Who says games are just for kids? Whether you’re a bags amateur, a ping pong enthusiast or a master skee-baller, indulge your competitive side at one of these Chicago area bars.
Bags
Evanston’s first and oldest brewery and tap room, Temperance Beer Company, boasts a large patio spacious enough for a few games of bags. Enjoy it with house brews, locally-sourced bar snacks and on-site food trucks.
2000 Dempster St., Evanston
Batting Cages
Whether you like the Cubs or Sox, step up to the plate at the batting cages at Sluggers to test your swing. Choose from softball or baseball pitches that go as fast as 90 mph. One dollar will get you 12 pitches and a lifetime of bragging rights if you can hit a homer.
3540 N. Clark St., Chicago
Bocce Ball
Kaiser Tiger’s popular beer garden features two Bocce Ball courts, which operate on a first come, first serve basis. According to their official rules, “you should always have a beverage in your non-throwing hand.” We aren’t going to argue — especially since the West Loop hot spot specializes in hard-to-find craft beers.
1415 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Darts
Cody’s Public House is a Cheers-esque, low-key neighborhood bar with local brews and simple fare. During the summer months, you can hone your skills at a game of outdoor darts on their patio. The Lakeview neighborhood bar, which bills itself as the “Best Bar on the Block” also welcomes dogs.
1658 W. Barry Ave., Chicago
Ping Pong
With 16 ping pong tables, AceBounce serves up a fun and casual glow-in-the-dark gaming experience. The venue elevates the atmosphere with the presence of local DJs and comedians who provide commentary alongside the tables. Quick bites (stuffed dates, friend smelt, mini pizzas) were designed to be eaten one-handed so you can hold a ping pong paddle in the other.
230 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Shuffleboard
Tabletop shuffleboard is gaining in popularity, and you can scratch the surface of this sport at The Game Room, located on the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. The beautifully restored space that was once the billiard room of a private men’s club also serves up classic cocktails and shared apps.
12 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Skee-Ball
Let the good times roll at Punch Bowl Social, with locations in Chicago and Schaumburg. While you won’t win any tickets to redeem for prizes, you can still channel your inner child in this classic arcade game. If you’re up for more of a competitive smackdown, Punch Bowl Social also features giant Jenga, Foosball, and more.
310 N. Green Street, Chicago; 1100 American Lane, Schaumburg
Turtle Racing
If you’re headed out on a Friday evening, live turtle races at Big Joe’s in Lincoln Square is one for the books. Here, guests purchase raffle tickets, and if picked, race their turtle on the bar’s pool table. The first turtle to reach the other side of the table wins, and the person assigned to the turtle wins a t-shirt and drinks.
1818 W. Foster Ave., Chicago
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