When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
AceBounce
Why AceBounce is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
AceBounce is an innovative social entertainment venue located at 230 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois. It offers a unique blend of ping-pong, dining, and socializing, making it an exceptional place for friends to meet up and enjoy interactive fun. The venue transforms traditional ping-pong into a high-energy experience with features like Wonderball, an interactive ping-pong game that uses digital projection mapping to turn tables into dynamic gaming screens, responding to player actions in real time. Guests can enjoy multiple gaming experiences including visually enhanced and classic ping-pong games. AceBounce features various private and semi-private event spaces such as The Parlor, The Garage, The Gallery, and The Alley, each equipped with ping-pong and beer pong tables, shuffleboard, cocktail bars, and advanced AV systems. The stylish atmosphere combined with excellent food and beverage options makes it ideal for group outings, birthdays, company parties, and holiday celebrations. With a reputation for constant innovation and a commitment to high-quality entertainment, AceBounce provides a vibrant and welcoming environment for socializing and memorable gatherings.
Here's what people think of AceBounce
As of recent, AceBounce holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1266 reviews.
Based on 1,266 reviews, AceBounce holds a strong rating of 4.4 out of 5, indicating generally positive guest experiences. Reviewers commonly praise the venue for its lively atmosphere, unique interactive ping-pong games like Wonderball, and the variety of available gaming options. The combination of socializing with quality food and drinks also receives favorable comments, making it a popular spot for both casual outings and special events. Positive reviews highlight the engaging and fun environment, attentive staff, and the ample private spaces that cater well to group activities and parties. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional wait times during peak hours, pricing perceived as slightly high by a few patrons, and sporadic service delays. Despite these criticisms, many guests consider these minor issues outweighed by the overall experience. In conclusion, the majority of reviews suggest AceBounce successfully delivers on its promise of a unique social entertainment destination, consistently meeting or exceeding expectations for fun and interaction in a dynamic setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Amy
Came during happy hour with some friends. Service and vibes were great. Staff was very attentive. Drinks were strong and came quickly. Food: The food was mid, but good enough for a cheap happy hour snack. Big hands or micro tacos? The fried ranch was odd, but you should give it a try. Most of the ranch fell out of the stick, but still not bad. Reminded me of a mozzarella stick with cream cheese filling. Vibes: Overall had a great time, will add this spot to the happy hour rotation.
Joshua Boersma
Amazing experience overall. A ping pong bar is just a great time to bring friends for an enjoyable time. They also have a couple tables that offer a digital overlay on the table that add to the game, or can keep score for you. Absolutely a must try. The staff were all extremely welcoming and helpful.
Jay Villeneuve
Randomly came across this place and thought it was an interesting concept. We weren't looking to play ping-pong - just food and drinks- so I can't speak to the games side of things. There are A LOT of tables and people were definitely having fun. The food was decent. It looked way better than it actually tasted but it was good bar food. The cocktails and beer list were very good. If you're reading this you're probably looking to play. With food and games, you're probably in for a fun time. For just food, you can find a better option.
Miguel J. Dania
This was an amazing experience. The staff and service they provided were awesome. Along with a total ambience we had a party of over 35 people and they all had a blast and enjoy the entire experience. Thank you to the whole Acebounce team we look forward to scheduling another event there again.
Lou Lou
I went here for a work holiday party and had a blast! My work rented out a private room with 2 ping pong tables and a bar and a table for beer pong. The staff showed us how to play games and even gave me a little award for winning! The bar staff were great too and got drinks out quick and made sure we weren’t empty handed lol! Would go back again!
How to reach AceBounce
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Why AceBounce may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why Rally at AceBounce with Your Friends?
If you’re wondering why AceBounce should be your next stop with friends or family, the answer is all about connection, fun, and vibrant energy. Located in the heart of Chicago’s bustling downtown, AceBounce offers a unique space where groups can gather not just to watch but actively participate in fun, lighthearted competition. The venue combines the excitement of a classic sports bar with the interactive thrill of games like ping pong, beer pong, and shuffleboard — all while serving delicious food and cocktails. Imagine a place where you can eat great appetizers, sip on creative cocktails, and engage in friendly rivalry all in one spacious, stylish spot. Whether it’s a casual weeknight hangout, a birthday celebration, or a group date, AceBounce’s energetic atmosphere and wide array of entertainment options make it the perfect rallying point. Their weekday happy hour specials further sweeten the deal, providing an affordable way to enjoy an evening without feeling rushed. Plus, with plenty of room to accommodate large groups and attentive service staff dedicated to ensuring your experience runs smoothly, AceBounce effortlessly creates memories that go beyond the usual nights out.
What Activities Are Available at AceBounce and Why Are They Great for Group Meetups?
