l33t beer
Sick of playing video games in your basement? Want to be more social and toss back a few while you "pwn n00bs" in person? Well then, head out to Ranked video game bar in Plainfield!
Motif: Ranked is basically one big room with two parts to it. The first part, near the entrance, is the main bar area. The wood bar is large with seating on three sides. On the wall nearest to the bar televisions display whatever sports games may be on. But the real bread and butter of Ranked is on the other side of the room. That's where the video games live.
Yes, Ranked is all about gaming. Sure you can play the same games at home, but, really, isn't it time to show the world your skills?
Hanging along three walls, a total of seven televisions screens display ongoing matches.
Six Xbox 360s and seven Nintendo Wiis are available, both systems hooked up to each television, with the exception of one, which just has a Wii.
Two comfortable leather chairs await players at each station (but please, don't sit down if you're playing "Guitar Hero"; that's just not right).
Also in this section are a bunch of tables and stools for bar-goers to relax and survey the competition.
Games: Anyone can show up at Ranked and play a game. It's as easy as browsing Ranked's large of list of games, which includes "Guitar Hero," "Wii Sports," "Call of Duty 4," "Halo 3" "Super Smash Brothers Brawl" and "Scene It?" Tell the employees which one you want to play, and they'll hand over the game and some controllers. Let the gaming begin.
Now, if you're looking to participate in a tournament at Ranked, you'll have to become a member. A yearlong membership costs $20, but if you have skills, it's worth it. Tournaments in games like "Call of Duty 4" and "Guitar Hero" have earned members money and even a trip for two to Las Vegas.
Sounds: Ranked has an online jukebox, but good luck hearing the music over the competing sounds of the televisions. Expect to hear noises from multiple games coming at you from all directions. And then, be prepared to hear people yelling in disgust and ecstasy at said games.
Crowd: Plenty of gamers frequent Ranked. If you're assuming that means guys in their 20s, then you are correct. A couple of girls were in attendance, but for the most part they appeared to be cheering on their boyfriends in "Scene It?" or "Madden." There were also some older folks sitting at the bar taking advantage of the bar's daily drink specials.
Service: Ranked assures quick and friendly service when it comes to food and drinks. The same can also be said about the employees who are readily available to help those who may be less than tech-savvy with the equipment.
Liquid consumption: There's no beer on tap at Ranked, but domestic bottles are $2.50 and imports come out to $3.50. There's also a full bar serving up varying drink specials.
Food: Ranked serves up a standard bar menu with deli sandwiches, burgers, pizza, nachos and various other appetizers.
Parking: A large private lot is available just for customers at Ranked. No need to find a spot on the bustling streets of Plainfield.
Overall: Sure you can talk smack to 8-year-olds over the Internet during a game of "Halo 3," but how will you fair against other gamers in the flesh and possibly while you're slightly inebriated? Cheap drinks, great games and good company at Ranked surely puts your current gaming room to shame. And ladies, don't feel shy to come out and enjoy some games. Is there anything cooler than a girl who knows her way around "Guitar Hero" after a few drinks? I don't think so.
Ranked
15014 S. Des Plaines St., Plainfield
(815) 577-6591
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.