F1 Arcade, the official Formula 1 hospitality concept, is steering into River North this summer, taking over the two-level corner spot at 1 W Grand Avenue that longtime Chicago drinkers still remember as Rock Bottom Brewery. The Chicago outpost is expected to pack in 70 full-motion racing simulators, debut the brand’s first rooftop terrace and bring its signature Octane Bar to the neighborhood. Company leaders say the venue’s launch will be anchored by F1 Arcade’s U.S. headquarters, which are based in Chicago.
The company laid out its River North playbook in a Feb. 12 announcement, pitching the site as a place where guests can “race, connect and experience F1 Arcade in an entirely new way.” Jon Gardner, president of global development, said that bringing F1 Arcade to River North “feels especially meaningful” because the brand’s American home base is already in the city. In a press release from F1 Arcade, the company also spotlighted private-event rentals and official Formula 1 watch-party programming as core parts of the plan.
What to expect inside
Inside, the River North location is set up for both groups and solo visitors to climb into cutting-edge, full-motion simulators that mimic world-class racing circuits. Players will be able to toggle among multiple skill levels, from Rookie to Elite, and choose between team-based or individual competition. The simulators are expected to sync with live Grand Prix watch parties so guests can race while the real action plays on screen. Those gameplay features were detailed by THE SHOP.
Food, rooftop and cocktails
Chicago will be the first F1 Arcade location to show off a rooftop terrace, giving the River North site a little extra bragging rights. On the main floor, the Octane Bar will anchor the space alongside a Chicago-inspired cocktail program led by Drink Masters champion LP O’Brien. The food lineup is described as elevated but shareable, pairing items such as Wagyu sliders and seafood towers with a zero-proof “Designated Driver” mocktail list aimed at keeping the experience open to non-drinkers. Those menu and design notes come from F1 Arcade.
Neighborhood and building history
The two-level Grand and State property was a Rock Bottom Brewery mainstay before its lease was picked up for redevelopment, according to CoStar. Developer McCaffery Interests has been working to reposition the building, and its high-visibility location, next to a Red Line station and a short walk from the Magnificent Mile, helps explain why an “eatertainment” tenant ended up in the mix. Earlier efforts to market the site as a possible residential or hotel project highlight some of the challenges in converting older River North properties for new uses.
Rapid U.S. expansion
The Chicago debut adds to a recent string of U.S. launches in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Denver, Las Vegas and Atlanta as F1 Arcade accelerates its American buildout. Industry coverage has framed the concept as part of a broader wave of experiential nightlife that blends dining with activity-driven entertainment. Reporting on the company’s U.S. rollout has appeared in trade and local outlets, including InterGame.
F1 Arcade says it is already fielding private-event inquiries and group booking requests for the River North venue. Local listings show the site available for reservations ahead of the planned summer opening, including an August 2026 availability window on the city’s tourism calendar. For booking and contact information, see Choose Chicago. The company is directing would-be racers to its social media feeds for updates on opening dates, ticket details and sneak peeks inside the new space.
