Entry No. 57 — the Chicago file — filed under: arcade-play

Headquarters Beercade River North

One of Chicago's original arcade bars, Headquarters lines its walls with around 70 vintage free-to-play cabinets and pinball machines so you play for the price of a drink rather than per game. Its frozen slushie cocktails have built a genuine cult following among regulars. The two-level space mixes a full bar and TVs with the dim, button-mashing energy of a classic arcade.

The move: Order a pair of boozy frozen slushies and team up on a co-op cabinet, then settle the night on a pinball machine.

📍 River North
💸 $
⚡ Big night
🌗 Indoors

Where: 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

#arcade-play #barcade #pinball #in-town #frozen-cocktails

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23