I was around 8, 9 years old during the Golden Age of Video Games. There's a picture of my brother and me opening an Atari VCS (or 2600, to you heathens) under the Christmas tree in '82 with my face just glowing. When I was that age, though, my exposure to arcades was limited. For me it was the monthly family trip to Lincoln Mall, and my Aladdin's Castle allowance was a dollar plus any tokens I found on the floor. I loved arcades, but as an 8-year-old, I had to do what mom and dad said. Yeah, as I got older, I got to play some of the newer games, but you know what? They don't hold a candle to the '80s hits. Yeah, the gfx and sound got better (to the extreme), but the game play started to suck -- many games adopted the "finish the level, beat the boss character, repeat several times, then beat the CEO character, game over, no reason to play again" formula, or the dreaded "Continue?" option...uggh. I'm very thankful that these retro-cades seem to keep popping up. Now, nearly 30 years later, I can finally play these arcade games that I loved as a child whenever I want and for as long as I want. I live in Chicago, which is a bit of a hike to go to West Dundee to play games, but you know what? It's WORTH IT, and I'd much rather drive to Underground Retrocade than to go to the places closer to me. Don't get me wrong, I adore Logan Hardware, and admittedly I haven't yet been to either of the new "beercades" (despite the fact that my second job is literally around the corner from one of them). And yes, Galloping Ghost is much closer to me (although I have many issues with it - see my review for details)....but there's something special of the attention Scott Lambert and his entire family give to Underground Retrocade. They make it a really special place, and there's just something about it that you don't get anywhere else. The customer service is absolutely top-notch, BY FAR the best of any arcade I've ever been to. Just to give you an example, I went on the night of the grand reopening at 121 West Main. I was thrilled to get back there, and I very happily took three fives out of my wallet and put them on the counter. Scott's wife Sue was working the counter. I was pretty darned thirsty, and I saw some Green River in the fridge (yet another reason to love Underground!), so I gave Sue a five-dollar bill for the Green River. She couldn't get the cash box open to give me my change. I told her don't worry, just keep the change, I'm just happy to be there, and I walked away and played some games. As I was playing Millipede, I saw a hand reach from the side and drop some singles on the corner of the screen (which I actually thought was reminiscent of the old days when you'd put your quarter or token on the corner of the screen, a way to say "I get the next game!) -- Sue had actually tracked me down to make sure I got my change! (which again I didn't even care about!) The vibe is so cool. While you're playing Galaga, you might be listening to the latest No Quarter podcast piped over the AV system, or maybe some 80s classics that go great with these games (which is a bit unfortunate for me, actually, because I'm more of a Beatles fan than a Huey Lewis fan!), and once when I was at Underground, they were showing Star-Cade reruns!! Wow!!! Another review here mentioned the high score cards on the games. If you're going to attempt a high score -- even if just for your own personal record -- don't forget to let Scott know before you do so he can register your score with aurcade.com! (And make sure you set up an account there!) In terms of games, what will you expect there? Not the biggest NUMBER of games, but you definitely get the best VARIETY, and they're all pretty much originals -- I think there's only one "multicade" at Underground -- and if a game isn't original, then Scott worked his butt off to make it as close to the original as possible, complete with the proper artwork. And I think in terms of games that Underground specializes in, I'd say the classic Atari coin-ops -- there are a LOT here: Centipede, Millipede, Space Duel, Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, APB, Atari Football (!!!!!) -- and I'm sure I'm leaving a lot out -- in fact, the phone number actually has the word "Atari" in it! If you've been to the previous location in East Dundee but not the new location, please check it out -- they have some nice new digs with a lot of space...so much space that one row of games is actually positioned in a way that you can see the side art of all the cabinets! Now THAT, my friends, is attention to detail. Summing it up...my favorite arcade, missed it in the months it was gone, was thrilled to go back, can't wait to go back again! read more

Underground Retrocade - Arcades Near Me - West Dundee, Illinois

Cool place to get your fix for old school video games. When we went on a Tuesday it was 2 for $20 and you could play all the games you wanted for as long as you want. They give you a wristband, so if you want to go to the pub on the corner, Dylan's, for a quick drink, you can walk back in a game some more. read more

