Pinball in Illinois

Atomic Pinball Arcade, originally CP Pinball, is a pinball enthusiast's haven located in Wood River, Illinois, about 20 minutes from St. Louis. It was founded by Chuck Sanderson, whose passion for pinball began while spending his free time playing at local bowling alleys and bars. Dissatisfied with the poor condition of most public arcade games, Sanderson purchased his first pinball machine and quickly grew his collection, collaborating with figures like Chad Keller and Larry Lassen, prominent in the St. Louis pinball community. The arcade started in a commercial property acquired in 2007, housing over 80 pinballs, video games, and collectibles, and became a local favorite for its quality machines, tournaments, and special events. Due to its growing collection, CP Pinball rebranded to Atomic Pinball Arcade in August 2023, moving to a larger facility at 102 N Whitelaw Ave. With over 125 pinball machines, it stands as a testament to Sanderson's dedication to the game and the community he has fostered around it.

If you’re looking for rare and interesting titles, this is your ultimate destination. Galloping Ghost Pinball in Brookfield, Illinois boasts the most pinball machines on location in the entire area! As a pinball focused outpost a few blocks from Galloping Ghost Arcade, they offer an incredible variety of over forty two games all available on free play with just a $20 admission fee. Moreover, various membership options provide even greater value to the eager gamer; whether it’s weekly, monthly, yearly or even lifetime passes, they have something to suit every budget and style. Plus their selection of rare and classic titles including Joust (Williams), The X-Files (Sega) and Spirit (Gottlieb) means you can discover something new and exciting. They have the only location Predator (SKIT-B) machine that has really cool skull spines hanging from the sides as part of the art package. But wait there's more as they have many of the pinball video game hybrids like Varkon (Williams), Granny and the Gators (Bally), and Caveman (Gottlieb) that you don't usually see on location. But be warned - there's no bar or food here! Instead, walk next door to Danny's Italian Pizza & Beef when you get hungry.

Enterrium is a one-of-a-kind pinball arcade that has something for everyone. With 25 pinball machines on site, Enterrium has games like Stern's Kiss, American Pinball's Houdini, Jersey Jack's Godfather, and Bally's Paragon. Enterrium is in the suburbs not too far from O'Hare airport and very close to the factories for major pinball manufacturers. It was the location where Chicago Gaming put their first Pulp Fiction game for public play outside a convention. Prototype games or software are often tested here as well. Enterrium is also a massive complex with retro and modern arcade games, bowling, food, drinks and more. Enterrium is a family friendly option for your pinball and gaming needs, as kids are always welcome. It's also a huge tournament location and budding WPPR farm with their first monthly Tuesday tournament pulling in over 90 players in June of 2023.

Tilted 10 and Tilt Studio is a large entertainment center with two levels of fun for all ages. It is located inside the Cherryvale Mall. They have 12 bowling lanes, laser tag, a mini-golf course, bumper cars, and over 100 video arcade games, pinball, redemption, or prize games. Tilted 10 has full-service dining and bar, which includes craft cocktails. The menu includes comfort classics like chicken tenders, pizza, and a cheesesteak sandwich. 

Logan Arcade in Chicago, Illinois is a must-visit for any pinball enthusiast. Home to 35 machines and counting that range from the latest Stern Pinball games to classics like Centigrade 37, Radical!, and Robocop, Logan Arcade has something for everyone. Logan Arcade proudly boasts three TWIPY awards for "Best Pinball Location" in the U.S., making it one of if not the best Pinball Bar in the country! With regular game release parties, tournaments, and other fun events, Logan Arcade ensures a great experience no matter what your skill level may be. All pinball machines are very well-maintained - especially for a public location - so you can feel confident regardless of what machine you choose. What's more, Logan Arcade also has a few retro arcade games on offer so there's definitely something for everyone here - just remember that Logan Arcade is strictly 21+ only!

Formerly a bank building, Pinball Paradise in McLean, IL is the companion to Arcadia Auctions (just steps away!) and houses a growing collection of pinball machines that are clearly a labor of love. Tucked in corners where pinball machines didn’t fit are a rare, professional quality Italian Foosball table made by FAS, a vintage 45rpm Bubbler jukebox for 25 cents per song, and a love tester and strength tester!

