Headquarters Arcade Bar - Chicago's Retro Fun Spot
Stepping into a place that truly captures the spirit of yesteryear, Headquarters beercade stands as a vibrant beacon for those who remember the golden age of coin-operated entertainment. This spot, one of the earliest arcade bars to pop up in Chicago, fills its spaces with more than 70 classic arcade machines and pinball tables, offering a genuine blast from the past. You can find beloved titles like Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, and Rampage, alongside more modern favorites like Game of Thrones pinball, all ready for you to play. It's a place where the sounds of bleeps and boops mix with laughter, creating a truly unique atmosphere, so it's almost like walking into a living memory.
This establishment invites you to travel back in time, offering a genuinely nostalgic arcade and bar experience that feels like a wonderland. Imagine a night filled with countless games, a wide selection of refreshing beers, expertly mixed cocktails, and delicious pizza. It is a perfect setting for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy themselves, perhaps with a group of friends or for a fun date night, truly making it a special kind of outing.
The River North spot, for instance, comes packed with more than 70 complimentary classic arcade machines and pinball tables. These machines really hit the mark for anyone wanting something different from the usual night out, providing an escape from the everyday and offering a chance to just play and have a good time. There's a real sense of community that builds up as people gather around the machines, cheering each other on or sharing a laugh over a missed high score, you know?
Table of Contents
- Where Can You Find the Headquarters Arcade Bar?
- What Makes the Headquarters Arcade Bar Special?
- A Look at the Headquarters Arcade Bar Experience
- What Kind of Games Are at Headquarters Arcade Bar?
- The Drinks and Eats at Headquarters Arcade Bar
- The Atmosphere and Crowd at Headquarters Arcade Bar
- Unique Touches at Headquarters Arcade Bar
- How Does Headquarters Arcade Bar Compare to Others?
Where Can You Find the Headquarters Arcade Bar?
Headquarters beercade, a lively bar located right in Chicago, offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience that brings together good drinks, tasty food, and plenty of arcade games. It's a place that really stands out, providing a fun alternative to typical evening plans. The main location, the one in River North, is quite a popular gathering spot, you know, for those looking for something a bit different. It's pretty centrally located, making it easy for folks to get to after work or on the weekends, which is really convenient. This particular spot seems to draw a good mix of people, from friends just hanging out to couples on a playful date.
There's also a location on Halsted Street, which holds a bit of history, as it used to be Buck’s Saloon. That was, in its day, one of the original gay bars in Boystown, so it carries a bit of that legacy with it. This particular spot has a rather spacious back patio, which is a big draw, especially when the weather is nice. This patio has its own full bar, serving up the same 24 constantly changing craft beers on tap that you can find at the front bar. It's a great setup, really, allowing for plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the outdoor air while still having access to all the great drinks, you know, just a really nice touch.
Then there's the Sheffield location, which, interestingly enough, is in what was once a Headquarters space itself. This particular spot also has a very roomy and quirky vibe, much like its sibling locations. It seems that the owners have a knack for finding places that can be transformed into these cool, expansive entertainment hubs. Each location, in its own way, offers a slightly different feel while still keeping that core essence of classic games and good times, which is quite clever, actually.
Another spot, Emporium Arcade Bar, offers a vibrant feel right in the middle of Chicago. While not Headquarters, it's worth noting as a similar kind of place. This bar provides a variety of games and sometimes even live performances to keep people entertained. Customers often mention the excellent beer choices and cocktails you can get there. They also have a good collection of older video games, pinball machines, air hockey, and pool tables, so you've got options.
There's also a place at Institute Place in Chicago, near North. This spot, which is for those 21 and over, has old-school arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Frogger, plus pinball, and so on. A few of the games might cost a dollar to play, but most of them are free, which is pretty cool. It has a nice feel with good music and many beer options, making it a good place for friends to gather. We, like your friends, have been there a few times, and it's always a good time.
What Makes the Headquarters Arcade Bar Special?
