: High-tech venues with distinct experiences
Things to Check:
- Age policies (most are 21+ after 9 PM)
- Reservation requirements for groups
- Food and drink menus
- Game pricing structure
The days of choosing between grabbing drinks or playing games are over.
Today's entertainment scene has evolved into venues where you can challenge friends to skee-ball between sips of a craft cocktail, or test a team's problem-solving skills in an immersive VR mission while enjoying chef-crafted small plates.
These activity bars blend the social atmosphere of a watering hole with the competitive fun of an arcade or game room. They are suitable for breaking the ice on a first date, celebrating a birthday with friends, or planning a corporate team-building event.
Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast, a competitive bowler, or someone seeking the latest in interactive entertainment, there are venues designed for various styles of fun.
A New Way to Play: The Different Types of Activity Bars
Chicago's nightlife offers an array of venues where games and socializing go hand-in-hand. This section explores the variety of venues that combine libations with interactive fun, helping to find a suitable spot for any occasion.
For the Retro Gamer: Nostalgic Arcade Bars
For those who remember the glow of arcade cabinets and the click of a pinball flipper, Chicago's arcade bars offer a trip down memory lane. These spots are a common choice when searching for a bar and games near me, bringing together classic games with a contemporary bar experience.
Emporium Arcade Bar, with its Logan Square location, is one example. It has one of the city's largest collections of games, featuring everything from classic arcade games to a lineup of pinball machines. For pinball enthusiasts looking to explore even more, you can find local pinball machines all over the city. Beyond the digital field, you can also find physical games like foosball, air hockey, pool tables, skeeball, NBA Hoops, and Super Chexx. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with some venues featuring live DJs and weekly game tournaments. When it comes to drinks, Emporium offers a wide selection of craft beers, a cocktail program, and a substantial whiskey list. For those looking for a bite, Emporium allows outside food to be brought in or delivered, giving visitors flexibility.
Another location in Chicago's arcade bar scene is Replay Lincoln Park. While specific details on its offerings were not provided in our research, venues like Replay typically offer a similar mix of classic arcade games and pinball, creating a social environment where friends can gather, play, and enjoy a wide selection of beverages. These venues are suitable for a casual night out, a nostalgic date, or a gathering with friends who appreciate friendly competition on classic machines.
For the Social Competitor: Bowling, Bocce, and More
Some games encourage group participation and friendly rivalry. This category of activity bars focuses on games that are inherently social, allowing for conversation and camaraderie alongside competition. When searching for a bar and games near me for a larger group, these venues often come to mind.
Punch Bowl Social in Chicago is an example of a venue designed for social competition. While our research didn't dig into its specific games, establishments like Punch Bowl Social typically offer a broad range of activities such as bowling, including duckpin bowling (played with smaller balls and pins), shuffleboard, darts, and pool tables. These games are suitable for breaking the ice and engaging everyone in a party.
The atmosphere in these social competition venues is usually active, catering to groups looking for an active night out. Food options often include upscale pub fare, featuring shareable plates, gourmet burgers, and other dishes. Complementing the food are extensive beverage menus, including craft cocktails and a diverse selection of beers. These locations provide a comprehensive entertainment experience where you can eat, drink, and play in one place.
For the Experience Seeker: Immersive & Distinct Venues
For those craving something different, Chicago also offers distinct and immersive venues. These destinations often incorporate technology or highly themed experiences to create distinct outings. The city's diverse entertainment landscape includes places offering high-tech games and interactive challenges.
Some venues feature VR gaming setups, where groups can start on interactive missions, solve puzzles, or engage in virtual sports. Some venues might offer golf simulators, allowing you to play a round on world-famous courses regardless of the weather outside. These high-tech game bars focus on creating distinct offerings, often combining these experiences with themed cocktails and food menus to complete the immersive atmosphere. These are places to consider for a bar and games near me that offers a different kind of activity, where the games are as much about the experience as they are about winning.
[TABLE] Comparing Venue Types
| Feature | Arcade Bars | Social Competition Venues | Immersive & Distinct Venues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suited For | Retro gaming fans, casual hangouts, dates | Group outings, team building, celebrations | Distinct experiences, tech enthusiasts, thrill-seekers |
| Typical Games | Classic arcade, pinball, skee-ball, foosball | Bowling (duckpin), darts, shuffleboard, pool | VR, golf simulators, interactive missions, escape rooms |
| Overall Vibe | Nostalgic, lively, laid-back | Active, social, competitive | Engaging, activity-focused |
| Food & Drink | Craft beers, cocktails, pub snacks (often outside food allowed) | Upscale pub food, shareables, diverse drink menus | Themed cocktails, creative small plates, full dining options |
How to Choose the Right Bar and Games Near Me for Your Group
Finding a suitable venue depends on a group's size, style, and desired experience. Here’s what to consider when looking for a bar and games near me that fits your group.
Matching the Vibe to Your Crew
An important step is making sure the venue's vibe aligns with what a group is looking for. Chicago offers a spectrum of atmospheres, from laid-back and nostalgic to high-energy and competitive.
For a casual hangout where conversation flows between rounds of Pac-Man, an arcade bar like Emporium Logan Square can be a good option. These spots often strike a balance between lively entertainment and a relaxed social setting. For a date night, a venue that offers a mix of activities and comfortable seating can provide opportunities to connect.
For corporate events or larger group celebrations, venues designed for social competition, like Punch Bowl Social, are an option. Their multiple game options allow everyone to find something to enjoy, fostering team spirit and friendly rivalry. Many establishments also cater to different age groups, with all-ages hours during the day or on weekends. However, it’s important to note that many of Chicago's game bars transition to a 21+ policy in the late evening, typically after 8 PM or 9 PM. This creates a different atmosphere for the late-night crowd. Always check specific age policies before heading out, especially with younger members in a party. The Apartments in Downtown Chicago are located near many of these diverse entertainment options.
