Navigate Life Bar Arcade: Schaumburg’s New Gaming Destination
Looking for things to do in Schaumburg, IL that check the boxes of nostalgia, entertainment, and can work as a spot for any occasion? Life Bar Arcade, located in Schaumburg, is about to change the game for the northwest suburbs. Located at 1626 E Algonquin Rd, this isn’t your typical arcade bar. We’re talking 50+ classic and modern games, all set to free play, in a cyberpunk-inspired venue that feels like stepping into a retro-futuristic dream.
Whether you’re a Schaumburg local or planning a night out from Chicago and neighboring suburbs, here’s everything you need to know about the best arcade bar near Woodfield Mall.
What Makes Life Bar Arcade Different?
Life Bar Arcade wants to flip the script. Many arcade bars nickel-and-dime you with tokens, quarters, or playcards. We’re all about that set-to-free-play life. That’s why at Life Bar Arcade there will always be a flat fee for gaming at the door, almost like a cover charge at a bar. Except, at this one, all the gaming is included. No quarters. No tokens. No limits.
Spend five minutes on Mario Kart Arcade GP 2, then jump right over to Street Fighter II: Hyperfighting for a quick match and then settle all scores on Discs of Tron to finish it off without reaching for your wallet. For anyone who grew up in arcades, this is the dream.
Games: Around 50 Machines of Pure Nostalgia
Life Bar Arcade houses around 50 arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and gaming consoles spanning decades of gaming history. Our game floor contains any mix of the following:
Classic Arcade Cabinets
Authentic restored cabinets featuring beloved games that defined the golden age of arcades. Iconic shooters, legendary fighting games, and maze-based adventures—the nostalgia hits hard.
Pinball Machines
Beautifully maintained machines showcase the evolution of pinball artistry. The satisfying clack of flippers and strategic shot-making never gets old.
Sports & Racing Games
Basketball shootouts to racing simulators bring out everyone’s competitive side. These games turn casual hangouts into full-blown tournaments.
Signature Games Worth the Trip:
- Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 Sit-Down Racer – An electric experience for you and your friends to compete for racing domination!
- Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting – Test your combat skills with this arcade classic featuring faster playing speed and precision timing.
- Discs of Tron – Battle on this rare 1983 cabinet, custom-enhanced with authentic synthesized voices for the ultimate retro experience.
Full Bar, Food, and Live Entertainment
Life Bar features two full bars—including a massive center bar—serving cocktails, beer, wine, and more, with a food window dishing elevated bar-style hits. The cyberpunk aesthetic creates a badass atmosphere with themed rooms and detail woven into every aspect of the venue.
The venue also has a large stage, elevated DJ booth, and professional A/V capabilities for live music, comedy shows, DJ sets, and special events. It’s not just an arcade bar—it’s a full entertainment venue in Schaumburg.
Perfect for Groups and Private Events
Life Bar Arcade is built for celebrations. Birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate team-building events, or friend reunions, you name it. No matter the occasion, the venue offers flexible layouts, private rooms, a semi-private elevated area, or a full venue buyout. And because every game is free play, your guests can explore the entire arcade without budget worries.
Where is Life Bar Arcade located in Schaumburg?
Address: 1626 E Algonquin Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: (224) 539-8903
Parking: On-site parking lot available
Cover: $20 for unlimited play
At $20 per person for unlimited play, you could easily spend that much in an hour at a traditional arcade. Here, it gives you unlimited access to 50+games—including some very rare classic arcades, pinballs, and consoles—for your entire visit.
Visit life-bar.com for grand opening details and sign up for the newsletter to be first to know about special events and exclusive promotions.
See you at the high score screen.
