Break out those boomboxes or plug in those Walkmans, because we’re heading back to the 1980s. A new trend in American pop culture has revived a lot of the music, fashion, and media from this decade, but something else has been resurrected as well: the video arcade.

Nostalgia for the 1980s brought back the video arcade culture, allowing for the success of several “retrocades” in Chicago and its suburbs. So pull on those acid-washed jeans and comb that mullet as we get a blast from the past with these neighborhood video game hot spots. The first several picks are family-friendly options, followed by a few choices for the 21-and-over crowd. 

Family-Friendly Video Arcades

Courtesy of Level 257

Galloping Ghost Arcade - Brookfield

The Galloping Ghost Arcade is at the top of this list because it’s not only the largest video arcade in Chicago, it’s the largest video arcade in the U.S. Opened in 2010, the arcade began with 130 restored arcade games and has since grown to over 640 games. A $20 admission allows you to play all day, ensuring you’ll be able to maximize your game time and get the most bang for your buck. Head to Brookfield any day of the week from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and marvel at the retro wonder.

Underground Retrocade - West Dundee

West Dundee is home to a number of eclectic shops and restaurants, and nestled amongst them is the Underground Retrocade. A neighborhood establishment since 2012, this arcade seeks to transport players back to the golden era of video games. $15 gets you unlimited play with unlimited re-entry to enjoy the arcade, pinball, and even console games.

While no food, beverage, candy, or gum is permitted in the game area, feel free to wander across the street to Emmett’s Tavern and Brewery or Bikini Bottom Bar and Grill to fuel up for more gaming. 

Level 257 - Schaumburg

In Schaumburg, modern meets retro in this upscale version of a video arcade. Level 257 is adjacent to Woodfield Mall, but the arcade has its own entrance with no access through the mall. Enjoy craft beer, fine wine, and specialty cocktails while bowling or exploring the social gaming lounge. Play both old school classics like Space Invaders and Ms. Pac-Man or play new age arcade games with high-tech multiplayer simulations. Level 257 offers half off gaming on Mondays and bowling for $2.57 per person per game on Tuesdays.

Pixel Blast - Lisle

Take a trip out to Lisle in the west suburbs to play over 90 arcade games. For $10, you get unlimited play and re-entry. While Pixel Blast doesn’t allow outside food or drink, you can purchase beverages and snacks from the front counter, but no gum, lollipops, or hard candies are allowed in the gaming area. 

21+ Video Arcades

Courtesy of HQ Rivernorth Beercade

Emporium - Logan Square

Other Neighborhoods: Wicker Park & Fulton Market

Leading the list of “barcades,” Emporium features a full bar with rotating craft beers and an extensive whiskey list. Their video games take tokens and each token costs just 25 cents. They also have table games. With locations in Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Fulton Market, Emporium hosts a variety of events including live music and movie screenings. Open until 3 a.m. on Saturdays and 2 a.m. all other days, this video arcade and bar could be your new late-night haunt.

As an added bonus, Emporium also runs a pop-up bar with constantly changing themes next to its Logan Square location. 

Replay - Lakeview

Other Neighborhood: Andersonville

Replay is “your neighborhood hangout with free vintage arcade games.” They offer 26 draft beers that change weekly, 26 bottled and canned beers, and 56 varieties of bourbon, whiskey, or scotch. So grab a scotch on the rocks and get the high score on Galaga or swing by this Lakeview bar during happy hour (Monday-Thursday 5 p.m.-7 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 9 p.m.-10 p.m.). 

HQ Beercade - River North

Open 7 days a week and 365 days a year, HQ Beercade has two floors with a 700-plus person capacity. This bar offers a riotous time with more than 65 vintage arcade and pinball games, over 28 rotating drafts and 40 canned beers, and a full menu. The current location in River North is open, but the Lakeview location is relocating in winter 2018.