Gaming at Emporium, Chicago

Video games just aren't what they used to be. Remember the good old days of Pacman and pinball? Thank goodness for places like Emporium Arcade Bar to keep the past alive! With a location in Wicker Park and another in Logan Square, Emporium boasts of having over 40 classic arcade games, such as NBA Jam: Tournament Edition, Duck Hunt, Mortal Kombat, and several pinball machines. When I saw a deal for drinks and tokens at the arcade bar, I decided to fight off nostalgia with a visit to my childhood.

The Games

Emporium is a blast to the past and an excellent place to spend an evening with friends. When you get there, make sure to cash in your money for their gold tokens that can be used at any of the arcade games as well as the air hockey and foosball tables. Check out the collection of retro pinball machines and arcade games (remember Frogger?!) at each location, which can easily provide hours of entertainment for those with a competitive spirit. In addition to classic arcade games, Emporium also has pool tables and shuffleboard (which I was new to but am a huge fan of now!). Basically, there is no reason to ever get bored with so many games and so many options.

The Drinks

The drinks and beers at Emporium are just as valid a reason to visit as the games. Both locations have bars with plenty of selection when it comes to beers. Drafts are only available at the Wicker Park location but there are many, many options of bottles at Logan Square. With plenty of seating, you can take breaks from the games to chat and drink. In addition to drinks, the Logan Square location offers food from different food trucks starting at 6:00 PM everyday! The specific food truck changes so make sure to check online before heading there if you have a hankering for food with your games. There is no food at the Wicker Park location, but you are encouraged to bring whatever food you like (just be sure to clean up after yourself).