Underground Retrocade - Wreck it Ralph? - Arcades Near Me - West Dundee, Illinois

The games are in superb condition compared to some arcades where you jump on a game and it doesn't work. It is right near Van's Custard too! The best custard around. read more

The admission pricing is a little weird, but I don't care the games this guy has literally takes you back to video game heyday!! I can spend all day here..such great games!! Also have some craft sodas which is nice..only critique is have a few more pinball machines! A++ read more

Visited Underground Retrocade twice this past weekend and spent 3-4 hours each day there. It is a terrific blast from your arcade visiting past if you are like me and the guys i went with, in your mid to late 30's. $15 all you can play and all day. Come and go as you please and a number of pubs within walking distance. A wonderful selection of 80's and 90's arcade and pinball classics. Vast majority of the games are in excellent playing condition and appear to be in their original cabinets with original controls as well. A few had some trackball issues or some screen burn in but honestly that is to be expected with these machines that have taken constant abuse from players for years. Another major plus is that there is PLENTY of space in between games to not feel claustrophobic in any manner. It is a terrific layout. The place was not crowded at all on either night (Friday 9pm-1230am and Sunday 630pm-10pm) In fact I would coin the place as dead on both nights which would lead me into my only negative. For an arcade it is very, very quiet. 80's music playing at an elevator like level and many of the arcade games seem to either have no sound or have their sound kicked down to a minimum. I would prefer to hear the games in all of their attract mode glory when not being played. And the music can definitely be turned up. Would love to see this place a little livelier. Last point and I will credit my fellow arcade goer last night with the idea. Maybe do some type of marketing package with one or several of the bars in the neighborhood to try to get additional traffic. A couple of drinks and all you can play for $20. Something like that. All in all a great time and I'll be back soon. read more

Went to Underground Retrocade with a few friends after dinner on a weekend. We had a ton of fun. I thought the wristbands were great for the all-you-can-play, they had so many machines, many so retro or obscure I'd never heard of them (I'm not a die-hard retro gamer, but I've got pop-culture knowledge). We wandered from game to game and back again. My only wish was that there were a few more pinball machines - the few they had were sort of mediocre and two of them were out of order. Other than that, I seriously enjoyed myself, and so did my friends. We'll be back for sure! read more

Went here with my boyfriend to change up our usually date routines, it was super fun and totally different! Honestly it's a hidden gem in Dundee, I pass by that area all the time and never noticed it. I will be recommending it to everyone for a fun night out. All the games worked on this 2 floor layout except one who had a label saying out of order with a picture of the game with a thermometer in it quite a cute idea, just shows how fun the people can be. Kid friendly! Super cheap $15 for the whole day and loads of fun! Hope to be back soon. read more

Underground Retrocade - Some games. - Arcades Near Me - West Dundee, Illinois

This place is so fun! They have all the classics and then some! For a flat fee you can play all you want. Great place to take kids (if they are reapectful and don't pound on machines). They even have a pinball room...and Super Mario is the best. The people working were super nice. They have drinks and light snacks. They have a nice sitting place for parents if you are not into games. They even let you get a bracelet so if you want to leave to eat and come back after to play you can. read more

Underground Retrocade - Arcades Near Me - West Dundee, Illinois

This was such an awesome experience for my 10 year old to be able to play games that I grew up with. They also have my 2 year old a stool so she could play too! All of the games worked and the place was big! I cannot give 5 stars though bc the bathrooms were disgusting. Urine on both toilets The stairs also look like they have not been cleaned in a while. read more

Had a fun time down memory lane. 15 dollars for a lot of retro gaming. We spent 3 hours here without realizing it. Enjoy.

