Want to relive the nostalgia of the 1980s?

These 7 retro arcade bars in Illinois will make you feel like you’re in an episode of Stranger Things!

1. Galloping Ghost Arcade (Brookfield)

Holy pixelated paradise, Batman!

Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield is the mothership of all arcade experiences.

With rows upon rows of classic cabinets stretching as far as the eye can see, it’s like someone took your childhood dreams and turned them into a real-life cheat code.

This place is so packed with games, you half expect to find a secret level hidden behind the bathroom mirror.

From the moment you step inside, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia so strong, you might just start speaking in 8-bit.

The best part?

It’s not just a trip down memory lane – it’s a full-on marathon.

But here’s the kicker: unlike your childhood arcade experiences, you won’t need to beg your parents for more quarters.

One flat fee gets you unlimited play all day.

It’s like someone finally entered the Konami code for adulting!

2. Headquarters Beercade (Chicago)

If Doc Brown and Pac-Man had a love child, it would probably look something like Headquarters Beercade in Chicago.

This place is where your inner child and your outer adult come to party like it’s 1985.

With a selection of craft beers that would make a hipster weep tears of joy and a game lineup that reads like a who’s who of arcade royalty, Headquarters is the ultimate playground for grown-ups.

It’s the kind of place where you can sip on a locally brewed IPA while battling aliens in Space Invaders – because nothing says “I’m a responsible adult” quite like saving the galaxy one beer at a time.

The neon sign outside beckons like a lighthouse for lost souls seeking refuge from the storm of adulthood.

And inside?

Well, let’s just say it’s easier to find your way out of a maze in Pac-Man than it is to leave this place before last call.

3. 8 Bit Arcade Bar (Peoria)

Tucked away in Peoria, 8 Bit Arcade Bar is like finding an extra life when you thought the game was over.

This place is so retro, you half expect to see Molly Ringwald hanging out by the Donkey Kong machine.

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a glowing neon sign that warns, “Don’t grow up, it’s a trap.”

Truer words were never spoken, my friends.

With its brick walls, moody lighting, and rows of gleaming arcade cabinets, 8 Bit feels like the coolest basement hangout you never had as a kid.

But let’s talk about the real star of the show: the games.

From Street Fighter II to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it’s like someone raided your childhood memories and put them all in one room.

And with a drink menu that includes cocktails named after classic games, you can literally taste the nostalgia.

Just remember, no matter how many “Sonic Booms” you knock back, you still can’t run as fast as the blue hedgehog himself.

4. Emporium Arcade Bar – 1366 N Milwaukee Ave (Chicago)

If the Ghostbusters decided to retire and open an arcade bar, it would probably look a lot like Emporium.

This place is so cool, even the pixels have attitude.

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, Emporium is where the cool kids go to pretend they’re not actually adults with responsibilities.

The space is massive, with high ceilings, exposed brick, and enough neon to make Vegas jealous.

It’s like someone took an 80s music video and turned it into a real place.

But let’s talk games.

From pinball machines that’ll make your flippers flip to classic cabinets that’ll have you button-mashing like it’s 1989, Emporium has it all.

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And with a rotating selection of craft beers and cocktails, you can fuel your gaming marathon well into the night.

Just don’t blame us if you show up to work the next day with Tetris-shaped bags under your eyes.

5. Arcadia: America’s Playable Arcade Museum (McLean)

Nestled in the heart of McLean, Arcadia is less of an arcade and more of a time machine disguised as a building.

This place doesn’t just celebrate retro gaming; it practically invented it.

From the moment you lay eyes on the classic brick storefront, you know you’re in for something special.

It’s like stumbling upon a secret level in your favorite game – except this one comes with a side of small-town charm.

Inside, it’s a veritable treasure trove of gaming history.

We’re talking games so old, your parents probably played them on their first date.

But don’t let the word “museum” fool you – every single machine is playable.

It’s like being let loose in a candy store where all the sweets are made of pixels and nostalgia.

The best part?

The owners are walking encyclopedias of arcade knowledge.

Ask them about any game, and they’ll regale you with tales of high scores past and joystick-related injuries.

Just be prepared to lose track of time – and possibly your way back to the present day.

6. Enterrium (Schaumburg)

If the Jetsons decided to open an arcade in the mall of the future, it would probably look a lot like Enterrium in Schaumburg.

This place is so sleek and modern, you half expect to see robots serving the drinks.

But don’t let the futuristic vibes fool you – Enterrium is all about that retro gaming goodness.

It’s like someone took the best parts of your childhood, gave them a high-tech makeover, and added a fully stocked bar for good measure.

From the latest VR experiences to classic arcade cabinets, Enterrium has something for every generation of gamer.

It’s the kind of place where you can challenge your dad to a game of Pac-Man, then watch him struggle to figure out how to put on a VR headset.

Family bonding at its finest, folks.

And let’s not forget the food and drinks.

With a menu that reads like a gourmet take on arcade snacks and cocktails named after famous game characters, you can fuel up for your gaming marathon in style.

Just remember, no matter how many power-ups you consume, you still can’t pause real life.

7. Logan Arcade (Chicago)

Last but certainly not least, we have Logan Arcade, the cool older sibling of the Chicago arcade scene.

This place is so hip, even the pinball machines wear ironic t-shirts.

Nestled in the heart of Logan Square, this arcade is where the cool kids go to pretend they’re not actually adults with mortgages and 401ks.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm glow of neon and the satisfying clunk of pinball flippers.

But Logan Arcade isn’t just about the classics.

Oh no, they’ve got a rotating selection of new and rare games that’ll make even the most jaded gamer’s heart skip a beat.

It’s like someone took a time machine, collected the best games from every era, and crammed them all into one glorious, beer-soaked space.

And speaking of beer, their selection is almost as impressive as their high score list.

With a rotating tap list that reads like a who’s who of craft brewing, you can sip on some of the finest suds while battling your way through Mortal Kombat.

Just remember, no matter how many IPAs you knock back, button mashing is still not a valid fighting technique.

So there you have it, folks – seven slices of arcade heaven right here in the Land of Lincoln.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with Ms. Pac-Man and a cold beer.

Game on!