Location
Mother’s Pinball, originally known as “Hotter Than Mother’s Music,” was a notable establishment in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Founded in 1971 at 2 E. Northwest Highway, it initially operated as a music store, offering a wide range of albums and music equipment. Over time, it transformed into a popular pinball arcade, especially after obtaining a permit for pinball machines in April 1975. The…
Pinball Palace in Carlyle, IL, is a beloved local arcade and diner that opened its doors in 1987. Known for its vibrant 1980s atmosphere, it offered a nostalgic experience with a collection of pinball machines, classic arcade games, and a menu featuring affordable comfort food. The venue became a community favorite, especially among those seeking a retro gaming experience. Over the years,…
”That’s Entertainment” was a massive but short-lived family fun center located at 1475 E. Thorndale Avenue in Itasca, Illinois that opened in 1994. Owner Jeff Coghill built this 14,000 sq ft. Family Fun Center on 23 acres that his family had owned for over 40 years. It included over 75 arcade games, mini golf, bumper boats and go karts. Coghill had big plans for the space, intended to build a…
Skate West was a roller skating rink located at 2333 Theodore Street in Crest Hill, Illinois. It has since been rebranded as Family Fun Zone, which continues to operate at the same address. It includes an arcade with a number of games. Originally, it was known as Rosalie’s Roller Skate, owned and operated by Rosalie Roderick, who passed away in…
PGN Fun Village in Hickory Hills, Illinois, has been a notable destination for family entertainment since its establishment in 1993. Over the years, it has evolved to offer a diverse array of attractions catering to various age groups. The facility features two 18-hole miniature golf courses, enhanced in 2017, that incorporate elements such as a giant castle, cascading waterfalls, rivers, and a…
Stella’s Batting Cages, located in Lyons, Illinois, was established in 1986 by Carey and Anna Matson. The facility was inspired by their son, Al, who, after overcoming a childhood cancer diagnosis, developed a passion for baseball. This led the Matsons to create a space where baseball and softball players could practice and enjoy the sport. Over the years, Stella’s has expanded its offerings to…
Peacock Palace in Northbrook, IL was an arcade and ice cream parlor located in the Chicago area during the late 1970s and 1980s. Despite its name, the establishment was primarily known for its arcade games rather than its ice cream offerings. The building was a split-level house painted yellow, featuring hand-drawn images of Pac-Man and ghosts on its exterior. The interior housed approximately 40…
An early and very popular arcade located in Chicago’s Loop, next to a large record store (Downtown Records) that opened in March 1974. It was owned by Steve Rubin and Gary Buslik, two young entrepreneurs. Reference: https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-rubus-game-room-opening/169546094/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-early-rubus-game-room-wr/169546227/…
Time-Out was a chain of arcade centers established in 1970 by Tico Bonomo, with locations primarily in shopping malls across the United States. These arcades were known for their distinctive tunnel-like entrances and vibrant interiors, designed to attract patrons. This location was inside the Center Ithaca mall in downtown Ithaca and opened sometime prior to 1982 and likely closed before the…
Super Just Games is a beloved arcade in Northbrook, Illinois, known for its wide selection of classic and modern games. It opened in 1992 and remains a popular destination for gamers in the area, offering a nostalgic experience with games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and other iconic titles. While it originally operated on tokens, in 1999, it transformed into Nickel City, an arcade where games can…