Downers Grove GamePazzo wins points with players
With video gaming becoming an increasingly popular pastime, GamePazzo is seeking to get players out of their living rooms or basements. Since opening in October, the spot has been offering a place for gamers to play socially with amenities they might not have at home, whether it's big screen TVs or an expertly mixed martini.
Motif: The front of the massive space is occupied by a store selling games, systems and accessories. Comfy chairs are positioned around flat-screen TVs and large computer monitors. You can play games for the PC, Wii, Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, choosing to try one of their more than 100 top games, or bringing your own. Walls are lined with video game posters. TVs that aren't being used for games are often tuned to sports, leading some players to watch while they play. The bar area features a mix of couches and counter seats and offers a view of a TV no matter where you sit.
GamePazzo can bring out about 64 people for the “Halo,” “Madden” and “Call of Duty” tournaments it hosts every Friday and Saturday. The spot is also a popular birthday party destination for gamers of all ages, with a private party room equipped with five consoles, its own “Rock Band” set and a 130-inch screen.
Crowd: The emphasis on video gaming means GamePazzo brings out an eclectic crowd. You'll see parents chilling in the bar area as their kids play “Toy Story,” while groups of twentysomethings share some beers and games of “Call of Duty.”
Service: The place was lightly staffed when we were there Saturday night, but everyone we met was very friendly. The bartender was good about explaining the martinis and offered to change the TV channel for us while we sat with our drinks. Staff likes to build up a personal rapport with customers to make them feel at home playing there.
Liquid consumption: Since all ages are welcome, GamePazzo requires you to show your ID at check in and get a wristband if you want to drink. The bar offers a small selection of brews, plus the makings for most cocktails and martinis. Our bartender recommended the peaches and cream martini, a blend of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and a little cream. The citrus and cream worked surprisingly well to produce a light and smooth drink. Drink specials include $3.50 Blue Moon bottles and $5 martinis Saturdays. Thursdays you can get a manicure and martini for $10, a deal especially popular with moms who take some time to relax while their kids play. Monster and Mountain Dew are just as popular as booze, with many gamers liking to stay caffeinated so they can play longer.
Food: A counter service snack bar offers standard bar fare such as burgers, hot dogs, wings and onion rings, with a few specials sticking to the video game theme like $2 Sonic the Hedgehog hot dog Wednesdays and $3 Bowser burgers Thursdays.
Music: “Rock Band” and karaoke take over GamePazzo's large stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday nights, and the spot has been building a following of people who like to show off their musical skills.
Parking: There are plenty of free spots in the strip mall parking lot.
Overall: GamePazzo is a great place for video game lovers to meet others and play in style.
<b>GamePazzo</b>
<b>2011 63rd St., Downers Grove, (630) 541-8719, gamepazzo.com</b>
<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday