This past summer saw the expansion of two of Chicago’s arcade bars into new locales; Emporium Arcade Bar in Logan Square and Headquarters Beercade in River North. While both exhibit their own take on the fusion of classic gaming and drinks, it shows that the demand for these sorts of places is there, and that many locals welcome them with open arms.
The arcade bar trend first began in 2004, with the establishment of Barcade in New York City, which reintroduced the idea of having a place where people can enjoy retro coin-operated games, much like the video arcades of the past. This experiment in nostalgia became a success, and inspired similar establishments across the country, including some here in Chicago with the opening of the original Emporium Arcade Bar in Wicker Park in June of 2012, followed shortly after by the original Headquarters Beercade in Lakeview in October of that same year. And their continued success has allowed them to expand.
Patrons of Headquarters Beercade in River North test their reflexes with pinball machines.
One of the most notable things about Headquarters’ new location is a large neon sign mounted over rows of pinball machines that reads “Don’t grow up it’s a trap,” encouraging patrons to relax and get in touch with their younger selves, and it’s just one of the reasons arcade bars are thriving.
“They give us a place to actually socialize,” said Wicker Park resident Wade Ball. “You know, just grab a beer and enjoy some games.”
However, Emporium went in a bit of a different direction for their new location, focusing more on table games instead of video games. Thus, their floorspace is filled with billiards, shuffleboard, foosball, and air hockey tables, creating a more personal, more competitive air.
Ryan Duclos sharing a game of bubble hockey with Emily Gualdoni.
“Places like these have a different atmosphere,” said Emporium patron Ryan Duclos. “I enjoy them because provide an activity that people can share in and that allow for actual conversation and have fun, instead of just staring at a TV in some sports bar.”
This trend has no signs of slowing down, as other similar establishments have popped up as well, including Logan Arcade, also in Logan Square, as well as Replay in Lakeview.
Map of arcade bar locations in Chicago
Second City Tech 