Emporium Arcade Bar
4.4(2.4K)google
3.9(626)yelp
Local LifeNight-FriendlyYouth-Friendly
Overview
Emporium Arcade Bar is an incredibly lively, energetic entertainment hub located in the trendsetting, artistic Wicker Park neighborhood. Housed inside a spacious, industrial-chic brick warehouse, this popular nightlife destination seamlessly combines a massive collection of fully restored vintage 1980s and 90s arcade cabinets, classic pinball machines, and table games with a world-class craft beer selection. Playing retro games like Pac-Man or Street Fighter while listening to pulsing live DJ sets and sipping inventive craft cocktails creates an wonderfully nostalgic, high-energy social atmosphere that local millennials and nightlife lovers absolutely adore.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended on a Friday or Saturday night (8:00 PM - 11:00 PM). This trendy nightlife venue masterfully combines retro arcade games with a craft beer bar. The weekend energy is electric with neon lighting, letting you sip local IPAs while crushing classic 80s arcade cabinets, pinball, or air hockey.
Getting ThereWith multiple branches in Chicago, the Wicker Park flag ship is the most famous. Take the 'L' Blue Line to the Damen station, exit into the commercial hub, and walk northwest along N Milwaukee Avenue for about 3 minutes to find the neon-lit storefront.
Travel Tips
- As a licensed bar and entertainment venue, admission is strictly restricted to individuals aged 21 and older. Security executes rigorous ID checks at the door; international guests must present a physical passport (foreign national IDs or photos are unacceptable).
- The vintage arcade cabinets and pinball machines operate solely on custom proprietary tokens. Tokens purchased are strictly non-refundable for cash; buy them in small increments to prevent wasting unspent tokens.
- The Wicker Park and Logan Square locations draw massive crowds with lines on Friday and Saturday nights. Always verify the exact branch address before booking a rideshare to avoid heading to the wrong neighborhood.
Reviews
Positive
- This retro arcade bar in Wicker Park offers quirky, flashing visuals; its rows of vintage cabinet games are fully authentic and fun.
- It gathers Pac-Man, pinball machines, and fighting games; drinking local craft beer while playing arcade classics offers immense fun.
- It charges no general admission ticket, requiring just cheap game tokens to play; basic spending value is fantastic with welcoming staff.
- The location near the CTA Blue Line train is great; the hall features clean restrooms, clear signage, and smooth accessible flat floors.
Heads up
- Because it operates strictly as an adult bar, it enforces a rigid 21+ age limit, making it entirely closed to minors and family kids.
- During peak weekend nights, player density is massive and packed; hot pinball machines are crowded, creating loud noise and zero calm vibe.
- The indoor electronic soundtracks and arcade beeps run at very high volumes, causing sensory fatigue and auditory overload after a while.
- Curbside free parking is non-existent on the main strip; it lacks a dedicated lot, and nearby commercial spaces are rare and expensive.