Arcades: Not Dead Yet

By Rachelle Bowden in Miscellaneous on Feb 27, 2007 8:56PM

Dennis' Place for Games is something of an anomaly. It's an arcade tucked in a dark storefront near the Belmont L stop. Unlike the ESPN Zones of the world, Dennis' Place offers no food or drink. The only thing your money will get you is a fistful of cheap tokens. A Hamilton affords 80 tokens, which is enough for several visits or one trip filled with some seriously poor gameplay.

Seemingly oblivious to the end of the golden age of arcades, Dennis' Place serves up a variety of games on the cheap. The games range from table-top Ms. Pac Man to the latest, loudest, and most obnoxious Dance Dance Revolution knockoff. A pair of pinball tables sits in the back, and Big Buck Hunter Pro was around for too brief a period.

Dennis' Place has its quirks. Chicagoist has seen fights break out for unknown reasons. Wearing a hat will get you quickly chastised for not following the bizarre dress code. Most of the patrons are quiet and not interested in making friends, so make sure to bring some of your own. Just remember: if you need a break, the quiet Mexican restaurant across the street serves cold beer and margaritas.

Image via Liza Pavelich.

Thanks, Joe!