L to R: Emporium Arcade Bar Chicago’s Wicker Park, Logan Square and Fulton Market Locations.(Photos Courtesy of Emporium Arcade Bar)

CATCH ALL THE SPORTS ACTION AT EMPORIUM ARCADE BAR’S THREE CHICAGO LOCATIONS FEATURING OVERSIZED PROJECTOR SCREENS, ARCADE GAMES, CRAFT BEER, COCKTAILS

Click Here for Downloadable, Hi-Res Photos

CHICAGO (August 2021) – Known for its impressive collection of classic arcade games, renowned beverage menu, upbeat dance parties and DJ nights, Emporium Arcade Bar also offers a lively space ideal for watching everyone’s favorite hometown pro sports games while enjoying local craft brews and house-made cocktails. With plentiful large, high-definition TVs available at each of its three Chicago locations, 20-foot oversized projection screens at its Wicker Park and Logan Square locations and a 10-foot screen at its Fulton Market location, Emporium offers an unparalleled experience for fans gathering to cheer on their favorite teams. 

From pro football to baseball, Emporium opens at noon on Saturdays and Sundays and offers late-night hours daily so fans can catch all the game day action. For smaller groups looking to host a viewing party of their own in a fun-filled atmosphere, Emporium also offers free table reservations at all three locations.

“We want our guests not only to hang out and play vintage arcade games while enjoying our amazing beverage menu, but to also have a good time cheering on their favorite Chicago sports teams,” said Danny Marks, co-founder, Emporium Arcade Bar. “From stopping by to catch a baseball game to making it easy to reserve a table for your group, we offer a unique game day experience at all three of our Chicago locations.” 

For guests 21 years or older with a valid I.D., Emporium’s Wicker Park and Logan Square locations are open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Fulton Market is open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ongoing hours of operation can be found at www.emporiumarcacebar.com. 

ABOUT EMPORIUM ARCADE BAR
Emporium Arcade Bar is the quintessentially cool place to hang out and have a good time. Originally launched in Chicago in 2012, Emporium now has six locations: three in Chicago (Wicker Park, Fulton Market and Logan Square), two in the Bay Area (San Francisco and Oakland) and one in Las Vegas (AREA15). Emporium Arcade Bar offers unparalleled destinations for all types of games, including classic arcade favorites, pool tables, pinball, foosball and many more. Its passionately curated bar purveys the choicest craft beer selections, an innovative cocktail program and expansive liquor list. In addition, Emporium Arcade Bar showcases vibrant work by local artists and an ongoing, robust calendar of live shows, DJs and game tournaments. For more information, visit www.emporiumarcadebar.com, as well as its Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter pages. 

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Heerdt/Erika Pope
The Vox Agency
andrea@thevoxagency.com, erika@thevoxagency.com
(702) 727-9259, (702) 249-2977

The post Sports Action Chicago appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.

L to R: Xingones’ street-style tacos; Popcorn chicken and waffles basket.
(Photos Courtesy of Xingones)

XINGONES’ MEXICAN COMFORT FOOD REOPENS INSIDE EMPORIUM ARCADE BAR OAKLAND’S KITCHEN

Tempting Tacos, Salads, Dorados, Sandwiches and More Now Available

Click Here for Downloadable, Hi-Res Photos

OAKLAND (September 2021) – Emporium Arcade Bar, the East Bay’s premier destination for classic arcade games, local craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, DJ nights and more, announces the highly anticipated reopening of Xingones inside of its Oakland location.  Known for its mouthwatering Mexican comfort food, Xingones offers everything from tacos to sandwiches, salads, specialty fries and more. The eatery is now open inside Emporium Oakland for guests 21 years or older Wednesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Featured on Xingones’ menu at Emporium Oakland is the Dorado, a crispy-crunchy taco made with lettuce, Pico de Gallo, sour cream, cheddar cheese and a choice of creamy potatoes or shredded beef. In addition, street-style tacos prepared with cilantro and onion are also offered with a choice of asada, chicken, carnitas, camarón, fish or a vegetarian filling. For those searching for mouthwatering sandwiches, Xingones offers fried chicken, fried mushroom, camarón (blackened or fried) and fish (grilled or fried) sandwiches served with El Salvadorian Curtido slaw, creamy remoulade sauce and lettuce. 

Guests searching to enjoy a bit of everything are invited to try Xingones’ baskets. Starting with a choice of one to two main offerings, guests can select popcorn chicken, fried fish, fried mushroom or fried camarón, then choose a side of fries or waffles. Each basket is also prepared with one or two flavors, including Xingones’ classic sauce, C Double, honey citrus, El Koreano, Hella Hot, honey mustard, buffalo or BBQ. 

