Are you looking for a place in Chicago that offers something truly special? Maybe you want to step back in time a little bit, or perhaps you're just eager for a fun night out with friends. Well, Headquarters Beercade, located at 213 West Institute Place in Chicago, Illinois, is that kind of spot. It is, you know, a real standout for anyone wanting to mix classic gaming with good drinks. This place really brings a different kind of energy to the city's lively scene.
This spot, Headquarters Beercade, was one of the very first arcade bars to open its doors in Chicago. It's a place that lines its space with over 70 vintage arcade games and pinball machines. So, you can find games like Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, Rampage, and Frogger, just to name a few. It's truly a haven for anyone who loves gaming, and it offers more than 60 arcade and pinball games, some of which are lesser-seen classics like Narc and Primal Rage. It is, honestly, a treasure trove for old-school game fans.
People who visit Headquarters Beercade often talk about how much they enjoy the experience. Guests have mentioned how much they liked having access to tons of free arcade games. It's a great place to play some classic arcade games, including DK, Blitz, DBZ, and MK, plus lots of pinball machines. The River North location, in particular, has a great selection of pinball and classic arcade games. You see, it's a place that really knows how to make people happy with its game offerings.
Table of Contents
- The Headquarters Beercade Experience
- A Look at the Games
- Drinks and Dining Options
- Planning Your Visit
- Frequently Asked Questions About Headquarters Beercade
The Headquarters Beercade Experience
Headquarters Beercade is, in a way, more than just a bar; it's a gaming center. It's an arcade haven that truly boasts a wide array of classic games. The name itself, Headquarters Beercade, actually comes from a mix of ideas. It's coined from the frothy head of a draft beer, plus the quarters that usually get pumped into arcade machines to play them. This place, you know, really captures the spirit of both good drinks and classic gaming.
When you walk in, you'll find an aesthetic bar that offers inventive beers and cocktails. It's a trendy setting where visitors can have a really fun time playing pinball and other arcade games. So, whether you're looking for a relaxed evening or a lively party, this spot seems to fit the bill. Many people have said it's a great place to play some classic arcade games, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. It's truly a spot where good times just seem to happen, you know?
The whole vibe of Headquarters Beercade is, in some respects, about bringing back those good old days of arcade fun. It’s a place where you can challenge your friends to a game of Rampage or try to beat your high score on Donkey Kong. My guests, for example, really enjoyed the party there, especially having access to all those free arcade games. It makes for a very unique kind of outing, really.
A Look at the Games
The selection of games at Headquarters Beercade is, you know, quite impressive. The space is lined with over 70 vintage arcade games and pinball machines. You'll find beloved classics like Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, Rampage, and Frogger. It's truly a place where games from our beercade range from all sorts of eras. There's something for everyone, whether you grew up with these games or are just discovering them now. It's, like, a trip down memory lane for many people.
Beyond the well-known titles, Headquarters Beercade also features some lesser-seen greats. Games like Narc and Primal Rage are part of their collection, offering a chance to play titles you might not find elsewhere. This dedication to a wide variety of games means there's always something new, or at least new to you, to try out. You could, in fact, spend hours just exploring all the different machines. It's a truly amazing collection, honestly.
The best part for many is that these games are free to play once you're inside. That means you don't have to worry about constantly feeding quarters into the machines. You can just enjoy the gaming experience without interruption. This is, by the way, a big draw for many guests who really appreciate the freedom to play as much as they want. It really adds to the overall fun, you know, just being able to jump from one game to another without thinking about coins.
Drinks and Dining Options
Headquarters Beercade isn't just about the games; it's also a fantastic place for drinks. The drinks menu at Headquarters Beercade in Chicago features a wide selection of craft beer, wine, and cocktails. There is, honestly, something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a light refreshment or something a bit more adventurous. They really put thought into their drink offerings, you see.
The bar is known for its inventive beers and cocktails, which pair perfectly with the fun, retro atmosphere. You can grab a unique craft beer or try one of their specialty cocktails while you play a round of pinball. It’s a nice way to relax and enjoy the setting. This, you know, makes the whole experience even better, having good drinks to go along with the games.
If you're feeling hungry, Headquarters Beercade also offers bar and grill food. And get this: if you're craving their food but don’t have time to dine in, Headquarters Beercade offers convenient curbside pickup or delivery through your favorite delivery app. So, you can enjoy their tasty food even if you're not there to play games. It’s a pretty handy option, really, for those busy days.
Planning Your Visit
Headquarters Beercade is located at 213 W Institute Pl in Chicago, Illinois 60610. This location, 213 W Institute Place, is about a twenty-minute walk from the Kinzie Hotel, making it quite accessible for many. It's right in the heart of the city, which means it's easy to get to from various points. You can, for instance, explore business details, directions, and contact information for Headquarters Beercade at Choose Chicago. Learn more about Chicago's attractions on the Choose Chicago site.
Chicago itself offers one of the most unique, diverse, and delicious restaurant scenes in the world. So, beginning your food journey at a place like Headquarters Beercade can be a great start to exploring what the city has to offer. It's, in a way, a part of that larger culinary landscape. You might find yourself wanting to try other spots nearby after your gaming session. It’s a pretty central location, you know.
For those interested in events, you can get Headquarters Beercade tickets at axs.com. You can find upcoming events, shows tonight, show schedules, event schedules, box office info, venue directions, parking, and seat maps for various happenings there. Colleen Pecho, the event manager, is available for contact if you need to send an email for event inquiries. This makes it, honestly, quite simple to plan a party or a gathering there. It's a popular spot for celebrations, too.
Whether you are planning a special gathering or just a casual night out, Headquarters Beercade provides a truly memorable experience. Guests have consistently praised the fun atmosphere and the sheer number of games available. It's a place where you can easily spend a few hours just enjoying yourself. The combination of classic games and a good drink selection makes it a compelling choice for entertainment in Chicago. It’s a place that, in some respects, really delivers on its promise of fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headquarters Beercade
Here are some common questions people often ask about Headquarters Beercade:
What types of games can I find at Headquarters Beercade?
You can find a wide variety of vintage arcade games and pinball machines. This includes classics like Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, Rampage, and Frogger. They also have some lesser-seen titles such as Narc and Primal Rage. There are, you know, more than 70 different machines to pick from, so you'll have plenty of choices for playing.
Does Headquarters Beercade serve food and drinks?
Yes, Headquarters Beercade offers a full menu of bar and grill food. Their drinks menu features a wide selection of craft beer, wine, and cocktails. You can, in fact, get curbside pickup or delivery through your favorite delivery app if you want their food without dining in. It’s a very convenient option, really.
How can I book an event or get tickets for Headquarters Beercade?
You can get Headquarters Beercade tickets for upcoming events and shows at axs.com. For event inquiries or to plan a party, you can contact Colleen Pecho, the event manager, by sending an email. They are, you know, quite set up to handle different kinds of gatherings, which is pretty good.
You can learn more about Headquarters Beercade on our site, and for more Chicago attractions, check out this page here.
