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Take a Swing at the New Downtown Arcade/Gastropub/Mini-Golf Course FTW

 Check out the arcade/gastropub/mini-golf course opening Friday in Streeterville. 
Sneak Peek: FTW
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STREETERVILLE — New Downtown arcade bar and mini-golf course FTW is lit up like a Vegas casino, but ensures visitors won't leave empty-handed.

FTW, or For The Win, will open Friday on the second floor of the AMC River East 21 movie theater building at 322 E. Illinois St.

Launched by neighboring tenant Lucky Strike, the arcade features 190 arcade games, dim sum-style food service on a cart and a six-hole mini-golf course with many replicas of Chicago landmarks. 

Related story: Arcade/Gastropub/Mini-Golf Course FTW to Open June 5 in Streeterville

"We wanted to pay homage to the locals but also educate the out-of-towners," said Jim Bennington, FTW's games and redemption manager. 


A replica Crown Fountain face at FTW. [DNAinfo/David Matthews]

Guests have to pay to play, but can redeem their winnings at a "Payoff" store with merchandise. Instead of tokens or tickets, game credits and winnings are completely electronic. Four private suites offering views of the city skyline also are available for $250 per hour.

Check out more images of the bar before it opens Friday:


That black box on the bar's wall is a 109-square-foot television. [All photos by DNAinfo/David Matthews]


Some of the bar's beers sans prices. FTW has 34 beers on tap.

Dave Matthews previews the new spot:


A private room available for rent, with an orb in the middle that would be stocked with drinks. The bar's theme is steampunk. 


Start studying. Each hole-in-one sunk on the mini-golf course earns a prize. 


The first hole features the Old Water Tower. Also visible: replica Hancock Building and Sears Willis Tower. 


The course's murals each contain an "Easter egg." Look closely to find Kermit the Frog admiring the lakefront.

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