For guests searching for lighter options, Xingones offers a Caesar salad made with chicken or shrimp (blackened or fried), romaine lettuce, parmesan, avocado and house-made Caesar dressing, as well as a tempting Cobb salad with fried chicken tenders, bacon, eggs, avocados, tomatoes, blue cheese, romaine lettuce and house-made ranch.

In addition, the eatery offers smaller bites such as seasoned fries or classic Xingones fries made with chicharrones, cheddar cheese, buffalo mayo, sour cream, green onions and optional buffalo chicken or asada. 

“We are beyond excited to have Xingones back serving up the best Mexican comfort food in the city at Emporium’s Oakland location,” said Danny Marks, co-founder, Emporium Arcade Bar. “Enjoying delicious street tacos and other great dishes, sipping on a local craft beer and hanging out with friends while playing classic arcade games is the type of experience we know our guests can’t wait to enjoy once again.” 

To learn more about Emporium Arcade Bar Oakland or to view ongoing hours of operation, visit www.emporiumarcacebar.com. 

ABOUT XINGONES
Xingones (pronounced “ching go nez”) has multiple meanings. It can have negative or positive connotations, as in a compliment. For local chefs Tino and Mayra, there’s nothing but compliments for the unique menus served at each of their pop-ups. They believe when you put your heart and soul into the food you prepare, the outcome will always be delicious, or as they say in México, “El amor empieza por la bariga!”

ABOUT EMPORIUM ARCADE BAR
Emporium Arcade Bar is the quintessentially cool place to hang out and have a good time. Originally launched in Chicago in 2012, Emporium now has six locations: three in Chicago (Wicker Park, Fulton Market and Logan Square), two in the Bay Area (San Francisco and Oakland) and one in Las Vegas (AREA15). Emporium Arcade Bar offers unparalleled destinations for all types of games, including classic arcade favorites, pool tables, pinball, foosball and many more. Its passionately curated bar purveys the choicest craft beer selections, an innovative cocktail program and expansive liquor list. In addition, Emporium Arcade Bar showcases vibrant murals by local artists and an ongoing, robust calendar of live shows, DJs and game tournaments. For more information, visit www.emporiumarcadebar.com, as well as its San Francisco Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter pages and its Oakland Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Heerdt/Erika Pope
The Vox Agency
andrea@thevoxagency.com, erika@thevoxagency.com
(702) 727-9259, (702) 249-2977

The post Xingones Repens in Oakland appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.

(Photos Courtesy of Emporium Arcade Bar)
Pictured L to R: DJ Weapon; DJ Baysik.

EMPORIUM ARCADE BAR ANNOUNCES LIVE ENTERTAINMENT,
HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES IN OCTOBER

DJ Performances and Lively Dance Parties Free to Attend Every Weekend
in San Francisco and Oakland

Click Here for Downloadable, Hi-Res Photos

WHAT:
Emporium Arcade Bar, the dynamic venue known for its classic arcade games, colorful, fun-loving atmosphere and renowned drink menu, announces Halloween festivities as well as live entertainment in October featuring DJ performances and lively dance parties every weekend.

Located at 616 Divisadero St. in San Francisco and 1805 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland, Emporium Arcade Bar offers guests a variety of games, including classic arcade favorites, pool tables, pinball, foosball and many more. Open for guests ages 21 and older,Emporium Arcade Bar is free to enter every DJ night. 

The schedule for October follows and each showtime is 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. unless otherwise indicated; click each hyperlinked DJ name for more information:

SAN FRANCISCO
Friday, Oct. 8: DJ Jose Melendez
Saturday, Oct. 9: DJ Lazyboy
Friday, Oct. 15: DJ HVFF
Saturday, Oct. 16: “Vibes and Vids” with DJ William Stokes
Friday, Oct. 22: “Full Tilt” with DJ Proof
Saturday, Oct. 23: DJ Baysik
Friday, Oct. 29: “Nightmare on Divisadero Street” with DJ West Kraven
Saturday, Oct. 30: Halloween costume contest and performances by DJ Weapon and DJ Aaron the Era from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Sunday, Oct. 31: Halloween costume contest and performances by DJ Weapon and DJ Aaron the Era from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

OAKLAND
Friday, Oct. 8: DJ Brandon Beach
Saturday, Oct. 9: DJ Lady Ryan
Friday, Oct. 15: DJ B-Style
Saturday, Oct. 16: DJ MaDre
Friday, Oct. 22: DJ J-Smoke
Saturday, Oct. 23: DJ Franchise
Friday, Oct. 29: DJ H Holla
Saturday, Oct. 30: Halloween costume contest and a performance by DJ MaDre

To view Emporium Arcade Bar’s current entertainment schedule at its two Bay Area venues, visit www.emporiumarcadebar.com as well as its Instagram pages for San Francisco and Oakland.