I loved going to arcades when I was a little boy, it was about the best time I ever had. My earliest memory of playing a video game was playing one of those table versions of Castlevania in a pizzeria, in those days you could find an arcade game just about anywhere, but sadly today not so much. That's when I fell in love with arcades, I had to be 4 or 5 years of age at the time, and now I love taking my kids to the Retrocade. Both my sons, ages 5 and 7 love it here, as do I! We spend hours playing, just like I did when I was their age. They have a nice variety of the games I loved playing as a kid, and new ones my kids love such as Fix it Felix! This place is great, and I love that there is a safe place I can go spend quality time with my boys, and school them on Street Fighter 2! My sons watch older movies with me and a staple in those movies is always an arcade scene, well now they'll get to experience that awesome feeling of growing up in arcades too! Come check this place out! read more

This is the best, for those 90s kids of course... Wanna go back to the past of gaming.... Retrocade is the place... You get to see how the games were back then, it could be alittle cooler if they had another floor eith the future games. read more

Underground Retrocade - All the 90s and 80s - Arcades Near Me - West Dundee, Illinois

Went here on a double date. Nothing like getting competitive with your significant other while experiencing pure nostalgia. Phenomenal selection, the guy who was working was really friendly and had good conversation. If you're looking for a great time and a walk down memory lane at the old arcades, this is the place. My only complaint is that I wasn't allowed to steal the Star Wars cardboard cut outs in the front window. Haha read more

I seriously felt like I was transported back in time. And my dad felt the same way. So happy to have come here. Such an amazing place at an amazing price. I'll be back... next week rpobbay read more

As soon as you walk in you'll recognize the smell- like your grandma's basement and like your childhood. There's two floors and old-school arcade games everywhere. There's a flat fee of $15 to enter the arcade (regardless of age) but it's worth it because that's an all day fee. You can't bring in any outside food or drink so you can leave and come back the same day without having to pay another fee. Did i mentioned all the games are unlimited plays?! So, you can play all day. read more

Went here yesterday and had a awesome time with my hubby and kids we will be back for sure loved playing all the old school games

If you're looking for a diamond in the rough this is it! There's not many places like this anymore. It has vintage games and is so much fun. The owner is very nice and $15 for unlimited gaming is not a bad price at all. I will return again and again and can't wait to expose everyone I know to this amazing experience. read more

For you kids of the 80's: If you're looking for a place to relive you youth, this is it! Underground Retrocade has all of your favorites arcade games from the 80's and 90's (with some pinball thrown in for good measure); all set to free-play. The Retrocade has a low all-day entry fee and is a great way to introduce your kids (supervised, of course) to the games you grew up playing. Note that this not a 'barcade'. UR does not serve food or alcohol (soda is available) but several dining and drinking establishments are with walking distance. Underground Retrocade is well worth the ride to the northwest suburbs and is only a short drive from I-90. read more

Best arcade I've been too in a long time. Scott seems like a good down to earth guy! Great deal to play too. Great for respectful kids... Remember, these games are older than the kids- I can't wait to go back... Like I said, great deal for what you get. I want to beat some records next time I go!!! read more

This place is so much fun and not a bad price at $15 per person for unlimited game play! Plus the employees are very nice! I would suggest giving yourself at least 2-3 hours here. read more

I have to say this is less a business and more of a service to those of us longing for the days when we would steal quarters out of our parents piggy banks and bike off the the local arcade to lose ourselves in the sights and sounds of video games. It is very apparent that the owner has put a lot of time and love in restoring/maintaining these machines, virtually every one is pristine, some with obviously brand new video tubes. Asteroids is so sharp and bright it almost hurts to play! $15 is a steal for a day of gaming. You get a wristband and can come and go as you please, the bar across the street being a nice break. We've taken our adult kids here, ages 17-28 and they all loved the experience. I've seen younger children having a great time as well. Kudos to the owner. This place is done just right, from the 80's music playing, to the collection of handheld games and computers behind the counter. It makes Galloping Ghost in Brookfield look like a garage sale. Now if I could only crack the top ten on Tempest, the world would be right again! read more

AMAZING!! almost all the games were working!! TOP NOTCH RETRO arcade with a good amount of pinball machines. yOU DO NOT have to drive to the north city of Chicago and deal with no parking just to play pinball. This place has some great pinball classics as well as some new ones! Plenty of parking in the back. ALL the games are also spaced out way better than most arcades - very inviting atmosphere. I wish they sold beers - but I guess you cant have everything LOL. keep up the good work RETROCADE! much respect for keeping arcade gaming ALIVE!! read more

