Level 257 – 1-up Food and Gaming Centered in a Shopping Mecca

Photos By Jessica Lewandowski

On a Friday night, my date and I had the opportunity to check out Level 257, the newest arcade and eatery in Schaumburg, IL. Level 257 is a NAMCO owned gaming and dining location that is entirely themed by Pacman and old-school gaming (it’s named after the famed 256^th Pacman level, you see). The building also has a ridiculous amount of features: bowling lanes, sports bar, VIP lounge, old-school arcade, scratch cocktail bar, scratch kitchen, American cuisine restaurant, banquet rooms and a gift shop filled with collector’s items. Subtle themes are hanging around, too, for the more seasoned gamer such as mimicking Pacman font on the bowling balls and banquet rooms named after iconic female game characters.

Built right into Woodfield Mall, one of the largest in the U.S., Level 257 loomed over us with an ominous, matte, black entrance. Past the front doors was a large staircase and asymmetrical chandelier cutting off our view. At the top of the stairs, we felt as though we were entering a hidden gem for the elite, and we were in every way made to feel like a part of it.

Our evening began with being treated to a game of bowling with cocktails. There were sixteen lanes, all dripping in a floor to ceiling back drop made of what I’m calling “disco ball glass”. Between turns on the bowling lane, my date and I skimmed the bar menu, which was actually quite large. One side of the menu was entirely devoted to beer, particularly craft beers- something Level 257 is putting its foot in the door with. The other side featured a very long and appealing list of wines, as well as a cocktail listing on top. Level 257 features eight hand-crafted, scratch cocktails; all nods towards some old school gaming such as “Pac-Cante,” “Yoshimitsu” and “Galaxian.”

We. Tried. All. Of. Them. My favorite drink was the Gin Blossum: a citrusy gin and tonic. My date’s favorite drink was Bonus Points: a fruity drink featuring Crown Royal Apple. What we liked so much about the cocktails was how flavorful they all were without being overly sweet. We didn’t feel any heavy syrups loitering our mouths, which made us realize for the first time how sickingly sweet a lot of cocktails are at other restaurants.

Our bowling game wrapped up and it was time for appetizers and dinner! We were invited to a table centered in Elevated, the main restaurant of the joint. The Executive Sous Chef, along with our server, started with appetizers of Tiki Rumaki, Bacon Wrapped Dates and a Rainbow Road Sushi Roll. We immediately went to bacon heaven. The Tiki Rumaki was a Pepper Jack-stuffed Beef Tenderloin wrapped in Bacon with a Pineapple Jalapeno Glaze and a Spicy Pineapple Garnish; say that five times, fast. The Bacon Wrapped Dates were stuffed with Pecans, and they were extra soft, sugary and peppery. Our Rainbow Road Roll was absolutely loaded with Tuna, Salmon, Cucumber, Avocado, Blue Crab and a plethora of sauces. This sushi roll could easily provide a substantial appetizer for 2-4 people. That being said, get the sushi (if you have to choose). The seafood at Level 257 was top notch.

We had a quick salad course featuring a Kale Salad with Cashews, Fennel, Red Onion, Asiago and an Apricot Vinaigrette, and a Crispy Chicken Salad with Romaine, Bacon, Grape Tomatoes, Avocado, Spicy Honey Mustard Dressing and, of course, Crispy Chicken Strips. Both were excellent and fresh.

The stars of the show had arrived: the entrees. Our dinner contained Lobster Mac and Cheese, the Crabby Patty Burger and the Amish Chicken. The Lobster Mac and Cheese came in a huge dish and was packed with Lobster, Mascarpone Cream Sauce, Corn and Spinach. Power up food! The Crabby Patty Burger was the “Burger of the Month”, which featured a Beef Patty topped with a Crab Cake, Greens, Tangy Sauce and Citrusy Lemon and Lime Slices. The burger happened to be my favorite- again, because of the fresh seafood. The Amish Chicken was incredibly juicy with a lightly crispy skin. It also featured Crispy Yukon Potatoes, Grilled Red Onion, Caper Olives and Roasted Garlic. All three dishes were completely on point and fabulous. Everything we tasted was elegant, but also exactly what we needed to go with a beer.

Dessert had finally made its way to our table. I will say this: save room for dessert! My date and I shared a slice of Flourless Chocolate Cake infused with Grand Marnier, which was the smoothest cake I have ever bitten into (I’m a pastry chef. This means big points). We also shared Bite-Sized Beignets filled with Chocolate, rolled in Powdered Sugar and topped with Pop Rocks. Finally, we shared the Tumbleweed: a boozy milkshake.

We did spend some time in the Lost and Found Game Lounge arcade as well. I find it completely worth mentioning that instead of paying for single games with a game card, you purchase time instead. This way, instead of paying for five games of Mario Kart, players can pay for an hour of as many games as they want!

This is absolutely not like other arcade-style franchises you may know. We noticed that by 7p.m. on a Friday, the place still hadn’t filled up much, and we realized that Level 257 really isn’t getting the hype it deserves. The entirety of Schaumburg (especially the Woodfield Mall area) has multiple iconic, go-to restaurants, but Level 257 has placed itself right in the middle. I highly suggest you take just one evening to 1-up your regular dinner plans, and step into a new realm- because, seriously, the food is really good.

Level 257 is open Monday-Thursday from 11:30 am – 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am – 1:00 am, and Sunday from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. Specials include bowling/arcade packages, weekday happy hours, thirsty Thursday, half-price wine bottles on Wednesday, and Sunday brunch specials.

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