Open every single night of the year, all 365 of them, Headquarters really prides itself on its clever and well-made cocktails, a very long list of craft beers, and imaginative food options, all set within a space that has an industrial feel. The drinks, in particular, are both creative and truly go well with the lively mood of the place. It's clear that a lot of thought went into making sure everything, from the sips to the bites, adds to the overall fun experience, you know, making it more than just a regular bar.
With free arcade games and a truly good selection of beers, it’s a popular spot for a night out with your friends. People really seem to enjoy that they don't have to constantly dig for quarters to keep playing their favorite games. This makes the whole experience much more relaxed and enjoyable, allowing everyone to just focus on having a good time and making some memories. It's pretty much a given that you'll find a crowd there, especially on weekends, just because it offers such a great combination of activities, that's for sure.
Headquarters beercade really brings together classic arcade games, carefully made cocktails, and a generally fun, old-school feeling, right in the middle of River North. It’s a combination that seems to work really well, drawing in people who appreciate a bit of nostalgia mixed with modern comforts. The way they've managed to blend these elements creates an atmosphere that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time, which is pretty neat, actually.
A Look at the Headquarters Arcade Bar Experience
When you step inside, you go down into a wide-open area filled with arcade games, skeet ball machines, tall tables, and bar stools. It’s laid out in a way that encourages movement and exploration, so you can easily wander from one game to the next. The whole setup just invites you to settle in and start playing, creating an immediate sense of fun and relaxation. It's pretty clear that they thought about how people would move and interact within the space, which is really smart.
One of the best things about this place is that all the arcade games are free to play. This means you don't have to worry about carrying a bunch of coins or constantly running out of credits. You can just pick a game and play as much as you want, which is a huge plus for anyone who loves gaming. The freedom to play without limits really adds to the enjoyment and makes it a much more relaxed experience, you know, without any pressure.
The people there move around the space quite freely, and it seemed like there were always machines ready for someone to play. This is a pretty good sign that even when it’s busy, you won't be waiting around forever to get your turn on a favorite game. It speaks to the generous number of machines they have and how well the crowd spreads out, which is something you don't always find in places like this. It's nice to know you can usually find something fun to do without much fuss, honestly.
What Kind of Games Are at Headquarters Arcade Bar?
The place is packed with classic arcade games, including Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, Rampage, and Frogger, which are truly a blast from the past for many. You'll also find popular pinball machines, like the one based on Game of Thrones, giving you a good mix of old and new. It's pretty cool how they've gathered such a wide variety, making sure there's something for almost everyone, whether you grew up with these games or are just discovering them, you know?
Customers have often talked about how great it is to play some of these classic arcade games, mentioning specific ones like DK, Blitz, DBZ, and MK, along with many pinball machines and tons of other games. This really highlights the breadth of their collection and how much people appreciate being able to revisit these old favorites. It’s clear that the selection is a big part of what makes the place so appealing, drawing in gamers of all types, which is pretty awesome.
It's set up for both younger crowds and those who are young at heart, as the name suggests. This is a bar and an arcade, featuring pinball machines and arcade games that became popular in the 1980s. When I was there for a special gathering, the games were free to play during my visit. I was told that they are always free, which is a fantastic perk. There are plenty of machines, so if you are patient enough, there is a very good chance you'll find a game to enjoy, that's for sure.
The Drinks and Eats at Headquarters Arcade Bar
The bar offers a really good variety of craft beers, giving patrons many choices when it comes to their brew. Beyond that, the place boasts a huge selection of alcohol, beer, and cocktails, making it a perfect spot for an evening out with your friends or a fun date. It seems like they’ve really put effort into curating a drink menu that caters to many different tastes, ensuring everyone can find something they enjoy, which is pretty thoughtful, actually.
The cocktails, in particular, are both imaginative and truly complement the lively atmosphere of the place. They’re not just standard drinks; they have a certain flair that matches the playful energy of the arcade. It’s clear that the people making these drinks are quite skilled, creating beverages that are as interesting to look at as they are to sip. This attention to detail really adds to the overall experience, making the drinks themselves a part of the fun, you know?