The only thing that keeps me from giving this place 4 stars is the cost. My husband and I took our 7 yr. old grandson today and it was $45.00 just to play the games. Our schedule only allowed us to stay 90 min. so it was rather expensive. Maybe they could charge by the time you spend there. They could write your arrival time on your wristband and you could pay on the way out by the time you have spent there - maybe charge by 30 min. increments? I also thought it was rather dark inside - perhaps a litte brighter? I liked the rules that they had; especially that children must be accompanied by adults. It keeps it from becoming a hangout and hopefully it will remain family friendly. read more

Decent selection of games. Definitely disappointing to see many of the games "out of order". Most disappointing is how unfriendly the staff is towards children. Given the commercial expectations of the machines offered--I was not pleased with the staff's neurotic tendencies to correct my children. Great place if you alone want to relive some sweet childhood memories--Should you want to share this with your children--The staff does not leave you feeling all that welcome if your children are in a range of 5 and up. read more

The new location is great, and the selection of games is both amazing and makes me remember good times from the 80s and 90s. Worth the money as you can play as much as you want and not worry about quarters or even worse...a game card that you could end up spending way more due to buying 'credits'. Give this place a look next time you are in Dundee and you will not be disappointed! read more

Huge selection of games. Over a dozen pinball. Well maintained. Went with my son and we had a great time. New location is a big improvement.

Of all of the great Chicagoland retro arcades, this one does the best job at creating the classic 80s arcade experience. Not only the aura, lighting, and music, but also the desire to go the extra mile to find original arcade games in their original cabinets. The owner (Scott) also goes the extra mile to please every customer yet making sure that patrons (especially the much younger generation) treat these treasured machines with respect. The old location was a spot on creation of the 80s arcade and I can't wait to see what amazing things they do at their new, larger location. read more

Underground Retrocade is a highlight attraction in Dundee! This place is so cool! The arcades are super fun for all ages, and it's located near a lot of great pubs and restaurants in downtown Dundee! read more

This place has everything I could imagine from my childhood, from the classic Ms. Pacman to Galaga to Super Hang-On. They even have those multi-arcade Neo-Geo cabinets. And the shooters! Man! Love the 1942 series of shooters. The list goes on and on. There are 2 floors of games! And, they have a darkened room full of pinball machines. My mind is blown! There's something to catch my attention everywhere I looked. 2 hours flew by like it was nothing. The experience took me back quite a few years and made me feel like I was in high school again. I've taken my 10 yr-old son here. He loves Fix It Felix and Ms. Pacman and I think Time Crisis 2 or something like that. All in all, this is great place to spend an afternoon or an evening! read more

This place rules! All the classic games from the 80's and 90's. Definitely coming back with friends. More fighting games please!

Damn good place you don't need any quarters you just pay admission and bam!! You can play 100s of retro games, they even have a pinball room and they're open till 1 am. It's well worth it. It's like your transported back into the nineties!( also the manager gave me a free overwatch poster!) read more

If you're looking for a calm, relaxing setting at night and you love games, this is a great place to go! The whole atmosphere feels authentic and everybody is friendly! The games were fun and they post the high scores on top of the game so it's fun trying to beat them, even though I never came close. While I had a good time, some background music would've gone a long way. Nonetheless, it's a great place to have a fun and relaxing night! Will definitely be coming back ! read more

According to the owner, this place had 175 games. Of those, only 4 we're down for service. Great place for any true gamer. Also, a nice Father & Son outing location. For lunch of dinner, go to Van's Custer and Hamburgers. Great place too! read more

Awesome fun place to go with the kids or without! Great retro music and AWESOME gaming experience. Beautiful area of town. Great place to have dinner in town and then hang out at the Retrocade. My kids ask us to take them there almost everyday! ( ages 12 and 15) Come on out you won't regret it! read more

A really fun hangout that is very spacious and a comfortable place to play. A good selection of classic games and a great gaming atmosphere. There is also a few couches where you can take a break for a little while. There is even a television that is often times playing great movies. Everything I'd want from an arcade. Just wish it was tadbit closer! I've been there on 5 different occasions over the last two years and I plan on returning. read more