The Pinball Joint is a private arcade and lounge. You can send them a Facebook message to reserve your spot. 

Replay Lincoln Park in Chicago is the place to be for adult arcade fans who are looking for a night of fun and drinks with friends. Much more than just a pinball arcade, Replay also offers retro arcade games, skee ball, DDR, air hockey, and more. And don't worry about digging up quarters -- almost all the games are free play! Replay's 22 pinball machines include everything from Stern's Batman 66 to Creature from the Black Lagoon to Lord of the Rings. Replay Lincoln Park is guaranteed to give you a unique and unforgettable experience. In addition to pinball they also retheme the bar every couple of months, a few recent themes include Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Taylor Swift, Clue, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Great for selfies and the themed cocktails never disappoint. Replay is 21+ only!

Emporium Logan Square in Chicago Illinios is an adult-only playland that combines the best of gaming and entertainment. As one of the top pinball barcades in the city, Emporium features sixteen classic machines, ranging from underrated favorites like Baywatch and Breakshot to out-and-proud fan choices like White Water and World Cup Soccer. Besides pinball, Emporium also offers foosball tables, air hockey, Super Chexx bubble hockey, arcade basketball and more for adult gamers looking for an ultimate pastime experience.

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Emporium hosts tournaments for those looking for a more competitive edge, so keep your eyes peeled if you're ready to take your skills to the next level! Emporium has a great selection of craft beers and cocktails, but it's important to note that you won't find any food here - you'll have to bring your own if you're looking for a snack. Overall Emporium Logan Square is a great spot for 21+ adults looking to tap into their inner child while enjoying a tasty beverage or two!

Headquarters Beercade Chicago is the Windy City's outpost of a growing chain of pinball bars (see also, Nashville), with an amazing selection of 32 pinball machines. They cover all eras, from Bally's Eight Ball to Stern's Game of Thrones and Sega's Space Jam, offering something for everyone. Headquarters Beercade also features a full bar and elevated pub food options like pizza, burgers, and tacos - not to mention retro arcade games, skee ball, and other gaming favorites! With a unique and heavily decorated atmosphere, Headquarters Beercade Chicago is the perfect place to hang out for a few pints and some pins. Chicago pinball fans will certainly feel at home here!

Prince Arcades in Bolingbrook, Illinois is a great place to get your retro gaming fix. With 10 pinball machines and a ton of classic arcade games, it's perfect for anyone looking for a dose of nostalgia. The focus at Prince Arcades is solely on the games; there's no bar or restaurant here but it's in a plaza where they are plenty around. That said, it's one of the few places where you can get that full retro mall arcade experience, as it's located in an open-air shopping center. Best of all, games are on free play with a $15 admission fee. So if you're in the Chicago suburbs area and are looking for a great place to bring the family (or just want to relive your childhood), Prince Arcades is the perfect spot. And bonus you can play an Al's Garage Band Goes on a World Tour (Alvin G) which you don't see very often in public locations.

Yetee Station in Aurora, Illinois is the perfect place to enjoy some classic arcade games. Plus you get tell people you've been to Aurora Illinois! With 10 pinball machines on site, as well as a wide selection of retro video games and dance and rhythm games like Jubeat and Guitar Freaks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And because all of the games are on free play with a $15 admission fee, you can come and go as you please throughout the day. Yetee Station is also a great place to bring the family and children, as the games are kept in pristine condition so you're almost guaranteed to have a good experience playing here. It's a great spot to play in in a historic downtown with a lot of shopping, food, and a casino right around the corner.

Emporium Wicker Park in Chicago IL is the perfect spot for adults seeking a gaming fiesta. This barcade offers not only an impressive array of 9 different pinball machines (including rare models like Chicago Cubs Triple Play and Austin Powers) but also an exciting selection of other classic arcade games like air hockey and foosball. Emporium does not have any food onsite, however you’re welcomed to bring in your own snacks! And, with a full bar there’s plenty of options to enhance your gaming experience even further. Emporium Wicker Park has all the ingredients for a fun night out in Chicago so come and check out what this pinball arcade has to offer!