May 22, 2025

The Catcade Chicago

Cat cafe+arcade

"The arcade-themed Catcade in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood has been a crucial stop for all cat lovers since 2017 — play games, cuddle cats, adopt!"

Cat cafes are springing up everywhere, and since 2017, The Catcade in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood has been a crucial stop for all cat lovers. Not only is this a space where you can play with cats while sipping on a soft drink or bottled coffee, but your money spent here will also go to a good cause. The Catcade is a non-profit organization that saves cats from high-kill shelters, and the staff (Chris Gutierrez and Shelly Casey, some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet) actively work towards healing sick cats and finding foster or permanent homes for the cats at the lounge.

Did I mention The Catcade is arcade-themed? During your visit, you may see cats snoozing in what used to be a pinball machine that has been converted into a large cat tree. I highly recommend making a stop at the 'cade if you are in the neighborhood because your money will be spent well and you can unplug for an hour hanging out with some pretty cool felines. Make sure you book a reservation online, too.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

624 W Belmont Ave

Reservation:

USD

20

Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago

KOVAL Distillery

Craft distillery

KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Sophie

Amado

Jun 12, 2025

Wormhole

Time-traveling coffee shop

Wormhole in Wicker Park, Chicago is my favorite coffee shop in the city. When you walk in, it feels like you have stepped back in time to the '80s...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Sophie

Amado

Jun 6, 2025

Dearborn Denim

Made in CHI, custom-tailored jeans

"Dearborn Denim" in Chicago has real, American-made denim jeans. They even lack the hems so you can have final stitches done on-site and custom for you!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 4, 2025

Chicago Magic Lounge

Serious magic... & cocktails

"Chicago Magic Lounge" is in a large theater, but here they also do magic right at the bar! I recommend staying for several sets: you too will be stumped!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 4, 2025

Bar Roma

Authentic Roman cuisine

"Bar Roma" in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area hands down! This is kind of a big deal, since Italian isn't even my favorite cuisine...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Lickity Split

Perfect treats!

"Lickity Split" in Chicago is my idea of perfect. If your favorite dessert is ice cream, as it is mine, you absolutely have to come get a 'concrete'...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Claire

Conway

Jun 2, 2025

Hopleaf

Beer enthusiast's delight

"Hopleaf" in Chicago started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of Belgium. They now also have a patio & restaurant, but beer still is the focus...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Int'l Museum Surgical Science

Medicine then & now

"Int'l Museum Surgical Science" in Chicago sounds a little creepy at first. It makes you grateful to be alive in the most recent era of modern medicine...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Cornelia Arts Building

Local artist studios

"Cornelia Arts Building" in Chicago is a converted industrial studio right by the train tracks -- it's been decades ahead of this art trend...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Sacred Art

Local art lover's paradise

"Sacred Art" is a 100% local art shop with paintings, jewelry, ceramics, dioramas, photography and more. I love how the owners are almost always there...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Marty's Martini Bar

MAR-teeny-tiny bar

"Marty's Martini Bar" in Chicago is the kind of bar where you know you're among adults. The atmosphere's great but what's even greater are the drinks...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Erin

Stevens

Jun 2, 2025

Cone Gourmet Ice Cream

Specialty ice cream shop

"Cone Gourmet Ice Cream" is a Chicago boutique ice cream parlor with truly unique flavors, known for its soft serve, hand-scooped ice cream sandwiches...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sydney

Epstein

Jun 2, 2025

Heading to Chicago?

116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

116 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Chicago

Our team loves Chicago

Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
71
Filters