Feeling the need for some 1980s nostalgia?
This Stranger Things-inspired road trip will take you to 7 retro arcade bars in Illinois where fun is guaranteed!
1. Headquarters Beercade (Chicago)
Our first stop takes us to the Windy City, where Headquarters Beercade stands as a beacon of nostalgia in a sea of modern entertainment.
As you approach, you’ll notice the glowing neon sign that looks like it was plucked straight out of a John Hughes movie.
Step inside, and you’re immediately transported to a world where Pac-Man reigns supreme and the only “streaming” involves root beer floats.
The arcade floor is a labyrinth of classic cabinets, each one a time machine ready to whisk you back to a simpler era.
From Galaga to Donkey Kong, these games aren’t just played; they’re experienced.
And the best part?
No quarters needed!
That’s right, all games are free with your drink purchase.
It’s like finding the cheat code to adulthood.
Speaking of drinks, Headquarters doesn’t just serve your standard fare.
Their cocktail menu reads like a love letter to the 80s, with concoctions that would make even Barb from Stranger Things raise an eyebrow.
Try the “Ghostbuster,” a smoky mezcal-based drink that arrives at your table in a literal puff of smoke.
It’s so dramatic, you half expect Bill Murray to pop out and ask if you’re a god.
But what really sets Headquarters apart is its commitment to the bit.
The walls are adorned with vintage movie posters and concert flyers, creating an atmosphere that’s part arcade, part museum, and all awesome.
It’s the kind of place where you can challenge a stranger to a game of Street Fighter II and end up swapping stories about your favorite Breakfast Club character.
2. Galloping Ghost Arcade (Brookfield)
Our next stop takes us to the suburbs of Chicago, where Galloping Ghost Arcade awaits like a final boss at the end of a particularly challenging level.
This place isn’t just an arcade; it’s a pilgrimage site for gamers.
With over 800 arcade games, it holds the Guinness World Record for the largest arcade in the United States.
It’s so big, you might want to leave a trail of breadcrumbs to find your way back to the entrance.
Walking into Galloping Ghost is like stepping into a time warp where every year from 1980 to 2000 is happening simultaneously.
The rows upon rows of cabinets stretch as far as the eye can see, their screens flickering with the promise of high scores and carpal tunnel syndrome.
It’s a cacophony of 8-bit music, digitized explosions, and the sweet, sweet sound of “Game Over” being uttered in a hundred different voices.
What sets Galloping Ghost apart is its dedication to preservation.
Many of the games here are rare or one-of-a-kind, lovingly restored and maintained by a team of tech wizards who probably dream in binary.
It’s not uncommon to find yourself playing a game you’ve only ever heard whispered about in hushed tones on obscure gaming forums.
The best part?
One flat fee gets you unlimited play all day.
It’s like being handed the keys to the kingdom, if the kingdom was made entirely of joysticks and buttons.
Just be prepared to lose track of time.
I went in for a “quick game” and emerged three days later with a full beard and a thousand-yard stare, muttering something about rescuing princesses from castles.
3. 8 Bit Arcade Bar (Peoria)
As we venture further into the heart of Illinois, we stumble upon 8 Bit Arcade Bar in Peoria, a place that proves you don’t need to be in a big city to have big fun.
This cozy establishment is like finding a rare power-up in the middle of a cornfield – unexpected, but oh so welcome.
8 Bit manages to capture the essence of a classic arcade while adding just enough modern flair to keep things interesting.
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the warm glow of CRT screens and the inviting clatter of pinball flippers.
It’s like walking into your coolest friend’s basement, if your friend happened to own every arcade game ever made.
The bar itself is a love letter to gaming culture, with cocktails named after famous video game characters.
Try the “Mario’s Fireball,” a spicy concoction that packs more punch than a certain plumber’s fireballs.
Just be careful not to have too many, or you might find yourself trying to headbutt bricks on your way home.
What really sets 8 Bit apart is its sense of community.
On any given night, you’ll find a mix of hardcore gamers, curious locals, and nostalgic Gen-Xers all bonding over shared experiences of digital triumph and defeat.
It’s the kind of place where you can start a conversation about your favorite Zelda dungeon and end up in a heated debate about the socioeconomic implications of Bubble Bobble.
4. Emporium Arcade Bar – 1366 N Milwaukee Ave (Chicago)
Back in Chicago, Emporium Arcade Bar on Milwaukee Avenue stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic gaming.
This place is like the cool older sibling of arcade bars – it knows all the classics but isn’t afraid to try new things.