ABOUT EMPORIUM ARCADE BAR
Emporium Arcade Bar is the quintessentially cool place to hang out and have a good time. Originally launched in Chicago in 2012, Emporium now has six locations: three in Chicago (Wicker Park, Fulton Market and Logan Square), two in the Bay Area (San Francisco and Oakland) and one in Las Vegas (AREA15). Emporium Arcade Bar offers unparalleled destinations for all types of games, including classic arcade favorites, pool tables, pinball, foosball and many more. Its passionately curated bar purveys the choicest craft beer selections, an innovative cocktail program and expansive liquor list. In addition, Emporium Arcade Bar showcases vibrant murals by local artists and an ongoing, robust calendar of live shows, DJs and game tournaments. For more information, visit www.emporiumarcadebar.com, as well as its San Francisco Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter pages and its Oakland Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Heerdt/Erika Pope
The Vox Agency
andrea@thevoxagency.com, erika@thevoxagency.com
(702) 727-9259, (702) 249-2977

The post Halloween Festivities appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.

By Janna Karel Las Vegas Review-Journal June 18, 2019

When Area15 was little more than four concrete walls and a leasing office, CEO Winston Fisher said he was only interested in tenants that offered experiential entertainment, such as virtual reality and arcades.

Tuesday’s announcement that bar arcade concept Emporium will open in the experiential commerce center follows last month’s naming of VR company Nomadic’s intention to open at the under-construction complex.

“Adding Emporium to Area15 will provide guests with another exemplary entertainment option as it joins Nomadic and Meow Wolf Las Vegas,” Fisher said in a news release. “Emporium will occupy 10,000 square feet of space in the complex and bring yet another one-of-a-kind offering to Las Vegas.”

Emporium at Area15 will feature nearly 100 classic arcade games including pinball, skee-ball, air hockey, pool tables, foosball, arcade basketball and more.

The backdrop will consist of large projection and TV screens, live DJs and music acts and large-scale murals from Las Vegas artists.

The arcade bar will serve regional craft beers, wine, cocktails and a wide range of whiskeys.

Emporium has five locations in Chicago, San Francisco and Oakland.

See the Las Vegas Review Journal Article

The post Emporium at AREA15 in Las Vegas appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.

The average American spends an estimated 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. That’s roughly a third of their lives.

When your employees are dedicating that much time to helping your company succeed, you want to do everything to make the workplace an interesting one. One way to do so is by organizing corporate events that help spice up the workplace.

But planning a successful corporate event is no walk in the park. Many turn out bland and boring. It’s no wonder many employees find all manner of excuses to avoid attending them.

But if your company is to reap the full benefits of corporate events, you can’t have three-quarters of your staff absent. You need to make each event irresistible to your staff. Here are five easy ways to do just that. 

Create An Event People Want To Attend

A sure way to create the best corporate event ever is to come up with compelling and engaging corporate event ideas. It’s an uphill task to convince employees to attend an event that they think will be arduous and boring. No matter how much savvy marketing you do for the event, you’ll still end up with lots of empty seats.

Take the time to research interesting event types you can hold. Even better, conduct a survey among your employees to find out what kinds of events they’d love to attend. What activities do they enjoy?

Find out what their favorite meals are, as well as how they like to connect with their colleagues at work. This is also the time to find out whether any of your employees have any limitations, such as food allergies or activity restrictions.

Once you’re through gathering all this information, use it to create a corporate event experience that surpasses everyone’s expectations. Your goal should always be to come up with something that’s different from the typical workday.

If this is an event that you hold regularly, find a way to make each occasion unique. For instance, you can use a different corporate event space than you used last time, create a unique menu, or incorporate new activities.

Avoid Making Your Events Mandatory

Sure, you’ve done everything you needed to make sure that your next event will blow the minds of attendees. But if you force people to attend, it’ll create a negative perception in their minds. Many will dread the event, no matter how fun and engaging you’ve set it up to be.

Nobody likes the notion that they have to be there for an event. Forcing people to attend the event only ruins it for them.

Respect the fact that some of your employees will resist attending your functions on principle. It could be that they don’t feel comfortable interacting with their colleagues outside of work. That should be okay with you.

Note that it’s impossible to force people to have a good time. If they don’t feel like attending, make sure they know it’s fine. If you force them to attend, they might end up ruining the event’s positive energy. 

Find A Venue Outside Of Your Offices

No matter how fancy your conference room is or how trendy your workplace cafeteria seems, don’t choose them for your corporate events. A corporate event venue different from the workplace gives people new scenery and keeps them engaged. Enquire around for the best corporate event locations near you. 

