Rev your engines at Chicago’s new F1 Arcade bar

Fans of the popular international motorsport league Formula 1 have something fresh to cheer about this summer as Chicago’s newest “eatertainment” establishment, F1 Arcade, races into the River North neighborhood.

On Friday, Aug. 14, the F1 Arcade opened in a 16,000 sq. ft space at the corner of Grand and State, previously occupied by the now-shuttered Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery. The venue aims to be a one-of-a-kind social experience, featuring immersive racing simulators, specialty cocktails, and a handcrafted food menu, creating a heart-pulsing, mouth-watering combo that is sure to turn the speedometer up on any outing.

The backbone of the concept is the organization's exclusive partnership with F1 to license state-of-the-art, full-motion racing simulators branded with the sport's most popular racers and recognizable cars. F1 Arcade Chicago will feature 61 simulator rigs with capabilities to compete individually against an AI or co-op with friends and other guests. The immersive simulator comes in five different skill levels, meaning players of all different expertise can compete evenly and simultaneously. 

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No racer can cross the finish line on an empty stomach, which is why F1 Arcade delivers irresistible flavor across its eat-and-drink lineup. The food menu reflects the sport's international flair, pairing cuisine from cultures across the world such as Crispy Rice Salmon Teriyaki and Tandoori Chicken Tacos with Chicago flavors such as the Giardiniera Martini Cheese Dip. 

The drink menu is curated by Netflix’s Drink Master Champion LP O’Brien, who brings a refined touch to the bar selection. O’brien also partnered with James Beard Award-winning mixologist Julia Momose of the West Loop's popular “Kumiko” to create two signature cocktails exclusive to F1 Arcade.

The space itself comes complete with all the playful trimmings and details one would expect from such a polished hospitality brand. The interior features subtle nods to its namesake sport with finishes like racetrack-shaped chandeliers, checker-flagged floors, and artist-designed tire marks on the walls. Private and semi-private event spaces are available for rent, making the venue perfect for special occasions, holidays, or company outings, while an exquisite rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the skyline from the heart of downtown.

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As its seventh U.S. venue, the Chicago opening marks the next phase of an ambitious U.S. roll-out plan. In less than two years, F1 Arcade has raced from its first U.S. location in Boston to six bustling venues across Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Denver, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. The brand originally debuted in London in 2022, according to the organization's website, which also operates international venues in Birmingham, England, and Madrid, Spain. 

River North and the Loop have seen a number of social activity-based hospitality concepts arrive in recent years, including the likes of Flight Club and Electric Shuffle among others, highlighting a growing desire for locals and tourists alike to engage in competition while enjoying their food and drink.

The F1 arcade brand looks to capitalize on the rising popularity of Formula 1 domestically, with the sport growing rapidly in the U.S. in recent years thanks in part to the advent of streaming and the popular Netflix documentary “Drive to Survive,” which follows the circuit and its athletes.

So whether you're a seasoned Formula 1 fan looking to get behind the wheel yourself, or just a casual looking for a vibrant night out on the town, the F1 Arcade speeds into contention as one of the most unique and exciting new social options in Chicago.