AceBounce excels as an interactive social hub thanks to its diverse range of activities tailored for groups. The flagship activity, ping pong, dominates the scene with multiple tables available for casual or competitive play. This is not your typical dull bar game — it’s fast-paced, engaging, and accessible for all skill levels, turning even strangers into instant teammates or friendly rivals. Beyond ping pong, AceBounce offers beer pong tables, bringing a familiar party game into a vibrant indoor setting with a modern twist. For those who enjoy a slower-paced game, shuffleboard is also available, providing a strategic yet laid-back option for groups to bond over.
The variety of activities ensures that everyone in your group finds something they enjoy, making AceBounce ideal for mixed groups with varying interests. The game fees are typically hourly and reasonable, keeping the entertainment light on your wallet even for extended sessions. What makes these activities even better is the social dynamic they foster — they prompt interaction, laughter, and some playful trash talk, which is perfect for turning a meetup into a memorable event. Whether you have just a couple of friends or a large party, the energetic and spacious layout supports mingling and team play, so your group never feels cramped or sidelined.
How Does AceBounce’s Atmosphere Enhance Group Experiences?
AceBounce’s atmosphere is designed to maximize fun and community, making it an ideal venue for group gatherings. The space is open and roomy, which means no matter how big your party is, you can spread out, socialize, and engage without feeling crowded. The interior design strikes a balance between modern chic and relaxed comfort — think sleek lighting that can switch from regular to ambient blue hues, creating different moods as your evening progresses. This versatility makes AceBounce excellent for everything from casual lunch meetups to lively nighttime celebrations.
The bar area itself offers a speakeasy vibe, elevating your cocktail experience while keeping the focus on social fun. Service is frequently praised for attentiveness without being intrusive, ensuring your group’s needs are met promptly, from food orders to refill requests. The lively but comfortable environment makes guests feel welcome whether they’re there for a few rounds of ping pong or a full evening of dining and games. Plus, AceBounce’s popularity means you’re joining a crowd that appreciates good times, which adds to the communal buzz that enhances everyone’s enjoyment.
What Food and Drink Options Make AceBounce Perfect for Groups?
A group’s enjoyment isn’t just about the games — food and drink are critical, and AceBounce delivers a menu designed to please a variety of tastes. Their appetizer selection includes fan favorites like deep dish pizza along with other sharable plates perfect for groups to nibble on between matches. Although some visitors have expressed a desire for more vegan options, the menu as it stands is diverse with multiple choices to cater to most palates. The cocktail menu is impressive, featuring classic drinks alongside creative concoctions that fit the energetic ambiance.
One of the biggest draws is their weekday happy hour specials, praised for unbeatable prices on both drinks and game play rates. This makes AceBounce not only a fun but also an affordable destination for groups wanting to make the most of their outing without overspending. Whether you are toasting a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual meetup, the combination of well-crafted cocktails, beer options, and tasty bites complements the gaming perfectly. The friendly staff can also help suggest food and drink pairings to keep your group fueled and entertained throughout the night.
Why Is AceBounce Ideal for Office Parties or Larger Group Events?
AceBounce’s spacious layout and variety of entertainment options make it particularly well-suited for office parties or any larger group event. Its location in downtown Chicago caters to professionals looking for a fun after-work venue with enough room and activities to engage everyone. The ping pong tables and other games serve as excellent icebreakers, encouraging camaraderie and teamwork among coworkers who may not interact often otherwise.
Additionally, the venue’s ability to accommodate bookings and groups with varying sizes means your gathering can be customized to fit your needs. Whether you want to reserve tables for a private event or simply arrive with a large group on a busy evening, AceBounce provides a flexible space with a vibrant atmosphere. The combination of competitive games, quality food and drinks, and engaging ambiance creates an environment where work stress melts away and connections strengthen organically. It has quickly become a favorite spot for offices to host happy hours, team-building events, or celebrations thanks to its balanced mix of entertainment and hospitality.
How Does AceBounce Stand Out Compared to Other Bars and Game Lounges?
What truly distinguishes AceBounce from other nightlife spots or game lounges is its comprehensive blend of activity, atmosphere, and service in the heart of Chicago. Many bars feature games or live sports, but AceBounce centers its entire concept around interactive social sports like ping pong and beer pong with a refined twist — it’s not just a bar; it’s a game hub with a full dining experience. The attention to detail in design, from lighting to layout, elevates the setting beyond typical sports bars.
Moreover, the venue’s popularity and high rating (4.4 out of 5 from over 1200 reviews) reflect consistent positive guest experiences. While it can get busy, especially on weekends or Thursdays when discounts apply, this lively demand underlines its reputation as a go-to destination. The staff’s enthusiasm and helpfulness add a personal touch that keeps guests coming back. Whether you want a competitive night with friends, a casual drink and game session, or a large celebration with lots of people, AceBounce offers something more holistic — a place that caters equally well to play, social interaction, and culinary satisfaction.
In essence, by choosing AceBounce, you gain access to a dynamic nightlife experience where everyone in your group can find a reason to smile, compete, cheer, and relax together. It’s this rare and well-executed formula that makes AceBounce the perfect place to rally with your friends or family any day of the week.