Today we went to the retro arcade with our cub scout pack. Big mistake. Though it may be a great place to search for your inner child and the games he or she played. This is not the place to bring your actual child. The manager is rediculous at best. Hovering over you like a bird of pray waiting for you to do something to his beloved pin ball game that is not in line with his PERSONAL opinion on how these games are played. He also makes assumptions to your behavior just because he thinks your child is an idiot and cannot understand the complex strategy behind hitting a few buttons to make a ball move. I have played countless pinball games in my life and know the basics of each game. What the ENTHUSIAST OWNER doesn't realize is that while my son may have been click the buttons rapidly he was engaging the upper lever not the lower 2 levers to propel the ball. He told him to wait until the balls descended to activate levers. He assumed my son was an idiot and stood there clicking a button like an ape enjoying the sound of the machine. He pulled him aside and confronted him on the issue mid game and ruined his game play because he is stuck In his vintage world of games and forgets the nature of what these games are intended for, fun! We walked in thinking this may be a wonderful place to host a party for kids and left feeling like this place needs to go away. Stop focusing on the part of the games and what they cost and you can make up for it in volume of customers to off set this. I know old games should be respected and babied. With this I agree. But when assumptions of mistreatment are made when games are respected. One leaves feeling angry not glad he or she was exposed to these beautiful classics. Find some compassion in your business and realize you to were young once and how you learned to play these games and fell in love with them. I guarantee it wasn't with a turd standing over you criticizing your frequency of clicks. It was about excitement, pressure, and bragging rites to post that high score. Relax buddy it's a game. Maybe you can enjoy your job a little more when you find pleasure in it and share the treasures you have In your possession. read more

The older man (possibly the owner) sitting at the front was extremely rude to me and my family. We walked in there and asked the cost and he told us $15 to play all day..sounds good to us. However my 20 year old daughter and her boyfriend were planning on playing a few games and leaving so we wanted to chat a minute to figure out if it was worth it for them to stay or if they should leave (the rest of us planned to stay regardless). Well when we stepped away so another family could pay to get in this guy got real angry and told us we cannot stay if we weren't going to pay. We explained we need to discuss it a minute and he continued to stare at us with these crazy eyes. It was extremely uncomfortable so we just left. I mean except for the family coming in with us there was not one soul in the place. This man needs to work on his social skills! My husband and children love gaming so good job, guy! read more

Being new to the area and taking the kids out for an exploratory stroll. We saw this place and since the viewing of the movie "Pixels" these kids have a need to play Donkey Kong. Walk in the door was stopped by a younger guy who was nice enough at first. He questioned the ages of my kids. Well apparently they were too young. All under 8. There is no signage on the door stating an age restriction. I didnt question and I didnt even put up a fight. The comment that got me was something along the lines of taking the kids to Chucky Cheese to let them run around cause these games are old and fragile. He then has the minerals to tell me that there are "no hard feelings" as if I had given him any issues. Kid was nice enough but really needs to work on some customer service and social skills. My one son ran back to look at one of the games and I felt like the kid was going to run up and tackle him. Not a great experience. Summary walked in greeted because of kids told we couldnt play and left. Wont be going back with or without kids. Kids are treated poorly here. read more

It's always been a great destination for classic gaming. This place has an excellent assortment of classic retro games all original and well maintained! The new location is phenomenal and it appears like it may only be the beginning! Can't wait to head back! Keep up the great work and thanks for keeping these games alive and well! read more

This is a great place to go if you need a retro arcade fix. They have a ton of games to play and the entry fee of $15 is not bad considering you can easily drop a lot more. As some other posters have said their pinball machines are all in a single room and are in excellent condition. The game selection is definitely good and gives a nice dose of nostalgia. Looks like there's still room to grow as they get more games. I would have liked to see more racing games (similar to VR racing), but that's just my preference. We had fun playing all the shooting and multi-player games. There were a couple of games where the joystick wasn't working or the screen was not perfect, but easy to find other games to play. read more