Emporium Arcade Bar

4.4
2360 reviews

About

BarPool HallEvent VenueArcade
We are Chicago’s original arcade bar! We have the largest collection of games in the city across locations with everything from classic arcade games to pool tables to tons of pinball, foosball, air hockey, and more. Our bar is passionately curated with the choicest craft beer selections, an innovative cocktail program, and a huge whiskey list. We feature live DJs on weekends, game tournaments & lots more so we always have something interesting going on. Book your next group outing here whether it is a few friends celebrating a birthday or your whole company party.

Details

  • Dine-inNot available
  • DeliveryNot available
  • TakeoutNot available
  • Accepts reservationsAvailable

Location

Emporium Arcade Bar
2363 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL
60647, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.4
2,360 reviews
5 stars
1,419
4 stars
595
3 stars
213
2 stars
51
1 star
82

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Service Quality

Customer experiences with bartenders were mixed, with some praising friendly service while others reported rudeness and dismissive attitudes.

Game Maintenance

A significant number of arcade machines were reported as broken or malfunctioning, leading to frustration among customers.

Atmosphere

The venue is generally described as fun and lively, with a good vibe and a diverse crowd, making it a popular spot for gatherings.

Drink Prices

While some customers found drink prices reasonable, others felt they were high for the quality offered.

Event Management

Issues with event organization and customer service during busy times were noted, particularly regarding security and reservation processes.
  • AM
    Adam Marchiorello
    6 days ago
    1.0
    Everything about the bar was fine. We went for a Halloween contest and actually placed 1st. We were told they would email us to get us tickets to see something at the Salt Shed. A bit complicated but fine... then we never heard back. I have left a voicemail and messaged on their website. Terrible customer service.
  • SR
    Sarah Ricobene
    Nov 15, 2025
    1.0
    I went today with my husband and we got a cider and a radler. When I got the check they charged me for two mixed drinks and $10 worth of tokens (that we did not order). When I tried to dispute the charges, the bartender walked away so I had no choice but to sign for it.
  • ZC
    Zoila Ciri
    Nov 15, 2025
    5.0
    Went in on a Saturday afternoon before it got packed. No crowd. People started coming in around 4 pm. Nice selection of pinball and arcade games. Huge selection of beers. But, not a beer drinker so I wish they had more mixed drinks.
  • GK
    Gustav Kuhnen
    Nov 3, 2025
    2.0
    The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, no issues there whatsoever. I was there on a Sunday when there were probably around 10-15 people in total, yet the music was playing way, way too loudly, to the point that we were avoiding games near the speakers. A lot of the games were out of order as well, which was disappointing.
  • LG
    Lynn Green
    Oct 26, 2025
    1.0
    I visited Emporium on October 25th. There were two male bartenders and one female bartender working that night. The two men were great -- no issues at all. However, my experience with the female bartender was disappointing. I'm not sure of her background (possibly white or Hispanic), she was wearing two pigtails braids. She acted unfamiliar with the menu. When I pointed out an item, she responded condescendingly, saying she couldn't see because it was too dark but if you ever been to Emporium, you know it's loud and you have to yell to even say your order so why not just read it so we're not yelling at each other and saying huh 1000 times. (Which she was doing the whole time) She proceeded to not look at the menu at all. First, if visibility is an issue, it's surprising that someone working behind the bar wouldn't be familiar with a few key menu items. (Please note the male bartenders had no problem looking at the menu) Second, there were lights around the bar, clearly intended for both customers and staff to read menus and prepare drinks. It didn't make sense that she claimed she couldn't see. When we ordered, she seemed rushed, brought us the wrong drink, and then acted as if we had made the mistake. Her attitude came off as impatient and dismissive. At that point, I stopped engaging because she was being rude and unprofessional. She even asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?" and accused me of trying to start a confrontation, which felt unnecessary and inappropriate. Overall, her behavior made the experience uncomfortable and took away from what should have been an enjoyable night.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emporium Arcade Bar

What kind of games can I play at Emporium Arcade Bar?

Emporium Arcade Bar offers the largest collection of games in Chicago including classic arcade games, pinball, pool tables, foosball, air hockey, and more.

What are the operating hours of Emporium Arcade Bar?

Emporium Arcade Bar is open Monday to Thursday from 5 PM to 2 AM, Friday from 3 PM to 2 AM, Saturday from 12 PM to 3 AM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 2 AM.