I used to go to bars to drink. On occasion, I’d bring a friend. But these days, I bring my game face.
Video games have found their way out of your basement and into Chicago bars — and these aren’t your typical Golden Tee games and pinball machines. They’re fully interactive, full-body experiences like Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero.
A lot of bar-room gamers never have touched a Wii or run their fingers along a Guitar Hero guitar before their first late-night encounter, but anyone who has a competitive streak will be hooked before long. I recently joined the fun at a couple of local watering holes catering to aspiring Wii champs and Guitar heroes like me.
Mahoney’s Pub and Grill
551 N. Ogden Ave. 312-733-2121
It’s easy to let your eyes glaze over while watching the old music videos that play at this River West spot, but on a recent visit, my eyes instantly were drawn to an idle game of Wii Tennis on the 38-inch flat screen behind the bar. I picked up the Wii remote and fumbled my way through the start menu. Game on.
At first, only waving my arms, I felt like an out-of-control orchestra conductor. But I quickly learned that you need to use your entire body to play Nintendo Wii; the harder you swing the controller, the harder you hit the ball. Though it’s not difficult, you do risk losing your cool factor: I was no longer the mysterious guy leaning on the bar. I was the goofball flailing around as if swatting away imaginary flies.
After bumping into my neighbors and nearly spilling pint glasses, I soon had strangers challenging me. Maybe it’s because I was willing to jump, swing and grunt without shame, but I beat them all.
The Abbey Pub and Restaurant
3420 W. Grace St. 773-478-4408
On a Monday, I checked out the action at The Abbey. With $4 Newcastle pints, half-price pizza and Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock on a 16-by-12-foot projection screen, I was set. But there was more: The family-run pub and music venue also features Wii Bowling, Tennis, Golf and Baseball on a 12-by-8-foot projection screen. Score!
I worked my way into the Guitar Hero lineup. Players furiously pressed colored buttons and flicked the bar that takes the place of strings on the plastic guitar. We played lead guitar on legendary songs such as “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” while computerized fans screamed legendary things like “Woo!”
I didn’t want to look like an idiot, so for every wrong note I hit I did a jump kick or Chuck Berry-style duck walk across the floor. It sounds terrible, but it looked, well, legendary.
– – –
Get in on the action
More local taps where you can play
The Sports Corner Bar
and Grill
956 W. Addison St. 773-929-1441
This Wrigleyville standby sets up Wii on a large flat-screen TV for open play.
Games: Wii Bowling, Golf, Tennis and Baseball; Wii Game Party, which features darts, ski ball, hoop shoot, shuffleboard and more.
When: Nightly. No cover.
Five Star
1424 W. Chicago Ave. 312-850-2555
This West Town hang is kind of like a rich kid’s mod bar, so bring a bit of attitude to the weekly Guitar Hero III tourney (with prizes) hosted by Guitar Mary. Players get complimentary Jameson shots; a shot of Jameson and Miller High Life chaser set you back only $5.
Games: Guitar Hero III:
Legends of Rock
When: Sound check at 9 p.m. Sundays; competition starts at 10 p.m. No cover.
Whiskey Road
1935 N. Damen Ave. 773-315-2540
Punk meets artsy meets gamer at this friendly new Bucktown bar. There’s a back room with a large projection screen and tiny, corner stage to play Guitar Hero.
Games: Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
When: Nightly. No cover. Mondays are movie nights, but you can rock out after the screening.
Junior’s Sports Lounge
724 W. Maxwell St. 312-421-2277
You’ll find two flat-screen TVs set up for Wii on the wall of a semi-private room at this University Village sports bar. Not into Wii? There’s also free pool, bags and board games. Spectators can settle into booths and enjoy game-night deals such as $11 Bud buckets and $6 Bud pitchers.
Games: Wii Bowling, Golf,
Tennis and Baseball
When: Tuesdays.
No cover.
———-
metromix@tribune.com