Some popular picks for hosting corporate events include bars and restaurants. However, it’s always better to go for non-traditional venues, such as mansions, vineyards, or even boats. These venues offer employees a new experience and make the event more memorable.

Use Work Hours For Hosting the Event

People like to use their free time for personal things, so avoid hosting your corporate events during such times. Many of your workers may not be willing to attend your event if it coincides with their personal time. Most will already have other things planned. 

One way to encourage people to attend is to have the event during work hours. Consider the event one of the costs of doing business. 

Of course, there are certain events that won’t be appropriate to host during work hours. For instance, if the event you have in mind brings together your employees and their families, then it’s best to host it on the weekend.

Plan The Food Carefully

Any seasoned corporate event planner will tell you that, besides the venue, food is the most important element of an event. Good meals bring people together, while bad ones give your family a bad rap.

Don’t simply choose simple dishes that everyone prepares at home. Take the time to plan a unique and exciting menu. For instance, you can opt for a Mediterranean menu during your next event or something exquisite from your local culture. 

While planning the food, remember to take any dietary restrictions of your attendees into account. Don’t forget to ensure there are some vegetarian and gluten-free foods so that everyone at the event has a dish they’re comfortable with. 

Make Your Next Corporate Event A Successful One!

Corporate events are an excellent way to help your team members bond and get to know each other more outside of the office. But planning a corporate event everyone will enjoy is not always easy. With the tips we’ve shared in this guide, you can start to host events that everyone in your company looks forward to attending.

Are you interested in a top-notch venue for your event? Get in touch with us today and check out what we offer.

The post How to Host a Corporate Events Employees Will Actually Enjoy appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.

Are you looking for a place for you or your loved one to have a memorable adult birthday party? Do you want to find an awesome, yet unusual place to hold a private or corporate event? If so, then you should start by learning about the best spot in San Francisco: Emporium.

Finding the right venue is key. It sets the tone for the entire event; it also affects how many people will actually show up when you invite them.

The cooler the spot, the more people will drop their plans to attend. See below for what Emporium can offer for your adult party in San Francisco.

Bar Of Choice Drinks

You can’t have an adult birthday party without an awesome array of adult beverages, can you? We think not!

Emporium is the best birthday party venue for San Fran adults for several reasons. However, perhaps our crowning achievement is the wide variety of drinks that we can offer you and your party.

Our draft beers consist of some of the finest beers in the state of California. Like any beer-crazed adult will tell you, “If you’re going to have a draft beer, it should always be a craft beer!” That’s a saying, right?

We have a great selection of liquors as well. It includes all of your favorites, such as your choice of gin, rum, scotch whiskey, tequila, vodka, and whiskey.

Our master list of house-made draft cocktails will have your mouth watering. Some of our favorites include:

• Captian Mai Tai
• Black Rose
• Raspberry Margarita
• Campari Mango Spritz
• Winter Mule
• Sonic Book Old Fashioned

The list goes on and on. Even if you usually stick to beer, our cocktails will make you want to expand your horizons a bit.

For all of you that don’t drink, we’ve got you covered as well! Our non-alcoholic beverages include bottled sodas, Red Bull, and Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher. There’s something for everyone to try!

Classic Games

Emporium is an all-night destination, and what better way to celebrate an adult birthday party than by playing throwback games until the break of dawn?

Our arcade will have you feeling like you’re back in the 80s and 90s. You’ll feel like a kid again running back and forth from game to game with your friends.

We have all of the best arcade games from your childhood, such as:

• Dance Dance Revolution Extreme
• Galaga
• Godzilla
• NBA Hoops
• Mortal Kombat 2
• Marvel vs Capcom 2
• Pac-Man Battle Royale
• Jurassic Park
• NFL Blitz
• Spider-Man
• Street Fighter II and III
• Tekken 5
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (multiple)
• Tetris
• X-Men
• Street-Fighter IV

The fun doesn’t stop there! We also have classic interactive games such as pool, foosball, and air hockey so that you can play against your friends.

Here’s our challenge to you: do you think you can play them all in one night? You’ll have to cover a lot of ground… but we have faith in you!

Imagine celebrating your birthday with all of your best friends in attendance. It’s the perfect off-the-wall party that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Whether you’re playing the game yourself or cheering on your friends while they play, time will fly by in the Emporium Arcade.

Group Interactions

Putting together a group can be a pain if you aren’t booking through the right venue. Most places will require a sizeable deposit for you to lock down a table. 

Here at Emporium, we offer free group reservations for any group that consists of 40 people or less. The tables are completely free of charge and no minimum tab is required. 

All members of the group must be at least 21 years old and have a valid photo ID to get entry. 

The average reservation time is three hours for free reservations. your table probably won’t have enough seats for everyone, but that’s okay since everyone will be walking around playing games.