The first thing you’ll notice is the sheer size of the place.
It’s cavernous, with high ceilings that echo with the sounds of victory and defeat.
The games are arranged in a way that encourages exploration, like a labyrinth designed by a mad genius with a penchant for neon and pixelated graphics.
But Emporium isn’t content to rest on its laurels.
Alongside the classic cabinets, you’ll find a rotating selection of newer games, ensuring there’s always something fresh to try.
It’s like a museum where you’re encouraged to touch the exhibits.
The bar itself is a sight to behold, with an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails.
The bartenders are like mixologists crossed with game gurus, equally comfortable discussing hop profiles and high scores.
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What really sets Emporium apart is its event calendar.
From retro movie screenings to live music performances, there’s always something happening.
It’s like someone took all the best parts of the 80s and 90s, stuffed them into a time capsule, and opened it in the middle of Chicago.
5. Arcadia (McLean)
Our journey takes an educational turn as we arrive at Arcadia in McLean, a place that bills itself as “America’s Playable Arcade Museum.”
Don’t let the word “museum” fool you – this isn’t some stuffy institution where you’re not allowed to touch anything.
Here, interaction is not just allowed; it’s mandatory.
Arcadia is a love letter to the golden age of arcades, lovingly curated by people who probably have Pac-Man fever tattooed on their souls.
The collection spans decades, from the earliest days of coin-op to the twilight years when home consoles began to dominate.
It’s like walking through a timeline of electronic entertainment, each cabinet a window into a different era.
What sets Arcadia apart is its focus on education and preservation.
Plaques next to each game provide historical context, technical specifications, and fun facts.
Did you know that the ghosts in Pac-Man each have their own unique personality and behavior patterns?
Neither did I, until I spent an hour reading every plaque in the place instead of actually playing the games.
The staff here are like walking encyclopedias of arcade knowledge.
Ask them about any game, and they’ll regale you with tales of its development, its impact on the industry, and probably the shoe size of the lead programmer.
It’s the kind of place where you come for the games but stay for the trivia.
6. Enterrium (Schaumburg)
As we approach the final levels of our quest, we find ourselves at Enterrium in Schaumburg, a place that proves the arcade spirit is alive and well in the 21st century.
This isn’t just an arcade; it’s a full-blown entertainment complex that would make even the most jaded mall rat’s jaw drop.
Enterrium is what happens when someone says, “What if we took everything fun about the 80s and 90s, cranked it up to 11, and added a few modern twists?”
The result is a sensory overload in the best possible way.
Alongside the expected array of classic and modern arcade games, you’ll find bowling alleys, laser tag arenas, and even a ropes course.
It’s like someone took a theme park and stuffed it into a building.
The arcade section is a perfect blend of old and new.
You can go from playing Frogger to trying out the latest VR experiences in a matter of steps.
It’s a bit like time travel, if time travel involved a lot more flashing lights and the constant risk of sensory overload.
The food and drink options are equally impressive.
The menu reads like a greatest hits of comfort food, with enough options to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
And let’s not forget the bar, which serves up cocktails that are almost too pretty to drink.
Almost.
7. Logan Arcade (Chicago)
Our epic quest comes to a close back in Chicago at Logan Arcade, a place that feels like the final boss of arcade bars.
This isn’t just a bar with some games thrown in as an afterthought; this is a carefully curated collection of electronic entertainment with a bar attached.
Logan Arcade is known for its impressive selection of pinball machines, ranging from classic tables to modern marvels.
It’s like a symphony of flippers, bumpers, and multiball madness.
The sound of a dozen pinball machines in full swing is a cacophony that would make any noise ordinance weep.
But it’s not just about pinball.
The arcade game selection is equally impressive, with a focus on rare and unique cabinets you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s the kind of place where you might stumble upon a game you’ve only ever heard whispered about in hushed tones on obscure gaming forums.
The atmosphere is pure, distilled nostalgia, but with a modern twist.
The décor is a perfect blend of retro chic and contemporary cool, creating an ambiance that’s both familiar and fresh.
It’s like stepping into a time machine designed by someone with impeccable taste in both decades and décor.
The bar itself is no slouch, with a rotating selection of craft beers and cocktails that would make any mixologist proud.
So there you have it, fellow travelers in time and space.
Adventure is calling!
Use this map to steer your road trip in the right direction—and maybe discover a surprise or two along the way.
Seven arcade bars that prove the spirit of the 80s is alive and well in Illinois.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a certain yellow dot-muncher.
Game on!