While the focus is often on the games and drinks, they also offer imaginative food options within their industrial-styled space. The specific details of the food aren't as prominent as the drinks or games in the descriptions, but the mention of "imaginative fare" suggests that they aim for more than just typical bar snacks. It's likely that the food is designed to be easy to eat while you're playing games or mingling, adding another layer to the overall experience without being the sole focus, which makes sense.
The Atmosphere and Crowd at Headquarters Arcade Bar
The general feeling of Headquarters Beercade is one of fun and old-school charm, which really makes it stand out. It’s a place where people can genuinely let loose and enjoy themselves, surrounded by the sounds and sights of classic games. The vibe is pretty relaxed but also full of energy, creating a welcoming space for all sorts of visitors. You get the sense that people come here to escape the everyday and just have a really good time, you know, without much fuss.
The crowd at Headquarters tends to move freely around the entire space, which is a good sign that it never feels too cramped or difficult to get around. This free movement helps keep the atmosphere light and open, allowing people to easily shift from one activity to another. It’s a testament to the layout and the overall design that even when it’s busy, it doesn’t feel overwhelming, which is a pretty big plus for a popular spot, honestly.
It’s a popular spot for a night out with friends, which means you'll often find groups laughing, competing, and just generally enjoying each other's company. The setting naturally encourages interaction and shared fun, making it a great place to connect with people. You’ll see folks from all walks of life, united by a love for games and good times, creating a diverse and friendly environment, that’s for sure.
Unique Touches at Headquarters Arcade Bar
Beyond the games and drinks, Headquarters Beercade has some really quirky and memorable design elements that add to its unique charm. For example, the menus are actually refurbished children's books, which is a very clever and unexpected touch. This detail alone tells you a lot about the playful and creative spirit of the place, setting it apart from your average bar. It’s little things like this that make the experience more memorable, you know, a bit of a conversation starter.
The walls are lined with sideways televisions, which is a visually interesting design choice. You might also spot kitchen sinks and even an actual bathtub incorporated into the decor. These elements create a kind of industrial-meets-recycled art aesthetic that is both surprising and fitting for the arcade bar concept. It really adds to the overall quirky and fun vibe, making the space itself a part of the entertainment, honestly.
After six months of waiting, the people behind Headquarters Beercade also opened a new cocktail spot just around the corner from their arcade bar, slightly north of River North. This shows that they are always thinking about new ways to expand their offerings and give people more reasons to visit. It’s pretty cool how they’re building on their success, providing different experiences while keeping that same commitment to quality and fun, which is something you don't always see.
How Does Headquarters Arcade Bar Compare to Others?
While the source text mentions Emporium Arcade Bar as a similar venue, Headquarters Beercade has its own distinct personality. Headquarters, with its focus on complimentary vintage games and a strong emphasis on craft brews and creative cocktails, truly carves out its own niche. The fact that all its arcade games are free is a significant draw, making it a budget-friendly option for extended play sessions. This particular feature sets it apart from some other places where you might still need to pay per game, which is a pretty big deal for many people, you know?
The specific locations of Headquarters, like the one in River North or the Halsted Street spot with its large back patio, offer unique settings that contribute to the overall experience. The historical aspect of the Halsted location, for instance, adds a layer of character that other venues might not possess. These individual characteristics create a varied experience across its different spots, giving patrons a reason to visit more than one, which is quite clever.
The general atmosphere at Headquarters, with its mix of nostalgia, lively crowds, and unique decor like the refurbished children's book menus and industrial fixtures, creates a very specific kind of fun. It’s a place that seems to genuinely invite people to relax, play, and just have a good time without too much fuss. This commitment to a friendly, playful environment, combined with its extensive game and drink offerings, helps it stand out in the Chicago entertainment scene, honestly.
Headquarters Beercade, whether at its River North location or other spots, truly offers a distinctive experience that blends classic arcade fun with a modern bar setting. It’s a place where you can enjoy complimentary vintage games, a wide selection of craft drinks, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. From its unique decor to its commitment to free play, it provides a memorable outing for anyone looking for a playful escape.
New Orleans Arcade Bar Gallery | Emporium Arcade Bar
New Orleans Arcade Bar Gallery | Emporium Arcade Bar
New Orleans Arcade Bar Gallery | Emporium Arcade Bar