We have token packages available if you’d like. For drinks, we offer cash bar options, open bar wristband deals, drink tickets, and group tabs.

Entertainment on Tap

The best venue for an adult birthday party is a place that will keep you entertained from the moment you walk into the second you leave.

Here at the Emporium, we pride ourselves on doing just that. We have virtually every form of entertainment that you’re looking for in an all-night adult spot. 

We have live music and DJs for you to look forward to; they’ll pump the jams while you try to beat the high score at our arcade.

Looking for a place to watch the big game? We’ve got you covered with sports screens. You can catch up on the highlights between gaming sessions.

We also have incredible events such as the Underground Wrestling Alliance for you to enjoy. 

We’re focused on giving you a one-of-a-kind experience. You and your party will create lasting memories celebrating your birthday or the birthday of a loved one.

Not to mention, we’re located in the historic Harding Theater, a 100-year-old historic venue in San Francisco. Its iconic stature only adds to the ambiance of our location.

Book The Emporium For Your Adult Birthday Party

There you have it! We’ve just listed all the reasons the Emporium is the best spot for an adult birthday party.

To learn more about the Emporium Arcade Bar, be sure to visit this page for more photos of the fun that awaits you at the San Francisco location.

To plan your group outing, email us anytime at info@emporiumsf.com and we will be happy to assist you further.

The post The Best Place to Hold an Adult Birthday Party in San Francisco appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.

So you’ve made a plan to take a quick weekend trip to Chicago. Or, perhaps you’re a Chicago resident who’s planning a “staycation” to see the things that you’ve always ignored while you went about your day-to-day life. 

So what’s there to do in Chicago, Illinois anyway? How can you spend your weekend in Chicago and make sure that you’re not missing anything important?

You can’t see the entire city in a weekend, but we have a few recommendations for how to make your time memorable. Read on for a few of our favorite things to do in Chicago for visitors and locals alike. 

Tourist Stop: Visit the Bean and Wrigley Field

We all know that you want to get your Instagram pictures on your trip. While you’re having your weekend adventure through the city, don’t forget to hit up two of the most popular tourist spots for out-of-towners: the Bean and Wrigley Field.

For people who aren’t into sports, a quick pass by Wrigley Field is often enough. Take your pictures, look at the crowds (if a game is going on), and move on.

If you love sports, you can take a tour of the field on select weekends. Reach out ahead of time to make sure that you can score tickets to the tour. 

The Bean, however, is a must-see for everyone. It’s a large mirrored art piece that’s actually named “Cloud Gate,” but because of its shape, “the Bean” is what most people know it by.

It’s a great place to snap a quick selfie, but keep in mind that there are sure to be crowds around taking their own photos. 

While you’re at Millennium Park to see the Bean, check out some other cool attractions, like Crown Fountain. If you’re there during the summer, it’s a great place to cool off.

Check Out Lincoln Park Zoo

Whether you’re by yourself, with friends, or with your family, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a great way to spend a few hours out in the sun. This 35-acre zoo has plenty to see.

This zoo is free to visit (though they would love a small donation so they can keep taking great care of their animals and providing more education to guests). 

There are over 200 species of animals at the zoo, and you may even spot an animal that you didn’t know existed. 

Try not to let the zoo monopolize all of your time, but even an hour or so at this free attraction will be a great addition to your weekend trip. 

Get a Great View

It can be hard to understand how large and impressive Chicago is without getting a true view of the city. There are several ways to go about this, and they’re all great for tourists.

First, consider taking a ride on a tour bus. You’ll be able to see all of the top attractions in record time.

If you’d rather see the skyline from a whole new angle, you can visit the Skydeck. The Skydeck gives you a full-window view of Chicago from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower.

You can also pay extra to experience the Ledge unless you happen to be afraid of heights. It’s the highest observation deck in the country.

If you want a more intense experience, go up to the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building. There’s a 360-degree observation deck and you have the opportunity to pay extra for the TILT experience.

You lean up against one of the windows, hold onto bars at either side, and tilt forward for a scary, but a thrilling, view.

Visit The Navy Pier

The Navy Pier may not sound like an exciting place to go, but it’s one of the top attractions in Chicago (even for residents). If you go when the weather is nice, you’re sure to see huge groups of people having fun. 

Navy pier has a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel, a funhouse maze (it’s not just for kids!), and a food tour. You can spend all day at the Navy Pier and still miss out on a few activities. That’s okay, you’ll get to them on your next trip to Chicago!  

Get Real Chicago Hot Dogs and Pizza

Let’s talk about food. If you’re in Chicago and you don’t grab a slice of deep-dish pizza and a true Chicago hot dog, you didn’t really experience Chicago.

Chicago deep-dish pizza may look like more of a casserole to outsiders, but don’t be fooled: it’s just as good as the New York-style pizza that you’ve had in the past. 

