ZipPicks Awards
Best Wings in Loop
Best French Fries in Loop
Master Critic Review
Game Room
8.0
A Chicago Athletic Association hangout where fries work best as the group’s anchor snack between games—order them early, eat them hot, and let the room do the rest. The kitchen is capable, but timing matters more here because tables drift into shuffleboard and billiards mode fast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shareable Fries, Burger (with fries), Nashville Sliders
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A game-first room where fries are built for long, social hangs.
Who should go: Groups who want games, cocktails, and snackable food.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or weekend daytime for easier tables.
What to order: Shareable fries; burger + fries; Nashville sliders.
Insider tip: Put fries in first—service slows once the room fills with groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Best move is nearby garages around Millennium Park/Michigan Ave (paid, easy in/out). Street parking is limited and gets tough fast after 5pm; rideshare/drop-off is smoother if you’re coming during peak happy hour.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but you’ll feel most in-sync with the room in a “nice night out” fit (clean layers, slightly elevated).
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud once games and groups ramp up—easy to talk early, tougher during peak hours near the busiest tables.
Weekend wait: 45-75 min without a reservation (longer if you want a prime game table).
Weekday lunch: 0-20 min typically; quickest right at open or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fries, salads, and a few shareable sides work well. Best plan is fries + one additional veg-forward share so the table still feels complete.
Vegan options: Limited — fries can work depending on prep/oil; ask about vegan sauces/dips and confirm no dairy-based seasoning.
Gluten-free options: Some options, but cross-contact risk is real in a busy bar kitchen. Ask staff to flag gluten needs and stick to simpler plates (avoid anything fried that may share oil).
Best For
Better for: Group hangs where fries are a social anchor—great pacing for cocktails, games, and long table time without needing a full dinner structure.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet conversation, fast in-and-out service, or fries as the main event. For a tighter fries-focused meal, choose a more food-first pub where timing isn’t fighting the room’s game-night momentum.