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Party Earth Review Entering Emporium Arcade Bar is like taking a step back into childhood, where frustrations brewed over unsaved princesses, Q*bert blew projectiles out his nose, and the only way to kill monsters was to over-inflate them... ... read full review
1366 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
Blue Line: Division
773-697-7922
M–Th 5pm–2am, F 3pm–2am, Sa noon–3am, Su noon–2am
Wicker Park / Bucktown, Chicago –
Entering Emporium Arcade Bar is like taking a step back into childhood, where frustrations brewed over unsaved princesses, Q*bert blew projectiles out his nose, and the only way to kill monsters was to over-inflate them with a bicycle pump.
Anyone who doesn’t get those references should ask their parents.
With exposed brick walls lined with over forty arcade consoles – the vast majority of which debuted in the 80s – Emporium is a veritable palace of retro nerdom, with the added benefit of an extensive beer and whiskey list to go with the games.
The single bar serves two dozen rotating craft drafts and a large selection of bourbons, rums, and tequilas, so patrons can sip Solemn Oath over Space Invaders and Makers 46 over Mortal Kombat.
Fistfuls of 25-cent tokens in hand, hipsters, packs of college kids, and gleefully dorky older Chicagoans plop their beverages on the shelves next to each machine, as the sounds of ambient punk and indie rock disappear beneath the clatter of pinballs and the chatter of gamers and beer enthusiasts.
Large community tables are available up front and can be reserved for parties, and though the venue doesn’t serve grub beyond basic bar snacks, customers are welcome to bring in outside food.
Emporium Arcade Bar gets very busy come Fridays, when large groups looking for unpretentious fun show up, but Grey Goose passes the time until Duck Hunt is free...and Michael Jordan Space Jam pinball is always worth the wait.
Wicker Park/Bucktown locals, hipsters, craft beer connoisseurs, and video game enthusiasts, mid-20s to mid-40s.
Forty-odd arcade games from the 80s and a few from the 90s.
Playlist of barely audible indie rock and alt tunes.
Bar snacks including beef jerky, nuts, pretzels, and chips.
Video games use tokens, not quarters.
Arcade games 25 cents/play. Snacks $2–$7. Beer $4–$6, whiskey and other liquors $4–$8.
Casual: skinny jeans, plaid, witty t-shirts, sneakers, vintage dresses, summer blouses.
Avoid long lines at the door and on the games by going from Sunday through Thursday nights.
Antique Taco (1360 North Milwaukee Avenue) is a great place to grab tacos and horchata milkshakes for those in need of more than bar snacks.
Emporium Arcade Bar User Reviews