Dave & Buster’s Vernon Hills operates as a large-format video arcade paired with a full bar and a sit-down restaurant, set within the Vernon Hills, IL address that the Waukegan-area directory groups it under. The venue is part of the well-known national Dave & Buster’s chain, so visitors can expect a brand-standard mix of redemption games, driving and shooting simulators, sports-viewing screens, and shared dining areas under one roof. For retro-minded readers looking for a polished, modern arcade-bar rather than a classic quarter-museum, this location fits the bill as an entry on any arcade finder itinerary through Lake County.
The Waukegan area, anchored by the Vernon Hills address on the record, sits within easy driving distance of several other gaming and entertainment venues. Visitors planning a multi-stop arcade crawl can look up neighbors like Round1 Bowling & Arcade – Gurnee, Bowlero Waukegan, The People’s Choice Family Fun Center, Kristof’s Entertainment Center, and Launch Family Entertainment through the arcade finder when mapping out the day on the interactive arcade map.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Vernon Hills, IL |
| Phone | +1 847-549-2118 |
| Hours | Mon–Thu 10 AM–12 AM; Fri–Sat 10 AM–1 AM; Sun 10 AM–12 AM |
| Rating | 3.9 out of 5 from 2,400 Google reviews |
| Best For | Families, date nights, group events, and casual bar-and-games outings |
What Players Say
Drawing on aggregated Google reviews, Dave & Buster’s Vernon Hills is described as a lively arcade-bar-restaurant experience that consistently delivers for families, date nights, and group events. Reviewers frequently praise the broad game selection, the full bar, and the sports-viewing screens, with the overall atmosphere drawing particular enthusiasm. One reviewer summed it up as “it’s loud, exciting, and just a great atmosphere to hang out in” — Google review, while families appreciate that “it’s not always easy to find a place that truly checks every box—but this one does” — Google review.
Service quality is highly inconsistent, and the staff-consistency theme carries the highest volume of feedback among the negative-leaning comments. Patrons point to attentive service on quieter weekday visits and notably slow or inattentive service on busy Friday and Saturday nights; as one guest put it, “if it wasn’t for Tyson, it would have been a crappy experience” — Google review. Wait times and crowding reinforce that pattern, with one diner reporting, “we waited almost two hours for our food to come” — Google review.
Food quality earns mixed marks and pricing skews negative, with multiple reviewers flagging meals that feel expensive relative to their quality. One visitor noted simply, “Food is expensive and not the best” — Google review, while another warned about the bill, remarking “it adds up quickly” — Google review. The game selection itself is well-liked — including Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Mario Kart, Space Invaders, and a wide mix of other arcade titles, per a guest who tallied “at least 10 games including Rock Em Sock Em Robots, Mario Kart, Space Invaders, many arcade games” — Google review — though some out-of-order machines are reported.
On the positive side, the bar program and the private-event options both surface as bright spots. The drinks team drew praise: “Delicious drinks, great bartender, so much fun!!!” — Google review, while group bookings benefit from dedicated space: “the private room. That’s definitely the way to go for big parties” — Google review. The standout caveat worth flagging for visitors is the service-inconsistency theme, which sits alongside slow weekend food service as the two factors most likely to shape a given visit.
Games & Machines
Public information on the exact cabinet mix at this location is not surfaced in the available record, but as a Dave & Buster’s video arcade, the floor typically centers on a rotating lineup of branded redemption and ticket games, racing and shooting simulators, and a handful of competitive video cabinets. Past visitor reports single out Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Mario Kart, and Space Invaders alongside many other modern and classic-leaning titles, with one reviewer noting “at least 10 games including Rock Em Sock Em Robots, Mario Kart, Space Invaders, many arcade games” — Google review. Because the data set does not enumerate every cabinet here, visitors chasing specific machines should call ahead or check the official website to confirm whether a favorite is currently on the floor and in working order.
Visiting
Dave & Buster’s Vernon Hills is listed at Vernon Hills, IL, with the local phone line reachable at +1 847-549-2118. Operating hours run 10 AM to 12 AM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, with extended 10 AM to 1 AM hours on Friday and Saturday nights. Reviewers suggest that midweek visits tend to deliver more attentive service and shorter waits, while weekend evenings draw the largest crowds and the longest food-ticket times.
The venue functions as an arcade-restaurant-bar hybrid with a full food menu, a dedicated bar, and private rooms suited to birthday parties and group bookings, so families, date nights, and corporate outings all fit within the same walls. Parking access is mixed in visitor feedback — at least one guest noted they “had to park by AMC and walk in due to the lack of a parking lot” — Google review — so arriving early or checking the venue’s official page before a busy weekend is sensible. Owner representatives can claim the listing to update hours, machine lineups, and event details directly.
For broader trip-planning across the Lake County area, the interactive arcade map is a quick way to compare nearby options, while the full arcade finder lets visitors filter by city, venue type, and amenities.