The best arcade bars in Chicago to drink and play at

Chicago's first arcade bar is still one of the best, with classic offerings like Space Invaders, Crazy Taxi and Donkey Kong. The bar serves 26 draft beers, including a rotatings list of seasonal brews. Even though there's no grub on-site, customers are welcome to bring in food from other restaurants nearby. While waiting to play your favorite classics, squeeze in a game of air hockey or skeeball to keep the competitive spirit going. 

Branding itself as a steampunk-inspired arcade, FTW is packed with classic games like skee-ball, pop-a-shot and air hockey alongside modern racing games and shooters. There's also a six-hole indoor mini golf course where you can practice your putt while drinking one of the many craft beers on tap and indulging in specialties like mac and cheese bites and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. It's like Chuck E. Cheese's for adults: unlike other arcade bars in the city, FTW has prizes.

Logan Arcade used to be the home of Logan Hardware, a record store that has since closed. The space now houses one of the larger collections of lovingly restored vintage arcade games in the city. The back room is filled with pinball tables (which account for roughly half of the available games), so flipper fanatics will be able to waste away hours setting new high scores. Bring your piggy bank—this is one of the few arcade bars that takes quarters.

Emporium's Logan Square outpost puts an emphasis on table games like pool, air hockey and shuffleboard—truly old-school stuff. All of the beer comes in cans and bottles, but there's plenty to choose from, including local and regional favorites. 

Formerly the original location of Headquarters, this early arcade bar became the third outpost of Replay in late 2016 after a split between HQ’s partners. The bar program is more focused on the extensive, high-end beer list than Replay’s other bourbon-centric locations, and the games (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Tron, NBA Jam) are all still free to play. The bar hosts themed pop-ups including a complete makeover to mimic The Office and a decorative ode to Netflix's Squid Games.

Go on a short trip to Brookfield to experience the largest classic video arcade in the United States. With over 900 available arcade games, gamers can easily get sucked into hours and hours of fun. Galloping Ghost is probably one of the best gaming deals—for just $25 at the door, gamers can enjoy unlimited gameplay and unlimited re-entry for the day. Head’s up: there is no alcohol to purchase, but as one of the best arcades in the Chicagoland area, it deserves a spot on the list.

On the second floor of the Highline Bar + Lounge is a HiPoint Arcade, a gamers’ heaven beaming with vintage arcade games. Dive into rounds of skeeball, Pac-Man and WWF Wrestlemania. After a long day of gaming, unwind at the Highline Bar downstairs to sip on limited-edition whiskey selections and jumbo-sized cocktails for the table.

Headquarters Beercade brings the vintage arcade fun to River North, offering a similarly large collection of games and more than a dozen craft beers. This location also serves up some non-typical bar food, including elote fritters and gyro baos. All the games are free to play, so you may have to jockey for a turn in front of the Ms. Pac-Man cabinet.

The Andersonville outpost of the Boystown beer-and-bourbon arcade bar adds food to the mix, with burgers, brunch and more to fuel your retro gaming. The bar runs down the center of the space, though it's just one-sided—the other side of its rear wall is lined with video game consoles. The extensive beer list (26 rotating drafts listed on giant chalkboards over the bar) and even bigger collection of bourbons are the reasons to visit, other than getting it on like Donkey Kong, of course.

Round1 is the one-stop shop for all things entertainment—not only does it have an abundance of arcade games but bowling alleys, pool tables and reservable karaoke sessions. Whether you're bringing friends or family, plan to spend a good portion of your day in the overwhelming options of entertainment. Round1's modest draft beer list and cocktails are just enough to add even more fun to the experience.

Arcade bars have made it to the suburbs. Located in Schaumburg's Woodfield Mall, Pac-Man memorabilia adorns the walls of Enterrium. The space is set up like the ultimate rec room, packed with vintage arcade cabinets, board games and 16 bowling lanes. Once you're done playing, recharge with an elevated dining experience of pastas, hearty burgers or sushi rolls. Make sure to sip on any of the selections from the arcade’s lengthy beer, cocktail and wine list.

The Fulton Market location of the retro Logan Square arcade bar offers the same classic video games and craft pours as the original outpost. Stop by to watch matches of classic video games broadcasted on the big screens. 

Opening in 2013, the first Replay took the place of Buck's Saloon, bringing nostalgic video game fun to Boystown. The selection of games isn't as extensive as other arcade bars in town, but Replay's focus on craft beers and bourbon is a welcome addition to a strip where sugary-sweet mixed drinks and mass-market brews are the norm. If it's too stuffy inside, simply escape to the adjacent spruced-up patio.