Brian D.
Yelp
I feel like I have been to Ignite Gaming Lounge enough times and have met enough of the people there to make a thorough review, so here we go:
First of all, this place, being in Skokie, right next to public transportation, and near where I live and work is already amazing. Secondly, the fact that they are a GAMING lounge with actual PC, console, VR, Rock Band, and couch co-op gaming on high-quality setups COMBINED with the amazing staff, delicious food, and superb drinks make this a place to keep coming back to over and over again.. which we have. If you are thinking about checking this place out, stop thinking and just go.
This is the end of the basic review. Now I must go specifically into each and every facet of this business and the people who make it great:
Ownership - I have never officially met the owners, but I see one of them there a lot (Sam). He seems like a really nice, hard-working guy and the staff has nothing but nice things to say about him. I have no complaints about this establishment, so the ownership must be doing a fantastic job!
Management - Les is the best, he is respected by his staff and seems like he really loves his job. He is constantly thinking of ways to elevate the menu and the experience of patrons like myself and his drink recommendations are always top-notch. Sophie is also very sweet and was always a pleasure to chat with at the bar. She is everyone's best friend and she lights up the room when she arrives.
Events - Katie is amazing, not only does she have brilliant event ideas, but she implements them at an extremely high level and quality. There are weekly themed events in their event space and we have seen everything from kid's birthday parties to black-tie galas at this place which shows a ton of range and outreach for this venue. We look forward to her events each month and she has really elevated the guest experience at this location with all of her hard work and insight! I can't wait for the next Trivia night and the Respawn Halloween Event!
Staff - Could I say anything bad about the staff here? Absolutely not! We have met so many awesome people here, and if this place had NOTHING else, we would still always come back for the wonderful people working here. The hosts are always super friendly and welcoming (special shout-out to Rudy who is one of the friendliest people I have ever met). The cooks in the back make delicious food (special shout-out to Anna and Xavier who make some of the best pizza I have ever eaten!). And finally, the bar staff.. Lydia, Heather, Ren, Sirius, and Mal (sorry, the only ones who I know their names, and hope I spell correctly) have taken such good care of us and we always ALWAYS look forward to seeing their smiling faces behind the bar. They are great conversationalists and make even better cocktails. Not only that, but they are very inventive on their own and contribute custom drinks to the menu that are always top-notch. Out of everything at Ignite, the fantastic people working here will always be the number one reason to return!
This ends my love letter to the wonderful world of Ignite Gaming Lounge Skokie.