A Look at Food and Drink Menus
The culinary offerings at game bars have evolved from simple pretzels and soda. Today, a wide range of food and drink options are available that complement the activities.
Many venues, especially those geared towards social competition or immersive experiences, offer full restaurant menus. These often feature shareable plates perfect for grazing between games, along with classic pub grub favorites like wings and gourmet burgers. Some spots have chef-crafted menus that offer a dining experience beyond typical bar food. For example, some game bars in Chicago will have extensive menus featuring everything from appetizers to main courses.
When it comes to drinks, the selection is also extensive. Craft beer enthusiasts will find extensive beer lists, often featuring local brews and rotating taps. Signature cocktails are a common feature, with mixologists crafting creative concoctions. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, most places offer a variety of sodas, juices, and mocktails. Even arcade bars like Emporium, while allowing outside food, provide a full bar service with diverse drink options. Whether looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Chicago's game bars have options.
Planning Your Visit: Logistics and Tips
Once a spot for bar and games near me is picked, a little planning can be helpful. Here’s how to plan for an outing in Chicago.
Understanding Age Policies and Hours of Operation
Before heading out, it is recommended to check the specific age policies and operating hours of the chosen venue. This is important in a city like Chicago, where policies can vary.
Many game bars in Chicago, particularly those that serve alcohol, operate with age restrictions. It's common for venues to be open to all ages during the day and early evening. However, as the night progresses, most transition to a 21+ policy, typically after 8 PM or 9 PM. For instance, Emporium Logan Square requires all guests to be at least 21 years old with a valid photo ID for entry. This policy is for their evening patrons.
Operating hours can also differ significantly between weekdays and weekends, and some venues might have special hours for holidays or private events. For example, Emporium Logan Square's hours are generally Monday-Wednesday 5 PM-2 AM, Thursday 5 PM-2 AM, Friday 3 PM-2 AM, Saturday 12 PM-3 AM, and Sunday 12 PM-2 AM. Always consult the venue's official website or call ahead to confirm current hours, especially when planning a late-night visit or bringing a mixed-age group. The Downtown Chicago Loop Apartments are a short distance from many establishments.
Booking for Groups and Private Events
For a gathering with a larger group—be it a birthday party, a corporate outing, or a team-building event—booking in advance is recommended, and often necessary. Chicago's game bars are equipped to handle group events and many offer dedicated services to assist with planning.
For venues like Emporium Arcade Bar, parties or group outings can be booked through their online forms. They provide detailed information on what to expect, including guidelines and rules for group reservations. For example, Emporium offers table reservations for groups of 35 or fewer people, though it's noted that seating isn't guaranteed for everyone as most guests prefer to move around and play games. They also offer various payment options for drinks, such as cash bars, group tabs with limits, drink tickets, and open bar wristband options for larger groups.
When booking, be prepared to specify the nature of the event, the number of attendees, and the preferred date and time. Many venues offer special group packages that might include game tokens, food and drink minimums, or even private room rentals, allowing you to customize your experience. Some places might even have dedicated event coordinators to help plan every detail, from invitations to catering. This helps with planning the event at a game bar.
Tips for visiting a bar and games near me
To make the most of a visit to a Chicago game bar, a few tips can help create a smooth and enjoyable experience.
First, check for reservation policies, especially for certain games like bowling lanes or specific arcade setups, and particularly on weekend evenings. While some places welcome walk-ins, reserving ahead can reduce wait times, allowing more time to play. For groups, understanding the pricing structure beforehand is important. Some venues charge per game, others offer timed play passes, and many arcade bars use a token system. Knowing this in advance helps manage expectations so everyone can enjoy their preferred activities without interruption.
Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended for many Chicago spots. This can help secure a spot and allows for exploring different game areas before crowds arrive. Trying new games can be part of the experience, like discovering a talent for skee-ball or learning a new pinball machine. Also, remember to stay hydrated and take breaks between gaming sessions to enjoy the food and drinks on offer. By following these tips, a visit to a bar and games near me in Chicago can be an enjoyable experience. The Apartments for Rent in the Loop Chicago, IL provide access to the area's activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago's Game Bars
What are the typical age policies for game bars?
Most venues are open to all ages during the day and on weekends but become 21+ in the evening, typically after 8 or 9 PM. Always check the specific venue's website for the current policy before visiting with guests under 21. For example, Emporium Arcade Bar in Chicago requires all guests to be 21+ with a valid photo ID for entry.
Can I reserve a spot for a large group or party?
Yes, the majority of activity bars accept group reservations and private events. Many offer dedicated spaces, party packages, and online booking systems for birthdays, corporate events, and other celebrations. Venues like Emporium Arcade Bar offer table reservations for groups and various drink payment options to simplify event planning.
What kind of food is usually served at these venues?
The food options range from classic bar snacks like wings and nachos to full-service restaurant menus with chef-crafted shareable plates, gourmet burgers, and pizzas. A wide variety is available to complement the gaming experience. Some venues allow outside food to be brought in, offering flexibility.
Conclusion: Entertainment Options in Chicago
From nostalgic arcades to high-tech immersive challenges, Chicago's bar and game scene offers opportunities for connection and activity. Whether planning a date night, a team outing, or a casual hangout with friends, there are many venues to be found. The Alfred Apartments are located near many of the city's entertainment options. Explore what The Loop Chicago has to offer and find a new spot.
