LAKEVIEW — Headquarters Beercade combines obsessions from both childhood and adulthood: arcade games and craft beer.
"It speaks to people that don't want to grow up," said Mark Kwiatkowski, owner of the Lakeview beercade, opening tonight at 5 p.m. at 950 W. Wolfram St.
Kwiatkowski said he came up with the idea for the business after visiting a similar place in Brooklyn, N.Y. He tracked down 37 vintage arcade games, mostly cult favorites from the early 1980s, and got the place up and running in two months.
"It was quick," said Kwiatkowski, laughing.
The arcade games, including Donkey Kong and Street Fighter, line three walls around the bar, which Kwiatkowski said will offer 16 craft beers and a fully branded line-up of signature cocktails, including a gin-based drink with a special namesake.
"The 'Billy Mitchell' is (named after) an arcade gaming legend," said Kwiatkowski. "He was the first person to ever defeat PacMan. We're trying to get him here at some point."
Carly Senning, director of communications for the business, said she expected Headquarters Beercade to attract a wider range than 20-something male video gamers.
"Of course you have the stereotype of men being gamers," said Senning, "but I think it would be a good alternative for a date night!"
For more information, check out their website.