There’s no one “best place” to get a pizza. Locals will argue for days about the best shop, so look at local reviews and trust your gut.

When it comes to Chicago hot dogs, you’re going to be getting your dog on a poppyseed bun with mustard, onions, relish, an entire pickle spear, tomatoes, and peppers. This hot dog is a meal on its own.

Vegans and vegetarians rejoice: there are options for you as long as you know where to look. 

Experience the Nightlife

Sure, you’ll be out in the sun during the day, but what are you supposed to do when it gets dark and a lot of attractions close?

Chicago has no shortage of bars and activities for people who want to spend all night out on the town. Go check out some live music, hit a local dive, or spend some time playing games at a barcade (or arcade bar). Emporium is waiting for you!

How Will You Spend Your Weekend in Chicago?

Whether you’re on a Chicago vacation or you’re checking out your own city, there’s no shortage of things to do. A weekend in Chicago isn’t enough time to experience the entire city, but with this brief list of ideas, you should never be bored!

Are you looking for something fun to do next time you’re out and about in Chicago? Emporium Arcade Bar might be your new favorite stop on your Chicago trip.

Check out our locations and visit us today!

The post What to Do During a Weekend in Chicago appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.

Big birthday celebrations become less popular as people age. However, nine in ten Americans still consider birthday celebrations important. 

If you’re planning someone’s — or your own — adult birthday party, you need to put some effort into party planning to ensure that it goes well.

It’s not easy to throw a party, however. How can you ensure that everything will go right?

This article will walk you through everything you need to do to plan a great adult birthday party. 

Pick the People 

The most essential part of any party is the right people. 

Figure out how many people you want at this party. Is it going to be an all-out bash or a more casual experience with a few close friends?

The wrong people for a party can throw off the atmosphere just as much as too many or too little. We recommend inviting a few more people than you want to come to a party since it’s rare that every single person invited to a party can make it. 

After you pick out your people, you’ll have an easier time figuring out which venue you want. If your venue contains customization options the number of people will help this as well. 

Pick the Date

Make sure you begin your party planning in advance so you can pick out a good, convenient date that works out for everyone.

We also recommend sending out an “RSVP by…” date, so you can get a better idea of how many people are showing up to the party. If people don’t respond by this day, you can assume that they won’t come. 

Don’t feel limited to picking someone’s actual birthday, the weekend before or after will work as well. People generally aren’t picky about this sort of thing. In fact, as long as it falls within the same month, you can extend this to two weeks before or after the birthday. 

By picking yourself a date early, you can easier figure out exactly what you want to do at your venue location. 

Chose Your Venue

The wrong venue can easily destroy the atmosphere of a party. If you pick a place that people don’t like, the conversation will be stilted.

A great venue doesn’t just act as a meeting place. It allows you the opportunity to create a memorable experience that people will never forget. 

Emporium has a large space that’s capable of holding all different sorts of events. You can head there to see everything from wrestling to live music to DJs. You can also make use of this space to book music or DJ of your pleasing, for the ultimate birthday experience. 

The sound and lighting setup makes it the perfect fit for your live party experience. The space is adaptable and will be able to fit whatever your party demands. 

This isn’t the only advantage of emporium, however. Emporium isn’t just a venue but a bar. Alcohol is hyper-important to adult birthday parties — rather than having to go out to a bar afterward, why not book your party at a place that’s also a bar? 

This isn’t just your ordinary venue that also serves drinks either. At Emporium, you can get choice beer selections, creative cocktails, and choose from a huge whiskey list. 

Emporium is also an arcade, so you can rest assured that your partygoers won’t run out of things to do at the birthday party you’re planning. It contains a variety of arcade cabinets — new and old — as well as classics like Fussball. 

Customization

When you book a party with Emporium, you don’t just sign yourself up for one experience, but for a variety of options. Groups of 30 and less generally get the space reserved for free and handle their own cash bar.

You can choose to bring your own food in, or get your event catered. This is the perfect way to pair your favorite restaurant with the Emporium experience. If you want, you can eat out and then settle down at Emporium for the night. 

If your party is full of people who want to hit up the arcade, you can reserve yourself tokens. All games take between 1 and 4 tokens and one token is equal to around 25 cents. If all of the people in your party want to play all night, you can reserve unlimited tokens for 20 dollars per person. 

You can also customize the way that you handle drinks at your event. If you want, you can open a group tab, which comes with a maximum tab limit or drink cost per drink. This is a great way to help your party-goers worry less while they party. 

If your group hits a certain size, you can go with the drink ticket option. This will make ordering drinks even quicker and easier. Once again, if you’re willing to shell out a little more money, you can create a more convenient experience for your customers. 

