FTW: Chicago's Newest Arcade Bar

Last week, The Yelp Elite gathered at the newest arcade and gastropub, FTW. Located in the same space at the AMC movie theatre and Lucky Strike in River North, it is soon to become the go-to late night spot for food, drinks, and fun!

The Vibe

When I first entered FTW, I was immediately hit by the neon lights from all of the arcade games by the entrance. It was hard to know where to start, since everything seemed to be calling my name! Games can be played by buying and loading a game cards with money that are swiped at each arcade game. FTW has something for everyone, regardless of age. The vibe is definitely fun with an air of sophistication, as evidenced by their beautiful private suites.

The Yelp team had 4 private suites booked for us to enjoy each others company while nibbling food. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling glass windows which give great views of the city. They are comfortable with high table bar seats as well as low couches and tables. Each suite is decorated in steam-punk theme which is both fun yet classy. I though they were well situated near the dining area and bar in order to allow easy access for guests to drink as well as play all the games.

The Food & Drinks

At the event, the FTW team fed us extremely well with tasting portions of some of the items off their menu. We got the chance to try the following:

Cheese Curds: Crispy Panko-crusted Wisconsin cheese curds with tomato jam. OMG probably my favorite of the night.

Kale & Beet Salad: Braised beets, candied walnuts, goat cheese, with citrus vinaigrette. I am not a fan of beets, but this salad made them bearable. The goat cheese was everything.

Mini Corn Dogs: Hand-battered in stone ground corn meal with a honey mustard sauce. I had two to myself…Yum!

Poutine: FTW served up some banging fries topped with all types of yummy things. I tried the Braised Short Rib with Sour Cream. Our Canadian neighbors to the north would be proud.

Thanksgiving burger: Turkey burger with cranberry onion relish, brie on walnut cranberry bread.

Sloppy Joe Sliders: Cumin-season beef, coffee, and chilis on mini brioche buns. Delightful.

Blueberry & Ricotta Spoon Pudding Cake: Wouldn't be a dinner without dessert! These treats are baked in coffee cups and topped with vanilla ice cream and honey drizzle. Absolutely delicious.

Cannolis: I am a huge lover of cannolis and these did not disappoint. Made with mascarpone cheese, oreo cookie crumbs, pistachios, toasted coconut and topped with FTW dipping sauce.

In addition to the food, each Yelper got two drink tickets for beer and wine. The beer menu is quite extensive with 32 craft beers on draft as well as Victorian-inspired cocktails. One of the bartenders also had whipped up two giant bowls of punch (his own creation) that were so good I had to keep going back for more. If you visit, ask for Eric and tell him you want one of his creations. You will not be disappointed.

The Games

My favorite part of the evening was, of course, playing all of the games they have available at FTW. On the North side of the arcade is City Golf, and indoor mini golf course that is Chicago city themed. The course is only six holes, but that doesn't stop it from being super fun! Work your way down Lake Shore Drive, past the Water Tower, the Chicago Theatre, Museum Campus, both of the ballparks, and finally end at the Sears Tower.

In addition to mini golf, FTW is home to one of SEGA's newest games: a four-car demolition derby race. It was fun to battle it out while the chair moved along with me for a fully interactive game. Make sure to check out the air hockey (my personal favorite), Batman races, basketball games, as well as huge HD screens with carnival style games, and a ton of others! Gamers of all ages will find something to satisfy and challenge them at FTW.