The ultimate option for convenience, however, is the drink wristband option. These much be purchased by every member of a party. It creates an open-bar experience for your partygoers that will ensure your evening rolls along smoothly. 

Plan a Great Adult Birthday Party 

Adult birthday parties aren’t quite as popular as kids’ birthday parties. However, if you put the right effort in, you can plan an adult birthday party that’s just as amazing as any kid’s birthday party. 

To learn more about planning spectacular events, contact us today. 

The post How to Plan the Best Adult Birthday Party appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.

67% of American adults play some sort of video game at least once in a while. Arcade bars combine two popular American pastimes: drinking and gaming. Arcade bars in 2022 are much different than their predecessors.

While many still have a retro element, the best arcade bars also have some modern games patrons can enjoy. Arcade bars are making a huge comeback. The benefits of arcade bars are immense when compared to traditional bars.

If you are curious about the revitalized barcade industry, check out this nifty guide. Here, we discuss five great reasons why arcade bars are making a comeback. Read on so you can find your best option for a good time out!

1. More People Game Than Ever

Video games exploded in popularity after the confining situation created by the pandemic. Now, in its aftermath, hordes of newly-minted gamers and veteran button mashers alike are looking for places to show their skills.

Enter the barcade, the perfect social environment for the once antisocial experience of gaming. Whether you are a veteran gamer practicing for an MLG tournament or a noob looking to play pinball, arcade bars got you covered.

2. The Retro Craze Is in Full Swing

Fashion, music, and vinyl aren’t the only things enjoying the benefits of the current retro craze. Retro gaming has become more popular as the years have gone on. Video game nostalgia is a psychologically recognized concept.

One of the many businesses to feel the benefits of the retro craze are bar arcades. Arcade parties let gamers enjoy their favorite classic games in a social setting with libations. This has made arcade bar parties even more popular.

3. Arcade Bars Are Versatile

Barcades are more versatile than conventional watering holes. In addition to providing endless entertainment in the form of gaming, they also provide a couple of other options for partying.

The following are some other uses for barcades. The fact that barcades can be enjoyed in so many ways has led to their increased popularity.

Music Venues

The best barcades are expansive enough to serve as music venues. Imagine dancing along to your favorite DJ or musician while playing vintage arcade machines. In a barcade, this can become a reality.

Part of learning how to throw an arcade bar party is finding the best music to set the ambiance. If you plan on hosting a party, contact your local barcade to find out what house DJ options they offer.

Gaming Tournaments

Pinball tournaments are a retro way to enjoy a classic game at your local barcade. Find out who is the ultimate pinball wizard by renting out a barcade and setting up a tournament bracket.

Some barcades also have modern video game systems such as Xbox One or Playstation 4. You can host private gaming tournaments with you and your friends to see who is the best at some new games.

Group Outings

Getting some of your best friends together and heading out for a night at the barcade can be an excellent way to reaffirm your social bonds. Not everyone enjoys having to socialize, so playing video games can be a viable alternative.

Even if some of your friends don’t drink, they will still have entertainment options at a barcade. Instead of having to standby at a bar while everyone else drinks, they can enjoy their favorite video game without feeling awkward.

Solo Outings

Heading out to the bar by yourself can be depressing or scary if you are an introvert. You may find yourself awkwardly staring at your phone if you have a hard time meeting people. Barcades offer a much less abrasive experience.

The beauty of a barcade is that you can head there by yourself and still have a great time without feeling awkward. All you need to do is cozy up to your favorite video game machine and let the good times roll.

Private Parties

You can rent out an entire barcade for your next private party or function. Having an arcade party is a much more unique option for your next get-together than renting a run-of-the-mill bar.

Your guests will remember the unique environment for your big night if you host it in a place with numerous entertainment options. With a full array of bar and gaming options, a bar arcade can make your private party epic.

4. Affordability

Not everyone can afford to own a gaming console or retro arcade machine. However, almost anyone can afford to go to a barcade. Some may offer a small cover fee or charge in quarters, but this is a nominal cost.

When compared with purchasing new video game equipment, or buying a retro arcade machine, going to a barcade is much more affordable. For the price of a few drinks, you can spend your night out gaming and having a good time.

5. Arcade Bars Are Fun

Traditional bars only have so many options for entertainment. Beyond conventional games such as pool and darts, most have limited services. Conversely, barcades have so much more to offer to patrons besides drinking.

Many have entire game rooms with crowd-pleasers such as air hockey and ski ball. Almost all of them have vintage pinball machines and other retro gaming options. People realize that a night out at an arcade bar is the best!

Expect to See More Arcade Bars

As arcade bars continue to get more popular, more and more of them will open up across the United States. This is good news for all of you gamers and drinkers out there who like to have a good time.

If you want to visit the best arcade bars, contact us today. We have locations across the United States and would be happy to host your next event. Drop us a line or stop by for a drink and some fun today at any of our locations!

The post 5 Great Reasons Why Arcade Bars Are Making a Comeback appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.

Partying in Las Vegas is a right of passage for many Americans. So much so that over 40 million people a year visit Las Vegas, depending on the year. Anyone can party in Las Vegas, but not everyone can do it right.

Learning how to throw a party in Las Vegas involves a bit of tact and foresight. You need to know the hottest venues and best places to party in Las Vegas. You also need to get a good idea of group dynamics and what people enjoy.

Vegas is one of the entertainment capitals of the world, with tons of options for partying. There are countless nightclubs in Las Vegas, as well as bars and entertainment venues. Read on to learn how to throw the best Vegas party!

Assemble Your Crew

The foundation of any fun party is a great group of people. Get a few of your best friends or family members together. Group chemistry will make your party experience even more engaging and fun.

Try to think about compatibility when assembling your crew. Not everyone has to have the same interests, but try to get a group together that gets along well. Keep in mind that people make the party.

Think of a Pretense to Party in Las Vegas

Bachelor or bachelorette parties and birthday celebrations are all great pretenses to head to Vegas for a wild night. Having a work-related business/party trip to Vegas can be a great idea too.

Coworkers will bond with one another on such trips. You may not even need a pretense to visit Vegas. Sometimes getting a small group together on a whim is all you need to do to have a great time in Las Vegas!

Set a Budget

Las Vegas has one of the most luxurious tourist economies in the world. Accommodations can climb into the tens (even hundreds) of thousands of dollars per night range. That said, you can still find more economical options.

Setting a budget for your party is one of the best ways to ensure that you don’t overspend on your Vegas experience. Also, make sure to hash out payments with your group members beforehand. That way, you’re not stuck with the bill.

Find the Right Accommodations

When heading to Las Vegas, you have the potential to enjoy some world-class and unique accommodations. Many of the famous hotels on the strip have unique themes that may appeal to you or your friends.

Check online to find the best deals for accommodations. Your hotel can be so much more than where you wake up each morning and go to bed each night. Get adjoining rooms for you and your party to keep things going all night!

Think About a Limo or Private Car Service

You don’t want to end up with a DUI in Las Vegas. If you plan on drinking during your big night out, try hiring a private car so you don’t need to think about the logistics of getting from place to place.

A limo provides you and your party with a classier ride to your party venues than an Uber or conventional means of transport. You should hire a limo if you plan on going all-out and being ultra-classy on your Vegas trip.

See a Show or Concert

Las Vegas has tons of top names in entertainment performing on a nightly basis. Try starting your epic night out by attending a show or concert. Music or other entertainment will put guests in a festive mood.

Try scheduling your entertainment for after dinner so that you can get a jump on your big night out. After the show, it’s time to hit the town by visiting some of Vegas’s top party spots. Rent out a full venue for the ultimate experience.

Rent Out a Unique Venue

A unique venue for your big party will make it all that more memorable for your guests. Hosting your event at an arcade in Las Vegas is a great way to keep all of your guests entertained for the entire evening. 

Barcades are all the rage among people of all ages. The younger millennial crowd loves them in particular. With a plethora of different games to choose from, a night out at the best arcade bar Las Vegas has to offer will be amazing.

Hire a Great Caterer

Your guests will be hungry after a long night of dancing and drinking. Make sure that they have plenty to eat. Fortunately, Las Vegas has a wealth of world-class caterers to choose from. Pick one that caters to your tastes!

Make sure your caterer has vegan, gluten-free, and other options for guests with sensitive tastes. Consult your guests beforehand to determine what their majority food preferences are.

Provide an Open Bar

Alcohol is a social lubricant and can enhance your party. Providing an open bar option to your guests will get the night moving in the right direction. Bottle services at some clubs can be more expensive than an open bar option.

Make sure to provide plenty of non-alcoholic drink options for guests that choose not to partake. Trained bartenders will know when to cut off guests that indulge a bit too much in open bar privileges.

Don’t Forget Las Vegas Swag

Give your guests some swag so that they remember their awesome time at your party. You may want to print some custom t-shirts or order custom hats for the occasion. If not, try buying some swag from the venue you rent!

Enjoy Everything Las Vegas Has to Offer

Throwing a party in Las Vegas has the potential to be an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t let your party be a dud. Make it something to talk about for years to come.

Use the information in this guide to throw the ultimate Las Vegas party. If you are looking for a great venue, contact us today. We have one of the premier arcade bars in Las Vegas. It would be our privilege to host your event! 

The post How to Throw the Best Party in Las Vegas appeared first on Emporium Arcade Bar.